05:30.

I’m not sure how rolling this blog will be because when we get to Cumbria phone reception will be patchy at best, but I’ll do what I can. Right now we’re winding our way along the North Wales coast after picking up the walkers at Bangor. The weather on Snowdon was windy but (mostly) dry and almost all of the walkers managed to reach the summit.

Those of us onboard the train were woken just before 04:00 as the train left Holyhead. A welcome cup of coffee was provided by the kitchen staff who were already awake. Now the train’s quiet as people try and get some sleep wherever they can before we arrive at Ravenglass at 08:47, where the next leg of the challenge begins. Here’s a few pictures from the train.

06:15.

We’re just North of Wigan now and whilst the walkers coaches look like someone’s set off a hand-grenade the kitchen car’s a hive of activity as the onboard crew have formed a production line to make and bag fresh sandwiches for everyone to take with them on Scafell.

07:30.

The train’s awake as breakfast is served. First course is orange juice and chocolate croissants and/or porridge.

Right now we’re heading along the Cumbrian coast, having just passed Arnside. The weather’s mixed here, with moody skies and the threat of rain. It’s certainly a lot colder than it has been which is no bad thing when you’re walking. Thankfully, there was only one minor injury amongst the walkers on Snowden so we should have a full complement on Scafell. But first we have to get to Ravenglass and a trip along the Ravenglass and Eskdale railway to Dalegarth, where the teams will walk 5 miles to the start of the climb up Scafell. When we reach Ravenglass I’ll lose contact for while, but I’ll be back this evening. with an update.

21:00.

I’m back! It’s been a long old day so here’s an update from the train as we head up the Cumbrian coast towards Carlisle.

Folks old and new enjoyed the trip on the Ravenglass and Eskdale railway up to Dalegarth. It’s such a pretty trip and for those who’d never explored this part of the world it was a revelation. That said, some of the old hands were very happy to use their cameras too (hello Sam D!)

At Dalegarth the teams were registered and their trackers logged in to Satlink, then they were off to walk the 5 miles to the start of the Scafell ascent. I couldn’t accompany them this year as it was arranged that some of the event team were bussed to Wasdale in order to set up the next tracking station. On the bright side this allowed my to climb Scafell ahead of the teams so that I could get pictures like this.

By late afternoon the weather on Scafell turned from dry to a series of showers and hail further towards the summit. Some teams got soaked, which wasn’t ideal due to the high winds and wind-chill. To add to the ‘fun’ many people (to their credit) made the trip ahead of time, but we couldn’t provide coaches to ferry them back to Ravenglass any earlier as the vehicles aren’t freed up until after the local school run. So, we got a double-soaking!

Back at Ravenglass the weather finally smiled upon us as we had a couple of hours of sunshine which helped people dray out. Well, mostly! Several people were reduced to wandering around in bare feet in order to allow their footwear to dry out!

Some people did pick up injuries – almost all minor, but safety comes first, so they weren’t always allowed to complete that days challenge.

Now, after a couple of hours rest and relaxation in the pubs of Ravenglass we’ve been fed and watered on the train and we’re heading for Ben Nevis – where the conditions are looking good…

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