I left Scarborough at 0640 and and arrived at the car park in Buckden at around 0920. My car was the first one in the car park and after a quick cup of coffee, I set off at around 0940. The path was pretty good for most of the way with the potentially boggy parts frozen. However, the steps were quite treacherous with icy patches and this part of the walk slowed me down somewhat. I was at the summit at around 1110. I started the 2m activation with the VX-7R 5W to a MFD and worked Bob G8YBO in Darlington, John G4FUO in York, Phil G4OBK in Pickering, Walt G6XBF in Leeds, Roy 2E0BJK in Middlesbrough, Ray G6HMN in Winewall nr Colne and Geoff G4WHA/M in Penrith. I then switched to the FT-1900 25W then 80W and worked John G0TDM in Penrith, Mick M0MDA in Leeds and Pete M0HQO in Pickering. As it was very cold after a couple of CQ calls with no reply, I went QRT at 1150. While at the summit the mist cleared and I was joined briefly by a middle aged couple. The walk down was again tricky on the frozen steps but passed without incident. A very pleasant drive back to Scarborough arriving home at around 1600. Thanks very much to all the chasers.
The operating postion Buckden Pike summit
Buckden Pike summit furniture
Buckden Pike snow line
The Bridleway heading back towards Buckden