September
8:00 Start with 17:30 (5:30pm) Return
10.5 miles (17km) with 3,900ft (1,190m) Total Ascent.
Our past A walks in this area have usually accessed the Caldbeck Fells via Roughton Gill. Whilst this is an impressive route I thought that, today, we would try an alternative approach.
Skiddaw dominates the Vale of Keswick, rising steeply from low-lying valleys on all sides to a cluster of barren, subsidiary tops buttressing the main summit ridge. Our route today includes Dodd (1,647ft/502m) which for many years was infested with non-native conifers. Many of these have now been removed so we should have an excellent view across Derwent Water from the top.
The continuation to Skiddaw (3,054ft/931m) via Carl Side is steep and rough, particularly the climb from Carl Side Tarn to Skiddaw's lengthy summit ridge. Our descent to Keswick takes us over Skiddaw Little Man and Latrigg.
9½ miles (15.3km) with 1400ft (427m) Total Ascent.
Cat Bells has been walked by the walking club a number of times in the past few years but not in the height of summer (if you can call it that). The views from here are some of the best in the lake district and well worth another visit.
Starting from Braithwaite (toilets available) we follow Newlands Beck south to Ghyll Bank, then passing Skelgill on to Hawes End from where we start the main climbing of the day. From here we ascend Skelgill Bank (1148ft / 350m), where we level out for a while before ascending Cat Bells at (1476ft / 450m). From here we can see the length of Derwent Water to Keswick and beyond, with Bassenthwaite Lake and Skiddaw in the background. We descend from Cat Bells down Hause Gate to Manesty Park at the southern end of Derwent Water. Turning North, we join the Allerdale Ramble track (Cumbria Way) which follows Derwent Water back to Hawes End, through Fawe Park to Portinscale. From here we will turn east into Keswick where we will be picked up by the coaches.
10 miles (16.1km) with 600ft (183m) Ascent.
We leave Braithwaite (toilets) and head south along Newlands Beck to Swinside. We continue on to Hause End and from here climb gently along the foot of Skelgill Bank, Cat Bells and Maiden Moor until we reach the village of Grange (toilets). Here we start the return leg and walk northwards on the Cumbria Way alongside Derwent water to Portinscale where we turn eastwards into Keswick for refreshments and the coaches.
7½ miles (12km) with 500ft (153m) Ascent.
Today there are several stiles and gates, but all in good condition.
Leaving the coaches at Braithwaite we make our way through the campsite to Braithwaite Lodge. We then follow Newlands Beck until we reach Stair. From Stair we cross over to Skelgill where we shall have lunch at the foot of Cat Bells.
After lunch we follow the Cumbria Way through Overside Wood to Portinscale. Here we cross the bridge and follow field paths back to Keswick where we shall have ample time to browse around the shops, or whatever, before getting the coaches back home.