Tom Read - click to email meBDXC ISWL WAB SOTA RSGB IOTA - see my radio page for more detailsLiam & Jimmy

Little Mell Fell 2014

 

From Holme Fell G/LD-051, I drove up to Ambleside and then up The Struggle to the Kirkstone Pass Inn. It was then a wonderfully scenic drive through the pass between Red Screes G/LD-017 and Stony Cove Pike G/LD-018. After driving through Patterdale and past the south-western end of Ullswater, we climbed onto the higher roads in the vicinity of the Mells. The usual parking spot for Little Mell Fell G/LD-037 was used, grid reference NY423235.

Anticipating the last hill of the day        12m GP at the summit

It was late afternoon on Sunday 18th May 2014, and Liam said he was really tired and wasn't sure he wanted to do a fourth hill. I kind of saw his point, as I felt the same way! However, I assured him that this was an easy hill that would only take his 15 minutes to climb.

Liam at the summit        Tom M1EYP

Well in fact, it took us 18 minutes, but it was a pleasant climb, and the going is quite good with the well-established "footprint" steps in the ground. Liam enjoyed walking amongst the frollicking spring lambs. This time, 12m yielded a bumper 9 QSOs with 5 on CW and 4 on SSB. Just as the frequency went quiet, the midges came down, so it was time for a sharp exit. By the time I had packed the kit away, Liam was already long gone!

View from Little Mell Fell        Walking poles place to mark the direction of the vague return path!

Analysing the map, I am not sure how this happened, but our driving route back toward the M6 took us through the village of Tirril. A blessing in disguise as it turned out, for we found the Queen's Head Inn, and it was serving food! Liam started with the bacon and black pudding salad, while I have the haggis and black pudding stack. For mains, I had the game pie while Liam had the chorizo and black pudding pie. The food was absolutely terrific, as was the Hartleys Cumbria ale I washed mine down with. There are news reports today of a serious black pudding shortage in the Penrith region however.

Liam looking tired!        Black pudding and haggis stack - mmmmm

The journey home was consequently late and tiring, and good old Red Bull was used for its intended purpose. I had to conclude that it had been a magical summer's day in the Lakes, and an action packed and crammed SOTA weekend overall.

UX2HX

12m

CW

EA2DT

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N1EU

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US4IDY

12m

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LZ1XZ

12m

CW

UY8IO

12m

SSB

EA2DT

12m

SSB

SV1QED

12m

SSB

G4UXH

12m

SSB