Francesca on the Snowdon Girdle watching other walkers ascend to Yr Wyddfa’s summit
Photo: Benjamin Cannon
“AND THE BEST BIT?” the hillwalker boasts over their pint. “We had the summit all to ourselves!” A familiar exchange, no doubt.
Despite being a walker who revels in human interaction hillside, abiding by greeting etiquette with gusto, even I’ve been known to echo pro-solitude sentiment. This past weekend saw the last snowfall before meteorological Spring, so I dashed off to the Howgills. A kindly woman from Sedbergh TIC whispered to me conspiratorially, “You hardly ever see a soul this side of the M6 – don’t tell anyone!” If you’re reading this, dear stranger, I apologise – and my dog thanks you for the treats.