12/12/2010 Coach - Hawkshead

December

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

Carron Crag with Graham Hogg

10 miles (16km) with 3280ft (1000m) Total Ascent.

We leave the village of Hawkshead in a south westerly direction towards Grizedale Moor and into Grizedale Forest Park, following various tracks to take us to the highest point within the forest – Carron Crag at 1030ft / 314 metres.

From here we make our way downhill to the village of Grizedale to see if we can find the “Woodsman of Grizedale”. After a few photos we have another climb through forestry plantations to get us over to Near Sawrey where we follow good tracks to the hamlet of Town End before finishing in Hawkshead for a well earned drink.

Latterbarrow & Beyond with Tony Ingham
9miles (14.5km) with 1500ft (457m) Ascent.

We head north-east from Hawkshead, mainly across farmland, to reach Low Wray. We then follow the Windermere shoreline southwards to Belle Grange where we start to climb up to The Heald (650ft/198m).

We walk southwards along the Heald, passing the Crier of Claife, before turning north-west at Low Blind How to climb High Blind How (866ft/264m). We continue north-westwards, but turn just before reaching High Wray to climb Latterbarrow (800ft/244m) from its north side. We descend westwards to Loanthwaite and make our return to Hawkshead.

Latterbarrow with Eric Jackson
7½ miles (12km) with 900ft (274m) Ascent.

Starting from Hawkshead we head over fields to Colthouse before climbing up the bridleway over Claife Heights. At the summit of the bridleway we head north to climb Latterbarrow with good views over most of the Southern Lakes weather permitting (a good place to stop for lunch). We leave the summit and head north making our way to the lake shore of Windermere via High Wray. We follow the shore to Wray Castle and turn south for Hawkshead via Blelham Tarn arriving back to the coaches in time for a brew or Christmas shopping!

Walking through time with Stephen Watson
5¾ miles (9.25km) with 580ft (177m) Ascent.

Although a little over the recommended ascent for a C walk, the proposed route is so worthwhile for the spectacular views. It also gives us the opportunity to walk part of the Windermere shoreline that is devoid of tourists! Weather permitting, this is the Lake District at its best. Stick close if you want to hear about some of the history and geology of the area.

We leave the village of Hawkshead and head in a north easterly direction towards Colthouse where we enter Colthouse Plantation - a forest on the gentle slopes of Latterbarrow. We do not ascend Latterbarrow (we leave that to the B walkers!) but continue to head through the forest to the shoreline of Windermere. This section of the walk is where most of the ascent is made. It is a gentle climb before we descend to the shoreline. Do ask me about the ancient tradition of Forest Skipping"!! We follow the shoreline northwards, passing Red Nab, Pintstones Point and Woodclose Point, before taking a minor track to the hamlet of High Wray. From here it is all country lanes for the last leg as we make our way back to Hawkshead.

As usual there are a few do's and don'ts. Do NOT rush ahead forcing the pace of the walk (obligatory kneecapping will result).  DO take your own time on ascents, we WILL wait. Do enjoy the day, the views and the scenery.

03/10/2010 Coach - Kirkby Stephen via Garsdale

October

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

Wild Boar Fell with Dave Colbert

12 miles (19.3km) with 2000ft (610m) Total Ascent.

There is something of the Cairngorms about Wild Boar Fell - not the eponymous Wild Boar (or should that be Wilde Bore??) though they may well have roamed Am Monadh Ruadh, but the vastness of the place, a massive upland plateau that contrasts starkly with the adjacent Howgill Fells to the west.

Starting from Cotegill Bridge on the B6259, north of Garsdale Head, we ascent Swarth Fell alongside Far Cote (coyote?) Gill before heading northwards to Wild Boar Fell. The ridge continues to Little Fell and a descent of High Intake Gill to High Cocklake near Pendragon Castle (who named these places?), the latter in legend, the ancient abode of King Arthur's father, Uther Pendragon.

We then follow the River Eden to Kirkby Stephen via various ruins, fortified farms and the like, eventually crossing Frank Gillibrand's bridge into the town!

Hartley Fell with Dave Thornton
10 miles (16km) with 2000ft (610m) Ascent.

Starting in Kirkby Stephen we follow the coast to coast path which takes us to Hartley and then along a quiet cul-de-sac past the quarry. We then go along a bridle way and a well defined footpath up to 9 Standards Rigg. After this we head south for a short distance and then north west over a boggy area which brings us back to the bridle way which we leave to go to Ladthwaite, Ewbank Scar and then the old railway track back to Hartley where we follow the footpaths to Kirkby Stephen.

Pendragon Castle with Tony Ingham
10½ miles (16.9km) with 800ft (245m) Ascent.

The walk leaves Kirkby Stephen and proceeds south along the valley of the River Eden, passing Wharton Hall (mid 16th century), Lammerside Castle (14th century) and Birkett Common before eventually reaching Pendragon Castle (12th century) after 5 miles of gently undulating walking.

The first part of the return leg starts with a half mile climb along the Tommy Road before levelling off and heading north to pass under the Settle to Carlisle railway (the highest and most costly to be built in England). After another mile the walk heads down to the river again and leads back to Kirkby Stephen through Stenkrith Park.

The Kirkby Stevie Wander with Lesley & Alison
5½ miles (8.9km) with 155ft (508m) Ascent.

We begin our walk from the car park in Kirby Stephen. From the High Street we make our way to Franks Bridge (with a brief toilet stop on the way).. After the crossing the bridge we follow the River Eden South to the Ford. Here we veer left up a gentle hill to a bridge over the dismantled railway and then we continue along a track to the woods above Ladthwaite Beck. Staying on the higher path we head to Lockthwaite where we turn south westish across the fields to the B6270. Turning right we have a very short road walk before taking a path on our left just before the pretty village of Nateby. This path crosses yet more fields, down to the B6259. After another short road walk we turn south west to Mire Close Bridge , crossing the River Eden once more.

From here we begin our journey back into Kirby Stephen, passing the impressive Wharton Hall and its Tower on the way. The path directly North leads us to the River Eden once more. We then follow the course of the river which meanders back towards the village where there are several shops and places to purchase refreshments. This is a leisurely walk with a number of small/moderate stiles. Although the total climbing is 508 feet, there are only two small climbs, as the rest is spread very gradually over three or so miles. On a clear day, there are lovely views of the surrounding countryside.

05/09/2010 Coach - Caldbeck

September

8:00 start with 17:30 return

Knott & High Pike with Graham Hogg

13 miles (20.9km) with 2461ft (750m) 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.

From Caldbeck we proceed to Whelpo and then on to Branthwaite to join the Cumbria Way. We follow this to Charleton Wath and then commence the ascent of Longlands Fell and Lowthwaite Fell. This ridge eventually tops out at great Sca Fell (2136ft/651m). From the summit we have a short descent before climbing again to reach the summit of Knott (2329ft/710m) the highest point of the walk.

The return to Caldbeck will be via Great Lingy Hill and High Pike (2159ft/658m) hopefully in time for a well earned brew!

To the Mines with Barry Mather
10 miles (16km) with 1900ft (579m) Ascent.

From Caldbeck we head south to Nether Row where we start the steady climb to High Pike, passing mine workings on the way. From the top, weather permitting, we should have magnificent views of the surrounding fells, including Blencathra and Skiddaw.  From here it's downhill all the way, following Carrock Beck to Calebreck then on to Hesket Newmarket and back to Caldbeck.

Lower Caldbeck Fells with Margaret Oliver
9 miles (14.5km) with 900ft (274m) Ascent.

We leave Caldbeck following the Whelpo Beck past the Howk Bobbin Mill and on to Whelpo Bridge. Here we use the Keswick road for a short distance to Park End where we leave the road and follow field paths to Fellside.

We now follow the Cumbria Way to Nether Row, then fields and paths to Hesket Newmarket. We now descend through woods and fields before, once more, picking up the Cumbria Way which we follow back to Caldbeck in plenty of time for refreshments and exploration of this small village.

A Caldbeck Experience with Joyce Bradbury
6.1 miles (9.8km) with 550ft (168m) Ascent.

Today there are several stiles and gates, but all in good condition.

Our walk starts with a gentle stroll to the Howk and the Old Bobbin Mill. We then continue on to Whelpo and one of our two main climbs - on a good track. We will probably have lunch here before continuing on to Little Fellside and our second and last climb of the day. Here we join a rather wet, boggy, section of the Cumbria Way to Potts Gill and then on to Nether Row on a good track. From here it's possible to take a short cut back to Caldbeck. Otherwise we carry on through fields and tracks to Street Head, Townhead and then Caldbeck.

There will then be time for you to find John Peel's grave, visit the Priests Mill and the other numerous cafes and gift shops as you discover the delights of Caldbeck. Have a nice day!

21/03/2010 Coach - Grasmere

 

March

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

High Raise with Dave Thornton
12 miles (20.1 km) with 3200ft (975m) Total Ascent.

Having heard that there is still a lot of ice and snow on Helvellyn, which would make the descent treacherous, I have planned a walk on the other side of the valley. Starting in Grasmere we climb Helm Crag to begin a superb ridge walk heading westwards which takes in Gibson Knot and Calf Crag. We then follow Greenup edge in a southerly direction to High Raise, the highest point on the walk at 2500ft/762m, and the centre of the Lakeland Fells with (I hope!) stunning views.

Our next summit is Sergeant Man followed by Blea Rigg after which we begin a steep descent to Easedale Tarn where we pick up Sourmilk Gill and Easedale Beck which lead us back to Grasmere.

Seat Sandal with Pete Stevens
8 miles (12.9km) with 2200ft (670m) Ascent.

Our walk today starts from the car/coach park just outside Grasmere (300ft/90mtr). Walking through the village, we turn onto Easedale Road and follow it to Mill Bridge. Crossing the road, we now start our ascent up the Tonge Gill path, past the waterfall to Grisedale Hause at 1800ft / 550mtr. Weather permitting, we now ascend to the summit of Seat Sandle at 2414ft / 736mtr, from where fine panoramic views can be seen making the climb well worth the effort.

Working our way back to Grisedale Hause, we now descend to Grisedale Tarn with Dollywaggon Pike looming over us on our right. We finish our main descent following Raise Beck path back to Dunmail Raise and the main road, making our way back to the coach and some well deserved refreshment.

Easedale Tarn with Jackie & Sheila
7 miles (11.3 km) with 1000ft (305m) Ascent.

Setting out from Grasmere over Goody Bridge the walk follows a stony track along the valley bottom before climbing gradually, alongside Sourmilk Gill, to Easdale Tarn. After looping around the edge of the tarn across an area which can be boggy at times we start the descent on the opposite side of Sourmilk Gill and back into Grasmere.

Grasmere Gad About with Bill Manning
5 miles (8 km) with 325ft (99m) Ascent.

Starting from the coach park in Grasmere village we make our way to the A591 to reach Wordsworth's Cottage. After a walk up the lane we reach an undulating track known as the Coffin Trail. We now come to Rydal Hall before we descend back to the A591. Crossing over the road to Steps End Wood we soon come to the shore of Rydal Water.

We continue the walk until we come to woodland, descending to reach a footbridge near to White Moss. We take a left turn over the bridge and follow the path to the weir at the southern end of Grasmere. We now follow the shore of the lake before leaving the path to climb up the lane which leads us back to the village and the coaches.

07/02/2010 Coach - Coniston via Ambleside

February

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

Dow Crag & Coniston Old Man with Graham Hogg

10 miles (16km) with 3609ft (1100m) Total Ascent.

Our walk today, weather and conditions permitting, takes in the classic circuit of seven of Coniston’s finest hills.

A very steep climb out of Coniston gets us onto the Walna Scar Road which we follow to Brown Pike. After the short climb to Buck Pike we make our way to the summit of Dow Crag. For those A walkers with long memories Dow Crag has somewhat of a reputation for being slightly breezy along the summit ridge – let’s hope its not too bad today!!

Once over the summit we have a descent to Goats Hawse and a re-ascent to gain the summit of the Old Man at 2635 ft / 803 metres.

Our route takes us north along the ridge to Swirl How, the last hill of the day, and then down the Prison Band to Levers Water. We return to Coniston via the Coppermines Valley.

Tarn Hows with Dave Thornton
 9½ miles (15km) with 1200ft (366m) Ascent.

I have decided to lead a different walk to the one given in the programme. Having had four weeks of struggling to cope with the snow and ice around Preston I have planned a low level walk to try and avoid more of the white stuff.

Startiing from Skelwith Bridge, we follow the Cumbria Way in a north easterly direction to Elterwater. Heading south to Stang End we then rejoin the Cumbria Way at High Park and continue along this route via Tarn Hows to Coniston.

Tilberthwaite with Eric Jackson
 7½ miles (12km) with 1200ft (366m) Ascent.

Starting from Yewdale on the A593 just south of Yewtree Farm we take a track by the side of the farmhouse, used in the Miss Potter Film as Hilltop, and make our way north, following the minor road around Holme Fell, to Hodge Close. This is an area with many old quarries and spoil heaps but it is still very beautiful scenery and, according to Wainwright, one of the best square miles of Lakeland.

We now turn west and make our way back to Coniston via Tilberthwaite Gill: this involves nearly all the climbing, approximately 950ft /290m. After following the side of the Gill the path eases off to follow Crook Beck and then over the ridge where we can see practically the full length of Coniston Water. It is now all downhill into Coppermines Valley and the track back to the coaches in time for a brew.

Cumbria Way with Bill Manning
 6miles (9.7km) with 400ft (122m) Ascent.

Starting from Coniston Coach Park (toilets!) we leave by the lanes to reach Shepherd’s Bridge and join the Cumbria Way field paths. We have a short climb up Back Guards Plantation before dropping to pass the cottages at Low Yewdale and continue through fields to the A593. A short walk along this road brings us to Yewtree Farm known for the Beatrix Potter stories.

From here we make our way to Lane Head Coppice where, after a short climb through woodland, we come to the tarn. We follow the path round the tarn to Howgraves where we descend through Hill Fell Plantation. Shortly after this we reach the shores of Coniston Water which we follow back to the village for the coaches and cafés.