Conquering Red Pike in the Lake District

In the Lake District, Ramble Worldwide leader Tom digs deep to ascend wainwright worthy peaks

The ascent of Red Pike from Bleaberry Tarn has to be the most challenging section on either of the two routes completed over the weekend. It is extremely steep and the path is loose and soft but also strewn with rocks. It takes a very determined effort to maintain momentum and keep going up. It also requires stamina and nerve.

Let's be clear from the start: this tour requires a good level of physical fitness and some experience of fell walking. There are some basic scrambles to confront so sure footedness, a head for heights and good balance are also necessary to complete the tour successfully. We gather at Hassness House, eight clients and three leaders, the leader to client ratio being 3:8 allowing for great flexibility; plus safety and security on a challenging and demanding tour such as this.

During the initial briefing we're at pains to point out that they are on holiday. It is not a 'Boot Camp' or an endurance event. We explain that the pace we set is known as 'Guide Pace'; an average of 3.2kph (2 mph). Clearly this is easier to achieve on a Grade 4 holiday than a Grade 8 tour.

But Red Pike? Red Pike demands respect. Despite having read themselves into the tour prior to their arrival, we think that some of the clients were a bit surprised about how demanding these two walks were. The thing that sets this tour apart is that it is very short (3 nights; 2 days' walking). This format is supposed to attract a younger clientele and the majority of the clients were in work so, to some extent, this format proved itself to be successful.

When we reach the summit, it feels like a considerable achievement. And rightly so. The views open up across the fells, but the satisfaction is what matters most right now.