16/12/2018 Coach Walk - Grange-Over-Sands

8:00 start with 16:30 return

A Walk - Whitbarrow & Hampsfell with Dave Colbert

11¾ miles (19km) with 2070ft (360m) Total Ascent

This walk is dedicated to the memory of Ken Brooks WCFA, who first led it way back in January 1998. It traverses two distinctive limestone hills of similar height and separated by the broad strath of the River Winster.

We start from Mill Side on the A590 west of Levens and seek out the meandering track through woodland to gain the plateau above Whitbarrow Scar, traversing this north-westward to the large summit cairn at Lord´s Seat (215m/706ft), the highest point on Whitbarrow with magnificent views all round. It´s then down to Witherslack Hall and the track leading through the wooded escarpment of Yewbarrow to the village of Witherslack. Our route continues across the Winster Valley to Lindale and an ascent of the slightly higher Hampsfell (222m/727ft), with its characteristic ‘Hospice’ view finder close to the summit. We finally descend to Grange and the coach by way of Spring Bank.

B+ Walk - Walks with Wolves with Kevin Poole

11½ miles (18.5km) with 1000ft (305m) Total Ascent

Starting at Grange-Over-Sands we head through Eggerslack Wood to Hampsfell. We then follow the Cistercian Way to and through Cartmel near Cark.

Next we head east to Allithwaite and south to Humphrey Head; 15th Century legend states this was the dwelling place of the last wolf in England. After soaking in the atmosphere, we stroll back to Grange-Over-Sands via the Cumbria Coastal Way.

B Walk - Grange-over-Sands and Cartmel with Chris Cook

8 miles (12.9km) with 800ft (244m) Total Ascent

From Grange we head up Windermere Road to find the path to Hampsfield Fell, from there through the woods to Hampsfield Farm. We then progress along the top of the ridge overlooking Morecambe Bay and surrounding country side with its panoramic views. We then continue to the Hospice and onto Cartmel where we re-trace our way back to Grange for a well earned glass of mulled wine or whatever refreshment you require.

HAPPY DAYS.

C Walk - Grange Grand Circular with Roy Smith

5¾ miles (9.2km) with 500ft (152m) Total Ascent

Starting from the ornamental lake we go promenading along Grange front. Once past the old Lido building we walk along the shore line until we are able to cross the railway line. We then follow the side of the railway to Kents Bank. From here we have a combination of green lanes, field track and road walking, until we get to the foot of Fell End. We now have a gradual climb (200 feet) towards Hampsfell. Weather permitting, after our climb we should have excellent views of the lakeland hills and Morecambe Bay. We now head eastwards and downhill, mainly via farm track, back to our start point and refreshments..

13/12/2018 Thursday Car - Garstang

B Walk - Flatliner with Chris Cook 

9½ miles (15.3km) with No Ascent

Meet at St Helen's church Car Park, Churchtown, Nr Garstang (Sat Nav: PR3 0HY), ready for the usual start time of 10.30am.

I'm calling this walk the Flatliner because there's not a hill in site, it´s mostly firm underfoot and unavoidably a little on the road.

From the car park we head south over the River Wyre to Myerscouth through the college and on to Bilsborrow where we join the canal. From there to Catterall where we cross the A6 and follow the River Wyre back to the car park.

HAPPY DAYS.

05/12/2018 Stroller - Christmas Meal

No walk this month.

Christmas meal at The Ley Inn, Back Lane, Clayton-le-Woods (Sat Nav: PR6 7EU).

Meet 12:15am for 12:30pm.

To book contact Roy Smith (Telephone number on programme).

02/12/2018 Sunday Car - Penwortham

B Walk - Penwortham and Beyond with Dorothy Dobson 

7½ miles (12km) with no climbing

Meet at the Cemetery Car Park, off Hill Road (Sat Nav: PR1 9AA), ready for the usual start time of 10.30am.

From the Cemetery car park we make our way to the River Ribble path, crossing Liverpool Road and passing the golf course on the way. We stay on this path for another two miles before leaving the river. Changing direction we head south through the fields to Hutton. There is a little road walking before reaching Penwortham and back to the car park.

21/11/2018 Stroller - Cuerden Valley Park

Walk with Roy
2 to 3 miles with Little Climbing

Each Mid-Week Stroller walk has a destination providing a venue for drinks / snacks / meals etc and starts at 10:30am.

Meet at the car park for Cuerden Valley, that lies behind the Sue Ryder Centre. Drive down Shady Lane, past the entrance to the Sue Ryder Centre, then turn left down Berkeley Lane (car park on right at the end, parking charges apply: £2.20 for us on the day). Afterwards we will eat at the new visitor centre café. Car park and café referenced as PR5 6BY.

18/11/2018 Coach Walk - Sedbergh

8:00 start with 16:30 return

A Walk - Yarlside and The Calf with Dave Colbert

11 miles (18km) with 3450ft (1050m) Total Ascent

Situated between the rugged mountains of the Lake District to the west and the rolling expanse of the Pennines to the east, the Howgill Fells form a compact group of steep-sided, rounded hills. The highest summits lie towards the centre of an extensive upland plateau from which ridges radiate in all directions.

From Sedbergh, we head in a north-easterly direction up the increasingly wild glen of the River Rawthey to Cautley Holme, where the steep slopes of Ben End await. The ridge walk to Yarlside (639m/2,096ft) is short and then it´s straight down into the deep trench of Bowderdale before a further climb takes us up to The Calf (676m/2,219ft). We return to Sedbergh by way of Calders and Arant Haw.

B+ Walk - Cautley Spout and The Calf with Susan Banister

10 miles (16km) with 2300ft (701m) Total Ascent

Todays walk is a strenuous B+ but worth it for the fell top views.

Starting in Sedbergh we head for Cautley passing Hollin Hill, Thursgill and Fawcett Bank with the River Rawthey below on our right. After crossing the footbridge over Cautley Beck we head up towards Cautley Spout waterfall. The path becomes increasingly steep and there are good views of the falls especially after rain.

At the top of the falls we follow Red Gill Beck and pass a sheep fold which has been renovated by the artist Andy Goldsworthy. Continuing to climb we now follow Force Gill Beck until we meet the main fell top path. If time and weather conditions permit we can turn right and walk the short distance up to The Calf which at 676m is the highest point in the Howgill Fells with superb panoramic views.

We then return down the path and continue over Bram Rigg Top to Calders and down Rowantree Grains before joining the Dales High Way dropping back down into Sedbergh.

B Walk - The Rawthey and Dee River Valleys with Tony Ingham

7½ miles (12km) with 800ft (244m) Total Ascent

Leaving the town we immediately climb up to Castle Haw, an 11th century motte and bailey castle. Having inspected the mound, we descend and pick up a path heading east past Underbank, Stone Hall, Hollin Hall, Ellerthwaite and Buckbank. From there we proceed to the banks of the River Rawthey, which we follow south west via Straight Bridge and New Bridge to the hamlet of Millthrop.

At this point we join the Dales Way and climb up to the top of Moser Hill. We then leave the Dales Way and descend to Rash Bridge which spans the River Dee. Following the Dee north westwards we eventually come to Abbot Holme Bridge. We cross this and a golf course to reach Birks, near the confluence of the Dee and Rawthey. We then follow the Rawthey again before leaving it to head north east , past the Sedbergh School buildings and playing fields, back into Sedbergh.

C Walk - Sedbergh Circular with Joyce Bradbury

6.4 miles (10.8km) with 550ft (168m) Total Ascent

Setting off from the coach park in Sedbergh (toilets available) we have a road walk along Howgill Lane to begin. We then drop down, on field paths, to Underwinder then up to Ash-Hining. That is most of our climbing for the day over with. We walk down to Low Braithwaite and along to the River Lune where we join the Dales Way. We follow the Lune southwards before gradually turning eastwards along the River Rawthey, eventually leaving the river to climb back into Sedbergh through Sedbergh School grounds.

08/11/2018 - Thursday Car - Anglezarke

B Walk - Anglezarke with Dave Thornton 

8½ miles (13.6km) with negligible Ascent

Meet at Rivington Hall Barn Car Park (Sat Nav: BL6 7SB Map Ref: GR 633145), ready for the usual start time of 10.30am.

Heading westwards towards Rivington we walk up the eastern side of upper Rivington reservoir and on reaching the top of Anglezarke reservoir we follow the western side until we reach Horobin Lane where we take the footpath to Liverpool castle and then its about a mile back to the car park.

04/11/2018 Sunday Car - Beacon Fell

B Walk - Beacon Fell with Stuart Arnold 

7½ miles (12km) with 500ft (152m) Total Ascent

Meet at the car park on Beacon Fell (Sat Nav: PR3 2NL), ready for the usual start time of 10.30am.

The walk will start from the car park on Beacon Fell. Unfortunately there is a small fee for parking.

Initially we will walk down off the fell through Crombleholme farm and then down through Fell Side farm. Having crossed the Whitechapel road we will cross the fields to Higher Barker Farm. We will then walk close to the cross keys inn which is currently in the process of being renovated into a hotel with motel type accommodation. Our next farm is Lower Trotter Hill which will lead us on near Throstle Nest and then down to the river brock. We will then follow the river Brock up past the scout camp at Waddacre and we will then leave it to reach Wickens barn and then up the road to Heatherways and back to our starting point on Beacon fell.

03/11/2018 Map & Compass Day

Free Event held at The Ley Inn 

Starts 10:00am until 04:00pm.

Includes morning map reading workshop, Lunch, & Afternoon Practical.

This is your chance to learn or brush up on your Map & Compass skills. It is an all day event with the morning spent learning (or brushing up) how to use a map & compass.

After lunch which will be provided by the club - It's time to try out your newly learned skills. Members will be split into teams and then compete to design a ‘Walk’ using a map & given bearings. This will be carried out in the comfort of the Ley Inn, but don't worry, each team will have an experienced leader to offer help if needed.

Meet on The Ley Inn car park, Back Lane, Clayton-le-Woods (Sat Nav: PR6 7EU).

If you would like to attend this great day out, please give your name to Chris Cook or Dorothy Dobson.

21/10/2018 Coach Walk - Staveley via Kirkstone Pass

8:00 start with 17:30 return

A Walk - Stony Cove Pike to Sour Howes with Graham Hogg

12 miles (19.3km) with 2952ft (900m) Total Ascent

Today we have the opportunity to visit some fine hills on the “Kentmere Round”.

Alighting the coach at the Kirkstone Inn (sorry – too early for refreshments !!) we make an initial ascent up to St. Ravens Edge and then to Stoney Cove Pike (763m) before descending carefully into the confines of Threshthwaite Mouth.

From here, we will climb to Thornthwaite Beacon (784m) with its distinctive summit cairn and this will be our highest point today.

Heading south now, along the ridge, we take in the summits of Froswick (720m), Ill Bell (757m) and Yoke (706m) before reaching the Garburn Pass.

The terrain becomes a little easier going as we head across the moorland to Sour Howe (483m) and then head south east to pick up paths and quiet lanes on route back to Staveley and the coach.

B+ Walk - Sour Howes & Sallows with Val Walmsley

13 miles (20.9km) with 1735ft (520m) Total Ascent

Starting from Ings on the A591, we proceed to Hugill Hall before descending into the Kentmere Valley at Browfoot. We now go through the Kentmere Hall Pantation alongside a tarn to eventually reach Kentmere Hall. From here we start a steady climb to the summit of Garburn Pass, continuing on to the summit of Sallows. A short traverse now takes us to Sour Howes with views far and wide overlooking Windermere and the coast. We now descend over Capple Howe on a faint path to join the main path south and the final part of the route into Staveley via Browfoot Lane.

B Walk - Burneside & Plumgarths with Tony Ingham

9½ miles (15.3km) with 600ft (183m) Total Ascent

Leaving Staveley in a south easterly direction we soon pick up the Dales Way and follow it through Cowan Head and Bowston to Burneside, alongside the River Kent for most of the way. We walk through Burneside, crossing the railway at the station, then go through Ellergreen Park and climb up Hollins Lane to the A591, passing the Elba Monument on the way. Crossing the A591 is not easy as it is fast and always very busy.

Plumgarths lies on the other side and from there we head north west to Bank Head and Moss Side, from where we cross Rather Heath to reach Ashes Lane. This soon becomes a track and comes out at Crook Road which we cross to re-join the Dales Way and this takes us north back into Staveley for refreshments and the coach.

C Walk - River Kent and Rather Heath with Joyce Bradbury

6.4 miles (10.3km) with 406ft (124m) Total Ascent

Setting off from Staveley we join the Dalesway eastwards along the River Kent as far as Cowan Bridge. From there we go south-westwards and over the railway to reach the A591. This is always a very busy road so great care must be taken while crossing. We then cross Rather Heath to Ratherheath Lane where we have a short road walk until a path on our right takes us northwards to Ashes. Next comes the A591 again before we go under the railway and back into Staveley for refreshment.

17/10/2018 Stroller - Hurst Green

Walk with Barbara, Margaret and Linda
2 to 3 miles with Little Climbing

Each Mid-Week Stroller walk has a destination providing a venue for drinks / snacks / meals etc and starts at 10:30am.

Meet at the village hall car park (Sat Nav: BB7 9QB), then afterwards at The Bayley Arms which should have reopened by the time of this walk.

This is a gentle, leisurely walk around Hurst Green and Stonyhurst College.

11/10/2018 Thursday Car - Beacon Fell

 

B Walk - Beacon Fell with Stuart and Susan 

8 miles (12.9km) with 500ft (152m) Total Ascent

Meet at the Visitor Centre Car Park (Sat Nav: PR3 2NL), ready for the usual start time of 10.30am.

The walk will start from the car park on Beacon Fell. Unfortunately there is a small fee for parking.

Initially we will walk to the top of the fell where on a good day we will be able to see the whole of the Fylde coast and on a really good day the Lakeland hills. From the top we will drop down to Rigg Lane and then across the fields to Watery Gate farm and on top lower Core farm. Having crossed the road we will then follow the farm track up to Blindhurst farm and across the fields to Higher Fairsnape farm, Holme house and Hazelhurst farm. We will then follow the farm road down to the junction close to Bleasdale tower at Clough Head cottages which was once a reform school. The estate road will then lead us past Brooks Bridge Farm, where a well known sculpter can be found at work. The sculter´s Christian name is Charles Hadcock and his wife is Camilla. An opportunity to bump into “Charles and Camilla”. After Bleasdale school we will drop down to leave the estate road at Higher Brock Mill. We will then traverse the fields to Wickens Barn and after a small road traverse we will proceed to Heatherways and back onto Beacon fell.

07/10/2018 Sunday Car - Slaidburn

B Walk - Slaidburn with Tony Ingham 

7¼ miles (11.7km) with 600ft (183m) Total Ascent

Meet at the pay and display car park in Slaidburn(Sat Nav: BB7 3ES), ready for the usual start time of 10.30am.

From the car park we walk north west through fields to Shay House Farm. It is then east to the Stocks Reservoir Dam where we pick up the permissive path eastwards along the reservoir as far as the road and Dalehead Church and Heritage Centre. After a short stop here we head south westwards to Black House and then Hammerton Hall. From there we continue south back to Slaidburn and the car park. There is a café and village green next to the car park with the Hark to Bounty pub not far away.

23/09/2018 Coach Walk - Kettlewell & Buckden

8:00 start with 17:30 return

A Walk - Kettlewell Killer! with Sandra Robinson

14 miles (22.5km) with 1650ft (503m) Total Ascent

A linear walk starting at Bolton Abbey and following the Dalesway to Kettlewell.

B+ Walk - Old Coot Moor with Kevin Poole

10½ miles (16.9km) with 1500ft (457m) Total Ascent

Leaving the coach at Kettlewell we head up to Old Cote Moor summit ridge. Trekking along this ridge which separates Wharfedale and Littondale gives the opportunity for excellent views of the area. After descending to Buckden Bridge we return to the coach along the Dales Way as it follows the River Wharfe.

B Walk - Yockenthwaite with Chris Cook

9½ miles (15.3km) with 900ft (274m) Total Ascent

We alight the coach at Starbotton. Crossing the River Wharfe we follow it to Huberholme where we recross the river and go onto Yockenthwait. From here we climb to Cray taking in the beautiful views. Crossing some stepping stones over the Beck we have a short climb through Buckden Wood before continuing to Buckden and the Buck Inn.

Happy Days.

C Walk - Kettlewell Circular with Alison & Lesley

4½ miles (7.2km) with 750ft (229m) Total Ascent

This walk has a little more climbing than normal for a 'C' walk, but it is relatively easy and due to the short length of the walk we can take our time.

We begin our walk today from Kettlewell car park (toilets available), walking along Far Lane on our journey to Paradise. We start a slow gently climb up to a path known locally as the 'stiles path' and you can probably guess why as we are in Yorkshire. There are approximately 8 stiles on this stretch to Starbotton, but they are all good solid wall stiles. It is a well trodden, easy path along the hillside, passing Paradise and Cross Wood it follows the River Wharfe in the valley below. Eventually we will arrive in the picturesque village of Starbotton. At this stage we have completed half our walk. We then cross the B6160 near Calf Hill Farm and head down to the river.

Tuning South we begin a slow steady climb through woodland up to Moor End. On a clear day we will be rewarded with good views across the valley. From Moor End we begin our descent along a track back into Kettlewell.

19/09/2018 Stroller - Astley Hall and Park Chorley

Astley Hall and Park Chorley with Bob and Christine
2 to 3 miles with Little Climbing

Each Mid-Week Stroller walk has a destination providing a venue for drinks / snacks / meals etc and starts at 10:30am.

Meet at the Astley Hall car park on Hall Gate road (off Chancery Road) Chorley (Sat Nav: PR7 1XA), then afterwards at Cafe Ambio in the grounds of Astley Hall.

13/09/2018 Thursday Car - Clitheroe

 

B Walk - Clitheroe with Stuart Arnold 

7.5 miles (12km) with no ascent.

Meet at Edisford Bridge car park (Sat Nav BB7 3LA), ready for the usual start time of 10.30am.

The walk starts from the carpark opposite the swimmig baths. We then walk across Edisford bridge and head towards Bashall. After about 200yds we take the style and head across the fields towards Higher Hodder bridge. We cross the bridge and immediately drop down to the river which we then follow all the way to the Lower Hodder bridge.

The next mile is unfortunately on the road until we cross Mitton bridge and immediately turn left past the Aspinall arms. If it's a nice day we can sit by the river bank and have a drink (Leader Pays!!). We then follow the river (Now the Ribble) until we arrive back at our starting point. 

09/09/2018 Sunday Car - Clitheroe

B Walk - Clitheroe with Christine & Norah 

8½ miles (13.6km) with a little climbing nothing too strenuous.

Meet at Pay and Display Car Park opposite the Leisure Centre (Sat Nav: BB7 3LA), ready for the usual start time of 10.30am. - Car park cost: £2.80 for 5 hours.

Leaving from the Car Park this circular walk takes us through the grounds of Waddow Hall, Waddington, Bashall Hall, Edisford Hall and back to Clitheroe.

26/08/2018 Coach Walk - Threlkeld & Keswick via Penrith

August

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

A Walk - Skiddaw: Queen of the North 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 the tourist path.

B+ Walk - Lonscale Fell via Burnt Horse Ridge with Val Walmsley

9½ miles (15.3km) with 2300ft (701m) Total Ascent

From Threlkeld we head for Glenderaterra Beck via the Blencathra Centre and follow it north towards a ford crossing point. Carrying on north west a short distance we take a left turn & gradually ascend Burnt Horse Ridge to Lonscale Fell. We go downhill from here to a point where we join the descending path from Skiddaw. Continuing on we deviate to take in Latrigg before taking a path from the top that descends to join Cumbria Way back into Keswick.

B Walk - Blease Fell and Cumbria Way with Dorothy Dobson

8½ miles (13.6km) with 1200ft (366m) Total Ascent

We leave the coach on the A66 at Threlkeld and take a lane to Wescoe, cross pastureland to Blencathra Outdoor Centre. From here we head north making steady progress along a good track for quite a way.

Skirting Blease Fell, we cross by a Ford to go south to join the Cumbria Way. It is undulating for a while, eventually passing under the west side of Latrigg, to make a gradual descent to Keswick.

C Walk - Derwent Water with Peter Stevens

5¼ miles (8.4km) with 394ft (120m) Total Ascent

The Railway path from Threlkeld to Keswick had not been walked by the club since 2005 and with it now being three years since the 2015 floods (the bridge and tunnel was damaged), it was time we did this beautiful walk again. Unfortunately when we came to recce the walk, we found that it still wasn't open and that they were trying to raise the sum of 5 million pounds to repair the route. In the end it was decided to repeat the walk that Alison and Lesley had done last year.

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.

From the Theatre we make our way back to Keswick and the coach park. This is a leisurely walk with beautiful scenery and the paths are good.