05/02/2012 Coach Ilkley via Skipton

 

February

8:30 Start with 17:00 (5:00pm) Return.

Beamsley Beacon with Dave Colbert
12 miles (19km) with 1770ft (540m) Total Ascent.

Please note that if it is windy, this walk may not be suitable for any club members who follow the fortunes of Stockport County.

From Addingham we cross the Wharfe and tackle Beamsley Beacon head on, following the well-defined ridge to Round Hill, at 409m/1,342ft the highest point of the walk and a tad higher than t’moor opposite. The lengthy descent from Little Gate along Lippersley Ridge leads to Ellarcarr Pike, from where a meandering route by way of Dunkirk, Smithy Lane and West Park Wood will hopefully bring us to the settlement of Middleton and a short descent to re-cross the Wharfe at Ilkley.

Addingham High Moor with Dave Thornton
10 miles (16km) with 1132ft (345m) Total Ascent.

Starting in Ilkley we first go south along the Dales Way Link until we meet the Milennium Way which we follow westwards past the Swastika Stone, thought to be of Bronze Age origin.

Turning south on Long Ridge End, a part of Addingham High Moor, we walk to the edge of the forest and then turn south east along a 'not so dry' path to West Buck Stones. We continue to the Wireless Station at Whetstone Gate and then along a newly constructed path to the highest point on Ilkley Moor at 402m/1319ft.

We return to Ilkley via the 12 Apostles Stone Circle and the Cow and Calf rocks.

Ebor Way with Chris Cook
9miles (14.5km) with 1200ft (366m) Total Ascent.

We climb southwards out of Ilkley then, once we have left the town behind, pick up the Ebor / Dales Way which we follow along the ridge, with views over the River Wharfe, until we reach the Millennium Way. We now turn westwards over Burley Moor and follow the Millennium Way to Horncliffe.

From here we make for the Dales Way Link and head back into Ilkley.

Dales Way with Joyce Bradbury
6.3miles (10.1km) with 230ft (70m) Total Ascent.

The Dales Way is some 84 miles long, from Ilkley to Bowness, mainly along river valleys; the C walk is a short section from Lobwood House to Ilkley in the other direction.

We begin our walk just past the Chelker Reservoir on the A65: no toilets apart from alfresco I’m afraid. We set off on field paths more or less on the level before descending steeply (450 ft /137m) to Lobwood House. Here we join the Dales Way which we follow all the way to Ilkley along the River Wharfe. The route is mainly flat with three short stepped rises to add interest! The ground was frozen solid during the recce so there may well be mud in places. There are some lovely views and several stiles – all well maintained. You may see crocuses, snowdrops and even a beach – we did!

11/12/2011 Coach - Ambleside

December

8:00 Start with 16:30 (4:30pm) Return

Scandale Horseshoe with Graham Hogg

10 miles (16km) with 3280ft (1000m) Total Ascent.

From Ambleside we make for Low Sweden Bridge and commence the ascent of the ridge to High Pike (2152ft/656m). Upon reaching 2428ft/740 metres altitude we will contour to High Bakestones before descending to the head of the Scandale Pass.

From here, it's a long climb to the summit of Red Screes (2546ft/776m), our final summit of the day. A straight forward descent takes us to Snarker Pike before we join the Kirkstone Road for the short walk back into Ambleside and a well earned brew.

Red Screes & Scandale with Colin Manning
9 miles (14.5km) with 2400ft (731m) Ascent.

From Ambleside we start our walk up a quiet lane towards Seathwaite and on up Stockghyll Force waterfalls. We rejoin the road further up until we turn off to go past Roundhill Farm to join the Kirkstone Road. We have a short uphill walk here to reach field paths marking our ascent of Red Screes.

We follow field paths, via Snarker Pike and Raven Crag, all the way to the summit of Red Screes (2546ft/776m). From here our descent starts off easy and is fairly straightforward all the way to the Scandale Pass. Care needs to be taken on rocky areas if the ground is slippery. From the Scandale Pass our route starts to level out and, crossing numerous small streams, winds its way back to Ambleside. Along this path there is a photo opportunity at High Sweden Bridge.

Orrest Head and more with Jackie & Sheila
8 miles (12.9km) with 800ft (244m) Ascent.

We start from Windermere with a fairly stiff climb up to Orrest Head where there are fine views of the lake and surrounding fells. We then go across country and through Limefitt Caravan Park to Troutbeck. We then climb gently up Robin Lane. a track with delightful views, passing Jenkin Crag on the way into Ambleside.

A winter's Amble with Alison & Lesley
6¾ miles (10.9km) with 295ft (90m) Ascent.

Today’s walk is a circular, starting from the car park in Ambleside (toilets available).

We begin with a short road walk North, before we turn South East and make our way to the footbridge over the River Rothay. Keeping the river on our right we follow the road to Pelter Bridge. If the weather allows, we hope to take the lower path along the edge of Rydal Water, to the Weir below Loughrigg Terrace. We then cross the footbridge and continue to the Banner Rigg car park, (on the recce the toilets at the car park were closed). We next cross the A591, and begin to slowly climb (229’) North West until we reach the path to Rydal. Turning East and if the weather is good, we will have a lovely the view of Rydal Water and Loughrigg Fell to our right, before reaching Rydal Hall and continuing down through Rydal Park. Finally we follow the road back into Ambleside where there should be time for a refreshments and/or Christmas shopping. This is a moderately easy walk with good paths. Alison and I would like to wish you all a very Happy Christmas and a Healthy New Year.

06/03/2011 Coach - Keswick

March

8:00 Start with 17:30 (5:30pm) Return

Skiddaw with Kevin Poole

10 miles (16.1km) with 3000ft (914m) Total Ascent.

Leaving the coaches at Keswick we head towards Applethwaite through fields, passing a couple of unusual trees, one of them upside down. We then move on towards Millbeck where we start to climb, walking alongside Slades Beck with Little Man towering to our right.

From Carlside Tarn we take the lesser used zigzag path up Skiddaw. From the summit of Skiddaw, the fourth highest mountain in England, the views can be panoramic. We head back to Keswick via Little Man, Jenkin Hill and Latrigg.

Lonscale Fell with Barry Mather
9 miles (14.5km) with 2,200ft (671m) Ascent.

From Threlkeld we head towards the Glenderaterra Beck which we follow north then, after crossing a ford, carry on north for a short distance. We then turn left and gradually ascend the Burnt Horse Ridge to Lonscale Fell. From here it's downhill all the way joining the path from Skiddaw to Keswick.

Cumbria Way with Phil & Jim
8 miles (12.9km) with 1440ft (439m) Ascent.

Our walk today starts from a lay-by on the A66, GR300244. We cross the A66 with great care and descend to the former railway track. We now have a steady climb on tracks to Derwentfolds then field paths to the Blencathra Centre: that is most of our climbing for today finished.

We now go north below Blease Fell on good paths, cross over a footbridge and join the Cumbria Way at Guide Stone. We head south and west beneath Lonscale Fell to reach the car park for Skiddaw. Still following the Cumbria Way we drop down beneath Latrigg to Keswick for refreshments and the coaches home. We hope you will enjoy this walk and thank you for your company.

Nichol End via Little Braithwaite with Bill Manning
7½ miles 12km) with 230ft (70m) Ascent.

Starting from the coach park in Keswick we take a left turn at Booths to take the road and then field paths to Storm Bridge at Portinscale. Keeping to the right through the village we soon cross the A66 and join the disused road to reach the Newlands Beck bridge.

Turning left we pass through farmland to Little Braithwaite. A road walk starts by the new bridge until, reaching Uzzicar, we leave the road and make for Newlands Beck. We then continue along the road to Skelgill, the highest point of the walk, with fine views all round. Walking along the road below Cat Bells we come to the Cumbria Way which leads us back to Keswick via Nichol End. There is a café with toilets at Nichol End and launches back to Keswick.

12/12/2010 Coach - Hawkshead

December

8:00 Start with 16:30 (4:30pm) Return

Carron Crag with Graham Hogg

10 miles (16km) with 3280ft (1000m) Total Ascent.

We leave the village of Hawkshead in a south westerly direction towards Grizedale Moor and into Grizedale Forest Park, following various tracks to take us to the highest point within the forest – Carron Crag at 1030ft / 314 metres.

From here we make our way downhill to the village of Grizedale to see if we can find the “Woodsman of Grizedale”. After a few photos we have another climb through forestry plantations to get us over to Near Sawrey where we follow good tracks to the hamlet of Town End before finishing in Hawkshead for a well earned drink.

Latterbarrow & Beyond with Tony Ingham
9miles (14.5km) with 1500ft (457m) Ascent.

We head north-east from Hawkshead, mainly across farmland, to reach Low Wray. We then follow the Windermere shoreline southwards to Belle Grange where we start to climb up to The Heald (650ft/198m).

We walk southwards along the Heald, passing the Crier of Claife, before turning north-west at Low Blind How to climb High Blind How (866ft/264m). We continue north-westwards, but turn just before reaching High Wray to climb Latterbarrow (800ft/244m) from its north side. We descend westwards to Loanthwaite and make our return to Hawkshead.

Latterbarrow with Eric Jackson
7½ miles (12km) with 900ft (274m) Ascent.

Starting from Hawkshead we head over fields to Colthouse before climbing up the bridleway over Claife Heights. At the summit of the bridleway we head north to climb Latterbarrow with good views over most of the Southern Lakes weather permitting (a good place to stop for lunch). We leave the summit and head north making our way to the lake shore of Windermere via High Wray. We follow the shore to Wray Castle and turn south for Hawkshead via Blelham Tarn arriving back to the coaches in time for a brew or Christmas shopping!

Walking through time with Stephen Watson
5¾ miles (9.25km) with 580ft (177m) Ascent.

Although a little over the recommended ascent for a C walk, the proposed route is so worthwhile for the spectacular views. It also gives us the opportunity to walk part of the Windermere shoreline that is devoid of tourists! Weather permitting, this is the Lake District at its best. Stick close if you want to hear about some of the history and geology of the area.

We leave the village of Hawkshead and head in a north easterly direction towards Colthouse where we enter Colthouse Plantation - a forest on the gentle slopes of Latterbarrow. We do not ascend Latterbarrow (we leave that to the B walkers!) but continue to head through the forest to the shoreline of Windermere. This section of the walk is where most of the ascent is made. It is a gentle climb before we descend to the shoreline. Do ask me about the ancient tradition of Forest Skipping"!! We follow the shoreline northwards, passing Red Nab, Pintstones Point and Woodclose Point, before taking a minor track to the hamlet of High Wray. From here it is all country lanes for the last leg as we make our way back to Hawkshead.

As usual there are a few do's and don'ts. Do NOT rush ahead forcing the pace of the walk (obligatory kneecapping will result).  DO take your own time on ascents, we WILL wait. Do enjoy the day, the views and the scenery.

03/10/2010 Coach - Kirkby Stephen via Garsdale

October

8:00 Start with 17:30 (5:30) Return

Wild Boar Fell with Dave Colbert

12 miles (19.3km) with 2000ft (610m) Total Ascent.

There is something of the Cairngorms about Wild Boar Fell - not the eponymous Wild Boar (or should that be Wilde Bore??) though they may well have roamed Am Monadh Ruadh, but the vastness of the place, a massive upland plateau that contrasts starkly with the adjacent Howgill Fells to the west.

Starting from Cotegill Bridge on the B6259, north of Garsdale Head, we ascent Swarth Fell alongside Far Cote (coyote?) Gill before heading northwards to Wild Boar Fell. The ridge continues to Little Fell and a descent of High Intake Gill to High Cocklake near Pendragon Castle (who named these places?), the latter in legend, the ancient abode of King Arthur's father, Uther Pendragon.

We then follow the River Eden to Kirkby Stephen via various ruins, fortified farms and the like, eventually crossing Frank Gillibrand's bridge into the town!

Hartley Fell with Dave Thornton
10 miles (16km) with 2000ft (610m) Ascent.

Starting in Kirkby Stephen we follow the coast to coast path which takes us to Hartley and then along a quiet cul-de-sac past the quarry. We then go along a bridle way and a well defined footpath up to 9 Standards Rigg. After this we head south for a short distance and then north west over a boggy area which brings us back to the bridle way which we leave to go to Ladthwaite, Ewbank Scar and then the old railway track back to Hartley where we follow the footpaths to Kirkby Stephen.

Pendragon Castle with Tony Ingham
10½ miles (16.9km) with 800ft (245m) Ascent.

The walk leaves Kirkby Stephen and proceeds south along the valley of the River Eden, passing Wharton Hall (mid 16th century), Lammerside Castle (14th century) and Birkett Common before eventually reaching Pendragon Castle (12th century) after 5 miles of gently undulating walking.

The first part of the return leg starts with a half mile climb along the Tommy Road before levelling off and heading north to pass under the Settle to Carlisle railway (the highest and most costly to be built in England). After another mile the walk heads down to the river again and leads back to Kirkby Stephen through Stenkrith Park.

The Kirkby Stevie Wander with Lesley & Alison
5½ miles (8.9km) with 155ft (508m) Ascent.

We begin our walk from the car park in Kirby Stephen. From the High Street we make our way to Franks Bridge (with a brief toilet stop on the way).. After the crossing the bridge we follow the River Eden South to the Ford. Here we veer left up a gentle hill to a bridge over the dismantled railway and then we continue along a track to the woods above Ladthwaite Beck. Staying on the higher path we head to Lockthwaite where we turn south westish across the fields to the B6270. Turning right we have a very short road walk before taking a path on our left just before the pretty village of Nateby. This path crosses yet more fields, down to the B6259. After another short road walk we turn south west to Mire Close Bridge , crossing the River Eden once more.

From here we begin our journey back into Kirby Stephen, passing the impressive Wharton Hall and its Tower on the way. The path directly North leads us to the River Eden once more. We then follow the course of the river which meanders back towards the village where there are several shops and places to purchase refreshments. This is a leisurely walk with a number of small/moderate stiles. Although the total climbing is 508 feet, there are only two small climbs, as the rest is spread very gradually over three or so miles. On a clear day, there are lovely views of the surrounding countryside.

05/09/2010 Coach - Caldbeck

September

8:00 start with 17:30 return

Knott & High Pike with Graham Hogg

13 miles (20.9km) with 2461ft (750m) Total Ascent.

Our past A walks in this area have usually accessed the Caldbeck Fells via Roughton Gill. Whilst this is an impressive route I thought that, today, we would try an alternative approach.

From Caldbeck we proceed to Whelpo and then on to Branthwaite to join the Cumbria Way. We follow this to Charleton Wath and then commence the ascent of Longlands Fell and Lowthwaite Fell. This ridge eventually tops out at great Sca Fell (2136ft/651m). From the summit we have a short descent before climbing again to reach the summit of Knott (2329ft/710m) the highest point of the walk.

The return to Caldbeck will be via Great Lingy Hill and High Pike (2159ft/658m) hopefully in time for a well earned brew!

To the Mines with Barry Mather
10 miles (16km) with 1900ft (579m) Ascent.

From Caldbeck we head south to Nether Row where we start the steady climb to High Pike, passing mine workings on the way. From the top, weather permitting, we should have magnificent views of the surrounding fells, including Blencathra and Skiddaw.  From here it's downhill all the way, following Carrock Beck to Calebreck then on to Hesket Newmarket and back to Caldbeck.

Lower Caldbeck Fells with Margaret Oliver
9 miles (14.5km) with 900ft (274m) Ascent.

We leave Caldbeck following the Whelpo Beck past the Howk Bobbin Mill and on to Whelpo Bridge. Here we use the Keswick road for a short distance to Park End where we leave the road and follow field paths to Fellside.

We now follow the Cumbria Way to Nether Row, then fields and paths to Hesket Newmarket. We now descend through woods and fields before, once more, picking up the Cumbria Way which we follow back to Caldbeck in plenty of time for refreshments and exploration of this small village.

A Caldbeck Experience with Joyce Bradbury
6.1 miles (9.8km) with 550ft (168m) Ascent.

Today there are several stiles and gates, but all in good condition.

Our walk starts with a gentle stroll to the Howk and the Old Bobbin Mill. We then continue on to Whelpo and one of our two main climbs - on a good track. We will probably have lunch here before continuing on to Little Fellside and our second and last climb of the day. Here we join a rather wet, boggy, section of the Cumbria Way to Potts Gill and then on to Nether Row on a good track. From here it's possible to take a short cut back to Caldbeck. Otherwise we carry on through fields and tracks to Street Head, Townhead and then Caldbeck.

There will then be time for you to find John Peel's grave, visit the Priests Mill and the other numerous cafes and gift shops as you discover the delights of Caldbeck. Have a nice day!

21/03/2010 Coach - Grasmere

 

March

8:00 Start with 17:30 (5:30pm) Return

High Raise with Dave Thornton
12 miles (20.1 km) with 3200ft (975m) Total Ascent.

Having heard that there is still a lot of ice and snow on Helvellyn, which would make the descent treacherous, I have planned a walk on the other side of the valley. Starting in Grasmere we climb Helm Crag to begin a superb ridge walk heading westwards which takes in Gibson Knot and Calf Crag. We then follow Greenup edge in a southerly direction to High Raise, the highest point on the walk at 2500ft/762m, and the centre of the Lakeland Fells with (I hope!) stunning views.

Our next summit is Sergeant Man followed by Blea Rigg after which we begin a steep descent to Easedale Tarn where we pick up Sourmilk Gill and Easedale Beck which lead us back to Grasmere.

Seat Sandal with Pete Stevens
8 miles (12.9km) with 2200ft (670m) Ascent.

Our walk today starts from the car/coach park just outside Grasmere (300ft/90mtr). Walking through the village, we turn onto Easedale Road and follow it to Mill Bridge. Crossing the road, we now start our ascent up the Tonge Gill path, past the waterfall to Grisedale Hause at 1800ft / 550mtr. Weather permitting, we now ascend to the summit of Seat Sandle at 2414ft / 736mtr, from where fine panoramic views can be seen making the climb well worth the effort.

Working our way back to Grisedale Hause, we now descend to Grisedale Tarn with Dollywaggon Pike looming over us on our right. We finish our main descent following Raise Beck path back to Dunmail Raise and the main road, making our way back to the coach and some well deserved refreshment.

Easedale Tarn with Jackie & Sheila
7 miles (11.3 km) with 1000ft (305m) Ascent.

Setting out from Grasmere over Goody Bridge the walk follows a stony track along the valley bottom before climbing gradually, alongside Sourmilk Gill, to Easdale Tarn. After looping around the edge of the tarn across an area which can be boggy at times we start the descent on the opposite side of Sourmilk Gill and back into Grasmere.

Grasmere Gad About with Bill Manning
5 miles (8 km) with 325ft (99m) Ascent.

Starting from the coach park in Grasmere village we make our way to the A591 to reach Wordsworth's Cottage. After a walk up the lane we reach an undulating track known as the Coffin Trail. We now come to Rydal Hall before we descend back to the A591. Crossing over the road to Steps End Wood we soon come to the shore of Rydal Water.

We continue the walk until we come to woodland, descending to reach a footbridge near to White Moss. We take a left turn over the bridge and follow the path to the weir at the southern end of Grasmere. We now follow the shore of the lake before leaving the path to climb up the lane which leads us back to the village and the coaches.

07/02/2010 Coach - Coniston via Ambleside

February

8:00 Start with 17:00 (5:00pm) Return

Dow Crag & Coniston Old Man with Graham Hogg

10 miles (16km) with 3609ft (1100m) Total Ascent.

Our walk today, weather and conditions permitting, takes in the classic circuit of seven of Coniston’s finest hills.

A very steep climb out of Coniston gets us onto the Walna Scar Road which we follow to Brown Pike. After the short climb to Buck Pike we make our way to the summit of Dow Crag. For those A walkers with long memories Dow Crag has somewhat of a reputation for being slightly breezy along the summit ridge – let’s hope its not too bad today!!

Once over the summit we have a descent to Goats Hawse and a re-ascent to gain the summit of the Old Man at 2635 ft / 803 metres.

Our route takes us north along the ridge to Swirl How, the last hill of the day, and then down the Prison Band to Levers Water. We return to Coniston via the Coppermines Valley.

Tarn Hows with Dave Thornton
 9½ miles (15km) with 1200ft (366m) Ascent.

I have decided to lead a different walk to the one given in the programme. Having had four weeks of struggling to cope with the snow and ice around Preston I have planned a low level walk to try and avoid more of the white stuff.

Startiing from Skelwith Bridge, we follow the Cumbria Way in a north easterly direction to Elterwater. Heading south to Stang End we then rejoin the Cumbria Way at High Park and continue along this route via Tarn Hows to Coniston.

Tilberthwaite with Eric Jackson
 7½ miles (12km) with 1200ft (366m) Ascent.

Starting from Yewdale on the A593 just south of Yewtree Farm we take a track by the side of the farmhouse, used in the Miss Potter Film as Hilltop, and make our way north, following the minor road around Holme Fell, to Hodge Close. This is an area with many old quarries and spoil heaps but it is still very beautiful scenery and, according to Wainwright, one of the best square miles of Lakeland.

We now turn west and make our way back to Coniston via Tilberthwaite Gill: this involves nearly all the climbing, approximately 950ft /290m. After following the side of the Gill the path eases off to follow Crook Beck and then over the ridge where we can see practically the full length of Coniston Water. It is now all downhill into Coppermines Valley and the track back to the coaches in time for a brew.

Cumbria Way with Bill Manning
 6miles (9.7km) with 400ft (122m) Ascent.

Starting from Coniston Coach Park (toilets!) we leave by the lanes to reach Shepherd’s Bridge and join the Cumbria Way field paths. We have a short climb up Back Guards Plantation before dropping to pass the cottages at Low Yewdale and continue through fields to the A593. A short walk along this road brings us to Yewtree Farm known for the Beatrix Potter stories.

From here we make our way to Lane Head Coppice where, after a short climb through woodland, we come to the tarn. We follow the path round the tarn to Howgraves where we descend through Hill Fell Plantation. Shortly after this we reach the shores of Coniston Water which we follow back to the village for the coaches and cafés.

13/12/2009 Coach Ambleside & Grasmere

 

December

8:30 Start with 16:30 (4:30pm) Return

Fairfield with Graham Hogg
9 miles (14.5km) with 3200ft (975m) Total Ascent.

We start today's walk in Ambleside at the junction of the Kirkstone Road and the A591. After making our way to Low Sweden Bridge we begin the gradual climb to Low Pike. The ridge continues to rise as we proceed to High Pike and then Dove Crag (2598ft/792m). From here we have a short descent before climbing again to Hart Crag (2697ft/822m)and then on to our highest point of the day - Fairfield at (2864ft/873m) From the summit, we head south-west to Great Rigg and then descend to Grasmere village via Heron Pike and Alcock Tarn.

Eagle Crag with Dave Thornton
8 miles (13km) with 1800ft (550m) Ascent.

Starting from Grasmere village we take the Easedale road and follow Sourmilk Gill up to Easedale Tarn. We climb steeply up to Codale Tarn and continue climbing to the path from Langdale to Chapel Stile. The views are superb from here on a good day. We continue past Eagle Crag, Blea Rigg, Great Castle How descending to Swinescar Hause to Wray Gill and its waterfalls. This comes as an unexpectedly beautiful gorge which we follow down towards Grasmere.

Windermere to Ambleside with Colin Hunt
8 miles (12.9km) with 1150ft (351m) Ascent.

Leaving the coach at Windermere station we climb 400ft/122m to the summit of Orrest Head. We now descend to Moorhowe Road and then take Dubb Road past Dubbs Reservoir. When we meet the Garburn Road we go south west to Troutbeck. Here we go via Robin Lane and Skelghyll Wood to Ambleside or, should the weather be near perfect, we could go over Wansfell Pike. This second route is a little shorter but has more climbing and will only be taken if everything is favourable.

Two Waters with Stephen Watson
5½ (8.9km) with 450ft (140m) Ascent.

Today's walk is a circumnavigation of the picturesque waters of Grasmere and Rydal. I shall be relating a bit of the local history of the area as we go and explaining the use of the famous patented Ambleside Underwater Lawn Mowers and the savage Herdwick breed of sheep!

Heading out of Grasmere in a south east direction we pass Dove Cottage (the home of Wordsworth during his most creative period) and follow a well defined path beneath Nab Scar as we head for the tiny hamlet of Rydal. Over the main road we cross the River Rothay by way of Pelter Bridge (great for poo sticks!) and head for the south shore of Rydal Water. Leaving Rydal behind and picking up a little height we cross Loughrigg Terrace where fine views of Grasmere Water can be had. If weather conditions are poor we will take a lower path.

We stay close to the waters edge for some distance before leaving the wet stuff behind as we pick up a minor road to take us back to Grasmere in time for a brew and a bit of sight seeing before the coach ride and a snooze on the way home.

20/09/2009 Coach - Keswick & Braithwaite

September

8:00 Start with 17:30 (5:30pm) Return

Dodd and Skiddaw with Dave Colbert

10.5 miles (17km) with 3,900ft (1,190m) Total Ascent.

Our past A walks in this area have usually accessed the Caldbeck Fells via Roughton Gill. Whilst this is an impressive route I thought that, today, we would try an alternative approach.

Skiddaw dominates the Vale of Keswick, rising steeply from low-lying valleys on all sides to a cluster of barren, subsidiary tops buttressing the main summit ridge. Our route today includes Dodd (1,647ft/502m) which for many years was infested with non-native conifers. Many of these have now been removed so we should have an excellent view across Derwent Water from the top.

The continuation to Skiddaw (3,054ft/931m) via Carl Side is steep and rough, particularly the climb from Carl Side Tarn to Skiddaw's lengthy summit ridge. Our descent to Keswick takes us over Skiddaw Little Man and Latrigg.

Catt Bells with Peter Stevens
9½ miles (15.3km) with 1400ft (427m) Total Ascent.

Cat Bells has been walked by the walking club a number of times in the past few years but not in the height of summer (if you can call it that). The views from here are some of the best in the lake district and well worth another visit.

Starting from Braithwaite (toilets available) we follow Newlands Beck south to Ghyll Bank, then passing Skelgill on to Hawes End from where we start the main climbing of the day. From here we ascend Skelgill Bank (1148ft / 350m), where we level out for a while before ascending Cat Bells at (1476ft / 450m). From here we can see the length of Derwent Water to Keswick and beyond, with Bassenthwaite Lake and Skiddaw in the background. We descend from Cat Bells down Hause Gate to Manesty Park at the southern end of Derwent Water. Turning North, we join the Allerdale Ramble track (Cumbria Way) which follows Derwent Water back to Hawes End, through Fawe Park to Portinscale. From here we will turn east into Keswick where we will be picked up by the coaches.

Grange with Tony Ingham
10 miles (16.1km) with 600ft (183m) Ascent.

We leave Braithwaite (toilets) and head south along Newlands Beck to Swinside. We continue on to Hause End and from here climb gently along the foot of Skelgill Bank, Cat Bells and Maiden Moor until we reach the village of Grange (toilets). Here we start the return leg and walk northwards on the Cumbria Way alongside Derwent water to Portinscale where we turn eastwards into Keswick for refreshments and the coaches.

Braithwaite (Stair & Newlands) Circular with Derek Lowe
7½ miles (12km) with 500ft (153m) Ascent.

Today there are several stiles and gates, but all in good condition.

Leaving the coaches at Braithwaite we make our way through the campsite to Braithwaite Lodge. We then follow Newlands Beck until we reach Stair. From Stair we cross over to Skelgill where we shall have lunch at the foot of Cat Bells.

After lunch we follow the Cumbria Way through Overside Wood to Portinscale. Here we cross the bridge and follow field paths back to Keswick where we shall have ample time to browse around the shops, or whatever, before getting the coaches back home.