In February 2010 we began our Kilimanjaro training with a week long trip to The Lake District in Cumbria. We stayed in White Crags, a rather nice old slate mansion just outside Ambleside, the perfect base for our hill training!

On day 1 we climbed The Old Man of Coniston which at 2633 feet high, gave us the first chance to use our new crampons to get some grip in the fresh deep snow.

Then on day 2 we hiked up to the top of Loughrigg Fell which is the 210th highest mountain in the Lakes.

On day 3 we opted for a lower level hike round Grasmere and Rydal Mount to give ourselves a bit of a rest.

Day 4 and we headed straight for Scafell Pike, England’s highest mountain at 3210 feet tall. It was a long day taking around 9 hours to complete. The snow was knee deep in places which gave Clare some problems with her little legs! This gave us ample opportunities to practice safe self arrests with our new ice axes whilst sliding down the side of the mountain, skills which came in rather helpful when we found ourself in the middle of an avalanche whilst traversing across crossing Piers Gill with a 300 foot sheer drop below us, the best fun I’ve had in ages!!

After a day’s rest we summited Castle Cragg, at 985 feet tall it was just a gentle stroll and only took a couple of hours!