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