14/02/2016 Coach - Coniston via Newby Bridge

 

February

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

Finsthwaite & Carron Crag with Graham Hogg
11¾ miles (19km) with 2033ft (620m) Total Ascent

Today we leave the coach at the Newby Bridge Hotel bus stop layby, affording us a reasonably early start and the rare opportunity to traverse the Furness Fells in a linear walk to Coniston.

Crossing first the River Leven, outflow from Lake Windermere and then the Lakeside and Haverthwaite railway line, we head towards the hamlet of Finsthwaite. From here it is uphill to High Dam and Great Green Hows before descending to the small settlements of Crosslands and Rusland. We enter the southern reaches of Grizedale Forest at Force Forge Farm. Through various forest paths, tracks and careful navigation (no running off at the front please!) we should all arrive at Carron Crag 1030ft (314m) our highest point on the walk. Views from here are particularly extensive towards the Central Fells and there is a large sculpture, one of over 40 within the forest, which provides a splended photo opportunity. Also for those into the pursuit of "letterboxing" (outdoor hobby that combines elements of orienteering, art and puzzle solving) I am informed that from the trig point and 70 paces on a bearing of 335 degrees leads to large standing stone type bolder. A further 5 paces away under a rock in a small cave behind stones is the "letter box" containing the mystery treasure. Feel free to try and solve the mystery while we have a break! There is plenty more forest to enjoy on our way to How Head and the northern reaches of Coniston Water before a final stretch on the road into Coniston village.

Wetherlam with Colin Manning
8¾miles (14.1km) with 2400ft (732m) Total Ascent

Starting from Coniston we head up towards Lever Waters beck which we follow for a short way. We turn off at Hole Rake and climb up towards Wetherlam via Red Gill Head Moss and Lower Howes. Reaching the top of Wetherlam (762m/2500ft) we turn to follow Wetherlam edge until we reach a path descending towards Hawk Rigg. Continuing our descent on a winding path down to Tiberthwaite Gill and on to disused quarries to reach Yewdale Fells. Our final descent steepens from here to Far End and the road back in to Coniston. Recent weather conditions may cause the route or walk to be changed if necessary.

Torver, Beckstone & Back with Roy Smith
7 miles (11.4km) with 700ft (213m) Total Ascent

From the village of Coniston we make our way to Bowmanstead, crossing the main road to move south west. We gradually start to move uphill towards Bleathwaite Pasture from where we, weather permitting, should be granted wonderful views over Coniston Water to the east and the Old Man of Coniston to the west. Continuing upwards through open pasture, we eventually arrive at Torver Beck, which we then follow downstream to the hamlet of Little Arrow. From here we walk on to Torver, before winding our way downhill to Coniston Water, on our way passing through Torver Common Wood. Once at the lakeside we are able to walk along the woodland and open tracks, part of the "Cumbria Way", back to Coniston.

To Coniston via the Cumbria Way with Joyce Bradbury
5½ miles (8.9km) with 607ft (185m) Total Ascent

We begin our walk from Brown Howe car park shortly before Torver. We climb steadily on a well maintained farm track to the base of Tottle Bank. When we reach the farm gate after about a mile, most of the day's climbing has been done. We turn left along a grassy bridle path and soon, if the weather is kind, we have a magnificent view of the Old Man, Dow Crags, Walna Scar and the Furness Fells. Now at our highest point we descend to Sunny Bank Farm where we have a brief road walk before a short sharp climb takes us to the Cumbria Way. We drop down to the lake and have just over a mile of undulating single file track where we need to be careful on exposed tree roots. The last two miles are flat, on well maintained paths with the lake to our right and the hills to our left. As of last Friday there was plenty of mud and water, not only in the lake!

17/01/2016 Coach - Hayfield

 

January

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

A Walk – Stacks O' Fun with Sandra Robinson
13 Miles / 21km with 2500ft / 762m Total Ascent

From New mills join the sett valley trail then go to little Hayfield and Kinder Reservoir and onto Pennine bridleway to Kinder downfall and kinder scout. Next Jacobs ladder and back to hayfield.

B+ Walk – Kinder Scout with Barry Mather
10 Miles / 16.1km with 2200ft / 671m Total Ascent

We leave Hayfield heading north on the ominously named Snake Path, remembering to keep our trousers tucked into our socks. We then head east following a path above Kinder Reservoir. After about a mile we climb William Clough to the ridge of Kinder Scout where we meet the Pennine Way, which we follow to the impressive Kinder Downfall. We then head to the trig point at Kinder Low.
From here we descend passing the medieval wayside Edale Cross then crossing over Oaken Clough we descend to Bowden Bridge and follow the road to Hayfield, passing the quarry where Benny Rothman and his followers started their mass trespass in 1932, which helped to make it possible for us to walk this area today. Following the River Kinder we arrive back in Hayfield.

Happy New Year.

B Walk – Lantern Pike & Middle Moor with Chris Cook
7½ Miles / 12km with 1640ft / 499m Total Ascent

This walk is in two sections. Terrain is good paths and tracks but can be challenging. There are toilets at the car park.

We leave the car park following the Sett Valley Trail to Birch Vale and then take the Pennine Bridle Way to Lantern Pike. We then head to Knarrs after which we cross the A624 and follow the path over Middle Moor to Shooting Cabin. Bearing right down Snake Path we head back to Hayfield. Happy days!

C Walk – Sett Valley Trail with Tony Ingham
6 Miles / 9.7km with 500ft / 153m Total Ascent

From Hayfield we head west along a disused railway track known as the Sett Valley Trail. This tree lined path passes through Birch Vale and Thornsett and after 2.5 miles, reaches New Mills where we turn south-east along a minor road which soon becomes a bridleway, terminating at Moor Lodge. Here we proceed north east across moorland to a TV mast and from there we descend back to Hayfield where I have checked that there will be cafes, pubs and even a chip shop open for our custom as we await the departure of the coach.

06/12/2015 Coach - Windermere & Ambleside

December

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

Fairfield Horseshoe with Kevin Poole

10½miles (16.9km) with 3350ft (1021m) Total Ascent.

Today's walk is - a hard but rewarding walk.

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 back to Ambleside via Great Rigg and Rydal.

Red Screes with Dave Thornton
8miles (13km) with 2200ft (670m) Total Ascent.

Starting from Ambleside we head northwards along Scandale Beck past High Sweden bridge to Scandale Fell and Scandale Pass. Turning south eastwards we climb to the highest point on the walk, the summit of Red Screes at 776m. We return to Ambleside via Snarker Pass and the Kirkstone Road.

It should be noted that we may have to plan a walk at a lower level in extreme weather conditions. This will probably include some imaginary stepping stones so we can finish the walk earlier to spend more time in Ambleside.

Robin Lane with Colin/Bill Manning
9miles (14.5km) with 1000ft (305m) Total Ascent.

Starting the walk from Windermere by the train station we start by heading up to Orrest Head, where hopefully we will get great views over Windemere. Descending here we head towards Near Orrest and follow the road to Dubbs Road. After a while we turn left and head to Limefit house and on to Troutbeck. Through here, we join Robin Lane which we follow all the way round the bottom of The Hundreds and Wansfell until we reach waterhead and on in to Ambleside for the coaches and refreshments.

Windermere to Ambleside Wander with Roy Smith
5 miles (8km) with 500ft (153m) Total Ascent.

We start our walk in Windermere (toilets at Booths) where we make our way towards Orrest Head. We follow the track through the woods then take field tracks round the side of Orrest Head and down to Howe Hill and Crosses Farm. Our route now takes us north past Thickholme Bridge to Town End. From here we climb to Robin Lane and then walk north westerly to enter Skelghyll Wood, owned by the National Trust. The track descends through the wood and eventually brings us out at our destination of Ambleside and some welcome refreshment. 

01/02/2015 Coach - Keswick via Penrith

February

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

Skiddaw & Carlside with Graham Hogg

8¾ miles (14km) with 3117ft (950m) Total Ascent

Avoiding the distractions of central Keswick, the A walk today will start just after the roundabout turn off from the A66 onto the A5271. From here we head for Briar Rigg to join the Cumbria Way. The path skirts around the Western slopes of Latrigg, steadily climbing to the head of Gale Gill. If the weather and ground conditions are favourable, we'll now head uphill to Skiddaw Little Man (2841ft/866m) and on to Skiddaw main summit (3054ft/931m). Our descent route will be via Carlside, down to Millbeck and then on to Applethwaite before returning to Keswick town centre for a well earned brew!

Blencathra via Scales Fell with Colin Manning
8 miles (12.9km) with 2274ft (693m) Total Ascent

An easier route up an old classic Lake District fell, we start our walk from the lay-by just before Scales. We pass through Lowside towards Mousthwaite Combe before heading up the grassy slope of Scales Fell all the way to the top of Blencathra. We then descend to Knowe Crag and on down to Blencathra Centre. Our walk then continues down the peaceful country lane through Brundholme wood all the way to the A66 footbridge, which we cross over and head back in to Keswick for the coaches.

Blease Fell & Cumbria Way with Chris Cook 
8½ miles (13.7km) with 1200ft (366m) Total Ascent

We alight the bus at Threlkeld and make to Wescoe and Blencathra Centre where we make steady progress under Blease Fell to join the Cumbria Way. From here the path is undulating back to Keswick. Happy Days!

Keswick Winter Wonderland with Alison & Lesley
5¼ miles (8.4km) with 394ft (120m) Total 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 clear day there should good 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.

04/01/2015 Coach - Haworth via Crosshills

January

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

Dick Delf Hill with Dave Colbert

11¾ miles (19km) with 2160ft (660m) Total Ascent

Just who the heck was Dick Delf to have a hill named after him? A Dutch Yorkshireman who invented an exquisite blue pottery but then found a 'T' added to the end of his surname to disguise his origins? Or a Yorkshire Dutchman, uncle to that bloke Heathcliffe? Despite extensive research by Dr Bente Kanin-Vakmester from Tromso University, who concluded he must have been a member of the ancient Horveht race of pygmies from Lakeland (a theory subsequently rubbished by our very own academic Professor John Warner (see 'Footprints' January to June 1992), no one really knows and I guarantee that by the end of this walk you will be none the wiser either!

We start near Cowling on then A6068 and follow the Pennine Way southwards over Wolf Stones (443m/1,453ft) and down into the Worth Valley, then up past Withins (no Kate Bush impressions allowed) to said hill. The descent to Haworth traverses Penistone Hill. If the clag is down, we will take an alternative route from Withins to Haworth past Bronte Bridge. 

A bit of Brontë with Barry Hayhurst
9¼ miles (14.9km) with 1507ft (459m) Total Ascent

An undulating walk across peaty moorland, a little steep climbing in short-ish bursts and some muddy bits, not much in the way of shelter and a bit exposed to the elements if bad weather.

From the rear of the church of St Michaels and All Angels we proceed past the graveyard onto part of the Bronte Way, passing farms and bypassing Hope. We move on up to Penistone Hill and down the other side where we cross Moor Side Lane before dropping down to cross Haworth Moor and then up to Spa Hill. From here we drop down and then go up Wether Hill and on to Round Hill. The next part is a rather muddy narrow path which is steep and rocky in places, but we are rewarded at the bottom as we cross the so called "Bronte bridge". It is now up a short-ish reasonably maintained footpath to the top where we turn south and walk through fields before dropping down to moorland (muddy and rocky in places) to cross Rough Dike via stepping stones. We climb up the other side to a well maintained path along to "Top Within" from where we retrace our footsteps along a wide track towards Stanbury with Ponden reservoir to our left and Lower Laithe reservoir in front. We turn and drop down, crossing fields and a footbridge before a steep climb up to meet the Bronte Way. Then onto the Millennium Way, skirting around Penistone Hill Country Park back to Haworth which has an abundance of refreshment establishments amongst its cobbled streets. 

Haworth, Bronte Bridge and Withins with Jim and Phyl
8 miles (12.9km) with 1200ft (366m) Total Ascent

Leaving the coaches at Bronte Village car park (coaches are free) GR030370 we will make our way to the nearby facilities. Heading south back towards the car park we take a right turn onto a footpath leading to Penistone Hill and eventually, Moorside Lane which we cross to join the Millennium Way. We soon join the Bronte Way and come to Bronte Bridge and the waterfalls. We will take a short break here before scaling the facing embankment to join the Pennine Way. We now head west to Withins and lunch. The return route takes us via Forks House to Bronte Bridge where we retrace our steps on the Bronte Way to Penistone Hill but staying on the road to pass the cemetery lying to the north of the hill. A short field walk takes us back to Haworth.

The Railway Children Walk with Kevin Alty
5 miles (8km) with 550ft (168m) Total Ascent

Starting from the Information Centre (used as the Butcher's shop) in Haworth we make our way to the ABC steps (guess why they're called that?). We make our way to Oakworth station where lots of the filming took place and where Perks cottage can be seen. We go round "HOOTs" corner past the cottages used for the paper chase and get a glimpse of Mytholmes tunnel. We cross the bridge where Roberta held the chalk board at the end of the film. On reaching Haworth station we will have lunch. So far we have had good footpaths but now we have grassy paths leading towards Oxenhope station where, crossing over the train track, we have a short steep climb to "Three Chimneys" (home of the Railway Children) from where it's back to Haworth for shops etc.

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.