Ski Club of Manchester Spring Walks, Great Cockup and Meal Fell, Monday 2nd May 2016

Reporter: Iain Macintosh

Preparation for this walk consisted of a large cooked Middle Ruddings breakfast with a gaggle of SCOM members and staring out of the dining room window at the torrential rain that was falling.

The BBC Weather app forecast was for the rain to subside in the first hour of the walk. After checking out of the digs and there being a few discussions with the hotel management about drinks placed on to an individual’s room tab…we were off to the meeting point.

After a couple of false alarms, the SCOM convoy eventually landed at the planned parking at Orthwaite Hall (grid ref 253343). The place was notable for a couple of reasons. Firstly, the hall was painted bright pink and secondly, there was an honesty box for accepting payments for car parking.

The rain started easing off and after putting on our boots and gearing up, the group departed…just as the rain stopped.

The route skirted to the south of both Great Cockup and Meal Fell. An on the spot unanimous decision decided that we would take in a bonus climb up to the top of Little Sca Fell (grid ref 291342) .

After taking in the views, we dropped down and then up to the top of Meal Fell (grid ref 283337). The only geocache of the walk, named Cockup View was grabbed with the assistance of a few club members, after which we headed down to Trusmadoor where lunch was taken.

As appears to be the generous tradition, Steve Wardle produced another plentiful supply of Eccles Cakes…very much appreciated by all—thanks Steve!

With full bellies, we set of after the lunch break to follow the path up to Great Cockup (grid ref 274334). It was hard work, but we were rewarded with some magnificent views with a backdrop of a lovely blue sky and the adjoining fells.

We descended back towards Brockle Crag (grid ref 262328) and headed back to the cars.

On arrival back to the vehicles parked at Orthwaite Hall, it was tea and cake all round, served by Liz and Paul from the “Fun Bus”. The sun was still out…all very different from the weather experienced first thing this morning.

All in all it was another great day. It was a very social event, with lots of chatting with friends, old and new along the way.

Thanks to Steve Wardle for leading the walk and to all the SCOM members who facilitated the various activities over the weekend. Without people like Steve taking the initiative and volunteering to organise this sort of thing...this stuff simply just wouldn't happen.