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After Last years failed
attempt for a snow hole at Glenshee due to lack of snow Carl Scarth and
myself decided to take advantage of the recent and persistent local snow
fall to try and snow hole closer to home.
We decided to investigate the Cross Fell area as this had the greatest
height in our local, was reasonably well known to us and had a couple of
bothies to utilize if we didn't find enough snow. The biggest problem
was the roads. The week previous almost all roads into Alston were cut
off but as the week progressed they gradually opened. So on Saturday we
met up at Shildon and set off together in the car for Garigill just
outside Alston to trek up the Pennine Way track towards Greggs Hut.
As we left Shildon it was sleeting and by reaching Stanhope it had
turned to snow. We were travelling the A689 which had just recently
opened again and climbs Killhope bank which is quite substantial with
the summit over 2000ft. We managed to time it well following the snow
plough up which cleared some of the 4" of snow and the new snow tyres
fitted the day before were exceptional. We got to the top no problem to
be met by almost white out conditions and drifts to the sides much
higher than the car and as we pulled into Garigill and it was still
snowing.
We set off heads bowed into the snow with a heavy load, having decided
to take some coal and logs in case we ended the day at the bothy.
Turning onto the Pennine Way the going was tough, deep soft snow made it
slow progress and we began to mumble to each other about not even making
the bothy let alone digging a snow hole. The falling snow had eased and
we trudged on up, over and through small drifts for about 2km when
suddenly in front of us appeared a 12ft snow drift across the track and
over the stone wall onto the adjoining moor.
Carl said immediately what about this? It took a while to sink in, we
were only 2km from the car and not that high up! Would the snow be good
enough? Will it be cold enough? After a little discussion and a closer
review of the situation we thought why not. So at 11.30 after an hours
walk we were digging home for the night! Five hours later the snow hole
was complete, about 5ft high 5ft wide and 12ft long including the
kitchen annex complete with seating area just inside the porch. A wind
breaking wall was also added to the entrance. Totally over the top but
when time is on your side it's great fun and good exercise.
We sorted out our kit, added the usual luxuries like shelving unit and
hi-fi cabinet, had a good meal, a little single malt and a good nights
kip. The snow hole stayed in good condition with no drips as
temperatures were hovering around the freezing mark. Fantastic.
Next day breakfast was had and we packed our kit, including the coal and
sticks (not recommended for snow holing) and were about to set off for
the car and Cafe in Alston when a couple appeared on the track. They had
been utilizing our footsteps/holes from the previous day and were
disappointed to find we had only made it as far as this drift as they
were heading for Greggs Hut and back, however were most intrigued when
they found out what we had been up to and made a visit into the snow
hole and couldn't believe how big it was! An excellent trip and we still
can't believe we managed a snow hole below 2000ft 2km from Garigill!
Just shows you should take these chances when they arise.
Report and Photographs by
Graeme Tutin
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