18/12/2016 Coach - Hawkshead via Ambleside

December

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

Loughrigg & Black Fell with Graham Hogg

11 miles (18km) with 2362ft (720m) Total Ascent.

From Ambleside Rugby Club (A5075) we cross the River Rothay and head on a quiet lane to Brow Head Farm before making towards the summit of Loughrigg Fell 1099ft (335m). From the summit we'll descend to Loughrigg Tarn and then head on back roads to Skelwith Bridge to pick up the Cumbria Way footpath, following this until reaching Stang End. Heading south towards Hodge Close there is a little known but interesting diversion that we can take into Parrock Quarry. Taking a careful line of descent down to the quarry floor we are suddenly confronted by two huge openings in the quarry face ahead of us. These lead through into the neighbouring Hodge Close quarry and present us with the opportunity to explore the industrial archaeology and the grandeur of Hodge Close from a different perspective than usual. From the quarry its off over High Oxen Fell to the A593 and then to the summit of Black Crag 1059ft (323m). Our descent is towards Borwick Lodge and then quiet lanes to Hawkshead and the coach.

Latterbarrow and Lake Windermere with Dave Thornton
9.4miles (15.2km) with 1000ft (304m) Total Ascent.

We first head eastwards across fields to Colthouse and then start a gentle climb over a bridleway to Claife Heights. Heading north we reach the summit of Latterbarrow, a possible lunch stop. This hill, on the side of Windermere affords wonderful views of the water and the surrounding mountains. We leave Latterbarrow and head north east and then south east towards Long Heights and then descend to the lake shore at Belle Grange Bay. Heading northwards along the lake side we reach Wray Castle and then head back to Hawkshead via Blelham Tarn and Outgate.

Remember folks this is mid-December so the walk may need revising on the day.

There should be time to explore Hawkshead and have a look around the shops and possibly enjoy some liquid refreshment.

Blelham Tarn and Wray Castle with Chris Cook
8 miles (12.9km) with 600ft (183m) Total Ascent.

We leave the car park at Hawkshead and head for Croft Head. We continue northward via Cragg Wood to Hole House. Passing Blelham Tarn we follow a path to Wray Castle. We then follow a path west of Blelham Tarn to Spicka Coppice to reach Outgate where we go to Knipe Fold. Across fields to Skinner Lane and back to Hawkshead. Happy days.

Goosey Foot Tarn with Tony Ingham
5 miles (8.1km) with 600ft (183m) Total Ascent.

Although the total climbing on this walk is a bit above the guidelines, I hope that is compensated for by a total lack of stiles.

From Hawkshead we make our way north west to Hawkshead Hill on the Tarn Hows path. After a mile we leave this and turn south to ascend to Grizedale Forest where we eventually reach Goosey Foot Tarn, which is really a disused reservoir but it looks so natural. This is a peaceful spot for lunch. We continue further south into the forest before following a bridleway eastwards to Moor Top, passing Juniper Tarn on the way. We cross a road and continue east to High Barn. From there we descend to the Newby Bridge to Hawkshead Road and walk along that northwards for a short distance to Howe Farm and proceed from there, still heading north, through Roger Ground back into Hawkshead.

23/10/2016 Coach - Grasmere

 

October

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

Fairfield & Seat Sandal with Dave Colbert
9 miles (15km) with 3600ft (1100m ) Total Ascent.

Starting from Rydal we head for Fairfield (873m/2863ft) along the western arm of the classic Fairfield ‘Horseshoe’ walk, initially climbing Nab Scar before traversing the broad ridge from Heron Pike along Rydal Fell and over Great Rigg.  Following the steep plunge to Grisedale Hause, an easy scramble leads to the flat-topped summit of Seat Sandal (737m/2417ft), from where we descend by way of its south-west ridge and Little Tongue Gill to Mill Bridge and the road to Grasmere.

Great Rigg & Heron Pike with Colin Manning
8.8 miles (14.2km) with 2450ft (747m) Total Ascent.

A good high level B+ walk today taking in part of the Fairfield Horseshoe.

Starting from Grasmere we head through the village and across the A591 to head up to Stone Arthur and on to Great Rigg (2513ft/766m). From here we descend for a short while before a gentle climb back up to Heron Pike (2008ft/612m). From here it's all down hill all the way to Rydal via the scenic Wainwright viewing point of Nab Scar (1476ft/450m). Once down at Rydal Hall we cross back over the A591 for a nice easy walk along the water side path around Rydal Water under Loughrigg Fell and on past Grasmere 'Lake' all the way back in to Grasmere Village and the coach.

Silver How with Barry Mather
7 miles (11.4km) with 1700ft (518m) Total Ascent.

As we leave Grasmere we pass the 13th century church of St Oswald, named after a 7th century king of Northumberland. We then follow the driveway to Allan  Bank, home of William Wordsworth in 1808 for two years. From here we start the ascent to the summit of Silver How. With most of the serious climbing out of the way we drop down over Dow Bank to Loughrigg Terrace. We then walk round Rydal Water passing the man made Rydal Cave where slate was quarried for roof tiles, then passing Dora's Field by St Mary's church Rydal.  We go by Rydal Mount, another of Wordsworth's homes from 1830 until his death in 1850. We then follow the coffin route, probably Wordsworth's last journey, then passing the most famous of Wordsworth's home Dove Cottage. He must have been a big fan of Homes Under The Hammer, arriving back at Grasmere.

Ambleside to Grasmere via Glen Rothay with Bill Manning
5 miles (8km) with 394ft (120m) Total Ascent.

We start from the main car park at Ambleside (toilets) and take the lane at the mini roundabout leading to Low Sweden Bridge. Shortly we join the track up to Rydal Hall. Leaving here, we make our way down to the A591 where we cross over by the Badger Hotel. Passing through Steps End Woodland and Jobson Close by the side of Rydal water, we have a short climb on to Loughrigg Terrace and Redbank wood to meet the lane at the Wyke leading to Grasmere. From here you can join me on an extra walk around Grasmere village if you like.

03/07/2016 Coach - Pateley Bridge via Grassington

July

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

Pateley Challenge with Sandra Robinson
Miles / km with ft / m Total Ascent

No details available.

Nidderdale Way & Brimham Rocks with Val Walmsley
9 miles (14.5km) with 825ft (250m) Ascent.

The walk today, for a B+ is relatively easy, but a look round Brimham Rocks with its fantastic prehistoric rock formations are worthy of spending a little time absorbing them.

The walk, which starts and ends in Pateley Bridge (toilets available), follows the river Nidd westerly for approximately 2½ miles, before leaving it to climb north east passing Knox Hall to Smelthouses, and then passed High Wood Farm to reach Brimham Rocks. This is one of the highest points in the area (978ft – 301mtr) and affords an excellent view of the surrounding countryside. A Café and Museum about the history of the rocks should be open, so we can spend a little time here before turning west and heading back. Leaving the rocks, we head north for a short while before joining the Nidderdale Way which we follow back to Pateley Bridge and the waiting coaches.

The Nidd & Nidderdale Way with Peter Stevens
7miles (11.25km) with 948ft (289m) Total Ascent

Todays walk starts and ends in Pateley Bridge (toilets available), with quite varied walking from moorland to river walking to almost tropical woodland passing small hamlets on the way. The climbing is mainly gradual and is spread over a distance.

Starting from the car park, we follow the river Nidd westerly for approximately 2½ miles to Smelthouses, where we join the Nidderdale Way. We now climb north east through a quite densely wooded area to Mill House. From here we turn north west and continue to follow the Nidderdale way back to Pateley Bridge. On this section we will pass through some beautiful little hamlets with water wheels, retro signs, Llamas and panoramic views of the valley below.

Yorkshire Mix with Alison & Lesley
6miles (9.7km) with 574ft (175m) Total Ascent

The majority of this walk is on good paths, mainly small lanes and tracks. The climbing is very gradual and there are very few stiles.

Leaving Pateley Bridge we walk north through the park on the West side of the river Nidd. Veering left towards Brigg House we continue across small fields to a road. After a quick pause to view the water wheel we begin to walk along Grange Lane. Taking the first footpath on our left we follow Ashfold Side Beck and begin a gentle climb up through the caravan parks, with pleasant views behind us.

Joining the Nidderdale Way, the path leads us up to the mines, where we weave our way through a couple of small spoil heaps. Still following the path as it begins to turn southeast at Providence House, we begin our slow descent, if it’s a clear day there should be good views across the valley. Passing Ladies Riggs, before reaching Eagle Hall we turn left and cut across the fields into Bridgehouse Gate and back once again to Pateley Bridge.

10/04/2016 Coach - Keswick & Borrowdale

April

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

Dale Head & Hindscarth with Dave Colbert

11miles (18km) with 3600ft (1100m) Total Ascent

We start from Grange in Borrowdale and immediately head for High Spy (653m/2,143ft) by way of a breach in its crags known as High White Rake. Note that if the clag is down we will follow an alternative route to Dalehead Tarn past Castle Crags. From Dalehead Tarn, a steep ascent above Dalehead Crags leads to Dale Head, at 753m/2470ft the highest point of the walk and for those interested in geology the boundary between the Skiddaw Slates to the north and the volcanic rocks of the central Lake District to the south. Our route then continues westward along the narrow Hindscarth Edge before veering northward to the summit of Hindscarth itself (727m/2,385ft). A lengthy descent along the narrow ridge from High Crags to Scope End leads down into the Newlands Valley where hopefully the bridge across Newlands Beck at the Goldscope mines survived the recent deluge. We head to Keswick via Skelgill, Overside Wood and Stormwater Bridge at Portinscale, which I am reliably informed is still there!

High Spy & Cat Bells with Dave Thornton
9¼ miles (15km) with 2000ft (610m) Total Ascent.

This is a linear walk starting at Seatoller and finishing in Keswick. Most of the climbing is at the start and we then follow a ridge which weather permitting will give us excellent views of the Borrowdale valley and Derwent Water.

We start off on the Allerdale Ramble heading northwards and then follow Tongue Gill past Rigghead Quarries and then on to High Spy (653m) the highest point of the walk. We continue on the ridge to Maiden Moor and Cat Bells. We descend on Skellgill Bank and enter a wooded area, Fawe Park and then pass through Portinscale and on to Keswick.

Ashness Bridge & Walla Crag with Tony Ingham
7½miles (12km) with 1200ft (365m) Total Ascent

The intention was to do a nice flat walk at Applethwaite, as specified in the programme, but the loss of footbridges in the winter floods around Keswick has meant this has not been possible. So we will have to climb a bit instead.

Departing from Keswick town centre, we head south alongside Derwentwater to Great Wood in Borrowdale. From here we continue south to Ashness Bridge and it is from this point that the climbing begins. We rise to the top of Walla Crag at 1245ft. We have then bagged a Wainwright and the views from up there are superb (on a clear day!). We then descend to Rakefoot. From this point we should have gone back via Castlerigg, but the path that way is closed due to the destruction of yet another footbridge. Fortunately we can divert to miss this one and proceed along quiet residential roads back into Keswick.

Cumbria Way: Grange to Keswick with Joyce Bradbury
6 miles (9.7km) with 300ft (91m) Total Ascent

Recced on a wet and windy Maundy Thursday. Not many signs of the disastrous floods until after Portinscale. An undulating walk with no stiles and little mud. Some road walking but mainly gritty forest tracks.

We leave the coach at Grange Bridge to cross into Grange where there are toilets. We make for the Cumbria Way and passing through Manesty Park and Brandelhow Park, we reach Hawse End. From here we go through Overside Wood and skirt Fawe Park to arrive at Nichol End. This may still be closed although they seemed to be on top of the flood damage. Now we go into Portinscale to see how the other half live before crossing the footbridge onto the path through the devastated fields to Keswick, the coaches and refreshments. 

14/02/2016 Coach - Coniston via Newby Bridge

 

February

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

Finsthwaite & Carron Crag with Graham Hogg
11¾ miles (19km) with 2033ft (620m) Total Ascent

Today we leave the coach at the Newby Bridge Hotel bus stop layby, affording us a reasonably early start and the rare opportunity to traverse the Furness Fells in a linear walk to Coniston.

Crossing first the River Leven, outflow from Lake Windermere and then the Lakeside and Haverthwaite railway line, we head towards the hamlet of Finsthwaite. From here it is uphill to High Dam and Great Green Hows before descending to the small settlements of Crosslands and Rusland. We enter the southern reaches of Grizedale Forest at Force Forge Farm. Through various forest paths, tracks and careful navigation (no running off at the front please!) we should all arrive at Carron Crag 1030ft (314m) our highest point on the walk. Views from here are particularly extensive towards the Central Fells and there is a large sculpture, one of over 40 within the forest, which provides a splended photo opportunity. Also for those into the pursuit of "letterboxing" (outdoor hobby that combines elements of orienteering, art and puzzle solving) I am informed that from the trig point and 70 paces on a bearing of 335 degrees leads to large standing stone type bolder. A further 5 paces away under a rock in a small cave behind stones is the "letter box" containing the mystery treasure. Feel free to try and solve the mystery while we have a break! There is plenty more forest to enjoy on our way to How Head and the northern reaches of Coniston Water before a final stretch on the road into Coniston village.

Wetherlam with Colin Manning
8¾miles (14.1km) with 2400ft (732m) Total Ascent

Starting from Coniston we head up towards Lever Waters beck which we follow for a short way. We turn off at Hole Rake and climb up towards Wetherlam via Red Gill Head Moss and Lower Howes. Reaching the top of Wetherlam (762m/2500ft) we turn to follow Wetherlam edge until we reach a path descending towards Hawk Rigg. Continuing our descent on a winding path down to Tiberthwaite Gill and on to disused quarries to reach Yewdale Fells. Our final descent steepens from here to Far End and the road back in to Coniston. Recent weather conditions may cause the route or walk to be changed if necessary.

Torver, Beckstone & Back with Roy Smith
7 miles (11.4km) with 700ft (213m) Total Ascent

From the village of Coniston we make our way to Bowmanstead, crossing the main road to move south west. We gradually start to move uphill towards Bleathwaite Pasture from where we, weather permitting, should be granted wonderful views over Coniston Water to the east and the Old Man of Coniston to the west. Continuing upwards through open pasture, we eventually arrive at Torver Beck, which we then follow downstream to the hamlet of Little Arrow. From here we walk on to Torver, before winding our way downhill to Coniston Water, on our way passing through Torver Common Wood. Once at the lakeside we are able to walk along the woodland and open tracks, part of the "Cumbria Way", back to Coniston.

To Coniston via the Cumbria Way with Joyce Bradbury
5½ miles (8.9km) with 607ft (185m) Total Ascent

We begin our walk from Brown Howe car park shortly before Torver. We climb steadily on a well maintained farm track to the base of Tottle Bank. When we reach the farm gate after about a mile, most of the day's climbing has been done. We turn left along a grassy bridle path and soon, if the weather is kind, we have a magnificent view of the Old Man, Dow Crags, Walna Scar and the Furness Fells. Now at our highest point we descend to Sunny Bank Farm where we have a brief road walk before a short sharp climb takes us to the Cumbria Way. We drop down to the lake and have just over a mile of undulating single file track where we need to be careful on exposed tree roots. The last two miles are flat, on well maintained paths with the lake to our right and the hills to our left. As of last Friday there was plenty of mud and water, not only in the lake!

17/01/2016 Coach - Hayfield

 

January

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

A Walk – Stacks O' Fun with Sandra Robinson
13 Miles / 21km with 2500ft / 762m Total Ascent

From New mills join the sett valley trail then go to little Hayfield and Kinder Reservoir and onto Pennine bridleway to Kinder downfall and kinder scout. Next Jacobs ladder and back to hayfield.

B+ Walk – Kinder Scout with Barry Mather
10 Miles / 16.1km with 2200ft / 671m Total Ascent

We leave Hayfield heading north on the ominously named Snake Path, remembering to keep our trousers tucked into our socks. We then head east following a path above Kinder Reservoir. After about a mile we climb William Clough to the ridge of Kinder Scout where we meet the Pennine Way, which we follow to the impressive Kinder Downfall. We then head to the trig point at Kinder Low.
From here we descend passing the medieval wayside Edale Cross then crossing over Oaken Clough we descend to Bowden Bridge and follow the road to Hayfield, passing the quarry where Benny Rothman and his followers started their mass trespass in 1932, which helped to make it possible for us to walk this area today. Following the River Kinder we arrive back in Hayfield.

Happy New Year.

B Walk – Lantern Pike & Middle Moor with Chris Cook
7½ Miles / 12km with 1640ft / 499m Total Ascent

This walk is in two sections. Terrain is good paths and tracks but can be challenging. There are toilets at the car park.

We leave the car park following the Sett Valley Trail to Birch Vale and then take the Pennine Bridle Way to Lantern Pike. We then head to Knarrs after which we cross the A624 and follow the path over Middle Moor to Shooting Cabin. Bearing right down Snake Path we head back to Hayfield. Happy days!

C Walk – Sett Valley Trail with Tony Ingham
6 Miles / 9.7km with 500ft / 153m Total Ascent

From Hayfield we head west along a disused railway track known as the Sett Valley Trail. This tree lined path passes through Birch Vale and Thornsett and after 2.5 miles, reaches New Mills where we turn south-east along a minor road which soon becomes a bridleway, terminating at Moor Lodge. Here we proceed north east across moorland to a TV mast and from there we descend back to Hayfield where I have checked that there will be cafes, pubs and even a chip shop open for our custom as we await the departure of the coach.