May
8:00 Start with 17:30 (5:30pm) Return
A Walk - Blencathra & the Back o´ Skiddaw with Graham Hogg
10½ miles (17km) with 2700ft (826m) Total Ascent
Today we have the opportunity for a splendid linear walk across Blencathra, Mungrisdale Common and the vast area often referred to as the “Back o´ Skiddaw” on route to Bassenthwaite village.
We depart the coach from the A66 Layby at Lowside. A slight back track along the A66 enables us to join a footpath that climbs steadily into Mousthwaite Comb and then steeply along the crest of Scales Fell to the summit of Blencathra, standing at 868m above sea level. From here we turn north to Atkinson Pike (845m) before striking off in a north westerly direction over Mungrisdale Common towards the Cloven Stone. The stone is a fascinating feature and as its name indicates it is roughly the shape of a large cloven hoof.
Heading downhill we soon join the Cumbria Way, passing Skiddaw House Youth Hostel before climbing again slightly to contour the flanks of Great and Little Calva.
It is a straightforward route downhill from the Whitewater Dash waterfall all the way to Bassenthwaite via Peter House Farm.
B+ Walk - Cumbria Way & Whitewater Dash with Dave Thornton
10.4 miles (16.75km) with 1410ft (430m) Total Ascent
Starting in Great Crosthwaite on the outskirts of Keswick, we first head eastwards to Briar Rigg where we then start a gradual climb on the Cumbria Way around the base of Latrigg. For those with eyes in the back of their head there are superb views over Derwent Water and Cat Bells. We continue northwards along the Cumbria Way passing Skiddaw House and Whitewater Dash (waterfall). Passing between Cockup and Black Nettle Hause we begin our descent leaving the fells behind us and pass Peter House Farm and finish in Bassenthwaite for some well earned refreshments.
B Walk - Binsey with Judith & Stuart
8½ miles 13.4km) with 1400ft (427m) Total Ascent
We leave Bassenthwaite and cross farmland to reach Kestrel Lodge. Here we join the Cumbria way as we pass through Whitefield Wood and on to Orthwaite where we turn north to Overwater Hall and the foot of Binsey.
Here we will climb the 600ft to the top where we will have wonderful views of the surrounding countryside. Descending we will reach High Bewaldeth. A short walk on the road will then allow us to descend through Robin Hood Wood back into Bassenthwaite.
C Walk - Allerdale Ramble with Bill Manning
6 miles (9.7km) with 425ft (130m) Total Ascent.
Starting from Bassenthwaite we leave by walking up the lane to join field paths taking us to Peter House Farm. Here, we continue down the lane to meet the track at Melbecks which passes through woodland by a disused pit. We then drop down to Hole House before our first climb takes us up to Barkbeth.
From here we will have fine views of Bassenthwaite Lake before we cross over the A591 where, passing through farm land, Mire Side and Scarness, we join the Allerdale Ramble itself. We leave this path to head up to Kilnhill to meet the lane back to Bassenthwaite. The Sun Inn will be open for food and drinks.