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