08/12/2013 Coach - Hawkshead via Ambleside

December

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

Wansfell and More with Stella Wadsworth

9½ miles (15.3km) with 2795ft (852m) Total Ascent.

Our walk today starts from Ambleside where we make our way up to the top of Wansfell & Wansfell Pike. Heading along the Hundreds we make our way to Baystones, past Idle Hill and down to Woundale Raise.

A hop skip and a jump over the road and we head up the side of Broad End, up Bields Crag to Woundale. Just before St Raven's Edge we make our way down the path to the Kirkstone Pass road. Heading down The Struggle we pick up a footpath that takes us back to Ambleside past Stockghyll Force. Once back in Ambleside we head off down the road to the water's edge where the coaches will pick use up. Enjoy your day. 

Ambleside to Hawkhead via Loughrigg & Tarn Hows with Pete Stevens
9 miles (14.5km) with 1200ft (366m) Total Ascent.

Ambleside to Hawkshead with mainly gradual climbing. The views are quite spectacular at times of the surrounding mountains, this being contrasted by Colwith Force a quite dramatic waterfall and the tranquil scenery around Tarn Hows.

We start by walking through Rothay Park in Ambleside and continue over the River Rothay to start our ascent of Loughrigg Fell. Skirting around the summit, we descend to Skelwith Bridge and pick up the Cumbria Way. We now follow the Cumbria Way past Colwith Force to turn south east following the Tongue Plantation on our left. Heading south along a path following the A593, we cross the road at High Cross and continue along the Cumbria Way for a mile or so, before leaving it to head for Tarn Hows. After walking the length of Tarn Hows, we now follow a path taking us past Hill Fell to the small hamlet of Hawkshead Hill and then on to Hawkshead village and the awaiting coaches.

Latterbarrow with Dave Thornton
8 miles (12.9km) with 900ft (274m) Total Ascent.

We first head eastwards across fields to Colthouse and then start a gentle climb over a bridleway to Claife Heights. Heading north we reach the summit of Latterbarrow, a possible lunch stop. This hill, on the side of Windermere affords wonderful views of the water and the surrounding mountains. We leave Latterbarrow and head north east to the lake shore via the village of High Wray. Heading northwards along the lake side we reach Wray Castle and then head back to Hawkshead via Blelham Tarn and Outgate.

There should be time to explore Hawkshead and have a look around the shops and possibly enjoy some liquid refreshment.

Hawkshead & Wray Castle with Derek Lowe
7 miles (11.3km) with 599ft (183m) Total Ascent.

We will have our breakfast in the cafe next to the car park, after which we will make our way to Colthouse to pick up a path that goes through Colthouse Plantation. This path goes all the way to Belle Grange, where we follow a path along the edge of Windermere to Wray Castle. We shall have lunch at the castle. After lunch we make our way down the driveway, go right at the road junction and pick up a path on our left which takes us around Blelham Tarn. We then reach Outgate from where field paths bring us back to Hawkshead. We shall have time for refreshments and a browse around before the coach leaves for home.

29/09/2013 Coach - Keswick via Penrith

September

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

Blencathra with Kevin Poole

8½ miles (13.67km) with 3500ft (1066.8m) Total Ascent.

Starting at Threlkeld we head up Blencathra via Halls Fell. This ascent was described by AW as "For active ramblers and scramblers, this route is positively the finest way to any mountain-top in the district. It is direct, exhilarating, has glorious views and (especially satisfying) scores a bulls eye by leading unerringly to the summit-cairn" (Book Five: The Northern Fells by AW).

From the top we head back to Keswick via Blease Fell and Latrigg.

Lonscale Fell with Val Walmsley
10 miles (16.1km) with 2000ft (610m) Total Ascent.

Leaving the coaches at Threlkeld we climb through the village to pass the Blencathra Centre, overlooking the Greta Valley on our way north past Blease Fell. Just after crossing Glenderaterra Beck, we join the Cumbria Way for a short way before starting the main ascent of the day following Burnt House Ridge to the summit of Lonscale Fell, an outlier of the Skiddaw Group.

From here we drop down to a path leading south from Skiddaw to join the Cumbria Way briefly, before leaving to ascend Latrigg 1196ft/365m. We return to the path to resume our route back to Keswick after a very scenic day out.

Threlkeld to Keswick via Lonscale Fell with Pete Stevens
8 miles (12.9km) with 918ft (280m) Total Ascent.

Our walk today starts from Threlkeld a few miles outside Keswick, on the A66 Penrith to Keswick road.

With Blencathra on our right we start a steady climb following a bridleway to the Blencathra Centre (Field Study Centre for Schools and Colleges), before veering north to follow the bridleway along the side of Blease Fell. Further up the valley we cross the Glenderaterra Beck and climb a little way up Lonscale Fell to join the Cumbria Way. Now travelling south, with good views of Low and High Rigg ahead of us, we follow the beck towards the River Greta, skirting the Lonscale Crags before beginning our descent. Still following the Cumbria Way, we follow it over the A66 to Briar Rigg and then into Keswick and the coaches.

Keswick Killer 2 with Alison & Lesley
6½ miles (10.4km) with 196ft (60m) Total Ascent.

Today we begin our walk from the centre of Keswick (toilets available).

Following the Cumbrian Way to Portinscale we then take the path to Ullock. Turning East we have a 10 minute road walk towards Little Braithwaite. From here we follow Newlands Beck south until we meet the road once more. We then turn left for another short road walk, as we slowly climb to Skelgill with picturesque views across the valley. From Skelgill we make our way towards Derwent Bay picking up the Cumbrian Way once more. This leads us back through Portinscale and on to Keswick via Nichol End.

12/05/2013 Coach - Llangollen

May

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

Eglwyseg &  Maesyrychen Mountain with Dave Colbert

13½ miles (22km) with 3,450ft (1,050m) Total Ascent.

Starting from the centre of Llangollen we cross the Afon Dyfrdwy and storm the hill fort of Castell Dinas Bran. A trail that purports to follow the dyke built by some ancient bloke called Offa then takes us north below the tremendous limestone rampart of Creigiau Eglwyseg (the Dales has nothing on this scale) to Plas yn Eglwyseg, where the long climb to Bwich Oernant (Horseshoe Pass) begins; beware of bikers at the summit.

At 577m/1,893ft, Moel y Gamelin is the highest point on Maesyrychen Mountain, itself the highest of the Bryniau Clwyd. The leisurely descent to Rhewl precedes a short climb to Llandynan to avoid too much tarmac bashing. We then return to Llangollen along the canal towpath from Berwyn, although for a fee you could catch a steam train. Mwynhau!!

Castle & Canal with Val Walmsley
 13 miles (21km) with 1070ft (326m) Total Ascent.

We leave Llangollen along the canal and by the River Dee as far as Valle Crucis Abbey (Valley of the Cross) near to Elisegs Pillar, a 9th century medieval cross. We then join the Clwydian Way southwards to Castell Dinas Bran. This medieval castle sits on the site of an Iron Age hill fort with good views from the mound.

From here we head down to join Offa's Dyke Path in a south easterly direction on a panoramic walk and through Trevor Hall Wood to Trevor where we cross the River Dee with a view of the aqueduct above and to the left. When we reach Froncysyllte we cross the canal and return on the dramatic Pont Cysyllte aqueduct 1000 feet long and 126 feet above the Dee. We join the Lllangollen canal tow path to return to the starting point and a look round the town.

Dinas Bran with Roy Smith
8½ miles (13.7km) with 900ft (274m) + 350ft (107m) Total Ascent.

We start our walk today from Llangollen, which has a worldwide reputation as a centre of Welsh culture and music. The Llangollen canal provides us with our first picturesque setting for the walk. Leaving the canal behind we make our way to the Horseshoe Falls (really a weir), on the River Dee. From here we move uphill through field and country tracks, to arrive at the picturesque remains of Valle Crucis Abbey. We now carry on uphill through woodland, slowly making our way east. As we follow country lanes we have splendid views of Eglwyseg Mountain and Ruabon Mountain.

Our direction is now south through open fields and country tracks, which form part of the Offa's Dyke Path. Shortly we will be able to see the remains of Castell Dinas Bran on the distant hill top. When we arrive at the foot of the hill, those not wishing to do the climb (350ft) can avoid it and make their way directly back to Llangollen. For the rest of us the final climb of the day is up to the castle remains. From the top it is a zig zag path back downhill to Llangollen and refreshments.

To the End of the World with Derek Lowe
6 miles (9.7km) with 356ft (111m) Total Ascent.

We start our walk by heading for the Shropshire Union Canal. We leave the canal at the Motor Museum and begin a gentle climb to overlook the remains of the Valle Crucis Abbey. We continue our gentle climb through the woods to Tan-y-fron. It is a narrow road until we reach Ty-Newydd where a short road walk brings us to field paths which we follow to the Offa's Dyke Path and World's End Panorama.

We will have lunch around this area where there are good views of the remains of Castell Dinas Bran on the hilltop in front of us. After lunch we continue to Tan-y-Castell to take a footpath which leads us around the foot of the hill and, after a short climb, we descend to Llangollen. Once again I have booked the weather. Have a nice day!

09/12/2012 Coach - Grasmere

 

December

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

Walk the Walk with Kevin Poole
10 miles (16.1km) with 3350ft (1021.1m) Total Ascent.

Today's walk the "Fairfield Horseshoe" is one of my favourites - a hard but rewarding walk with 6 Wainwrights.

Starting from Ambleside we head towards Sweden Bridge and gradually climb towards Fairfield via Low Pike, High Pike, Dove Crag and Hart Crag. After pausing on Fairfield to take in the glorious views we carry on walking to Grasmere via Great Rigg and the magical Stone Arthur. Pictures of my recent recce for this walk can be seen in "Members Links".

The Lion and the Lamb with Allan Benson
8¼ miles (13.3km) with 2000ft (610m) Ascent.

Today, hopefully, we will climb three of Albert Wainwright's fells. (3 Wainwrights to tick off, that is if you are bagging Albert's fells). No 1: Helm Crag 1,299ft/396m. No 2: Gibson Knott 1,379ft/420m. No 3: Calf Crag 1,762ft/537m.

We start our walk today from Grasmere and climb our first fell, Helm Crag, (known as the Lion and the Lamb as well as the Howitzer). You have to use your imagination here! From the summit we continue along the ridge for 2½ miles climbing the other two summits, Gibson Knott and Calf Crag. From the summit of Calf Crag we make our descent via the Far Easedale path and back to Grasmere, hopefully in time for a brew.

Grasmere Gad About with Margaret Oliver
8½ miles (13.7km) with 1200ft (366m) Ascent.

From Grasmere village car park we head towards the main centre passing the church on the right. We take the road on the left and follow round until we reach the footpath which climbs up then goes off to the left into Redbank Woods. We come out onto the road, turn left and drop down steeply to take the lower footpath on the right beside Grasmere.

We follow this path round the edge of Rydal Water climbing slightly up to a gate and a path through woods to a metalled road which leads down to Pelter Bridge and the main road. We turn left then cross over the road, following the signpost to Rydal Hall and Rydal Mount. Just past Rydal Hall we climb steeply to follow the Coffin Trail past Dove Cottage and down to Grasmere and the coaches.

Ambleside to Grasmere with Joyce Bradbury
6 miles (9.7km) with 353ft (108m) Ascent.

A tried and well trodden route. Setting off from Waterhead we make our way to Hayes Garden Centre. Plenty of time for a browse and a coffee! Leaving the Garden Centre we pass through Ambleside via the churchyard and then along the River Rothay to Pelter Bridge on a limited access road. Here we turn left and climb gently until we reach Rydal Water.

We will take the upper permissive path past Rydal Caves, the only real climb of the day. There may still be a detour around some path works in which case there will be mud. After the caves we follow more or less downward paths until we reach Grasmere. We take the shore path for about half the lake before a final road walk brings us to Grasmere village, the coaches, the shops and the cafes. Weather permitting it will be a good start to Christmas.

14/10/2012 Coach - Keswick via Thirlmere

October

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

Ullscarf and the Central Ridge with Colin Manning

12½ miles (20.1km) with 3000ft (914m) Total Ascent.

Starting from Helmside, just through Grasmere, we head down the lane to a grassy climb up the side of Helm Crag but not actually taking in the summit.

From here we follow the ridge up over Gibson Knott and Calf Crag and on to Greenup Edge. From this point we are likely to encounter boggy ground along the ridge. We now head along the ridge to reach Ullscarf, which at 2382ft/726m, is the highest point of the walk. We then travel off piste over High Saddle, Low Saddle, past Blea Tarn, over shivery Knott and Middle Crag and on to High Tove (1690ft/515m). Continuing along the ridge we reach High Seat (1995ft/608m).

From here a decision will be made, dependant on time factors, to either descend to reach the lake side which we follow back into Keswick or continue on to Bleaberry Fell (1936/590m) where path conditions vastly improve. Climbing over, we now descend to Walla Crag (1243ft/379m), Castlerigg and down into Keswick for the coaches.

Cat Bells with Susan Grierson
10 miles (16km) with 1520ft (463m) Ascent.

Although Dave C had labelled this walk 'Keswick Killer' please don't worry we are merely climbing the familiar "family fell" Cat Bells that we have climbed so often before.

We leave the coaches at Keswick and walk north east through Portinscale following the Cumbria Way to Hawse End where we begin our ascent, climbing Skelgill Bank and on to the summit of Cat Bells, where we can enjoy spectacular views (hopefully) and eat lunch.

After lunch we descend from Cat Bells down Hause Gate back to Hawse End returning to Portinscale via Fawe Park on the Cumbria Way and on into Keswick for refreshments and the coaches.

Bells slowly with Colin Hunt
9 miles (14.5km) with 1300ft (396m) Total Ascent.

Tony is unable to lead this walk so we are going to do Catbells...slowly. We leave the coaches and make our leisurely way along the Cumbria Way, to Portinscale and Hawes End from where we climb Catbells via Skelgill Bank. We descend via Hause Gate then follow the Cumbria Way back into Keswick.

Derwent Dawdle with Alison & Lesley
5¼ miles (8.4km) with 394ft (120m) Ascent.

Our walk begins today from the coach park in Keswick. Walking along the main street (brief stop for toilets), we take the footpath South East passing Castlehead Wood and continuing through Springs Wood. This is a gradual slow climb and on a good day there will be beautiful views of the valley.

Turning South West we then enter Great Wood from which we descend to cross Borrowdale Road. This brings us to the shores of Derwent Water and from here we will follow the waters edge North West, passing The Ings, Friars Crag, and the Boat House. Turning West at the Theatre we then follow the path around Town Cass back to the coach park. This is a leisurely walk with beautiful scenery and the paths are good.

10/06/2012 Coach - Braithwaite via Lorton

 

June

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

Barf to Lorton Fells with Val Walmsley
13¼ miles (21km) with 3165ft (965m) Total Ascent.

Starting from Powter How we make the steep ascent of Barf then move on to Lord's Seat and Broom Fell. Next we move on to Scawgill Bridge via Widow Hause taking in Greystones and passing through Darling How Plantation. Forest tracks lead on to Whinlatter Top from where more track searching will get us through Whinlatter Forest Park to return to Braithwaite via Chapel Beck, Ladstock and Woodlands.

Grisedale Pike with Barry Hayhurst
7½ miles (12km) with 2750ft (838m) Ascent.

We start this walk outside the village along the Whinlatter Pass road, turning off at the "seat" we start a short climb through the one and only gate (sorry Alan) up to the mine road which follows Coledale Beck in the valley bottom up to the Force Crag mine.

Here we cross the Beck via the NEW stepping stones and start the first proper climb of the day along the obvious winding stony path...taking in the views of Low and High Force on the way up to Coledale Hause. The views from here of the valley below which we have just walked are to be savoured. Crossing the Hause along a welcome plateau we make our way to start the climb up to Grisedale Pike, stopping off for a breather on the "subsidiary" summit if not before), we make our way to the summit. The views ALL around...Skiddaw, Solway Firth, Derwent Water and beyond (I could go on and on) are just breath-taking! After soaking all this up it's time to descend; the first section of this stone path is a bit loose but beyond this it's a steady trek down to our starting point.

Applethwaite with Tony Ingham
10 miles (16.1km) with 700ft (214m) Ascent.

From Braithwaite we head north east across low-lying land to reach the banks of the River Derwent, which clearly show the evidence of the 2009 floods at this point. We soon cross the river to Dancing Gate Farm and walk east to the villages of, first, Millbeck and, then, Applethwaite.

Here we turn south through Great Crosthwaite and Portinscale and on to Skelgill via Hawse End. Changing direction again, we cross the Newlands Valley (more dramatic evidence of storm damage) westwards to Stair and Uzzicar. From there we head north to Little Braithwaite and Braithwaite.

Newlands Valley with Derek Lowe
7½ miles (12km) with 500ft (153m) Ascent.

Leaving the coaches in Braithwaite we make our way through the campsite to Braithwaite Lodge. We then follow the Newlands Beck until we reach Stair. From here we cross over to Skelgill where we shall have lunch at the foot of Catbells. Lunch over, we follow the Cumbria Way through Overside Wood to Portinscale where we shall have a break at the side of the lake. Afterwards we make our way via field paths back to Braithwaite where liquid refreshments in the local hostelries await. Once more I have booked the weather. Have a good day!

13/05/2012 Coach - Coniston via Newby Bridge

May

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

Dow Crag, Coniston Old Man, Swirl How & Wetherlam with Val Walmsley

 11.2 miles (18km) with 3133ft (955m)Total Ascent.

Leaving Torver we head north through disused quarries then north west passing waterfalls to join Walna Scar Road (note stone shelter on way)for the ascent of Brown Pike & Buck Pike. We then follow the ridge to the summit of Dow Crag (airy & exposed ) with great views down to Goats Water. We descend to Goats Hawse then take an obvious path to the summit of Coniston Old Man from where Dow Crag looks even more stunning and, on a clear day, the Isle of Man is visible.

Following the escarpment to Brim Fell then down to Levers Hawse we go up Swirl Band to Swirl How. Descending Prison Band we reach the col and go via Keld Gill Head to Wetherlam with a wonderful panorama from the Scafells right round to High Street. We descend via Lower Hows & Red Gill Head and eventually Miners Bridge back to Coniston.

Dow Crag with Barry Mather
 8miles (12.9km) with 2300ft (701m) Ascent.

We leave the coach at Torver and start a gradual ascent to the Walna Scar Road passing a disused quarry on the way. We then ascend the Walna Scar Road leaving it at the col and after a steep climb to Brown Pike follow the ridge to Buck Pike and on to Dow Crag.

Hopefully we should have good views of Coniston and the surrounding fells. We then make a steep descent to Goats Water then a more gradual path brings us back to the Walna Scar Road which we follow to Coniston passing Boo Tarn on the way.

Tover & back with Dave Tilleray
10½ miles (16.9km) with 400ft (122m) Ascent.

From the car park in Coniston we make our way to Bowmanstead then on to Park Coppice. From here we go to Hoathwaite Farm and then Bracken Barrow Farm – the highest point of the walk.

We now have a choice: either to go into Torver for toilets, coffee or a pint or to carry straight on to Moor Farm. We continue to Mill Bridge and out onto Torver Common before returning, along the lake shore path, to Coniston where the coaches (and hostelries) await.

Tover Beck & Back with Roy Smith
 6 miles (9.7km) with 450ft (137m) Ascent.

Starting from Coniston we make our way to Haws Bank on the A593. From this point we break off south west, and follow well marked tracks that take us gradually uphill towards Torver Beck. During this part of the walk we are afforded fine views of Coniston Water.

In due course we arrive at Torver Beck, having completed all our climbing for the day. We now commence our descent, initially along the side of Torver Beck, eventually moving away from the beck to emerge once again on the A593, at Little Arrow. A short walk along the disused railway takes us to the path that leads through Torver Common Wood and down to Coniston Water. Our walk continues alongside the lake, eventually returning us to the finish at Coniston.

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.