16/12/2007 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 A591 and Kirkstone Road.

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 on to our highest point of the day – Fairfield (2864ft / 873m). From the summit we head south west to Great Rigg and then descend to Grasmere village via Stone Arthur.

High Pike with Tony Ingham
9 miles (14.5km) with 2000ft (610m) Total Ascent.

After recceing the High Pike walk I originally proposed, I concluded that there might not be enough time to complete it in daylight at this time of year, especially if conditions are not favourable: e.g. a stream to be crossed in Scandale may be swollen and the diversion could be long. To be on the safe side, therefore, I have changed the walk. Apologies to those who read it on the web site; I will lead it sometime when we visit the area at a different time of year.

For this walk we are still head north out of Ambleside, cross Low Sweden Bridge and climb Sweden Crag (1148ft/ 350m). From there we continue upwards to Low Pike (1667ft/508m). We follow a different path down from there and proceed to High Sweden Bridge and back through Ambleside. We then climb onto Loughrigg Fell and drop down to Loughrigg Tarn before rising again to Loughrigg Terrace. We pass through White Moss Wood and turn west to end the walk in Grasmere.

This route combines features of two well known, but very different, walks of the Grasmere/Ambleside area. I hope those B+ walkers who were looking forward to the original High Pike walk will not be too disappointed.

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

Leaving the coach near Windermere Station we climb 400 ft / 122m to the summit of Orrest Head. We now descend to Moorhowe Road and then take Dubbs Road past Dubbs Reservoir. When we meet the Garburn Road we go south west to Troutbeck. From Troutbeck we take Robin Lane to Skelghyll Wood and on into Ambleside.

Ambleside to Windermere with Bill Manning
5½ miles (9km) with 120ft (36.5m) Total Ascent.

We start today’s walk from the main car park in Ambleside. We leave here and head for Rothay Lane to follow the river to Pelter Bridge. Taking the path up to Steps End Woods we pass through to reach the shore of Rydal Water. From here we have a short climb before descending to Grasmere Lake. We continue along until we reach The Lea where we walk up to join the road. This leads us round the end of the lake and into Grasmere where the coaches will be waiting.

09/09/2007 Coach - Caldbeck

September

8:00 start with 17:30 return

Uldale Fells with Alan Benson

12½ miles (20km) with 1,800ft (549m) Total Ascent.

Today we will, I hope, climb the highest in the area – Knott (2329ft / 710m), followed by Great Scar Fell, Lowthwaite Fell and, finally, Longlands Fell, before returning to Caldbeck.

We start our walk from Caldbeck and make our way to Fell Side via the Cumbria Way. From here we reach Roughton Gill. We start the ascent of the Knott via a climb up Roughton Gill.

“The highlight of this splendid walk is ROUGHTON GILL, a steep and rocky watercourse, all waterfalls and cascades, which has escaped (or recovered from) the despoliation of three centuries of mining and is entirely charming. The ravine entails a little rough scrambling, but is less formidable than appears likely on the approach.”

These are the wise words of A. WAINWRIGHT.

From the summit of Knott we continue on the ridge to climb the remainder of the Uldale Fells mentioned. We make our way back to Caldbeck via the Cumbria Way, hopefull in time for a brew or other refreshment.

High Pike via Dale Beck with Peter Stevens
9½ miles (15.3km) with 1736ft (529m) Total Ascent.

Our walk today begins and ends in Caldbeck.

Starting from the car park, we walk over the river bridge and follow the road (B5299) for approx ½ mile. Leaving the road we head for Little Fellside, passing Moor House via field paths before joining the Cumbria Way. We leave the Cumbria Way at Fell Side and head south following the valley of Dale Beck to the end where Roughton Gill cascades from a steep and rocky watercourse. Heading north east, we leave the valley and head up the Caldbeck Fells to Hare Stones (622mtr), joining the Cumbria Way we now follow it to the summit of High Pike (658mtr). From here we get a panoramic view of the coast before turning north and follow the Cumbria Way back to Calbeck and the waiting coaches.

Cumbria Way with Ray Butler
8 miles (19.9km) with 600ft (173m) Total Ascent.

Proceed by the river caldew between Parsons Park / Throstle Hall towards Sebergham, where we hopefully will visit the old church / Sebergham Hall. We will return to Caldbeck passing Warnell Hall / Fell with views of the river Caldew / Cumbria Way.

Cool Caldbeck Circular with Bill Manning
5½ miles (8.9km) with 230ft (79m) Total Ascent.

Stating today’s walk from Caldbeck, named after the river Cald Beck on which it stands, we leave by the main street and toilet stop.

We first head toward Welpo beck and proceed to follow along side the tree lined path to the Howk bobbin mill. This Bobbin mill once boasted the largest waterwheel in the country, measuring 42ft in diameter. Leaving here by a few steps we head for the hamlet of Welpo. Heading out of the hamlet we take a long grassy path up to a road leading to moor house. Through fields we reach little fellside adjoining the Cumbria way. From here we then take a left turn and head back towards Caldbeck for a well deserved drink.

22/04/2007 Coach - Kirkby Stephen via Tebay

April

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

The Calf & Northern Howgills with Dave Colbert

12½ miles (21km) with 4,100ft (1250m) Total Ascent.

Lying between the rugged mountains of the Lake District to the west and the rolling expanse of the Pennines to the east, the Howgill Fells form a compact group of steep-sided, rounded hills. The highest summits lie towards the centre of an extensive upland plateau from which ridges radiate in all directons. Those running to the north are quite lengthy and enclose deep-cut valleys such as Bowderdale and Langdale. It is these unfrequented northern ridges that are the focus of this particular walk which, although it includes a lot of climbing, is mostly on easy terrain with only two steep ascents. Note that the walk finishes in Tebay where shelter and refreshments are available in the old service station.

We start from Wath on the A685 just to the west of Newbiggin-on-Lune and climb gradually southwards along the lengthy ridge of Hooksey (1923ft / 86m) before crossing Leathgill Bridge (constructed by that well known engineer IK Silurian) to Randygill Top (2047ft / 624m). The traverse to Kensgriff (1883ft / 574m) is easy, though the descent of the south ridge is quite steep; the climb to the summit of Yarlside (2090ft / 637m) is, I'm afraid, even steeper but soon over. We then canter down to the head of Bowderdale, climbing out along the track to the Calf, at 2218ft / 676m the highest point in the Howgills. The route swings around the head of Langdale, traversing the minor tops of White Fell Head and Bush Howe before the drop into Windscarth Wyke. A short climb over Stowgill Brow leads to the short ridge ending in Docker Knott. Down again into the remote Blakethwaite Bottom and our final significant climb to Uldale Head (1739ft / 530m) from where a very long but gradual descent by way of Rispa Pike takes us to Tebay to await the coaches.

Nine Standards Rigg with Tony Ingham
9½ miles (15.3km) with 1800ft (549m) Total Ascent.

We head east out of Kirkby Stephen to the village of Hartley. We continue past Hartley Limestone Quarry (opened 1925) and on to Faraday Gill. This leads to the Nine Standards (nine columns of stone constructions) and up to the trig point at Nine Standards Rigg (2170ft / 662m). From here we drop south over a very peaty area and then north west on part of the Coast to Coast route before following a path south west to Ladthwaite. We now walk alongside Ladthwaite Beck, passing the dramatic Ewbank Scar, until we reach the disused Stainmore Railway. Here we join the trackbed which leads us back to Hartley and Kirkby Stephen, crossing over the Podgill and Merrygill Viaducts.

The first part of this walk is mountain and moorland but, in contrast, the return features woodland, farmland and the new railway path.

Smardale Bridge with Colin Hunt
9½ miles (15.3km) with Little Ascent.

Leaving Newbiggin-on-Lune we go north to join the Coast to Coast Path above Bent's Farm. We follow the Coast to Coast Path for a short distance heading north east towards Crosby Garrett with views of the Pennines and viaducts on the Settle - Carlisle railway. Now we do a 'U' turn to rejoin the Coast to Coast Path at Smardale Bridge. On this section we have views of the Howgill Fells, the disused Smardale Gill Viaduct and Wild Boar Fell.

We will also see the ancient 'Severals' settlement and the Giants Graves.

Kirkby Stephen Kaleidoscope with Derek Lowe
7 miles (11.2km) with 400ft (122m) Total Ascent.

Leaving the coaches at the Coach Park we make our way to Kirkby Stephen centre (toilet stop) from where we head for Frank's Bridge and follow the footpath to Hartley. Here we climb up to Merrygill Viaduct to follow the disused railway line to Nateby, where field paths and road take us to Mire Close Bridge and further paths to Lammerside Castle (remains). From here we follow field paths to Homestead and Halfpenny House where we make our way down to the River Eden which we follow back to Kirkby Stephen for refreshment.

25/03/2007 Coach - Braithwaite & Keswick

 

March

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

Outerside: The Purist's Coledale Round with Dave Colbert
9miles (14.4km) with 4,130ft (1260m) Total Ascent.

Two steep-sided, parallel ridges extend westwards from the Newlands Valley to Lorton Vale; Crag Hill lying at the western end of the southern ridge and Grisedale Pike towards the eastern end of the northern. Joined at the broad col of Coledale Hause, they surround the glacial valley of Coledale Beck to the south-west of Braithwaite, the high level circuit of which is one of the Lake District's classic walks. Closer inspection of the map reveals that the ridge from Rowling End to the Sail Pass over Causey Pike and Scar Crags does not have a foot on Coledale, and that a lower but parallel ridge lies to the north, reaching its maximum altitude in the sharp summit of Outerside (1863ft / 568m). This is our route for today: Outerside and right round Coledale on airy ridges with extensive views as far as the Isle of Man and the Galloway Hills in Scotland if the weather is favourable.

The initial ascent of Outerside from Braithwaite is lengthy, interrupted by the hump of Stile End. We gain the traditional route at the Sail Pass, the puff up sail being followed by the arête of The Scar which leads to Crag Hill (2753ft / 839m). Then down to Coledale Hause and more puff up the inappropriately named Sand Hill to the sharp summit of Hopegill Head (2525ft / 839m), arguably the finest peak in the North Western Fells. The traverse to Grisedale Pike (2595ft / 791m) is undulating and precedes the exposed descent to Sleet How and Kinn as we head back to Braithwaite. Grasmoor has not been included but, given time, good weather and inclination, it could be (but adds 400ft or so of up and another mile).

Cat Bells with Tony Ingham
9½ miles (15.3km) with 1400ft (427m) Total Ascent.

This walk will be familiar to most but none the worse for that because it is very varied, taking in two stiff climbs and woodland, open field, lakeside and beckside paths.

Today we start from Braithwaite and head south alongside Newlands Beck for 2 miles to Ghyll Bank. From here we turn north east to Hawes End to start the climbing: from 360 ft / 110m we rise to the top of Skelgill Bank at 1148ft / 350m. After levelling out for a while we then climb to the top of Cat Bells at 1476ft / 450m.

We descend from Cat Bells to Manesty at the southern tip of Derwentwater. Here we start heading through the woodlands of Manesty Park and Brandlehow Park alongside the lake. This takes us back to near Hawes End where we pick up the Allerdale Ramble route and walk past Lingholm and through Fawe Park to Portinscale. From here we will turn east into Keswick where we will be picked up  by the coaches.

Barrow with Dorothy Dobson
7½ miles (12km) with 1494ft (455m) Total Ascent.

Leaving Braithwaite we head towards Braithwaite Lodge and take the broad grassy path which stretches all the way to the top of Barrow. All the climbing is done at the beginning of the walk. We will take our time going up the hill, both to get our breath back and to enjoy the lovely views over Derwentwater and beyond.

We gradually descend via Barrow Door, on a stony track for the first 50 yards but on a good path for the rest of the way, to Stair in the Newlands Valley. From here we walk along a delightful path by a stream all the way back to Braithwaite.

Skelgill & Derwent Bay with Gwen Stevens
6miles (9.7km) with 400ft (122m) Total Ascent.

After visiting the toilets in Braithwaite we will commence the walk following the river southwards for approximately 1 mile. There is banking alongside the river where I propose taking an early lunch to enjoy the fellside views.

After a short way along the road we begin the only real climb of the day. A minor road rises steeply and zigzags to Skelgill Farm. The views as we climb get better and better so it is worth stopping to enjoy them. At the top of the climb we shall take a break which will last until 10 minutes after our last walker reaches the top. We can enjoy magnificent views of the fells and Lake Bassenthwaite to the north while we get our breath back.

We descend to join the Cumbria Way and follow it northwards to Nicholl End on Derwentwater. Here we can avail ourselves of the café with toilets. We shall stop here for about 40 minutes. Those not wishing to use the café acilities can enjoy views of the marina and lake. Maybe we shall see the Derwentwater launch making its way around the lake.

Leaving Nicholl End we pass Derwent Bank and continue to Portinscale where we will need to take our lives in our feet to cross the Keswick by-pass. We can use the old road and, flood water permitting, make our way back to Braithwaite using the underpass. If the underpass is flooded we have to get across that by-pass again. Sorry, there is no other way.

11/03/2007 Coach - Hayfield

 

March

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

A Walk – Lantern Pike & Kinder Low with Dave Colbert 
12½ Miles / 20km with 2,460ft / 750m Total Ascent

The iconic massif of Kinder Scout dominates the Dark Peak, now famed for all time by the mass trespass of 1932. Much has changed since or else we wouldn't be doing this walk at all without probably getting shot at or ending up in the nick with no get out of jail free card! Derbyshires highest point lies somewhere amidst a great expanse of plateau, riven with watercourses that form sticky peat groughs which have, in their time, swallowed many a Pennine Way hiker: we, however, will not be going there today. Instead, we will traverse the western edge of the plateau, including Kinder Low which, at 2077ft / 633m, is only a mere 11 feet lower. This walk will therefore be of no use to any peak-baggers out there. Kinder is best viewed from the west, hence, on our return to Hayfield, we will scale Lantern Pike (1224ft / 373m).

We start from Hayfield and follow the valley of the River Sett, climbing over the north east shoulder of Mount Famine before continuing, by way of Oaken Clough and Edale Cross, to Kinder Low. The Pennine Way takes us northwards along Kinder's western escarpment to Kinder Downfall before we descend, ever so gradually, to Mill Hill (not the one in Blackburn) and eventually the Glossop to Hayfield road near the Grouse Inn. (No drinking, so no whinging!) From here our route lies generally southwards, descending towards Blackshaw Farm before the easy climb to the summit of Lantern Pike. We then descend to Birch Vale and catch a virtual train to Hayfield. (i.e. You walk along an old railway line now known as the Sett Valley Cycleway).

B+ Walk – Chinley Churn & South Head with Tony Ingham
10 Miles / 16km with 1,950ft / 600m Total Ascent

My dad was brought up as a child in the 1920's at the Lamb Inn which lies between Hayfield and Chinley so he is very fond of this area and once showed me this walk. It is a good one and particularly pleasant if we have clear visibility.

In the morning we climb South Head (1621ft / 494m) and in the afternoon Chinley Churn (1480 / 451m). Starting from Hayfield Village we head south east round the side of Mount Famine and up to the top of South Head. We descend southwards via Beet Farm to Hull End where we turn north west, pass White Knowl Farm and continue down into Chinley. Once through the village we climb north east, past Cracken Edge, up to Chinley Chum. The descent from here takes us to Peep o Day where we head north west past Far Phoside and Phoside Farm and, on reaching Ridge Top, we drop back into Hayfield along a track leading to Meadows Road and the coach park.

B Walk – Hayfield Circular Spectacular with Ray Butler
8 Miles / 12.9km with 1,700ft / 518m Total Ascent

We walk to Little Hayfield and then on to White Brow where you can see the footpath to Kinder. From here we descend towards Kinder Reservoir and continue onwards with views of Mount Famine and Manchester. We reach the river bridge at Bowden Bridge and finally emerge on Kinder Road which takes us to the center of Hayfield.

C Walk – The Sett Valley Lantern with Roy Smith
5½ Miles / 8.9km with 550ft / 168m Total Ascent

Our walk today starts from Hayfield and is a pleasant and enjoyable walk, in part, along the Sett Valley Trail. From the coach park we make our way westwards along the Sett Valley Trail and woodland walk until we reach Thornsett. At Thornsett we turn north and cross the River Sett where we climb from the valley floor, in a steep but short climb, on a decent track to join a minor road which we follow for a short distance.

Still heading north, we cross into fields and continue our, now gradual, climb to Feeding Hey where we join a well used bridleway. This track takes us round the back of Lantern Pike affording us excellent views of the surrounding countryside. We now turn south and make our way past the other side of Lantern Pike, after which we drop down to the valley floor again where, re-crossing the River Sett, we emerge back on the Sett Valley Trail. We then retrace our steps to Hayfield.

14/01/2007 Coach - Hawkshead

January

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

Hows, Holme Fell & Black Fell with Dave Colbert

11 miles (18km) with 2,350ft (720m) Total Ascent.

When did an 'A' Walk last start in Hawkshead I hear you cry! Never, as far as I can recall, so, as Monty Python would put it: "And now for something completely different". This will definitely not give you altitude sickness, but it is an interesting walk through a varied landscape of trees, water and fell, offering magnificent views of the Coniston and Langdale fells in particular. The rugged height of Holme Fell lies to the east of Wetherlam, its steep flanks giving quite an airy feel to a hill which only just breaks through the l000ft / 305m contour. Black Fell, on the other hand, is more open, lying to the north of Tarn Hows; on a clear day the views from its summit are well worth the extra climb.

Starting from Hawkshead we climb to Hawkshead Hill and head across to Rose Castle for the classic view over Tarn Hows. (Weather permitting) Passing to the south of the lake we then descend to the Ambleside - Coniston road and ascend Holme Fell (1040ft / 317m) by way of Harry Guards Wood and Uskdale Gap. A steep descent takes us down to Hodge Close and its famous hole in the ground from where we head for Black Fell (1060ft / 323m), crossing the Ambleside - Coniston road at Oxen Fell High Cross. The final ascent is an out-and-back affair of around 11½ miles in total but is worth it for the views from the summit. We return to Hawkshead through Knipe Fold and Hawkshead Hall.

High Blind How & Latterbarrow with Tony Ingham
9½ miles (15.3km) with 1500ft (457m) Total Ascent.

We leave Hawkshead across farmland travelling in a north easterly direction until we reach Low Wray. At this point we turn south and follow the Windermere shoreline to Belle Grange where we start the day's climbing, initially rising to 656ft /200m on The Heald.

Heading south along The Heald we pass the Crier of Claife to reach Low Blind How where we turn north west to High Blind How (886ft / 270m) and continue in this direction for a few miles to the National Trust Base Camp near High Wray. From here we climb the north face (!!!!) of Latterbarrow (800ft / 244m), descend westwards to Loanthwaite, then to Colthouse and back to Hawkshead.

Far Sawrey with Colin Hunt
9½ miles (15.3km) with 1400ft (427m) Total Ascent.

Leaving Hawkshead we make for Loanthwaite Lane and the foot of Latterbarrow. We go round the eastern side of Latterbarrow and make for Belle Grange on the shore of Windermere. Here we turn right and go down the lake for about 11¼ miles before heading for Far Sawrey. Leaving Far Sawrey we go to Moss Eccles Tam, Wise Een Tarn and Highs Moss. Here we make for Guide Post 10 and then head west to Hawkshead.

Hawkshead with Alison & Lesley
5½ miles (8.9km) with 286ft (78m) Total Ascent.

Hope you all had a happy Christmas and that you enjoy the first walk of the New Year. We begin our walk from Hawkshead car park (toilets available). Taking a north east route over the fields we cross Black Beck on our way towards Loanthwaite Lane. At the lane we take the left hand path to Outgate. Continuing north we begin a pleasing stretch of path, passing Spika Coppice on our left and Blelham Tarn on our right, until we reach the road. There is then a short road walk passing the Dower House and the Vicarage, after which we join a path heading South West toward Hole House and Tock How. On a fine day the view of the distant mountains is pleasing. Crossing the fields back to Loanthwaite Lane we rejoin our original path back into Hawkshead for refreshments.

19/11/2006 Coach - Pateley Bridge

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

Guise Cliff & Brimham Rocks with Allan Benson
11½ miles (18.5km) with 1105ft (340m) Total Ascent.

Today's walk is relatively flat for an 'A' walk but with wonderful varied countryside, a river walk, woods, pastures, part of the Nidderdale Way and a little bit of history at Yorke's Folly and Brimham Rocks.

We start our walk from Pateley Bridge where our first climb is to Guise Cliff via some disused quarries. From the cliff we make our way, via the river Nidd and a gentle climb, to Brimham Rocks. Here there is a Visitor's Centre and Cafè with information about the history of the gritstone rock formation. From the summit of Brimham Rocks we return to Pateley Bridge via the Nidderdale Way in time for a well deserved brew.

Brimham Rocks with Peter Stevens
Miles / km with ft / m Total Ascent

The walk today, for a B+ is relatively easy; this reflex’s the time of year and possibly the weather, also Brimham Rocks are worthy of spending a little time looking around these fantastic prehistoric rock formations.

The walk, which starts and ends in Pateley Bridge (toilets available), follows the river Nidd westerly for approximately 2½ miles, before leaving it to climb north east passing Knox Hall to Smelthouses, and then passed High Wood Farm to reach Brimham Rocks. This is one of the highest points in the area (978ft – 301mtr) and affords an excellent view of the surrounding countryside. A Café and Museum about the history of the rocks should be open, so we can spend a little time here before turning west and heading back. Leaving the rocks, we head north for a short while before joining the Nidderdale Way which we follow back to Pateley Bridge and the waiting coaches.

Pateley Bridge Perambulation with Eric Jackson
7 miles (11.25km) with 1000ft (305m) Ascent.

We start nice and easy with a stroll down the Nidd to Glasshouses then continuing alongside the river for another mile or so before entering Lead Wath Wood and climbing to Abraham Cliff. From here we now follow the edge of Guise Cliff (good views of the Nidd valley) and on to Yorke's Folly. We now make our way down via Skrikes Wood and Brewerley reaching Pateley Bridge in time for a brew.

Around the Nidd with Alison & Lesley
6 miles (9.7km) with 574ft (175m) Ascent.

Leaving Pateley Bridge we walk north through the park on the West side of the river Nidd. Veering left towards Brigg House we continue across small fields to a road. After a quick pause to view the water wheel we begin to walk along Grange Lane. Taking the first footpath on our left we follow Ashfold Side Beck and begin a gentle climb up through the caravan parks, with pleasant views behind us. Joining the Nidderdale Way, the path leads us up to the mines, where we weave our way through a couple of small spoil heaps.

Still following the path as it begins to turn southeast at Providence House, we begin our slow descent, if it’s a clear day there should be good views across the valley. Passing Ladies Riggs, before reaching Eagle Hall we turn left and cut across the fields into Bridgehouse Gate and back once again to Pateley Bridge. The majority of this walk is on good paths, mainly small lanes and tracks. The climbing is very gradual and there are very few stiles.

22/10/2006 Coach - Grasmere via Great Langdale

 

October

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

High Raise via Jack's Rake with Allan Benson
8 miles (12.8km) with 2650ft (808m) Total Ascent.

Today's walk starts in Great Langdale and finishes in Grasmere.

We start from the New Hotel and follow Stickle Ghyll to the dam and Stickle Tarn. From the tarn we climb Pavey Ark via Jack's Rake. Note: For anyone who has not climbed Jack's Rake, it is classified as a rock climb: its grading is easy but, none the less, as a walk it is a little difficult and awkward. The most awkward scrambling occurs in the initial stages and once started, it is easier to go on. On a fine day it is well worth climbing. Quite an achievement! Give yourself a pat on the back.

After climbing Jack's Rake we reach the summit of Pavey Ark at 2280ft/695m. From the summit we continue climbing the ridge to High Raise (2500ft/762m). Here we start our descent to Grasmere, making our way to Greenup Edge and then heading in an easterly direction, via Easedale, to Grasmere in time, we hope, for a well deserved brew.

Sergeant Man with Barry Mather
7 miles (11.3km) with 2400ft (732m) Ascent.

We set off from Stickle Barn, Langdale, making quite a steep ascent up Stickle Ghyll to Stickle Tarn. From here we head west, still climbing, to Thunacar Knott and on to Sergeant Man from where we have magnificent views of the surrounding fells. It is now more or less downhill all the way, passing Easedale Tarn and Sour Milk Gill waterfall, to Grasmere arriving in time for well earned refreshments.

Huntingstile Crag with Dorothy Shackleton
7½ miles (12km) with 1090ft (332m) Ascent.

Starting from the car park outside of the village we go up the lane opposite the church for about a mile. We usually come back down this lane so this is a change with views across the lake that are often missed. The gradual climb to Huntingstile Crag is soon over. The descent to Elterwater is not too steep and here we join the Cumbria Way to Skelwith Bridge passing the Slate Gallery. From here we walk along the B5343 to a path through Neaum Wood, below Little Loughrigg, and up through caravan site to meet a lane near Loughrigg Tarn. A short walk along this lane takes us to a footpath on the right which crosses a field to another lane. We walk along this lane to Redbank Wood and on to Loughrigg Terrace at the end of which we descend to a footbridge across the River Rothay. A walk through the woods alongside the river bring us to the A591. We cross this to White Moss Common and go uphill to a quiet lane which leads us down to Dove Cottage on the A591 which we cross again and back to the car park.

Rydal Water Circular with Irene & Rita
5 miles (8km) with 300ft (91m) Ascent.

We start our walk in Grasmere Village, proceeding past Dove Cottage to the track eastwards through woodland and past a small tarn which takes us onto a grassy path to Rydal Hall, with scenic views over Rydal Water and the fells beyond. We go down to the A591 and a stile which leads to the footpath along the west bank of Rydal Water. Across the footbridge between Grasmere and Rydal Water the path takes us through trees back to the A591 and Grasmere Village. We hope you enjoy today's walk.

12/03/2006 Coach - Braithwaite via Keswick

 

March

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

Ard Crags & Robinson with Dave Colbert
12½ miles (20km) with 3200ft (980m) Total Ascent.

"Ard Crags? Where the heck is that?" I can almost hear the cries as I write this! In trying to find something different in the Keswick area - we climbed both Skiddow and Crag Hill / Grasmoor last year - I remembered traversing this ridge on my tod years ago and thinking it was one to do again. But where is it? Look to the south of Causey Pike / Scar Crags / Sail Ridge and there it is, off the beaten track and not even a 2000 footer. So how come we will climb over 3000 today? Come on the walk and find out.

Starting at Braithwaite we follow Newlands Beck southwards for some distance to Ghyll Bank beyond Stair where we cross it to reach the road at Rowling End Farm. Sounds familiar? But, rather than slog it up Rowling End, we head up the valley of Rigg Beck and tackle Ard Crags (1906ft/581m) head on via Aikin Knott - I assure you Ard is not short for Hard! Then follows a delightful ridge walk, narrow and airy but never exposed, to Knott Rigg before we descend back into the valley at Keskadale farm. Our next task is to pay a visit to Mrs Tiggywinkle, so off we go to Little Town and the hill of the mammal that rings. Finally we head to Keswick where we pick up the coaches (not literally), the route taking us through Fawe Park and across the bouncy bridge to Portinscale.

Cat Bells with Tony Ingham
9.5 miles (15.3km) with 1312ft (400m) Ascent.

This will be a familiar walk for many but none the worse for that. Today we will be starting from Braithwaite heading south along Newlands Beck for 2 miles (3.2km) to Ghyll Bank. From here we turn north east to Hawes End. After levelling out for a while, and taking lunch at this point, we then climb to the top of Cat Bells at 1476ft/450m. We descend from Cat Bells to Manesty at the southern tip of Derwent Water. Here we start heading through the woodlands of Manesty Park and Brandlehow Park alongside the lake. This takes us back to near Hawes End where we pick up the Allerdale Ramble route and walk past Lingholm and through Fawe Park to Portinscale. At the northern end of the village we cross the River Derwent and go east across open land into Keswick where we will pick up the coaches. This is a varied walk incorporating a stiff climb, two short scrambles, woodland, open fields and lakeside and beckside paths.

Around Cat Bells and Newlands with Eric Jackson
8 miles (13km) with 1250ft (381m) Ascent.

Starting from the main road in Portinscale we make our way through the village and into Fawe Park woods. It is possible that we might see red squirrels as they end their hibernation. On now to Hawes End at the base of Cat Bells. Don't panic, we are not going up this end! We take the path along the slopes with good views overlooking Derwent Water. As we reach the end of the lake we too have a steepish climb up to Hause Gate, then down to Little Town in Newlands. From here it is a pleasant stroll to Braithwaite via Skelgill, Stair and along Newlands Beck.

Derwent Bay with Irene & Steve Watson
5½ miles (8.8km) with 300ft (91.5m) Ascent.

As we get off the coach in Keswick there will be time for toilets and a quick coffee if required. We then take the path for Portinscale. After a short distance along the road we take the path to Nichol End and join the old miner's track (Cumbria Way) to Derwent Bank and Hawse End. A good track takes us on to Skelgill Farm and then down to Stair village. From here we follow Newlands Beck northwards to Braithwaite: toilets and we hope an open cafe but, if it is closed, there are several pubs.