11/12/2011 Coach - Ambleside

December

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

Scandale Horseshoe with Graham Hogg

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

From Ambleside we make for Low Sweden Bridge and commence the ascent of the ridge to High Pike (2152ft/656m). Upon reaching 2428ft/740 metres altitude we will contour to High Bakestones before descending to the head of the Scandale Pass.

From here, it's a long climb to the summit of Red Screes (2546ft/776m), our final summit of the day. A straight forward descent takes us to Snarker Pike before we join the Kirkstone Road for the short walk back into Ambleside and a well earned brew.

Red Screes & Scandale with Colin Manning
9 miles (14.5km) with 2400ft (731m) Ascent.

From Ambleside we start our walk up a quiet lane towards Seathwaite and on up Stockghyll Force waterfalls. We rejoin the road further up until we turn off to go past Roundhill Farm to join the Kirkstone Road. We have a short uphill walk here to reach field paths marking our ascent of Red Screes.

We follow field paths, via Snarker Pike and Raven Crag, all the way to the summit of Red Screes (2546ft/776m). From here our descent starts off easy and is fairly straightforward all the way to the Scandale Pass. Care needs to be taken on rocky areas if the ground is slippery. From the Scandale Pass our route starts to level out and, crossing numerous small streams, winds its way back to Ambleside. Along this path there is a photo opportunity at High Sweden Bridge.

Orrest Head and more with Jackie & Sheila
8 miles (12.9km) with 800ft (244m) Ascent.

We start from Windermere with a fairly stiff climb up to Orrest Head where there are fine views of the lake and surrounding fells. We then go across country and through Limefitt Caravan Park to Troutbeck. We then climb gently up Robin Lane. a track with delightful views, passing Jenkin Crag on the way into Ambleside.

A winter's Amble with Alison & Lesley
6¾ miles (10.9km) with 295ft (90m) Ascent.

Today’s walk is a circular, starting from the car park in Ambleside (toilets available).

We begin with a short road walk North, before we turn South East and make our way to the footbridge over the River Rothay. Keeping the river on our right we follow the road to Pelter Bridge. If the weather allows, we hope to take the lower path along the edge of Rydal Water, to the Weir below Loughrigg Terrace. We then cross the footbridge and continue to the Banner Rigg car park, (on the recce the toilets at the car park were closed). We next cross the A591, and begin to slowly climb (229’) North West until we reach the path to Rydal. Turning East and if the weather is good, we will have a lovely the view of Rydal Water and Loughrigg Fell to our right, before reaching Rydal Hall and continuing down through Rydal Park. Finally we follow the road back into Ambleside where there should be time for a refreshments and/or Christmas shopping. This is a moderately easy walk with good paths. Alison and I would like to wish you all a very Happy Christmas and a Healthy New Year.

06/03/2011 Coach - Keswick

March

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

Skiddaw with Kevin Poole

10 miles (16.1km) with 3000ft (914m) Total Ascent.

Leaving the coaches at Keswick we head towards Applethwaite through fields, passing a couple of unusual trees, one of them upside down. We then move on towards Millbeck where we start to climb, walking alongside Slades Beck with Little Man towering to our right.

From Carlside Tarn we take the lesser used zigzag path up Skiddaw. From the summit of Skiddaw, the fourth highest mountain in England, the views can be panoramic. We head back to Keswick via Little Man, Jenkin Hill and Latrigg.

Lonscale Fell with Barry Mather
9 miles (14.5km) with 2,200ft (671m) Ascent.

From Threlkeld we head towards the Glenderaterra Beck which we follow north then, after crossing a ford, carry on north for a short distance. We then turn left and gradually ascend the Burnt Horse Ridge to Lonscale Fell. From here it's downhill all the way joining the path from Skiddaw to Keswick.

Cumbria Way with Phil & Jim
8 miles (12.9km) with 1440ft (439m) Ascent.

Our walk today starts from a lay-by on the A66, GR300244. We cross the A66 with great care and descend to the former railway track. We now have a steady climb on tracks to Derwentfolds then field paths to the Blencathra Centre: that is most of our climbing for today finished.

We now go north below Blease Fell on good paths, cross over a footbridge and join the Cumbria Way at Guide Stone. We head south and west beneath Lonscale Fell to reach the car park for Skiddaw. Still following the Cumbria Way we drop down beneath Latrigg to Keswick for refreshments and the coaches home. We hope you will enjoy this walk and thank you for your company.

Nichol End via Little Braithwaite with Bill Manning
7½ miles 12km) with 230ft (70m) Ascent.

Starting from the coach park in Keswick we take a left turn at Booths to take the road and then field paths to Storm Bridge at Portinscale. Keeping to the right through the village we soon cross the A66 and join the disused road to reach the Newlands Beck bridge.

Turning left we pass through farmland to Little Braithwaite. A road walk starts by the new bridge until, reaching Uzzicar, we leave the road and make for Newlands Beck. We then continue along the road to Skelgill, the highest point of the walk, with fine views all round. Walking along the road below Cat Bells we come to the Cumbria Way which leads us back to Keswick via Nichol End. There is a café with toilets at Nichol End and launches back to Keswick.