20/09/2009 Coach - Keswick & Braithwaite

September

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

Dodd and Skiddaw with Dave Colbert

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

05/04/2009 Coach - Pateley Bridge

April

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

Upper Nidderdale with Allan Benson
13 or 14 miles (21 or 22.5km) with less than 1000ft (305m) Total Ascent.

Today's walk is relatively flat for an "A" walk. Having previously walked around Brimham Rocks and the Yorke's Folly area today we will be walking 13 or 14 miles, mostly on the Nidderdale Way.

We start from Pateley Bridge and pick up the Nidderdale Way to follow Ashfold Side Beck through the now disused Merryfield Mines. We continue along the Nidderdale Way to Ramsgill at the northern end of the Gouthwaite Reservoir. There we cross over to the eastern side of the reservoir to Bouthwaite and make our way back to Pateley Bridge via the now disused railway line and Silverhill, hopefully in time for a nice cup of tea or something.

Greenhow Lead Mines with Colin Hunt
9¼ miles (14.9km) with 1150ft (351m) Ascent.

This is a varied walk with some walking on tracks and minor roads, some through old lead mine workings and a finish by the river Nidd.

Leaving Pateley Bridge we go along a bridleway past Eagle Hall to join the Nidderdale Way. From here we go past Coldstonefield Farm and out onto the B6265 at Greenhow. From the Miners' Arms we head to Brandstone Beck and the lead workings. Now we continue on to rejoin the Nidderdale Way. After more lead mining spoil we follow Ashfold Side Beck before turning to Heathfield, Spring Hill and Watch Bridge with a final stretch along the river back to Pateley Bridge.

Brimham Rocks with Dorothy Shackleton
8½ miles (13.7km) with 985ft (300m) Ascent.

We begin our walk today at the car park in Pateley Bridge. From here, crossing the bridge, we go uphill on the main street to take the Panorama Walk which is fairly steep at the beginning. We are now on the Nidderdale Way which we follow for much of the way to Brimham Rocks going through Blazefield, a very small hamlet.

After passing White Houses we leave the Nidderdale Way to walk near High North Pasture Farm. We follow a good track to the National Trust Boundary Notice and turn right to begin our walk through the weirdly shaped rocks which have been eroded by glaciation and weathering. We go downhill, on a path by the Visitor Centre, passing more rocks which have been given names such as "Frog" and "Sphinx". From Brimham Rocks we walk down to the River Nidd, cross to the other side at Harewell Hall, and follow a concrete path to enjoy the views back across the valley to where we were walking earlier in the day. Then field paths take us to Bayliss Gap (farm) and a lane where we rejoin the Nidderdale Way for the last stretch to Pateley Bridge.

The Nidderdale Way with Roy Smith
6 miles (9.7km) with 400ft (122m) Ascent.

Our walk today starts from Pateley Bridge. Leaving the coach park we make our way uphill through the town to the Panorama Walk where we are able to visit the old church ruins, now under restoration by English Heritage.

We join the Nidderdale Way to take in the panoramic views of the town and surrounding area. From the viewpoint we continue following the Nidderdale Way, past Blazefield and White Houses, to enter and pass through Low Wood alongside Fell Beck. We emerge from the wood and leave the Nidderdale Way at Smelthouses where we drop down to the River Nidd. We are now able to follow the river through the village of Glasshouses back to Pateley Bridge and some well earned refreshment.

14/12/2008 Coach - Ambleside & Grasmere

 

December

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

Fairfield with Allan Benson
9 miles (14.5km) with 3200ft (975m) Total Ascent.

Today we will complete approximately ¾ of the Fairfield Horseshoe, finishing at Grasmere.

Starting from Ambleside we follow the lane to Low Sweden Bridge and start to climb our first fell, Low Pike (1675ft / 510m). This is followed by High Pike and Dove Crag before we move on to Hart Crag (2698ft / 822m), passing the head of Deepdale – not PNE! We continue along the ridge to the summit of Fairfield (2863ft / 873m). Weather permitting we should see all the spectacular autumn/winter colours of the surrounding fells. From the summit we make our way to Grasmere via Great Rigg and Stone Arthur.

Helm Crag & Gibson Knott with Tony Ingham
7½miles (12.1km) with 2000ft (610m) Total Ascent.

Leaving Grasmere to the north west we first climb Helm Crag (1299ft / 396m). We then descend to Bracken Hause from where we ascend to a cairn at the top of Gibson Knott (1379ft / 420m). After, probably, lunching here we retrace our steps to Bracken Hause and then turn south west to drop steeply down into Far Easedale. We soon cross a footbridge and start climbing again up to Easedale Tarn. We walk round the tarn, turn south east and return to Grasmere via Sour Milk Gill.

Grasmere with Colin Hunt
9 miles (14.5km) with 1250ft (381m) Total Ascent.

Leaving Ambleside we follow the minor road to Pelter Bridge, then past Rydal Caves to Loughrigg Terrace and on to Grasmere Lake. We now go via the shore path to Grasmere. We cross the A591 and head for Alcock Tarn. We now descend taking the path to Rydal Church, then on through Rydal Park and back into Ambleside.

Winter at Rydal Water with Alison & Lesley
7miles (11.2km) with 279ft (85m) Total Ascent.

We begin our walk from the car park at Ambleside, taking an easy track north, we follow the River Rothay up to Pelter Bridge. Here we turn west, climbing a little along the base of Loughrigg Fell. On a good day we will have beautiful views of Rydal Water on our right.

Continuing on this path we will reach the caves, sadly they are now considered unsafe for visitors to enter because of falling rocks. On reaching Loughrigg Terrace we turn north again, cross the river via the bridge, and up through the trees to the A591 where there are toilets. Crossing the road we have a steady climb up towards Nab Scar. Where the two paths merge, we turn south east and walk slowly to Rydal Hall, then on to Rydal Park and finally back into lovely Ambleside and refreshments.

19/10/2008 Coach - Llangollen via Chirk

October

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

Eglwyseg with Dave Colbert

13 miles (21km) with 2725ft (830m) Total Ascent.

Bore da! The magnificent limestone ramparts of Creigiau Eglwyseg dwarf anything the Yorkshire Dales has to offer and are the focal point of this walk which, although quite lengthy, is easily graded. Starting in Llangollen, we cross the Afon Dyfrdwy before storming the hill fort of Castell Dinas Bran.

A short descent takes us to the Offa's Dyke path, which here does not follow the exact line of the dyke. We follow the path northward for some distance, passing beneath Creigiau Eglwyseg and Craig Arthur to reach the appropriately named World's End. Further climbing across the moorland sees us gain the summit of Cym-y-Brain (565m/1854ft) with, hopefully, clear views towards Mynyddoedd Eryri. We return to Llangollen by following the tow path of the Llangollen branch of the Shropshire Union canal.

Chirk Castle & Trevor Rocks with Val Walmsley
12 miles (19.3km) with 1000ft (305m) Total Ascent

From Chirk Railway Station we cross the Llangollen Canal and proceed to the Offa's Dyke Path via Chirk Castle. Following the path via Froncysyllte we join the canal towpath to cross the Pont Cysyllte Aqueduct over the River Dee. Re-joining Offa's Dyke Path we move on to take the panorama walk to Trevor Rocks, leaving to pick up the Clwydian Way at Castell Dinas Bran and carry on to Valle Crucis Abbey. From here we re-join the canal towpath and make our way to the Steam Railway Museum in Llangollen, crossing the River Dee for the second time.

Castell Dinas Bran with Barry Mather
7½ miles (12km) with 1500ft (457m) Total Ascent.

Leaving Llangollen we head north across the Shropshire Union Canal, then a fairly steep but mercifully short zig-zag path (climbing about 700ft/213m) takes us to the medieval castle of Castell Dinas Bran (circa 1260). From here we have magnificent views of the surrounding area. We then descend and follow the Offa's Dike Path and, after following the River Eglwyseg to the Cistercian Valle Crucis Abbey, we return to Llangollen via the Shropshire Union Canal.

To the End of the World! with Derek Lowe
6½ miles (10.5km) with 485ft (148m) Total Ascent.

We commence our walk heading for the Shopshire Union Canal. We leave the canal at the Motor Museum and begin a gentle climb to overlook the remains of the Valle Crucis Abbey (it will be optional to go down to look at the remains). 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 the field paths which we follow to 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 and take a path to reach the foot of the hill, follow the path round the base of the hill and, after a short climb, descend into Llangollen where you will be able to browse.

21/09/2008 Coach - Coniston via Ambleside

September

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

Ambleside to Coniston with Allan Benson

12 miles (19.3km) with 2700ft (823m) Total Ascent.

Today’s walk is different; not a high fell walk but three 1000ft / 300m fells – just as energetic – Loughrigg 1101ft / 336m, Black Fell 1056ft / 322m and, finally, Holme Fell 1040ft / 317m. These three are full of interest, including many tarns, rock formations, excellent trees and vegetation. There are splendid views from all three summits – weather permitting!

We begin our walk from Ambleside and proceed to climb Loughrigg. From the summit we descend to Skelwith Bridge and make our way to cross Black Fell. From here we continue to Holme Fell via High Oxen Fell. From this final summit we make our way to Coniston walking part of the Cumbria Way Path. Hopefully, we will have time for a well deserved drink and an ice cream.

Coniston Old Man  with Peter Stevens
7½ (12km) with 2450ft (744m) Total Ascent.

Today’s walk is one of the classics, we basically climb for the first third of the walk ( up The Old Man) and then slowly descend for the rest, enjoying wonderful views over Morecambe Bay, if the weather is in our favour.

From Coniston we ascend Coniston Old Man using the direct tourist route, which takes us through Copper Mines Valley, passing the Pudding Stone and through Bolder Valley to the summit. From here we head north along Brim Fell and Swirl Band to Swirl How, before turning east to follow the Prison Band to Swirl Hawse. From here we head back towards Coniston descending to Levers Water via Sam Bottom and then back into Copper Mines Valley before making our way back to the coaches

Holme Fell with Eric Jackson
8 miles (12.9km) with 1250ft (381m) Total Ascent.

Starting from Skelwith Bridge we have a nice gentle stroll along the Cumbria Way via Park Farm and Colwith Force waterfall. Just before Stang End we head south to Hodge Close and the old quarry workings; this is an area of spoil heaps and big holes but it is still very beautiful. As Wainwright states, “It is one of the best square miles in Lakeland”.

After passing the quarries we leave the track to head on up to Holme Fell and, because this is not near any higher fells, the views are (hopefully) quite extensive. Leaving the top, we retrace our route a short distance to rejoin the track across the fell and make our way down to the main road by Yew Tree Tarn. From the road it is only a short climb to Tarn Hows from where we head back through woods and farmland to Coniston in time for a well earned brew.

Cumbria Way with Bill Manning
5½ miles (8.9km) with 2000ft (61m) Total Ascent.

Today’s walk is relatively flat. Starting from the coach park in Coniston we take a short walk out of the village to join the Cumbria Way heading for Bowmanstead. From here we proceed to Coniston Hall, a fine 15th century manor house with a circular chimney stack.

Continuing after a short stop, we head for the shore of Coniston Water. As we follow this path for a short distance areas of clinker can be seen by the lake shore, indications that small scale smelting once took place. Reaching Torver Common Wood we  make our way to Brockenbarrow Farm, on to Hoathwaite Farm and then to the A593. We follow the path close to the road back to Bowmanstead where we retrace our steps back to Coniston and a nice cup of tea.

06/04/2008 Coach - Keswick via Thirlmere

April

8:00 start with 17:30 return

Helvellyn and The Dodds with Dave Thornton

11½ miles (18.5km) with 3,700ft (1128m) Total Ascent.

Starting at the northern end of Highpark Wood we ascend Helvellyn along its gill and climb steeply to Lower Man and on to the summit (3117ft / 950m). Our route is now along a ridge heading in a northerly direction to Whiteside, Raise (2897ft / 883m), Stybarrow Dodd (2766ft / 843m), Watson’s Dodd (2589ft / 789m), Great Dodd (2812ft / 857m) and Clough Head (2382ft / 726m). We now descend over White Pike to the old coach road which we follow westwards to the B road at Wanthwaite Bridge. From here we follow the road into Threlkeld to await the arrival of the coaches.

Cat Bells & Derwent Water with Peter Stevens
9½ miles (15.3km) with 1520ft (463m) Ascent.

Today's walk is basically a full circle of Derwent Water taking in Cat Bells on the way round.

We start in Keswick and head north-east through Portinscale following the Cumbria Way to the base of Cat Bells (Hawes End). From here we make our only main ascent of the day, first up Skelgill Bank and then onto the summit of Cat Bells (451m/1480ft), the view if fine is truly spectacular. Its all downhill from here, descending to the valley floor (Borrowdale) to meet the Allerdale Ramble & Cumbria Way on our way around the back of Derwent Water to the Ladore Hotel and toilets (the lake launch can be boarded here back to Keswick, if the fancy takes you). Leaving the hotel we follow the lake all the way back to Keswick and the awaiting coaches.

Latrigg with Tony Ingham
9miles (14.5km) with 1150ft (350m) Ascent.

We leave Keswick in a north easterly direction before turning south east to climb Latrigg (1200ft / 366m). We descend to Derwentfolds and walk eastwards along the foot of Blease Fell to the Blencathra Centre and Threlkeld. From here we go south over Mill Bridge to join the Keswick Railway footpath. The rest of the walk takes us along the disused railway track all the way back into Keswick.

Castlerigg & Derwent Water with Roy Smith
6½ miles (10.5km) with 450ft (173m) Ascent.

Our walk today starts from Keswick from where we make our way through Springs Wood, gradually climbing past Castlerigg farm and open farmland until we meet the A591. From the A591 we walk along Castle Lane to the Castlerigg Stone Circle. After visiting the heritage site we travel south along field tracks to arrive at, and cross again, the A591. From here we have to retrace our steps for a few hundred yards until we are able to follow the public footpath into Great Wood below Walla Crag. The track through the wood leads us to the side of Derwent Water where we pick up the lakeside path which takes us back to Keswick.

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.