16/12/2007 Coach - Ambleside & Grasmere

 

December

8:30 Start with 16:30 (4:30pm) Return

Fairfield with Graham Hogg
9 miles (14.5km) with 3200ft (975m) Total Ascent.

We start today’s walk in Ambleside at the junction of the A591 and Kirkstone Road.

After making our way to Low Sweden Bridge we begin the gradual climb to Low Pike. The ridge continues to rise as we proceed to High Pike and then Dove Crag (2598ft / 792m). From here we have a short descent before climbing again to Hart Crag (2697ft / 822m) and on to our highest point of the day – Fairfield (2864ft / 873m). From the summit we head south west to Great Rigg and then descend to Grasmere village via Stone Arthur.

High Pike with Tony Ingham
9 miles (14.5km) with 2000ft (610m) Total Ascent.

After recceing the High Pike walk I originally proposed, I concluded that there might not be enough time to complete it in daylight at this time of year, especially if conditions are not favourable: e.g. a stream to be crossed in Scandale may be swollen and the diversion could be long. To be on the safe side, therefore, I have changed the walk. Apologies to those who read it on the web site; I will lead it sometime when we visit the area at a different time of year.

For this walk we are still head north out of Ambleside, cross Low Sweden Bridge and climb Sweden Crag (1148ft/ 350m). From there we continue upwards to Low Pike (1667ft/508m). We follow a different path down from there and proceed to High Sweden Bridge and back through Ambleside. We then climb onto Loughrigg Fell and drop down to Loughrigg Tarn before rising again to Loughrigg Terrace. We pass through White Moss Wood and turn west to end the walk in Grasmere.

This route combines features of two well known, but very different, walks of the Grasmere/Ambleside area. I hope those B+ walkers who were looking forward to the original High Pike walk will not be too disappointed.

Windermere to Ambleside with Colin Hunt
8 miles (12.9km) with 1150ft (351m) Total Ascent.

Leaving the coach near Windermere Station we climb 400 ft / 122m to the summit of Orrest Head. We now descend to Moorhowe Road and then take Dubbs Road past Dubbs Reservoir. When we meet the Garburn Road we go south west to Troutbeck. From Troutbeck we take Robin Lane to Skelghyll Wood and on into Ambleside.

Ambleside to Windermere with Bill Manning
5½ miles (9km) with 120ft (36.5m) Total Ascent.

We start today’s walk from the main car park in Ambleside. We leave here and head for Rothay Lane to follow the river to Pelter Bridge. Taking the path up to Steps End Woods we pass through to reach the shore of Rydal Water. From here we have a short climb before descending to Grasmere Lake. We continue along until we reach The Lea where we walk up to join the road. This leads us round the end of the lake and into Grasmere where the coaches will be waiting.

09/09/2007 Coach - Caldbeck

September

8:00 start with 17:30 return

Uldale Fells with Alan Benson

12½ miles (20km) with 1,800ft (549m) Total Ascent.

Today we will, I hope, climb the highest in the area – Knott (2329ft / 710m), followed by Great Scar Fell, Lowthwaite Fell and, finally, Longlands Fell, before returning to Caldbeck.

We start our walk from Caldbeck and make our way to Fell Side via the Cumbria Way. From here we reach Roughton Gill. We start the ascent of the Knott via a climb up Roughton Gill.

“The highlight of this splendid walk is ROUGHTON GILL, a steep and rocky watercourse, all waterfalls and cascades, which has escaped (or recovered from) the despoliation of three centuries of mining and is entirely charming. The ravine entails a little rough scrambling, but is less formidable than appears likely on the approach.”

These are the wise words of A. WAINWRIGHT.

From the summit of Knott we continue on the ridge to climb the remainder of the Uldale Fells mentioned. We make our way back to Caldbeck via the Cumbria Way, hopefull in time for a brew or other refreshment.

High Pike via Dale Beck with Peter Stevens
9½ miles (15.3km) with 1736ft (529m) Total Ascent.

Our walk today begins and ends in Caldbeck.

Starting from the car park, we walk over the river bridge and follow the road (B5299) for approx ½ mile. Leaving the road we head for Little Fellside, passing Moor House via field paths before joining the Cumbria Way. We leave the Cumbria Way at Fell Side and head south following the valley of Dale Beck to the end where Roughton Gill cascades from a steep and rocky watercourse. Heading north east, we leave the valley and head up the Caldbeck Fells to Hare Stones (622mtr), joining the Cumbria Way we now follow it to the summit of High Pike (658mtr). From here we get a panoramic view of the coast before turning north and follow the Cumbria Way back to Calbeck and the waiting coaches.

Cumbria Way with Ray Butler
8 miles (19.9km) with 600ft (173m) Total Ascent.

Proceed by the river caldew between Parsons Park / Throstle Hall towards Sebergham, where we hopefully will visit the old church / Sebergham Hall. We will return to Caldbeck passing Warnell Hall / Fell with views of the river Caldew / Cumbria Way.

Cool Caldbeck Circular with Bill Manning
5½ miles (8.9km) with 230ft (79m) Total Ascent.

Stating today’s walk from Caldbeck, named after the river Cald Beck on which it stands, we leave by the main street and toilet stop.

We first head toward Welpo beck and proceed to follow along side the tree lined path to the Howk bobbin mill. This Bobbin mill once boasted the largest waterwheel in the country, measuring 42ft in diameter. Leaving here by a few steps we head for the hamlet of Welpo. Heading out of the hamlet we take a long grassy path up to a road leading to moor house. Through fields we reach little fellside adjoining the Cumbria way. From here we then take a left turn and head back towards Caldbeck for a well deserved drink.

22/04/2007 Coach - Kirkby Stephen via Tebay

April

8:00 Start with 17:30 (5:30pm) Return

The Calf & Northern Howgills with Dave Colbert

12½ miles (21km) with 4,100ft (1250m) Total Ascent.

Lying between the rugged mountains of the Lake District to the west and the rolling expanse of the Pennines to the east, the Howgill Fells form a compact group of steep-sided, rounded hills. The highest summits lie towards the centre of an extensive upland plateau from which ridges radiate in all directons. Those running to the north are quite lengthy and enclose deep-cut valleys such as Bowderdale and Langdale. It is these unfrequented northern ridges that are the focus of this particular walk which, although it includes a lot of climbing, is mostly on easy terrain with only two steep ascents. Note that the walk finishes in Tebay where shelter and refreshments are available in the old service station.

We start from Wath on the A685 just to the west of Newbiggin-on-Lune and climb gradually southwards along the lengthy ridge of Hooksey (1923ft / 86m) before crossing Leathgill Bridge (constructed by that well known engineer IK Silurian) to Randygill Top (2047ft / 624m). The traverse to Kensgriff (1883ft / 574m) is easy, though the descent of the south ridge is quite steep; the climb to the summit of Yarlside (2090ft / 637m) is, I'm afraid, even steeper but soon over. We then canter down to the head of Bowderdale, climbing out along the track to the Calf, at 2218ft / 676m the highest point in the Howgills. The route swings around the head of Langdale, traversing the minor tops of White Fell Head and Bush Howe before the drop into Windscarth Wyke. A short climb over Stowgill Brow leads to the short ridge ending in Docker Knott. Down again into the remote Blakethwaite Bottom and our final significant climb to Uldale Head (1739ft / 530m) from where a very long but gradual descent by way of Rispa Pike takes us to Tebay to await the coaches.

Nine Standards Rigg with Tony Ingham
9½ miles (15.3km) with 1800ft (549m) Total Ascent.

We head east out of Kirkby Stephen to the village of Hartley. We continue past Hartley Limestone Quarry (opened 1925) and on to Faraday Gill. This leads to the Nine Standards (nine columns of stone constructions) and up to the trig point at Nine Standards Rigg (2170ft / 662m). From here we drop south over a very peaty area and then north west on part of the Coast to Coast route before following a path south west to Ladthwaite. We now walk alongside Ladthwaite Beck, passing the dramatic Ewbank Scar, until we reach the disused Stainmore Railway. Here we join the trackbed which leads us back to Hartley and Kirkby Stephen, crossing over the Podgill and Merrygill Viaducts.

The first part of this walk is mountain and moorland but, in contrast, the return features woodland, farmland and the new railway path.

Smardale Bridge with Colin Hunt
9½ miles (15.3km) with Little Ascent.

Leaving Newbiggin-on-Lune we go north to join the Coast to Coast Path above Bent's Farm. We follow the Coast to Coast Path for a short distance heading north east towards Crosby Garrett with views of the Pennines and viaducts on the Settle - Carlisle railway. Now we do a 'U' turn to rejoin the Coast to Coast Path at Smardale Bridge. On this section we have views of the Howgill Fells, the disused Smardale Gill Viaduct and Wild Boar Fell.

We will also see the ancient 'Severals' settlement and the Giants Graves.

Kirkby Stephen Kaleidoscope with Derek Lowe
7 miles (11.2km) with 400ft (122m) Total Ascent.

Leaving the coaches at the Coach Park we make our way to Kirkby Stephen centre (toilet stop) from where we head for Frank's Bridge and follow the footpath to Hartley. Here we climb up to Merrygill Viaduct to follow the disused railway line to Nateby, where field paths and road take us to Mire Close Bridge and further paths to Lammerside Castle (remains). From here we follow field paths to Homestead and Halfpenny House where we make our way down to the River Eden which we follow back to Kirkby Stephen for refreshment.

25/03/2007 Coach - Braithwaite & Keswick

 

March

8:30 Start with 17:30 (5:30pm) Return

Outerside: The Purist's Coledale Round with Dave Colbert
9miles (14.4km) with 4,130ft (1260m) Total Ascent.

Two steep-sided, parallel ridges extend westwards from the Newlands Valley to Lorton Vale; Crag Hill lying at the western end of the southern ridge and Grisedale Pike towards the eastern end of the northern. Joined at the broad col of Coledale Hause, they surround the glacial valley of Coledale Beck to the south-west of Braithwaite, the high level circuit of which is one of the Lake District's classic walks. Closer inspection of the map reveals that the ridge from Rowling End to the Sail Pass over Causey Pike and Scar Crags does not have a foot on Coledale, and that a lower but parallel ridge lies to the north, reaching its maximum altitude in the sharp summit of Outerside (1863ft / 568m). This is our route for today: Outerside and right round Coledale on airy ridges with extensive views as far as the Isle of Man and the Galloway Hills in Scotland if the weather is favourable.

The initial ascent of Outerside from Braithwaite is lengthy, interrupted by the hump of Stile End. We gain the traditional route at the Sail Pass, the puff up sail being followed by the arête of The Scar which leads to Crag Hill (2753ft / 839m). Then down to Coledale Hause and more puff up the inappropriately named Sand Hill to the sharp summit of Hopegill Head (2525ft / 839m), arguably the finest peak in the North Western Fells. The traverse to Grisedale Pike (2595ft / 791m) is undulating and precedes the exposed descent to Sleet How and Kinn as we head back to Braithwaite. Grasmoor has not been included but, given time, good weather and inclination, it could be (but adds 400ft or so of up and another mile).

Cat Bells with Tony Ingham
9½ miles (15.3km) with 1400ft (427m) Total Ascent.

This walk will be familiar to most but none the worse for that because it is very varied, taking in two stiff climbs and woodland, open field, lakeside and beckside paths.

Today we start from Braithwaite and head south alongside Newlands Beck for 2 miles to Ghyll Bank. From here we turn north east to Hawes End to start the climbing: from 360 ft / 110m we rise to the top of Skelgill Bank at 1148ft / 350m. After levelling out for a while we then climb to the top of Cat Bells at 1476ft / 450m.

We descend from Cat Bells to Manesty at the southern tip of Derwentwater. Here we start heading through the woodlands of Manesty Park and Brandlehow Park alongside the lake. This takes us back to near Hawes End where we pick up the Allerdale Ramble route and walk past Lingholm and through Fawe Park to Portinscale. From here we will turn east into Keswick where we will be picked up  by the coaches.

Barrow with Dorothy Dobson
7½ miles (12km) with 1494ft (455m) Total Ascent.

Leaving Braithwaite we head towards Braithwaite Lodge and take the broad grassy path which stretches all the way to the top of Barrow. All the climbing is done at the beginning of the walk. We will take our time going up the hill, both to get our breath back and to enjoy the lovely views over Derwentwater and beyond.

We gradually descend via Barrow Door, on a stony track for the first 50 yards but on a good path for the rest of the way, to Stair in the Newlands Valley. From here we walk along a delightful path by a stream all the way back to Braithwaite.

Skelgill & Derwent Bay with Gwen Stevens
6miles (9.7km) with 400ft (122m) Total Ascent.

After visiting the toilets in Braithwaite we will commence the walk following the river southwards for approximately 1 mile. There is banking alongside the river where I propose taking an early lunch to enjoy the fellside views.

After a short way along the road we begin the only real climb of the day. A minor road rises steeply and zigzags to Skelgill Farm. The views as we climb get better and better so it is worth stopping to enjoy them. At the top of the climb we shall take a break which will last until 10 minutes after our last walker reaches the top. We can enjoy magnificent views of the fells and Lake Bassenthwaite to the north while we get our breath back.

We descend to join the Cumbria Way and follow it northwards to Nicholl End on Derwentwater. Here we can avail ourselves of the café with toilets. We shall stop here for about 40 minutes. Those not wishing to use the café acilities can enjoy views of the marina and lake. Maybe we shall see the Derwentwater launch making its way around the lake.

Leaving Nicholl End we pass Derwent Bank and continue to Portinscale where we will need to take our lives in our feet to cross the Keswick by-pass. We can use the old road and, flood water permitting, make our way back to Braithwaite using the underpass. If the underpass is flooded we have to get across that by-pass again. Sorry, there is no other way.

11/03/2007 Coach - Hayfield

 

March

8:00 Start with 17:30 (5:30pm) Return

A Walk – Lantern Pike & Kinder Low with Dave Colbert 
12½ Miles / 20km with 2,460ft / 750m Total Ascent

The iconic massif of Kinder Scout dominates the Dark Peak, now famed for all time by the mass trespass of 1932. Much has changed since or else we wouldn't be doing this walk at all without probably getting shot at or ending up in the nick with no get out of jail free card! Derbyshires highest point lies somewhere amidst a great expanse of plateau, riven with watercourses that form sticky peat groughs which have, in their time, swallowed many a Pennine Way hiker: we, however, will not be going there today. Instead, we will traverse the western edge of the plateau, including Kinder Low which, at 2077ft / 633m, is only a mere 11 feet lower. This walk will therefore be of no use to any peak-baggers out there. Kinder is best viewed from the west, hence, on our return to Hayfield, we will scale Lantern Pike (1224ft / 373m).

We start from Hayfield and follow the valley of the River Sett, climbing over the north east shoulder of Mount Famine before continuing, by way of Oaken Clough and Edale Cross, to Kinder Low. The Pennine Way takes us northwards along Kinder's western escarpment to Kinder Downfall before we descend, ever so gradually, to Mill Hill (not the one in Blackburn) and eventually the Glossop to Hayfield road near the Grouse Inn. (No drinking, so no whinging!) From here our route lies generally southwards, descending towards Blackshaw Farm before the easy climb to the summit of Lantern Pike. We then descend to Birch Vale and catch a virtual train to Hayfield. (i.e. You walk along an old railway line now known as the Sett Valley Cycleway).

B+ Walk – Chinley Churn & South Head with Tony Ingham
10 Miles / 16km with 1,950ft / 600m Total Ascent

My dad was brought up as a child in the 1920's at the Lamb Inn which lies between Hayfield and Chinley so he is very fond of this area and once showed me this walk. It is a good one and particularly pleasant if we have clear visibility.

In the morning we climb South Head (1621ft / 494m) and in the afternoon Chinley Churn (1480 / 451m). Starting from Hayfield Village we head south east round the side of Mount Famine and up to the top of South Head. We descend southwards via Beet Farm to Hull End where we turn north west, pass White Knowl Farm and continue down into Chinley. Once through the village we climb north east, past Cracken Edge, up to Chinley Chum. The descent from here takes us to Peep o Day where we head north west past Far Phoside and Phoside Farm and, on reaching Ridge Top, we drop back into Hayfield along a track leading to Meadows Road and the coach park.

B Walk – Hayfield Circular Spectacular with Ray Butler
8 Miles / 12.9km with 1,700ft / 518m Total Ascent

We walk to Little Hayfield and then on to White Brow where you can see the footpath to Kinder. From here we descend towards Kinder Reservoir and continue onwards with views of Mount Famine and Manchester. We reach the river bridge at Bowden Bridge and finally emerge on Kinder Road which takes us to the center of Hayfield.

C Walk – The Sett Valley Lantern with Roy Smith
5½ Miles / 8.9km with 550ft / 168m Total Ascent

Our walk today starts from Hayfield and is a pleasant and enjoyable walk, in part, along the Sett Valley Trail. From the coach park we make our way westwards along the Sett Valley Trail and woodland walk until we reach Thornsett. At Thornsett we turn north and cross the River Sett where we climb from the valley floor, in a steep but short climb, on a decent track to join a minor road which we follow for a short distance.

Still heading north, we cross into fields and continue our, now gradual, climb to Feeding Hey where we join a well used bridleway. This track takes us round the back of Lantern Pike affording us excellent views of the surrounding countryside. We now turn south and make our way past the other side of Lantern Pike, after which we drop down to the valley floor again where, re-crossing the River Sett, we emerge back on the Sett Valley Trail. We then retrace our steps to Hayfield.

14/01/2007 Coach - Hawkshead

January

8:00 Start with 16:30 (4:30pm) Return

Hows, Holme Fell & Black Fell with Dave Colbert

11 miles (18km) with 2,350ft (720m) Total Ascent.

When did an 'A' Walk last start in Hawkshead I hear you cry! Never, as far as I can recall, so, as Monty Python would put it: "And now for something completely different". This will definitely not give you altitude sickness, but it is an interesting walk through a varied landscape of trees, water and fell, offering magnificent views of the Coniston and Langdale fells in particular. The rugged height of Holme Fell lies to the east of Wetherlam, its steep flanks giving quite an airy feel to a hill which only just breaks through the l000ft / 305m contour. Black Fell, on the other hand, is more open, lying to the north of Tarn Hows; on a clear day the views from its summit are well worth the extra climb.

Starting from Hawkshead we climb to Hawkshead Hill and head across to Rose Castle for the classic view over Tarn Hows. (Weather permitting) Passing to the south of the lake we then descend to the Ambleside - Coniston road and ascend Holme Fell (1040ft / 317m) by way of Harry Guards Wood and Uskdale Gap. A steep descent takes us down to Hodge Close and its famous hole in the ground from where we head for Black Fell (1060ft / 323m), crossing the Ambleside - Coniston road at Oxen Fell High Cross. The final ascent is an out-and-back affair of around 11½ miles in total but is worth it for the views from the summit. We return to Hawkshead through Knipe Fold and Hawkshead Hall.

High Blind How & Latterbarrow with Tony Ingham
9½ miles (15.3km) with 1500ft (457m) Total Ascent.

We leave Hawkshead across farmland travelling in a north easterly direction until we reach Low Wray. At this point we turn south and follow the Windermere shoreline to Belle Grange where we start the day's climbing, initially rising to 656ft /200m on The Heald.

Heading south along The Heald we pass the Crier of Claife to reach Low Blind How where we turn north west to High Blind How (886ft / 270m) and continue in this direction for a few miles to the National Trust Base Camp near High Wray. From here we climb the north face (!!!!) of Latterbarrow (800ft / 244m), descend westwards to Loanthwaite, then to Colthouse and back to Hawkshead.

Far Sawrey with Colin Hunt
9½ miles (15.3km) with 1400ft (427m) Total Ascent.

Leaving Hawkshead we make for Loanthwaite Lane and the foot of Latterbarrow. We go round the eastern side of Latterbarrow and make for Belle Grange on the shore of Windermere. Here we turn right and go down the lake for about 11¼ miles before heading for Far Sawrey. Leaving Far Sawrey we go to Moss Eccles Tam, Wise Een Tarn and Highs Moss. Here we make for Guide Post 10 and then head west to Hawkshead.

Hawkshead with Alison & Lesley
5½ miles (8.9km) with 286ft (78m) Total Ascent.

Hope you all had a happy Christmas and that you enjoy the first walk of the New Year. We begin our walk from Hawkshead car park (toilets available). Taking a north east route over the fields we cross Black Beck on our way towards Loanthwaite Lane. At the lane we take the left hand path to Outgate. Continuing north we begin a pleasing stretch of path, passing Spika Coppice on our left and Blelham Tarn on our right, until we reach the road. There is then a short road walk passing the Dower House and the Vicarage, after which we join a path heading South West toward Hole House and Tock How. On a fine day the view of the distant mountains is pleasing. Crossing the fields back to Loanthwaite Lane we rejoin our original path back into Hawkshead for refreshments.