09/11/2014 Coach - Coniston

November

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

Cathedrals, Carrs and Aeroplanes with Graham Hogg
10miles (16.1km) with 3609ft (1100m) Total Ascent.

"A rather strange walk title", I hear you say but I guarantee that you will see all three on today's A walk. "Surely there are no cathedrals around Coniston - are there..? Be sure to bring your cameras, all will become clear!

We alight the coaches at Hollin Bank on the A593 (GR NY329022). The going is easy, following minor roads and tracks until we make a slight detour to visit the impressive "Cathedral" - one of Little Langdale's best kept secrets. From here we continue up the Greenburn Valley, cross the beck and ascend Wet Side Edge until reaching Little Carrs (2270ft/692m) and then the summit of Great Carrs (2559ft/780m). It is here where Halifax Bomber LL505 crashed on the night of 22nd October 1944. Its crew; seven Canadians and one Scot, encountered very thick cloud whilst on night training exercise over the north-west of England. The pilot descended to get a visual fix on the ground but by this stage it was too late and the aircraft hit the top of Great Carrs and crashed, killing all on board. Large pieces of wreckage are still to be found on the summit but most was pushed off the side of the mountain into Broad Slack.

Swirl How is next and weather permitting, from here we'll traverse the ridge to Coniston Old Man (2635ft/803m) before descending into Coniston. The alternative will be to descend via the "Prison Band" and Levers Water.

Along the Cumbria Way with Dave Thornton
9.5miles (15km) with 1200ft (370m) Total Ascent.

Starting at Skelwith Bridge we head northwest along the Cumbria Way past Elterwater and then follow the river to Chapel Stile. Turning southwards we pass Yew Crags, Little Langdale and Stang End. Stone Chain Hill and Tom Heights are our next destinations and we then arrive at the beauty spot Tarn Hows, where we pick up the Cumbria Way again and hopefully arrive in Coniston in time for some refreshments.

Tarn Hows with Chris Cook
8½ miles (13.7km) with 700ft (213m) Total Ascent.

Leaving Coniston we take a path parallel to the road for about a mile before gradually ascending to Tarn Hows on woodland paths. Here we join the Cumbria Way for a while then after crossing the A593, we leave the Way to begin a steep climb along a narrow road to High Oxen Fell. Beginning the descent we pass Hodge Close and the disused quarries. We join the road again before taking a path over the hill to the hamlet of Yewdale. We then follow field paths to pick up the Cumbria Way and return to Coniston. The paths are mostly good and one steep climb apart, the walk is undulating and includes walking through fields.

Skelwith Bridge to Coniston with Derek Lowe
6¼ miles (10km) with 550ft (168m) Total Ascent.

Leaving the coaches at Skelwith Bridge we will start from Chester's by the river (credit cards needed!) After wining and whinging we make our way towards Coniston picking up the Cumbria Way. We will have a look at Colwith Force en route then continue to High Park and on to Stang End. Here we follow a track to Hodge Close (lunch stop). After lunch we continue along the same track, taking care in case we meet any traffic as it is only narrow. Reaching the end of the track at Shepherd's Bridge we turn left and cross the A593 to pick up the Cumbria Way again. Eventually we cross Shepherd Bridge (a different one) into Coniston in time for refreshments and the coaches. I have booked the weather. Have a wonderful day.

14/09/2014 Coach - Braithwaite / Cockermouth

 

September

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

Crag Hill & More with Stella Wadsworth
10½ miles (16.9km) with 3510ft (1070m) Total Ascent.

Setting off from Braithwaite we head along the footpath taking us past Kinn and along to a reservoir, past a ford and a waterfall, under Eel Crag, ending up at Coledale Hause. Here we head southish to skirt the bottom of Crag Hill. Then following the footpath we make our way to the top of Crag Hill. Leaving Crag Hill we head for Sail and then Causey Pike. Dropping off Causey Pike we follow Stonycroft Gill down to Uzzicar where we follow Newlands Beck to Little Braithwaite and then Braithwaite itself. Hope the weather is kind. Enjoy your day.

Causey Pike & Barrow with Barry Mather
7½ miles (12.1km) with 2400ft (732m) Total Ascent.

From Braithwaite we follow Newlands Beck to Little Braithwaite and on to Stair. After leaving the road we start a gradual ascent of Causey Pike to Sleet Hause, from here we have a rocky climb to the top, where we have a panoramic view of the surrounding fells and Derwentwater. The path then undulates over Scar Crags after which we descend High Moss to Barrow Door, from here a short ascent brings us to the top of Barrow with a gradual descent back to Braithwaite.

Castlerigg & Applethwaite with Bill Manning 
10 miles (16km) with 450ft (137m) Total Ascent.

From Threlkeld village we leave by joining the disused rail path down to Brundholme where we turn left. We then climb through field paths to meet the lane to Naddle Bridge and on to Goosewell Farm before reaching the Stone Circle and continuing along Castle Lane to the A591. Crossing over, we make our way up to Castlerigg via the caravan park leaving by the track down to Keswick for lunch. From here we make our way to Great Crosthwaite to join the Allerdale Ramble to Ormathwaite and on to Applethwaite along fields and lanes. We reach Millbeck and then Dancing Gate on the A591 which we cross to reach High Stock Bridge and on into Braithwaite for refreshments and the coaches. The walk may be shortened if the weather is bad.

Threlkeld to Braithwaite with Joyce Bradbury
6miles (9.7km) with 149ft (45m) Total Ascent.

We leave the coaches at Threlkeld and walk towards Keswick. This is a good path following the disused railway track along the River Greta. We arrive in Keswick at the old railway station. As we should have plenty of time, we can have a break here before continuing our walk. We leave Keswick at the far side, walking through Portinscale and on to Braithwaite. There are toilets and two pubs in Braithwaite. All we need is the weather!

20/07/2014 Coach - Keswick & Borrowdale

July

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

Glaramara,Allen Crags & Esk Pike with Colin Manning

11 miles (17.7km) with 3117ft (950m) Total Ascent.

Starting from Seatoller we have a short road walk to reach our path to start the steady ascent of Glaramara (2569ft/783m). The final clamber I have chosen up Glaramara is a scrambly option to add a bit more fun; it's short and is nothing unmanageable by any 'A' or 'B+' walker but can be avoided if needed. After lunch we then descend a short distance on a somewhat intermittent path before climbing up again to Allen Crags (2575ft/785m), hopefully for good views over to the Scafell range right in front of us. Our last climb is an up and down summit grab of Esk Pike (2904ft/885m) with views to Bowfell and beyond. The descent down to Seatoller is a long one but is on mostly excellent paths with no really steep bits. It passes by Sprinkling Tarn for a possible refreshment stop and Sty Head, at the start of the Corridor route, with its famous stretcher box. There's not much to do in Seatoller so we have no rush to get back early. If you want a pint you may have to bring your own.

High Spy with Dave Thornton
9¼ miles (15km) with 2000ft (610m) Total Ascent.

This is a linear walk starting at Seatoller and finishing in Keswick. Most of the climbing is at the start and we then follow a ridge which weather permitting will give us excellent views of the Borrowdale valley and Derwent Water.

We start off on the Allerdale Ramble heading northwards and then follow Tongue Gill past Rigghead Quarries and then on to High Spy (653m) the highest point of the walk. We continue on the ridge to Maiden Moor and Cat Bells. We descend on Skellgill Bank and enter a wooded area, Fawe Park and then pass through Portinscale and on to Keswick

Walla Crag & Ashness Bridge with Jim and Phyl
8 miles (12.9km) with 1000ft (305m) Total Ascent.

Leaving the coaches at Keswick bus station (toilets) we make our way to the Landing Stages. Now we go through Cockshot, Castlehead and Springs Wood on our way to Lady's Rake on Walla Crag. This is an excellent spot to have our sandwiches, especially if the weather is fine, with views to appreciate. We now continue descending to Ashness Bridge and on to the lake side then back to Keswick via Friars Crag.

Dancing Gate with Joyce Bradbury
6½ miles (10.5km) with 350ft (107m) Total Ascent.

The walk starts from Keswick and we proceed westwards to the edge of Portinscale and then head north west to How Farm and Bog House before turning north east and then north to reach the River Derwent where we will have lunch on the banks. After that we soon reach Dancing Gate. There follows half a mile of walking eastwards on a quiet lane to reach the villages of Millbeck and Applethwaite in the Parish of Underskiddaw (not Over Skiddaw you will be pleased to know!) We then turn south and pass Keswick School and Great Crosthwaite Church, where Canon Rawnsley was once the vicar. We soon reach Keswick from there. Not having Derek's foresight I have failed to book the weather so we will have to take pot luck.

25/05/2014 Coach - Caldbeck

May

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

Carrock Fell with Stella Wadsworth

13½ miles (21.7km) with 2717ft (828) Total Ascent

Leaving the coaches at Caldbeck we pick up the Cumbria Way heading off to the Caldbeck Fells passing Nether Row and Low Pike on our way to High Pike then Great Lingy Hill. We then head over to Miton Hill and on to Calebreck. We now travel north eastwards to Harrison House and Lonning Head before making for Hesket Newmarket where we pick up a footpath past Hesket Bridge leading eventually to High Parkhead. From here we carry on before turning back on ourselves to make our way past Rylands and on into Caldbeck. Here's for a lovely day. Enjoy.

High Pike with Kevin Poole
10 miles (16.1km) with 1900ft (579m) Total Ascent 

Leaving the coaches at Caldbeck we take it easy as we stroll up High Pike passing Nether Row and Fell Side. The climb is worth it for the grand view of the northern fells. We head back to Caldbeck over Low Pike and through Hudscales. 

Caldbeck South Circular with Jim and Phyl
8 miles (12.9km) with 1100ft (335m) Total Ascent

Leaving the coaches at Caldbeck we join the Cumbria Way going eastwards and after a short climb will have good views of the Caldbeck Fells to the south. After a mile we descend to cross Cald Beck. We continue southwards along field paths to pass Hesket Newmarket and Wood Hall; about three miles. Here we change direction travelling south westwards to a disused mine on Stony Bank. Now there is a steady climb for a mile rising about 630 feet. (This was a hard climb on our old legs against a stiff headwind and it made both of us consider a different route if the weather is not good; trust us with this one). We are now going south westwards to join the Cumbria Way and descend, this time going north to pass Nether Row and Townhead on the way back to Caldbeck and refreshments. 

Hesket Newmarket Circular with Joyce Bradbury
5½ miles (8.9km) with 520ft (158m) Total Ascent

Our walk today starts from the toilets in Caldbeck. We pass the church and go over a footbridge to join the Cumbria Way along Cald Beck. A fairly steep but short climb on the edge of some woods offers lovely views of High Pike and Carrock Fell with Hesket Newmarket always visible. We leave the Cumbria Way over a wonky stile to go down through some woods, cross Cald Beck over a footbridge and then climb back up alongside the River Caldew to reach Hesket Newmarket. From here we have a very gentle climb, possibly muddy in places, along field paths before descending gradually to a track for Townhead where the walk can be cut short if necessary. We continue along the road to Caldbeck School and return to our start via the Howk waterfalls and Bobbin Mill.

There are 6 stiles, all but the first one in good condition and most of the climbing is done in the early part of the walk. There are 3 cafes and a pub awaiting our return. 

02/02/2014 Coach - Grasmere

 

February

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

Steel Fell with Kevin Poole
11 miles (17.7km) with 3280ft (1000) Total Ascent

Starting in Grasmere we stride towards Steel Fell via Goody Bridge and Helmside. Greenup Edge, Brownrigg Moss and Low White Stones take us to High Rise. We then head back to Grasmere via Sergeant Man, Calf Crag, Gibson Knott and Helm Crag.

Silver How and Blea Rigg with Colin Manning
8.2 miles (13.2km) with 1902ft (580m) Total Ascent

Today's walk starts from Grasmere and is mostly on rocky paths which can be slippery in wet conditions.

From the car park we follow the road a short way to the bottom of Silver How where we begin our ascent. Once at the top of Silver How (1296ft/395m) we head over undulating paths towards Lang How and over Raw Pike before reaching our ultimate goal of Blea Rigg, (1775ft/541m) the highest point of the walk. We then continue a little further along the ridge to come to a steep and somewhat tricky path down towards Easdale Tarn.

Once we reach the tarn the path significantly improves. After a short stop off at the tarn we continue down alongside the spectacular Sourmilk Gill waterfalls before reaching the path back into Grasmere for the coaches.

Huntingstile Crag with Chris Cook 
8½ miles (13.7km) with 980ft (299m) Total Ascent

From Grasmere (toilets available) we join the Coffin Trail to Rydal. Here we cross the main road and make our way round Huntingstile Crag, dropping down through the woods and back into Grasmere.

Ambleside to Grasmere via Rydal Hall with Bill Manning
5 miles (8km) with 420ft (128m) Total Ascent

Today's walk starts from the car park at Ambleside (toilets). From here we follow the footpath by the A591 to meet the track through Rydal Park to Rydal Hall where we return to the main road at Step End. Shortly afterwards we follow the shores of Rydal Water before leaving the water's edge to make our way up to Loughrigg Terrace.

From here we follow the lane coming from Elterwater, crossing over the lane to take a narrow path through Red Bank Wood before taking a right turn back to the lane at Hunting Stile. This takes us back to Grasmere for refreshment and the coaches.

There will be an option for an extra short walk around Grasmere if anyone wants to come along.

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.