Sun, 4 Jan 2015
The first walks of 2015 took place on January 4th. The plan was for A and B groups to both circumnavigate Derwentwater, with the A group adding in Catbells and the 2 groups meeting later on the East side of the lake. It didn’t work; the lake level was still high following the late December rains. It was, however, a superb morning when both groups set off from the Moot Hall. The A group walked round via Portinscale before enjoying the exhilarating climb of Catbells. Curiosity brought them to the Chinese Bridge, however, where they were able to confirm that the path to Lodore did indeed involve above boot-height flooding! Not to be thwarted, however, they managed to cross the very wet fields to the Borrowdale Hotel and then returned to Keswick along the usual paths (mostly!).
The B group set off the same way but kept to the terrace path under Catbells, turning back along the Allerdale Ramble at Manesty to pick up the lake shore footpath back to Hawse End and then retracing their steps though Portinscale back to Keswick. It was most unfortunate; another 24 hours would probably have seen the “Lodore footpath” fully open and the original plans fulfilled!
Wed, 14 Jan 2015
It was a lucky 13 A walkers who set off from Elterwater on January 14th, up the Little Langdale lane, turning right at the top, behind Bield Crag and along the undulating ridge to Lingmoor summit, revealing the Pikes in all their majesty, with every rock and gully highlighted by the light covering of snow. On down to introduce some members to “the squeeze” beneath Side Pike, then by Blea Tarn and down by the waterfalls of Bleamoss Beck into Little Langdale. After passing the tarn the group went through the dark tunnel into Cathedral Cave (more new experiences!) before going back over to Elterwater, where the promised rain arrived!
On the same day, a B party congregated at Maggies Bridge. There, they decided not to climb the originally planned Low Fell in view of the wind. Instead, they walked along Loweswater lake shore and then climbed through Iredale Place to the path contouring round at a higher level above the lake, giving views over Low Fell and Crummock Water. They then descended to High Nook Beck and through the farm to return to Maggies Bridge.
Sun, 18 Jan 2015
A large B group set off up Spooney Green Lane on January 18th, turning right and heading under Latrigg then on up through the wood to the snowy ridge. With spindrift all along the ridge and Latrigg summit, the group quickly descended to Gale Road and then followed the Skiddaw path up to the first gate. They then contoured across the front of the fell through ankle deep snow towards How Gill. The sky cleared and the sun began to shine giving spectacular views of the snow covered fells. Dropping down to a stile, the group followed the path alongside the gill and through the wood to the lane above Applethwaite. From there they crossed the fields to arrive back at the start.
Sun, 1 Feb 2015
On February 1st, an A group set off from Old Dungeon Ghyll on a beautiful sunny day and followed the Cumbria Way along Mickleden Beck to the footbridge where they then headed off up Rossett Gill. The going became much harder, at times through knee deep virgin snow, but the group safely reached the summit of Rossett Pike. They followed the ridge and took lunch on the top of Black Crags where a spectacular winter scene across the Langdale Pikes, Mickleden and Bowfell spread out before them. Following the old county boundary between Cumberland and Westmorland they then re-joined the Cumbria Way back to the start. A wonderful winter walk enjoyed by all.
On the same day, a B party used the Borrowdale Rambler to Seatoller, starting the walk at the NT car park. The ascent of High Doat provided a fabulous panorama of the Borrowdale Valley, showing the Jaws of Borrowdale with Castle Crag as its centrepiece. Descending Scalegill Close, the popular Allerdale Ramble footpath was reached with a welcome break in the winter sunshine at Tongue Gill. They then walked past Hollows Farm and the seat at Peace How before the short stretch of road from Manesty to Brandlehow. Lunch was taken by the shores of Derwentwater followed by a straightforward route through the enchanting woodland, never more than a few metres from the water’s edge. After passing Hawse End Outdoor Centre. The group took the track through Lingholm to Portinscale and then to Keswick.
Wed, 4 Feb 2015
The A group made their way up to the Ullock Pike ridge from Dodd Wood, anticipating the sun-bathed views once the ridge was reached. They didn’t disappoint, but the group made haste owing to the biting wind. They continued on to Carlside summit and down to Whitestones for lunch and an opportunity to fully appreciate the views. Dodd summit was also visited before returning to the cars. There was a good covering of snow and ice at various levels along the route, enough to make the views stunning without causing any problems underfoot.
The B group set off from Scale Hill NT Car Park, ascending Brackenthwaite Hows and walking along the ridge. After crossing the road, the path along the fell wall was followed north before clambering up Cold Gill. With some snow and virtually no path the steep climb was strenuous but soon the (Lorton) Dodd col was reached when the path up to the summit became easier. Lunch was eaten facing the crags and sharply defined ridges of Ladyside Pike, Hopegill Head and Whiteside, all completely covered in snow. The descent from Dodd was via Hope Gill and the return to Scale Hill via the traversing path below Whiteside to the bridge at Gasgale Gill and finally through Lanthwaite woods.
The C group started from Fleming Square, Maryport, and on towards the Senhouse Roman Museum. Fine views of Criffel, covered in snow, could be seen from the descent to the promenade. The Cumbria Coastal path was followed along the edge of the golf course, towards the saltpans, where lunch was taken. The tide was high, and the sea was flat calm, allowing wading birds to roost in the sun. A new cycle path was then taken to Allonby, where the local bus was caught for the return journey to Maryport.
Wed, 11 Feb 2015
The A group started out at Dockray in dull weather, with the previous week’s deep snow largely having disappeared. They walked to High Row, followed the Coach Road to Marial Bridge and then used the good path ascending up by the waterfalls of Mosedale Beck. By now in thick cloud, plans to walk via Stybarrow Dodd and Common Fell were abandoned in favour of summiting Great Dodd (quick lunch in the icy shelter!) and returning via Matterdale Common. Navigational skills were tested to find the path from the summit, but thereafter the way down was straightforward.
The B group set off to climb Helm Crag in the same misty weather. The lovely views of Easedale were soon obscured by thickening cloud which led to much reduced visibility on the summit ridge. After lunch between Helm Crag and Gibson Knott it was decided that a descent down the zigzag path was the wisest course of action, although patches of frozen snow and ice remained a challenge. Refreshments at The Travellers Rest were enjoyed by all!
The C group took the Borrowdale Rambler to Lodore. After visiting the Falls they followed the path through the woods to the Lake shore. The lake being so low, the return to Keswick was completed almost entirely by the water’s edge, with some quite dramatic effects across the lake as the cloud and mist moved around the fells, especially Cat Bells.
Sun, 15 Feb 2015
A magnificent day of blue skies for a winter walk! The A party set off from Sandwick to make the steep climb onto Sleet Fell and High Dodd from where red deer on the slopes of Place Fell were sighted. Then via Low Moss to The Knight (which just begs to be climbed – a wonderful viewpoint) followed by the climb to Place Fell summit. After lunch atop the steep slopes of Patterdale Common looking down to the South end of Ullswater, the path skirting Boredale Hause took the group round to the Beda Fell ridge for an exhilarating walk with the wind and afternoon sun behind, over Beda Head and back over Boredale Beck via the slate bridge.
Wed, 25 Feb 2015
The day promised a fine morning with rain soon after lunch, although this arrived later than forecast so that all groups enjoyed “dry” walks.
The A group met at Maggie’s Bridge, climbed up through Holme Wood and then made the steep ascent of Carling Knott from Holme Beck. Generally pleasant grassy walking then took the group to Blake Fell, the top of which was in cloud, and on to Gavel Fell before descending back to Maggie’s Bridge via Black Crag and High Nook Farm.
The B group started the ascent of Lords Seat from Hobcarton car park, first heading NW via forestry commission tracks and ascending to a viewpoint overlooking the Lorton valley and fells. Once onto the ridge near Widow Hause, the group had a gentle westerly wind that blew them onto Broom Fell. Lords Seat was reached by midday and, attempting to avoid boggy ground, all finally reached Barf for lunch whilst overlooking Bassenthwaite, Skiddaw (in cloud), Keswick and Derwentwater. There was time for a coffee stop at Whinlatter café before the return to Hobcarton.
The C group parked in Askham and walked up through the attractive village to Moor Divock where they took a grassy track, boggy in places, across the moor. At the main track they turned left to reach the Cop Stone, an isolated standing stone beside the track. Then just a short distance to the road down to Helton where a picnic table easily fitted in the small group for lunch. After walking through the village, a bridleway led down to a bridge over the River Lowther. A short climb took them up to Whale Farm and a track through Lowther Park above the river, ending at the bridge back into Askham.
Sun, 1 Mar 2015
With a forecast of gale force winds it was fortunate that the B group’s walk was low level. Taking the bus to Swirls they dropped down to the side of Thirlmere and walked to the dam, taking in the return trip to the summit of Great How en route. After crossing the dam they walked along the road and then the track to Shoulthwaite before crossing the A591 for the route through to Dale Bottom and Low Nest. A prolonged shower marred this part of the walk, but fortunately it stopped in time to enjoy the return to Keswick via Castlerigg and Springs Wood, by which time the fells had changed from green to white.
Sun, 15 Mar 2015
With several poor forecasts on “walk days” at least two weeks had elapsed since any groups had emerged. The A group met at Gatesgarth and started out over Scarth Gap into Ennerdale and Black Sail Hut. The route then briefly headed for Black Sail Pass, but they turned left following Sail Beck to Baysoar Slack and on directly to the summit of Kirk Fell. After also visiting the North Top they descended to Beck Head, before turning N down a small tongue back into Ennerdale and a retracing of steps (back over Scarth Gap!) to Gatesgarth. A mercifully calm, dry and (for this group!) clear day.
The B group started from the ford near Carrock Fell on a cold morning with cloud covering the tops. They took the valley track alongside Carrock Beck, turning S across the beck up the Red Gate track and into the mist, joining the path from Carrock Fell. In the now cold biting wind and thick mist, the group went on to the summit of High Pike, stopping only briefly. A compass bearing ensured the correct path NE to join a track which was then followed down and through a disused mining area. Having emerged from the mist, areas of sunlight could be seen on other fells. Finally, they went on to Calebrek and back to the cars over Weasel Hills.
Wed, 18 Mar 2015
With the sun shining, the birds singing, frog spawn in puddles and the gorse as always in flower, at last a Spring morning and a small A group set off from Rigg Beck, following the stream along the deep sided valley up and over the watershed to Addacomb Beck. After crossing the beck, the steep ascent was made directly to the summit of Wandope, passing the impressive crags around Addacomb Hole and with Sail Beck far below. Traversing the top lip of Addacomb Hole, Crag Hill was reached from where Causey Pike could be seen at the far end of the wonderful undulating ridge. The descent started down the Rowling End ridge, picking up a narrow path through heather back down to Rigg Beck.
The B group set out from Grasmere village, stopping first to visit the Wordsworth Daffodil Garden, then continuing on to the lake where time was taken to enjoy good views of the lake and surrounding fells, bathed in hazy sunshine. This was followed by a steep climb up to the trig point on Loughrigg Fell, then a descent to Rydal cave, before crossing over the road to Dora’s Field and Rydal church. Refreshments were enjoyed at Rydal Hall before the group continued along the coffin route back to Grasmere.
Wed, 25 Mar 2015
On another superb March day, notable particularly for the lack of wind, the A group tackled the intimidating Grasmoor End from Lanthwaite Green. The steep ascent was hot work – thankfully in the shade! On then to Grasmoor summit, and a leisurely wander along the N edge of the plateau, above Dove Crags, before moving on to Wandope (again – see March 18th!) and Whiteless Pike. On the descent, with a perfect reflection of Mellbreak in a totally calm Crummock Water ahead, they branched right to pick up a path traversing downwards above Rannerdale, returning to Lanthwaite Green along the side of the now wind-ruffled lake.
The B group travelled to Pooley Bridge, setting off on the S lake shore path and road before taking a footpath to Crook-a-dyke and on up through the bog to the bridleway. They turned left here, and after about ½ mile turned right to climb steeply up to the fell edge path, taking the group to the viewpoint below Arthur’s Pike. After lunch overlooking Ullswater, the group visited the summit, before descending on the broad grassy track to Aik Beck then via the Cockpit back to Pooley Bridge.
The C group also enjoyed the nice spring day, taking a leisurely walk round and over Flat Fell on the edge of the Park, near Ennerdale. Starting from the small parking area at the top of Nannycatch Road near Cleator Moor, the group walked along the bridleway to Nannycatch Gate, continued N beside Nannycatch Beck, and then along the footpath at the base of the fell, where there were extensive views of the Ennerdale and Buttermere fells and also W to the coast. After visiting the flat grassy top of the fell, a downward path led back to the cars.
Wed, 8 Apr 2015
On a calm and clear morning, the A group set off from Gale Road to walk to Skiddaw via Bakestall. Following the Cumbria Way up the Glenderaterra valley and past Skiddaw House, they eventually started the steep ascent of Bakestall via Birkett Edge. Continuing to climb, they arrived on Skiddaw to view the RAF Search and Rescue helicopter hovering near Skiddaw House. Continuing over Little Man and Jenkin Hill, there was the easy walk to Lonscale Fell before descending the long grassy path along the rim of Longscale Crags and rejoining the Cumbria Way back to Gale Road.
The B walk started from the bridge at Longlands and initially followed part of the Cumbria Way footpath until branching off up the fell side to the summit of Longlands Fell. Here, coffee was enjoyed whilst admiring views to the north over the Solway to Criffel and beyond. They continued over Lowthwaite Hill before taking a gently contouring path to the top of Brae Fell. The route from here to Little Sca Fell is also gentle and upon reaching the summit the group sat in the depression for lunch whilst listening the singing of the skylarks as they soared high in the sky, bathed in sunlight. After walking the short distance to the top of Great Sca Fell, the group returned via Meal Fell and Trusmadoor.
From the old, double Naddle Bridge at Burnbanks the C group walked along the Coast to Coast path to Rawhead, enjoying the views of the waterfalls of Haweswater Beck and across the valley to the north. The route then went gradually up-hill, crossing the concrete road and onto Rosgill Moor. From the top of Scalebarrow Knott, they looked down to the village of Rosgill on the far side of the River Lowther and nearer, the Swindale valley. The route then dropped down to Naddle Beck; a satisfying walk on a beautiful spring day.
Sun, 19 Apr 2015
An A group set off from Jubilee Bridge in Eskdale in very much better weather than the previous Sunday, when the walk was postponed. A route was taken over Dow Crag, Great Whinscale and Crook Crags en route to Green Crag. There were clear views of The Isle of Man. The route continued NW across the boggy section to the base of Harter Fell for a lunch stop. After climbing Harter Fell a descent was made to Hardknott Pass via the summits of Demming Crag and Horsehow Crags, before returning to the start.
Wed, 22 Apr 2015
What a fantastic day! Clear blue skies, good visibility and not a wisp of the recent cold breeze. The A group set off from Honister, first climbing the dismantled tramway path and then with a good view down to Buttermere and Crummock Water, descending into Ennerdale by Loft Beck. A steady climb up Sail Beck and along the ridge brought the group to Pillar where lunch was taken looking down onto Pillar Rock, with a vista over to Wasdale. They then retraced their path to Black Sail pass, traversed under Kirk Fell on Boat How to Beck Head and walked along the undulating Moses Trod before the drop back to Honister. A 10 mile walk with 1,100m of ascent.
The B Group set off from Blea Tarn in Langdale, taking the path around the tarn underneath Rakerigg. When almost at the road the path contoured round and Pike O’Blisco came clearly into view. The stepped path rose steeply to the rocky area surrounding the summit. Some chose the hands-on rock option to the top whilst others opted for the gentler route further round to the south. After lingering in the sun at the summit, the group headed SW on a grassy, pathless, route alongside Wrynose Beck to Wrynose Bridge. Following a short walk down the road they took the path under Hollin Slack back to Blea Tarn.
The C group met at Bleach Green car park to walk along the eastern shore of Ennerdale. The path was flanked by a profusion of gorse, and the group observed a number of different butterflies, including Peacock and Red Admiral, as well as several bird species. At one point the call of a Cuckoo could be heard from the western shore. The path was mostly flat but at one point a rocky outcrop was successfully negotiated by the group. A conveniently located picnic table gave a good spot for lunch, after which the group returned by road and some of the same footpaths to the car park.
Sun, 26 Apr 2015
On yet another sunny April day, an A party set out from Tilberthwaite through old quarry workings above Yewdale Beck to cross Crook Beck, before ascending on to Steel Edge. The colder temperature than of late gave delightfully sharp outlines to the surrounding fells. The summit of Wetherlam produced a cold wind so they quickly headed to Swirl How via the rocky ascent of Prison Band and, following lunch, headed to Great Carrs where the Halifax bomber memorial is situated. After visiting Hell Gill Pike the group began the descent of Wetside Edge, cutting down to cross Greenburn Beck, and then the final ascent of the day, accompanied by a few small hail stones, before the descent back to Tilberthwaite.
The B group left Hartsop, following Hayeswater Gill past the Pump House and on towards the restored mountain tarn of Hayeswater. They followed the shoreline through a landscape of moraines before beginning their ascent alongside the Gill. Having completed the ascent, some of the party visited Thornthwaite Crag before re-joining the group on High Street. After a brief hailstorm the weather returned to bright sunshine and the group paused overlooking Riggindale in the hope of catching a glimpse of the eagle known to reside in the area. Unlucky today, they moved on towards The Knott before descending to Hartsop.
Sun, 10 May 2015
From the Mosedale Valley car park a C group set off towards Skiddaw House. Strong wind and driving drizzle was encountered, which made progress difficult and the streams were in full spate, making crossing them hazardous. A lunch stop was taken in a sheltered gully, then a decision was taken to retrace their steps back to the cars.
Wed, 13 May 2015
A dry sunny day with ideal walking conditions was forecast for the Club’s annual outing, this year to Clapham in Yorkshire. As usual, everybody divided into 3 groups with the first 2 climbing initially up to Gaping Gill via Clapdale Farm, the entrance to Ingleborough Cave and Trow Gill. Unfortunately the natural spectacle of Gaping Gill, Britain’s largest pothole, had been “altered” by Bradford Pothole Club who had diverted the river and erected a small tent village in preparation for their “winch meet” at the end of May! Once both groups had arrived at the minor “top” of Little Ingleborough, the majority then climbed the last 300’ to Ingleborough summit where there is a four-sided shelter similar to that on Helvellyn, wonderful views of the 2 other “3 peaks” and the Ribblehead Viaduct. They then retraced their steps to follow the remainder who had set off over Newby Moss on the descent back to Clapham. The 3rd group enjoyed an amble on the nature trail through the woods adjacent to Clapham Beck and then on to the vicinity of Trow Gill, where they turned right into a sheltered limestone valley to join Long Lane back to Clapham.
Supper was then enjoyed by all at the New Inn Hotel in Clapham before the journey back to Keswick and the end of a superb day out in the Yorkshire Dales National Park.
Wed, 20 May 2015
One “A group car” was left at Naddle Gate, the others parked at Mardale Head and all set off in slightly overcast conditions round the south end of Haweswater to climb Kidsty Pike before continuing North along the ridge. After lunch in the shelter of a wall, and now a beautiful warm sunny afternoon, they turned East at Keargill Head and walked along Bampton Common via High Cop and Low Cop before descending to the footbridge over Mesand Beck. The path down the falls to the reservoir was delightful, with gorse in full bloom and plenty of water in the streams and pool. Finally, they followed the C2C path to Burnbanks where most of the group awaited the drivers bringing the cars back.
The B group made a 120 mile round trip to Vercovicium Roman Fort, better known as Housesteads – probably the furthest car journey for a day walk. From there they caught the Hadrian’s Wall bus to Milecastle Inn for a 7 mile walk back to Housesteads along one of the finest stretches of the Wall. The somewhat undulating route passing six milecastles, several turrets (or sites of) and the highest point on the entire trail at 345 metres.
The C group started out from New Dungeon Ghyll along the lane towards Harry Place, crossing the newly replaced bridge over Great Langdale Beck to follow the Cumbria Way up the valley to Old Dungeon Ghyll. From there, they took the fields route back to the starting point.
Sun, 24 May 2015
Once again the A group started from Mardale Head, going first to Blea Water then up the scrambly ridge to Mardale Ill Bell. They then went south along Lingmell ridge to the cairn and steeply down to Kentmere reservoir, walking alongside before climbing a ridge leading to the edge of Rainsborrow Crag with some minor scrambling onto Yoke. From there, they took in Ill Bell, Froswick and the edge of Kentmere to Nan Bield pass, down to Small water and back to the start. A 7 hour walk of 11 miles and 4700ft of ascent.
The B group set out from Scaly Moss near Kinniside stone circle on the Coldfell road, taking the bridle path skirting Blakeley Raise and through a small plantation, the last remnant of an extensive area of forest which has now been felled. They turned north from the main path to reach the summit of Grike, where the large summit cairn provided welcome shelter from the wind for a coffee break and then to the top of Crag Fell, overlooking Ennerdale. Descending on an easy path, they re-crossed the boggy deforested area and made their way uphill to the summit of Whoap. The return was northwest down the main ridge of Whoap and then west down the valley of the Whoap Beck, eventually crossing the River Calder and emerging onto the Coldfell road.
Wed, 27 May 2015
The Gowbarrow Terrace provided the C group with a scenic linear walk from Watermillock church to Aira Force with newly opened-up views over Ullswater following recent tree felling in Little Meldrum Wood.
Wed, 3 Jun 2015
After mingling en route with the “Appleby travellers” the A group set off from Dufton following the bridleway NE past Dufton Pike and up the Great Rundale Beck valley to Great Rundale Tarn. A gentle amble alongside Tarn Sike, criss-crossing the river a number of times, brought them to Maizebeck Scar where lunch was enjoyed in the miniature rocky gorge. The dramatic scenery of High Cup Nick appeared but a short time later, and after feasting their eyes on the vast valley, they walked back down the Pennine Way to Dufton for tea and cake at the Post Box Café!
The B group had an earlier than usual start from Keswick to catch the 10:15 train from Grange-over-Sands for a walk over Hampsfell. After a short clatter along the tracks to Cark, they were finally able to stretch their legs with a lovely walk out of the village through woods with the last remaining bluebells still standing, to morning coffee overlooking Morecambe Bay. Soon a 360 degree view of 3 counties, Blackpool Tower, the Lake District and its coast opened up. Cartmel Priory was the location for lunch and tempting though it was to linger in Cartmel, the group made for Hampsfell with it’s curious hospice, limestone pavements and a view to rival any on these isles. A gentle path led the group back to Grange and a feeling that this hidden gem of Cumbria must be investigated further!
The C group went to Wet Sleddale which, despite the recent heavy rain, was remarkably dry underfoot. From the car park above the dam they skirted the south side of the reservoir and along the valley bottom as far as the lovely arched “packhorse” bridge high over Sleddale Beck. The group then took the zigzag path past Sleddale Hall and up to join the high level bridleway. This is a lonely area, with extensive views up the long valley and across moorland to the Shap quarries and the Pennines beyond. The route went gradually downhill to the bridge over the upper course of the River Lowther and then up the road back to the dam.
Sun, 7 Jun 2015
The A group set off from Hartsop in ideal walking conditions, starting with the steep climb to the summit of Hartsop Dodd. Bright sunshine and excellent views in all directions continued on the ascent to Caudale Moor, the descent to Threshwaite Mouth, and another steep ascent, this time to Thornthwaite Crag, where the beacon was a popular lunchtime spot. A steady but gentle ascent of High Street was followed by a visit to the summit of The Knott, where the descent began for Haweswater and the Hartsop valley. The group left the path to survey the site of the old lead mine and the remains of the old water system, before returning to the main path to finish the walk.
The B group took the bus to Stonethwaite and began their walk by crossing Stonethwaite Bridge then following Stonethwaite Beck and Greenup Gill where they stopped for coffee alongside water falling into a lagoon below merging gills. The group steadily ascended Lining Crag before carefully picking their way across some boggy terrain to meet boundary markers leading to Ullscarf top. From there the group proceeded towards the Wythburn Fells eventually joining a path which led them down to the road behind Thirlmere, visiting the lakeshore before completing their walk and catching the bus back to Keswick.
A small C group walked up to Tarn Hows from the head of Coniston Water via the grounds of Monk Coniston and wooded public footpaths, somewhat spoiled by the presence of numerous runners! A gentle descent back to the lake through open grassy parkland completed the walk.
Sun, 21 Jun 2015
Fearing showers, some possibly heavy, the A group met at Mardale Head in grey skies and wet weather gear! Their pessimism proved to be unfounded; an excellent walk was enjoyed climbing first up to Nan Bield Pass and on up to Harter Fell, Branstree, Selside Pike and ultimately down the Corpse Road back to Haweswater, experiencing not 1 drop of rain! A day of excellent clarity too – Heysham Power Station was clearly visible, as were many more natural and pleasing features!
The B walk to Watch Hill started from Dubwath, walking through Bully Wood to arrive at Elva Stone Circle and then on through the dense trees of Setmurthy Common to the open space of Watch Hill. The group enjoyed the same clear views; Scotland could easily be seen. The return journey followed the Allerdale Ramble with a lunch stop at St Michaels Church, Isel. After following the river they cut through the Herdwick Croft caravan park, over the bridge and back by road to the cars, calling in The Lakes Distillery for a cuppa en route.
The C group went over to Glenridding and walked up past Lanty’s Tarn (where the water level was rather low) before dropping down into Grisedale. Some road walking took them over to the East side of the main valley and then a gentle walk back to Glenridding.
Wed, 24 Jun 2015
The C group drove to the car park at the Western end of Loweswater and walked up to Hudsons Place. They then carried on though Holme Wood to Maggies bridge, before going up to Walkergate Farm and back along the lake shore.