A Walk - Springtime Scramble with John Parkinson
11.9 miles (19.2km) with 2857ft (871m) Total Ascent
We start the walk on the A591 at The Kings Head at Thirlspot leaving behind the Thirlmere reservoir which helps slakes Mancunian thirst via 83 miles of engineering wonder.
An early scramble over Brown Crag will warm us up as we head for the summit of Whiteside. Turning north along the Helvellyn ridge we ascend Raise before descending down to Sticks Pass and a trio of Dodds. These undulating hills, formed of volcanic rock 450 million years ago, we tick off in turn - first Styborrow Dodd, next out to Watson´s Dodd, then the final ascent to Great Dodd. From there we descend across Matterdale Common, briefly joining the Old Coach Road before heading north again to finish at Scales where we await the coach from Keswick.
B+ Walk - Stile End summit 447m (1467ft) via Braithwaite village with Stan Park
11 miles (17.7km) with 800ft (244m) Total Ascent
At the summit of Stile End, you are rewarded with stunning 360 degree views of the north-western Lakes. The ascent starts from the lovely village of Braithwaite, a steady climb but fairly steep in parts. The path to Braithwaite, via Portinscale, is a pleasant trail through countryside.
B Walk - High Rigg & the Stone Circle with Stuart Arnold
8 miles (12.9km) with 1250ft (381m) Total Ascent
We will start the walk at Legbuthwaite on the A591.
We start climbing immediately to Wren Cragg and on to Yew Cragg. From here it is a fairly comfortable undulating path to High Rigg. We then take a nice grassy path down to the Youth Centre at St John´s in the Vale.
We will then visit the Stone Circle before making our way back to Keswick for a well earned beer or cup of tea.
C Walk - Keswick and Castlerigg Stone Circle with Barbara Gilbert & Jan Atkins
5-6 miles (8-9.7km) with 400ft (122m) Total Ascent
The walk starts in Keswick where we cross over the river Greta via a bridge between Upper and Lower Fitz Park and then along part of the railway path and leaving it to continue upwards towards Castlerigg Stone Circle where there are 360 degrees views. Along a track crossing A591 to enter fields before entering woods where there are views of Walla Cragg and Derwent water.
We may add a small addition to the walk time allowing which I think we will have and then returning to Keswick for a much needed cuppa.