21.7km, 2800m ascent, 9 hours 47 mins
The concept of 'contouring' - following a contour line around a hill is simple. Choose a contour line and follow it. The practice is somewhat more demanding. Firstly, it's not flat. Contouring may require edging along a steep hillside, one leg higher than the other. Nor is it always possible to stay at the same altitude - there may be a cliff or a ravine in the way. Secondly, it may cross very broken and difficult ground where no-one ventures for very good reason. And thirdly, it's just daft. Who would want to actively avoid going up a hill and miss out on the attendant satisfaction?
It turns out that I would. When you've explored most of the nooks and crannies of the Lake District, contouring offers a whole new sphere of adventuring. And in the snow, you get the additional satisfaction of seeing your footsteps circumnavigating the hill. It opens up a whole new chapter of exploration. What delights might I find at 500m, 550m or 600m? I settled on 750m as offering my route of choice and put it to the test.
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