A Walk - Great Burney and Blawith Fells with Graham Hogg
13¼ miles (21.5km) with 2650ft (800m) Total Ascent
We alight the coach on the A5092 Kirkby Moor road (at the entrance to the Burlington Slate Quarry). Heading north across open moorland we make for our first (and highest) summit of the day – Great Burney (298m).
From here, we visit Little Burney (215m) and Subberthwaite Common before ascending Blawith Knott (248m). We follow a northeast heading for a while until reaching the tranquil setting of Beacon Tarn before climbing again to reach the summit of the Beacon itself (255m). Definitely time for a brew and photos on top – the dramatic views suddenly open up and we´ll enjoy a grand vista down the full length of Coniston Water.
Turning west now our next top is Yew Bank from where we descend to Haveriggholme and Troughton Hall. The last main climb of the day will be up Cat Bank before following paths through the forestry plantation to Hawk Bridge.
From here we head to Wallenrigg and Moss Side Farm before linking up with the disused railway line path which takes us all the way back into Broughton in Furness and some well deserved refreshments!
B+ Walk - Furness Feet Warmer with Val Walmsley
12 miles (19km) with 550ft (167m)+ Total Ascent
Leaving Gawthwaite we join the Cumbria Way going south to Broughton Beck and Newbiggin. From here we head north to Kirkby Slate Road going round Blade Moss in a westerly direction to the Stone Circle. We now approach Kirkby-in-Furness via Beck Side and Sand Side. Here we join the Cumbria Coastal Way on our way back looking westwards to Duddon Sands.
An extra climb can be added over High Moor or Gunson Hill - time permitting.
B Walk - The two rivers or two valleys walk with Judith & Stuart
9 miles (15km) with 950ft (290m) Total Ascent
We recced this walk one way round which left a hilly bit at the end of the walk. We will now try backwards way round so that the long descent is at the end of the walk. Please excuse any leadership errors.
Initially we will walk through the Broughton Tower estate across to Manor Farm, here we will cross our first valley that of the river Lickle then up to Lower Bleansley, Middle Bleansley and then back across the valley to the Hagg and then on Lower Hawthwaite. In our recces this farm was described as the dirty farm by one lady and shit house corner by another. The walk then leads across to a sheepfold and on to the old school house now converted into a very desirable residence. From here we pass through Moss Side Farm past Brookside and into Burntstead wood. We then cross the 2nd valley bottom that of Galloper Pool across to Ringhouse farm and up to Thornthwaite and Woodland Hall. We then descend via Thornthwaite Latter Rigg recrossing the valley of Kirkby Pool across to west End farm and our return into Broughton in Furness. The views on this walk across to the Irish sea are fantastic and we might even see some deer. We saw five on our recce.
C Walk - Hot Stuff in Furness with Alison & Lesley
6 miles (9.65km) with 260ft (80m) Total Ascent
We start our walk in Broughton in Furness (toilets available) and as our walk name suggests, we are hoping for hot weather. Heading North East, across the fields, we bypass Wall End and continue through the wood, turning left along the road. Rejoining the path on our right, we cross the moss to Thornthwaite Latter Rigg. Taking the lower path between Thornthwaite Latter Rigg and Latter Rigg, we will hopefully enjoy the view across the valley. A gradual climb towards Ringhouse Farm leads us to a small path North East into Row Ridding Wood.
After a pleasant walk through the wood, we walk along the road in the direction of Rosthwaite and on through Buttstead Wood. Continuing South East along the road for a short while, we join the old railway line which we then follow back into Broughton in Furness.