8:00 start with 17:30 return
11 miles (17.7km) with 3500ft (1067m) Total Ascent
Leaving the coach at Dockray we head up the road towards High Row and on to a cycle track to Groovebeck Fold. From here we head up over Matterdale Common all the way up to Great Dodd. Our high level walk takes us over Watson Dodd, Stybarrow Dodd and Raise, before reaching our ultimate goal of Helvellyn.
Our planned decent is via the rocky ridge of Swirrel Edge and over the distinct peak of Catstye Cam before following the traditional valley path alongside Birkhoise Moor all the way back in to Glenridding. If the weather is bad we can descend a safer way, via Red Screes, avoiding Swirrel Edge.
8 miles (12.9km) with 2500ft (762m) Total Ascent
Today´s walk starts in Patterdale. After passing waterfall wood we climb up to the ridge consisting of Black Crag, Birks, The Cape and St Sunday Crag. Weather permitting great views will reward your exertion.
We then descend to the mystical Griesdale Tarn. After soaking in the atmosphere we walk down the valley, until paths take us to Glenridding and the coaches.
Any regular B+ walker should be fit enough to enjoy this route.
9 miles (14.5km) with 650ft (198m) Total Ascent
We leave the coach on the Dockray Road and walk along a disused (honest!) army firing range to the foot of Great Mell Fell. When I reccied the walk I climbed it, but, as it would add a very steep and boggy 700 ft climb to the total, I have decided that you might enjoy it more if we walk round the undulating base of the Fell, on the southern flank, to Brownrigg Farm. From there we will head south west to Matterdale End. It is then south east to Ulcat Row where we turn to go south to Aira Force. From there we take a newly formed path, part of the circuit round Ullswater, and this leads south west and south for 3 miles to Glenridding and the coach.
5 miles (8km) with 150ft (45m) Total Ascent
Starting from Dockray we take the track to our left along this splendid Valley, passing the farm and barn we turn right. After passing through the gate, at this point the track becomes rough and undulated continuing we pass along side of High Force, shortly we fork right at a junction leading to 76 steps down to Aira Force.
After lunch we climb out from here before crossing over the beck to follow the track to the information centre and cafe by the A592. Turning right we walk along the Ullswater Way to Glenridding, a few climbs along the route. Extra walk when reaching Glenridding after refreshments.