The Gold Lakes assessment began with stunning weather and, with no excuses for becoming lost, the two groups set off across the fells heading for High Raise and their first nights camp below Scarfell Pike.
Both groups were surprised, on summiting the highest mountain in England on day two, to find Mr Jenkins and their assessor already at the top of Scarfell where they had “bivied” for the night amid the stars. The clear skies and early morning provided stunning panoramas and a great perspective on life.
Day three was a long, tough slog eastwards to the final wild camp above the Kirkstone Pass. During that night, the weather closed in and the groups woke up to find
themselves in the clouds with visibility reduced to about 50m (that’s why we practice night navigation!). Some careful navigation was required to ensure that they all arrived safely at the finish outside Windermere, where it was great to see the first group in run back along the path to escort their colleagues home.
