05/09/2010 Coach - Caldbeck

September

8:00 start with 17:30 return

Knott & High Pike with Graham Hogg

13 miles (20.9km) with 2461ft (750m) 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.

From Caldbeck we proceed to Whelpo and then on to Branthwaite to join the Cumbria Way. We follow this to Charleton Wath and then commence the ascent of Longlands Fell and Lowthwaite Fell. This ridge eventually tops out at great Sca Fell (2136ft/651m). From the summit we have a short descent before climbing again to reach the summit of Knott (2329ft/710m) the highest point of the walk.

The return to Caldbeck will be via Great Lingy Hill and High Pike (2159ft/658m) hopefully in time for a well earned brew!

To the Mines with Barry Mather
10 miles (16km) with 1900ft (579m) Ascent.

From Caldbeck we head south to Nether Row where we start the steady climb to High Pike, passing mine workings on the way. From the top, weather permitting, we should have magnificent views of the surrounding fells, including Blencathra and Skiddaw.  From here it's downhill all the way, following Carrock Beck to Calebreck then on to Hesket Newmarket and back to Caldbeck.

Lower Caldbeck Fells with Margaret Oliver
9 miles (14.5km) with 900ft (274m) Ascent.

We leave Caldbeck following the Whelpo Beck past the Howk Bobbin Mill and on to Whelpo Bridge. Here we use the Keswick road for a short distance to Park End where we leave the road and follow field paths to Fellside.

We now follow the Cumbria Way to Nether Row, then fields and paths to Hesket Newmarket. We now descend through woods and fields before, once more, picking up the Cumbria Way which we follow back to Caldbeck in plenty of time for refreshments and exploration of this small village.

A Caldbeck Experience with Joyce Bradbury
6.1 miles (9.8km) with 550ft (168m) Ascent.

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

Our walk starts with a gentle stroll to the Howk and the Old Bobbin Mill. We then continue on to Whelpo and one of our two main climbs - on a good track. We will probably have lunch here before continuing on to Little Fellside and our second and last climb of the day. Here we join a rather wet, boggy, section of the Cumbria Way to Potts Gill and then on to Nether Row on a good track. From here it's possible to take a short cut back to Caldbeck. Otherwise we carry on through fields and tracks to Street Head, Townhead and then Caldbeck.

There will then be time for you to find John Peel's grave, visit the Priests Mill and the other numerous cafes and gift shops as you discover the delights of Caldbeck. Have a nice day!

21/03/2010 Coach - Grasmere

 

March

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

High Raise with Dave Thornton
12 miles (20.1 km) with 3200ft (975m) Total Ascent.

Having heard that there is still a lot of ice and snow on Helvellyn, which would make the descent treacherous, I have planned a walk on the other side of the valley. Starting in Grasmere we climb Helm Crag to begin a superb ridge walk heading westwards which takes in Gibson Knot and Calf Crag. We then follow Greenup edge in a southerly direction to High Raise, the highest point on the walk at 2500ft/762m, and the centre of the Lakeland Fells with (I hope!) stunning views.

Our next summit is Sergeant Man followed by Blea Rigg after which we begin a steep descent to Easedale Tarn where we pick up Sourmilk Gill and Easedale Beck which lead us back to Grasmere.

Seat Sandal with Pete Stevens
8 miles (12.9km) with 2200ft (670m) Ascent.

Our walk today starts from the car/coach park just outside Grasmere (300ft/90mtr). Walking through the village, we turn onto Easedale Road and follow it to Mill Bridge. Crossing the road, we now start our ascent up the Tonge Gill path, past the waterfall to Grisedale Hause at 1800ft / 550mtr. Weather permitting, we now ascend to the summit of Seat Sandle at 2414ft / 736mtr, from where fine panoramic views can be seen making the climb well worth the effort.

Working our way back to Grisedale Hause, we now descend to Grisedale Tarn with Dollywaggon Pike looming over us on our right. We finish our main descent following Raise Beck path back to Dunmail Raise and the main road, making our way back to the coach and some well deserved refreshment.

Easedale Tarn with Jackie & Sheila
7 miles (11.3 km) with 1000ft (305m) Ascent.

Setting out from Grasmere over Goody Bridge the walk follows a stony track along the valley bottom before climbing gradually, alongside Sourmilk Gill, to Easdale Tarn. After looping around the edge of the tarn across an area which can be boggy at times we start the descent on the opposite side of Sourmilk Gill and back into Grasmere.

Grasmere Gad About with Bill Manning
5 miles (8 km) with 325ft (99m) Ascent.

Starting from the coach park in Grasmere village we make our way to the A591 to reach Wordsworth's Cottage. After a walk up the lane we reach an undulating track known as the Coffin Trail. We now come to Rydal Hall before we descend back to the A591. Crossing over the road to Steps End Wood we soon come to the shore of Rydal Water.

We continue the walk until we come to woodland, descending to reach a footbridge near to White Moss. We take a left turn over the bridge and follow the path to the weir at the southern end of Grasmere. We now follow the shore of the lake before leaving the path to climb up the lane which leads us back to the village and the coaches.

07/02/2010 Coach - Coniston via Ambleside

February

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

Dow Crag & Coniston Old Man with Graham Hogg

10 miles (16km) with 3609ft (1100m) Total Ascent.

Our walk today, weather and conditions permitting, takes in the classic circuit of seven of Coniston’s finest hills.

A very steep climb out of Coniston gets us onto the Walna Scar Road which we follow to Brown Pike. After the short climb to Buck Pike we make our way to the summit of Dow Crag. For those A walkers with long memories Dow Crag has somewhat of a reputation for being slightly breezy along the summit ridge – let’s hope its not too bad today!!

Once over the summit we have a descent to Goats Hawse and a re-ascent to gain the summit of the Old Man at 2635 ft / 803 metres.

Our route takes us north along the ridge to Swirl How, the last hill of the day, and then down the Prison Band to Levers Water. We return to Coniston via the Coppermines Valley.

Tarn Hows with Dave Thornton
 9½ miles (15km) with 1200ft (366m) Ascent.

I have decided to lead a different walk to the one given in the programme. Having had four weeks of struggling to cope with the snow and ice around Preston I have planned a low level walk to try and avoid more of the white stuff.

Startiing from Skelwith Bridge, we follow the Cumbria Way in a north easterly direction to Elterwater. Heading south to Stang End we then rejoin the Cumbria Way at High Park and continue along this route via Tarn Hows to Coniston.

Tilberthwaite with Eric Jackson
 7½ miles (12km) with 1200ft (366m) Ascent.

Starting from Yewdale on the A593 just south of Yewtree Farm we take a track by the side of the farmhouse, used in the Miss Potter Film as Hilltop, and make our way north, following the minor road around Holme Fell, to Hodge Close. This is an area with many old quarries and spoil heaps but it is still very beautiful scenery and, according to Wainwright, one of the best square miles of Lakeland.

We now turn west and make our way back to Coniston via Tilberthwaite Gill: this involves nearly all the climbing, approximately 950ft /290m. After following the side of the Gill the path eases off to follow Crook Beck and then over the ridge where we can see practically the full length of Coniston Water. It is now all downhill into Coppermines Valley and the track back to the coaches in time for a brew.

Cumbria Way with Bill Manning
 6miles (9.7km) with 400ft (122m) Ascent.

Starting from Coniston Coach Park (toilets!) we leave by the lanes to reach Shepherd’s Bridge and join the Cumbria Way field paths. We have a short climb up Back Guards Plantation before dropping to pass the cottages at Low Yewdale and continue through fields to the A593. A short walk along this road brings us to Yewtree Farm known for the Beatrix Potter stories.

From here we make our way to Lane Head Coppice where, after a short climb through woodland, we come to the tarn. We follow the path round the tarn to Howgraves where we descend through Hill Fell Plantation. Shortly after this we reach the shores of Coniston Water which we follow back to the village for the coaches and cafés.

13/12/2009 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 Kirkstone Road and the A591. 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 then on to our highest point of the day - Fairfield at (2864ft/873m) From the summit, we head south-west to Great Rigg and then descend to Grasmere village via Heron Pike and Alcock Tarn.

Eagle Crag with Dave Thornton
8 miles (13km) with 1800ft (550m) Ascent.

Starting from Grasmere village we take the Easedale road and follow Sourmilk Gill up to Easedale Tarn. We climb steeply up to Codale Tarn and continue climbing to the path from Langdale to Chapel Stile. The views are superb from here on a good day. We continue past Eagle Crag, Blea Rigg, Great Castle How descending to Swinescar Hause to Wray Gill and its waterfalls. This comes as an unexpectedly beautiful gorge which we follow down towards Grasmere.

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

Leaving the coach at Windermere station we climb 400ft/122m to the summit of Orrest Head. We now descend to Moorhowe Road and then take Dubb Road past Dubbs Reservoir. When we meet the Garburn Road we go south west to Troutbeck. Here we go via Robin Lane and Skelghyll Wood to Ambleside or, should the weather be near perfect, we could go over Wansfell Pike. This second route is a little shorter but has more climbing and will only be taken if everything is favourable.

Two Waters with Stephen Watson
5½ (8.9km) with 450ft (140m) Ascent.

Today's walk is a circumnavigation of the picturesque waters of Grasmere and Rydal. I shall be relating a bit of the local history of the area as we go and explaining the use of the famous patented Ambleside Underwater Lawn Mowers and the savage Herdwick breed of sheep!

Heading out of Grasmere in a south east direction we pass Dove Cottage (the home of Wordsworth during his most creative period) and follow a well defined path beneath Nab Scar as we head for the tiny hamlet of Rydal. Over the main road we cross the River Rothay by way of Pelter Bridge (great for poo sticks!) and head for the south shore of Rydal Water. Leaving Rydal behind and picking up a little height we cross Loughrigg Terrace where fine views of Grasmere Water can be had. If weather conditions are poor we will take a lower path.

We stay close to the waters edge for some distance before leaving the wet stuff behind as we pick up a minor road to take us back to Grasmere in time for a brew and a bit of sight seeing before the coach ride and a snooze on the way home.

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.