Over the period 22nd to 25th June 2023, 18 CFAVs and Cadets headed to the Lake District from Somerset to complete 3 days of Summer Mountaineering and take part in the Care of Police Survivors Light the Lakes Event.
The Light the Lakes has become an established event in the climber’s diary where Police Officers, colleagues and friends climb Wainwright peaks in the Lake District to raise money to support COPS (Care of Police Survivors). The vision has always been to cover all 214 Wainwright fells to light a flare in honour of fallen officers at 0300hrs simultaneously.
The group departed Somerset after school on the 22nd June to arrive and overnight at Halton Training Camp, Lancaster, for a good night’s sleep. Following a hearty breakfast and kit check, the group headed to the registration location at Brathay House in Ambleside and donned the legendary pink t-shirt. After registration, the group was dropped by our trusty driver SSI Willcox at Langdale, Old Dungeon Gill to start the overnight expedition culminating in lighting the peaks of Bowfell and Great End with Blue Strobes and LED at 0300hrs.
The expedition started with clear and dry weather but with the forecast predicting rain from 1600hrs and we were in good spirits ascending from Langdale and navigating across the famous Crinkle Crags. However, at around 1500hrs, the weather started to close in, covering the peaks. The wind never materialised but the rain came down far more heavily than predicted. Nevertheless, the group boldly pressed on summitting Bowfell as planned as a recce of the planned night ascent.
We pressed on heading for the bad weather campsite at Angle Tarn, hoping for shelter, but the weather deteriorated further, reducing visibility to almost zero and soaking the group despite their waterproofs. On arrival at the campsite, the rain continued with such ferocity that previously- dry streams and waterfalls flowed free, made conditions hazardous underfoot and flooded the areas quite suddenly.
At 1700hrs, with the deteriorating forecast predicting more poor weather and no viable campsite due to the flash floods, the group elected to utilise the day 2 route and exit back to Langdale, involving a gruelling walk out after a hard day with full kit, a decision not taken lightly but done wisely,deciding to regroup and look to do the night ascent of another peak locally to mark the event. The walk out was exceedingly taxing on all those involved arriving back at Landale at 1940hrs, to shelter under the trees to have a well-earned dinner. Nevertheless, PI Booker and the other participants were still in good spirits.
“ Even at 56 I learnt things about myself I never knew before “
At this point it has to be said, the writer was in poor spirits, probably the lowest he had been for a long time, because of the pressure of trying to give the participants a great experience, the regret at not being able to mark the event for fallen friends and also the frustration at the unnecessary stress caused in planning the event. However, by now, the forecast was predicting thunder and more rain all night. Having participated in the event 5 times it was hard to think we might not mark the event, the participants having travelled a long way to experience it.
It was at this point under the trees, sheltering from the rain, the cadets themselves proposed and all voted to come back out at 0200hrs to do a local peak with a chorus of “we know what it means to you, Sir” This meant a lot and I realised that while the event is a night light up it was the sentiment that counted and while I greatly appreciated their proposal, I would not hold them to their offer. The group had covered a considerable distance with full kit and still had a drive to Halton to dry out and regroup.
On route, a bright spark suggested “Sir why don’t we just whip up Scafell in the morning and take a photo in our T-shirts?” I replied that it was quite a walk and we needed to assess the weather and I was assailed with a chorus of “Sir, you said people go in shorts and flip flops so we can do it”. So the plan was set. Back to Halton, dekit, dry out and head for Scafell the next day. On arrival back at Halton, it was clear we made a wise decision; with kit inside dry bags already wet, it would have been an unpleasant night on the hill if we had stayed.
At 1100hrs on Day 2, the group were in superb spirits and were rewarded with excellent weather at the base at Wasdale Head. The clouds initially lifted as we ascended, and we were rewarded with superb views of the local area. The writer was in in a far cheerier mood at this point, looking forward to summiting the highest peak in England with a fine group of cadets and CFAV and marking the event in our own way. Entering the mist, we achieved the highest point of Scafell in 2hrs 7 mins to pose for a group photo in our event T-Shirts and pause for a bit of reflection. The time up was superb considering the previous day’s duration and mileage and the descent was taken easy with a pause in the recently-returned sunshine to cool off in the now flowing water.
Day 3 was always going to be tough, with an early start and ascent and descent of Hellvelyn via Swirral Edge, followed by the return to Somerset by minibus ensuring that all would be tired but our efforts were rewarded with bright sunshine and clear peaks with just enough breeze to cool us off.
“I loved it! Amazing experience with amazing people”
Starting at Glenridding, we ascended to the hole in the wall by an unconventional path to remain shaded as long as possible and then keep in the fresh breeze and were rewarded by the stunning view of Hellvelyn.
“An incredible experience with incredible people.”
After a brief, early lunch and a restock of water, the group pressed on for the base of Swirral Edge and their first experience of a hands-on ascent of a one of the highest peaks in England. After a swift safety brief by Lt Cowdrey, the group departed with a few nervous faces to start our climb. Peaking on Hellvelyn just after midday, a couple of participants had a few tears about their achievement, the day having provided a real challenge, but one with gorgeous views and great company.
All that was left was the descent and, by the time we reached the minibus 2 hours later, the weather had again changed with torrential rain, fortunately only arriving within minutes of the bus! We started the long trip to Somerset initially doing 30mph on the M6 due to the weather. The group arrived safely and in good spirirts at 2045hrs and the mood was jubilant, with all agreeing that it had been a great trip.
“I had the time of my life, and cannot wait to do it again” 😊
I would like to thank all the participants for their efforts and remaining positive despite the challenges. I would like to thank the ACF chain of command for the unwavering support for the trip and the Ulysses Trust for their financial and never-ending support for Cadet Adventure Training. I am looking forward to next year and a hope the weather will be kind and we will be able to complete the night element as planned.
The Ulysses Trust also wish to thank the generosity of Army Sport for supporting this expedition britisharmysport.com
