February
8:00 Start with 17:00 (5:00pm) Return
8¾ miles (14km) with 3117ft (950m) Total Ascent
Avoiding the distractions of central Keswick, the A walk today will start just after the roundabout turn off from the A66 onto the A5271. From here we head for Briar Rigg to join the Cumbria Way. The path skirts around the Western slopes of Latrigg, steadily climbing to the head of Gale Gill. If the weather and ground conditions are favourable, we'll now head uphill to Skiddaw Little Man (2841ft/866m) and on to Skiddaw main summit (3054ft/931m). Our descent route will be via Carlside, down to Millbeck and then on to Applethwaite before returning to Keswick town centre for a well earned brew!
8 miles (12.9km) with 2274ft (693m) Total Ascent
An easier route up an old classic Lake District fell, we start our walk from the lay-by just before Scales. We pass through Lowside towards Mousthwaite Combe before heading up the grassy slope of Scales Fell all the way to the top of Blencathra. We then descend to Knowe Crag and on down to Blencathra Centre. Our walk then continues down the peaceful country lane through Brundholme wood all the way to the A66 footbridge, which we cross over and head back in to Keswick for the coaches.
8½ miles (13.7km) with 1200ft (366m) Total Ascent
We alight the bus at Threlkeld and make to Wescoe and Blencathra Centre where we make steady progress under Blease Fell to join the Cumbria Way. From here the path is undulating back to Keswick. Happy Days!
5¼ miles (8.4km) with 394ft (120m) Total Ascent
Our walk begins today from the coach park in Keswick. Walking along the main street (brief stop for toilets), we take the footpath South East passing Castlehead Wood and continuing through Springs Wood. This is a gradual, slow climb and on a clear day there should good views of the valley. Turning South West we then enter Great Wood from which we descend to cross Borrowdale Road. This brings us to the shores of Derwent Water and from here we will follow the waters edge North West, passing The Ings, Friars Crag, and the Boat House. Turning West at the Theatre we then follow the path around Town Cass back to the coach park. This is a leisurely walk with beautiful scenery and the paths are good.