A Walk - Helvellyn and The Dodds with Dave Colbert
11¾ miles (19km) with 4050ft (1230m) Total Ascent
The mountain range of which Helvellyn is the dominant height extends northwards from Grisedale Tarn for over 12 kilometres to the village of Threlkeld and forms the greatest area of high fells in the Lake District.
This walk traverses much of this range, taking in seven ‘Wainwright’ summits, beginning with an ascent of Helvellyn (950m/3,116ft) itself from Highpark Wood on the eastern shore of Thirlmere by way of Helvellyn Gill and Browncove Crags. It´s then north from Lower Man over White Side (863m/2,832ft) and Raise (883m/2,896ft) to the Sticks Pass, a natural escape route down into St John´s in the Vale in case of inclement weather. We will hopefully continue over Stybarrow Dodd (843m/2,765ft) and across Watson´s Dodd to Great Dodd (857m/2,811ft), thence past the rocky outcrop of Calfhow Pike to our final summit, Clough Head (726m/2,382ft). A grassy rake makes for an interesting descent to Wanthwaite and the road to Threlkeld. Although strenuous, this is a magnificent traverse consistently above 750 metres with stunning views if clear.
B+ Walk - Blencathra - the Saddleback with Kevin Poole
8 miles (12.87km) with 2700ft (762m) Total Ascent
Today´s walk starts and ends in Threlkeld. Although the walk has a lot of climbing. The ascent is mainly gradual. At one point in the walk you will need at least three points of contact as you negotiate a small scramble.
This is not an easy B+ but well worth the effort for some amazing views of the Northern fells.
B Walk - Great How with Barry Mather
8 miles (12.9km) with 1000ft (305m) Total Ascent
We set off from Legburtwaite and after carefully crossing the A 591 we head towards the bridge over St Johns Beck and on to Smaithwaite. Then after skirting a wood we cross the A 591 again. We then head for Dale Bottom Caravan Site then join the road to St John's church. We then have a short climb over Low Rigg and after passing Tewet Tarn head for the old disused railway line. Following the River Glenderamackin we arrive at Threlkeld.
C Walk - Thirlmere & St John's in the Vale with Joyce & Maurice
6.2 miles (10.2km) with 580ft (177m) Total Ascent
We leave the coach at the Swirls car park (toilets available) and drop down to the shore of Thirlmere. We follow a permissive path northward, leaving the lake to pass east of Great How (the two short steepish climbs here mean that most of the climbing has now been done) and arrive at Legburthwaite. We will have lunch somewhere around here.
A rather stony track along and above St John´s Beck (care needed here) brings us to Low Bridge End Farm. Thereafter we follow field paths, initially near the beck as far as Bridge House, all the way to Threlkeld Bridge. At this point we follow the road into Threlkeld. Unlike most of our walks there are not many stiles!