2016 January to June


Sun, 3 Jan 2016

The first A walk of 2016 was, unsurprisingly, beset by weather uncertainties!  A dry morning was forecast, followed by heavy rain, but a hardy group of desperados (desperate for a walk!) risked parking at Stanah and following the low level path to Swirls for the slog up Helvellyn.  Unfortunately, the forecast was nearly accurate – the heavy sleety rain and wind arrived early – so the group decided against visiting the summit, going only as far as Lower Man.  From there, they descended the ridge northwards towards White Side, turning north west at the col to continue down past Brown Crag and by Fisher Place Gill, arriving back at Stanah thoroughly sodden, lunchless, but happy!

The B Group, determined to walk off excesses of the festive season, set off from Braithwaite School in fine weather and took the farm road to Braithwaite Lodge and Barrow.  After stopping for coffee they continued on to Barrow Door and then up Stile End.  By now the wind had strengthened and the rain had set in so the decision was made to shorten the walk and return home via Stoneycroft Gill and the path leading back to Braithwaite Lodge.  Cold and wet, the group warmed up with a glass of mulled wine at the Royal Oak, making a very pleasant end to the day.


Wed, 13 Jan 2016

The A group set off from Rosthwaite, through the gate into Johnny’s Wood, winding up through this beautiful, precious rain forest to summit High Doat, where the sun shone on snow covered mountains.  Along the terrace path, veering off up the fell to Rigg Head for coffee by the camping barn, with Borrowdale spread out beneath.  On up through the quarries, into the largest cavern, to the col, with snow now falling onto the already covered ground, High Spy was somehow found.  Bearing right at the barely visible cairn, the group descended to the top of Nitting Hause for lunch.  A precarious traverse, a steep descent to Hollows farm and then a slightly wet amble back to Rosthwaite.  A magical walk of contrasts.

The B group enjoyed a walk of sunshine and snow showers as they climbed to the summit of Gowbarrow Fell.  They took the National Trust trail alongside Aira Force and continued on to the open fell, surrounded by the snow clad summits of the distant fells.  With the sun shining they reached the summit and made their way down the icy path towards Swinburn Park.  The route then took them along the terrace path towards the memorial seat.  As the weather closed in and showers of sleet and snow began, they descended to the foot of Aira Force.


Sun, 17 Jan 2016

The A Group considered that the ribbon of ice which was the road to Patterdale forbade the planned walk over Thornthwaite Crag and so it was that they found themselves huddled together like king penguins on the Scales Fell ridge as the wind, stinging spindrift white, streamed off Blencathra summit.  It was at that moment they chose to exchange the aching cold for the beckoning shelter of an ice rimed Scales Tarn, ploughed down to it through knee deep snow and accepted that Souther Fell was a more fitting destination as winter enveloped the fells behind them.  Later, ensconced in the tea room at Threlkeld, they again huddled together – this time over hot tea and cakes!

The B Group took the bus down Borrowdale to Rosthwaite and then set off for Watendlath in sunshine and with fresh snow underfoot.  At Watendlath, they found a new bridge had been installed beside the damaged stone bridge.  Crossing the river at this point, they then had to walk down the road as the next bridge above Ladder Brow was hanging in the air where the abutment was destroyed.  They went through the woods to Surprise View and continued to Keswick by Ashness Farm and Walla Crag.


Tue, 19 Jan 2016

Setting off from Braithwaite at 5pm, a combined A and B Group crossed over Barrow Gill and plugged through the mud to Braithwaite Lodge before ascending the initially grassy northern aspect of Barrow.  Patchy snow soon started to obliterate the path, so out came the head torches to illuminate the way.  Through low cloud, the available light lit up the surrounding snow covered mountains which gave the group a magical vista from Barrow summit.  The group returned to the Coledale Inn via Barrow Door for food and liquid refreshments!  Two hours of magic on the hill, to be repeated by request of all those who took part.


Sun, 31 Jan 2016

Despite what later proved to be a misleading heavy rain forecast, the B Group set off in the shelter of Johnny Wood, its lush vegetation providing much interest during the ascent.  They emerged from the woods not far from the summit of High Doat where the higher surrounding fell tops were peppered with snow in contrast to the colourful winter landscape below.  After visiting the waterfall in Scaleclose Coppice the group followed the Allerdale Ramble, passing Castle Crag then the disused quarry at Dalt Wood before returning via the footpath alongside the River Derwent.  The walk ended with a cosy cuppa at Borrowdale Youth Hostel.


Wed, 3 Feb 2016

A large B Group set out from the Moot Hall on an amazingly dry sunny day, all desperate to enjoy the brief respite from the never ending rain and wind since the beginning of the year. Friars Crag was the first stop, then Kettlewell. The path from Borrowdale road to the Chinese Bridge was still underwater and a detour via the hamlet of Grange had to be made, providing an opportunity to view both churches internally, with respect and interest. After Manesty and then Brandelhow, the group picked up the lakeshore footpath, calling in for unexpected refreshment at Nichol End café, before the last leg to Portinscale and finally Keswick.


Wed, 10 Feb 2016

An A Group set off from Fellside near Caldbeck and followed the valley by Dale Beck before turning up Swinburn Gill. The going got harder as they reached the snow line and it was necessary to climb up the hillside to the col between Little Sca Fell and Great Sca Fell. The going was then a little easier through more snow as they passed over Great Sca Fell and Knott and stopped for lunch at Lingy Hut. The weather was dry and bright offering very good views. It was very cold on High Pike as the wind increased and a quick return was made to Fellside.

After several days of high winds and rain, walkers were treated to sunshine and blue skies! The B Group set off from near the Ravenstone Hotel to join the ridge up to Ullock Pike at Ling How. The winds were generally lighter than expected and the clear air gave fantastic visibility. The group reached snow at just below 500m and enjoyed a snowy traverse over Ullock Pike and Longside Edge to Carl Side. They descended via forest tracks round the edge of Dodd. A great walk with stunning views across Cumbria and Scotland.


Sun, 14 Feb 2016

On an unusually sunny morning the A Group set off down the Borrowdale valley by bus to Seatoller. They walked from there along the Allerdale Ramble to the grassy path beside the beck leading up to Rigghead Quarries. In snow but warm sunshine and with a splendid vista, they had coffee sitting amongst ruins and adits. Onwards and upwards the group went in snow, with excellent visibility and minimal wind, to the top of High Spy and to the summit of Maiden Moor. From the hause before Cat Bells they descended into the Newlands Valley then meandered around to the teashop at Nichol End for welcome hot drinks – one brave person partaking of a giant scone – before walking through Portinscale back to Keswick.

The B Group started their walk in sunny weather, which was a bonus given the previous weather conditions. Starting from the car park immediately underneath Rannerdale Knotts, the group proceeded steeply up to the summit. Coffee and panoramic views over to Haystacks and the Red Pike ridge were enjoyed in sunshine before a keen cross wind encouraged descent into Buttermere. This was followed by a circuit of Buttermere lake then a path near the Mill Beck towards Crummock Water and finally a traverse along the mid-level path underneath the Knotts. The day was completed at the Bridge Hotel for very welcome drinks.


Wed, 24 Feb 2016

The A Group was in Wasdale on a walk that dared to tease with intimations of spring. The forecast was for snow but the ascent of Overbeck saw the sun steal through the thin air and as the group halted at Dore Head, all faces were upturned to catch its warming rays. On Red Pike and Scoat Fell they walked on thin, crisp snow and only when crossing the ridge to Steeple did the sculptural sweep of cornice remind them of the harsh intent of winter and then, descending Netherbeck, the laden skies enwrapped them in driving flurries and winter’s determined embrace. But wait. Above the swirling grey, Yewbarrow stands caught in warm and golden light…..could this mean…..spring?!

In view of the weather warning of ice on untreated roads, the B Group’s planned walk from Loweswater was changed to a local walk from Keswick. This took in Latrigg, the Blencathra Centre and the Glenderaterra valley. Routen Gill beck was in peaceful mode after the recent floods. The return was via Lonscale Crags along the Cumbria Way. Sunshine and clear mountain and valley landscapes were enjoyed during a 15km ramble.

The C Group was happy to take its walk on a fine, cool morning with a covering of snow. From the entrance of Setmurthy Wood, they walked up though the wood to its highest point, returning by the lower path. They had enjoyed views of the fells in their snow and seen across the Solway.


Sun, 28 Feb 2016

The A Group set off from Spooney Green Lane heading for Lonscale Fell via the Burnt Horse ridge. They detoured over Mallen Dodd to Latrigg summit before heading back down to join the Cumbria Way, following this round under Lonscale Crags to the beginning of Burnt Horse. Keeping to the fence the group crossed Burnt Horse and continued up to the fine view point of East Peak. With the mystery of who left a bar of chocolate for Anna at the summit cairn unresolved, they set off to join the main path down Jenkin Hill before picking up a narrow path contouring across its front towards How Gill. The group returned to their starting point across the fields from Applethwaite.

The B Group set off from Orthwaite. Despite the leader requesting just one cock up, both Little and Great Cockup were achieved. Meal Fell followed, half the party deciding to climb to the top the other half by-passing it, planning to meet at the start of the ascent to the Sca Fells. A short detour was made to Little Sca Fell after which shelter was found beyond Great Sca Fell for a well-earned lunch break. The highest point of the day was Knott, returning via Burn Tod and Trusmadoor, then Burn Tod Gill to the bridleway and back to the start. A very pleasant day with little wind and sunny spells, good visibility with the Isle of Man and snow-capped Scottish hills often in sight.


Wed, 9 Mar 2016

On a misty morning but with the promise of better weather later, the B group left Scawgill Bridge and took the steep path alongside the wall to the top of Graystones. From the summit the path was taken to Widow Hause and then to Broom Fell, where there was a good view of the Solway and the Isle of Man. In a cool northerly wind, the top of Lord’s Seat was soon reached and a sheltered spot was found for lunch. An easy descent along forest tracks concluded the walk.

The C group took a short circular walk round the Campfield Marsh RSPB Reserve, departing from the visitor centre. They observed a selection of water fowl including a little egret on the flooded wetland. A new boardwalk had been installed across the peat bog opening up a new area to walk, complete with several pieces of carved art work.


Sun, 13 Mar 2016

After the long drive to reach the start point – the track to Ralliss – the A group set off to explore Black Combe. To loosen up muscles, the steep pull onto White Hall Knott was followed by the climb onto White Combe from where it was possible to look across right into the combe of Black Combe. After crossing Whitecombe Moss to look down into the Stoupdale Beck valley from the Stoupdale Crags above, the group headed south west and skirted the tops of two screes – Whitecombe and then Blackcombe. The braver or perhaps more foolhardy followed a narrow, undulating sheep track across the actual Blackcombe Scree, among the gullies, pinnacles and crags, dramatic and spectacular, before climbing out of the combe and reaching the large cairn on Black Combe summit. A direct descent via Sty Knotts brought the group back down to Whitecombe Beck. A perfect walking day, the mist hanging in the Duddon Valley, the snow-capped Coniston fells rising above, together with the magnificent coast line stretching as far as the eye could see both north and south from the top of Black Combe.

The B group set out from Patterdale along the path skirting Glenamara Park below Arnison Crag. They then climbed the steep path to Black Crag where a welcome break was taken looking over Ullswater and the adjoining fells. The walk proceeded towards snow covered St Sunday Crag to the coll where the group then climbed to the summit of Birks. The descent took a series of paths traversing the moor above Deepdale towards Coldcove Gill. At Trough Head the route skirted Aiken Crag and led to Deepdale Hall at the bottom of the valley. At Lane Head the Deepdale Bridge was crossed to join the path to Beckstones and Crookabeck before returning to Patterdale.


Wed, 23 Mar 2016

The A group set off from Patterdale with the cloud high and the wind only noticeable by its absence. The route through Side Farm and up the track towards the crags below Hare Shaw saw the layers being peeled off. After visiting The Knight a beeline was made for the summit of Place Fell. The group continued along the ridge towards High Dodd and then descended to Boredale before the short steep ascent to Housestead Brow and the steady climb onto Beda Head. The clouds which had lowered to cover surrounding higher tops shed a little of their content but the descent to Boredale Hause and then lower, following the rivers of stone that had flowed into Patterdale, was below a rapidly improving sky.

The B group set off along the river from Caldbeck to Hesket Newmarket. After the village, there was an uphill road climb before crossing fields and walking along green lanes and tracks to Nether Row. They then took the track along the fell slopes, crossing Potts Gill and traversing to Fellside in cold damp mist. More fields brought the group to Parkend where, now warm and dry, another short road stretch revealed Whelpo Bridge after which they followed the riverbank to The Howk (abandoned) bobbin mill and Caldbeck – via the duck pond. Along the way many signs of spring were seen -lambs, daffodils, catkins and snowdrops, plus the ubiquitous ducks and dippers!

The C group started from the Pheasant Hotel at Bassenthwaite and followed the zigzag forestry road up through Wythop Wood to Lothwaite. There had been a lot of tree thinning done in this area and the group admired the lovely views across the lake, now visible. They followed the path along the base of Sale Fell to Kelsick and then back to the Pheasant by the eastern side of Sale Fell and Routenbeck.


Sun, 3 Apr 2016

A combined A and B group met at Bampton Grange on a drizzly morning, but during the walk to Rosgill and then Shap Abbey via the delightful Parish Crag Bridge, the cloud cleared and the sun came out. Returning to Rosgill on the East side of the River Lowther they made the gentle ascent up the green lane from the hamlet to Mary’s Pillar (memorial monument) and onto Knipe Scar. The walk along the edge of the Scar with its panoramic view of the River Lowther valley and the Haweswater area was exhilarating. The group passed over the summit, briefly visited the Stone Circle, then descended to the swing bridge over the river, returning to the cars on the riverside path.


Sun, 10 Apr 2016

The A group started from the village of Milburn on a glorious April day which was enhanced by the arrival of overnight snow, although this quickly melted. The object was Cross Fell, with a route first across fields to pick up the bridleway from Blencarn, then ascending gently past the wonderfully-named Grumply Hill, eventually leaving the path for a direct route to the summit and its splendid shelter. The ridge route over Little Dun Fell following the Pennine Way was next, with the Lakeland Peaks visible in all their glory, ending at Great Dun Fell and a close-up view of the “Golf Ball”. Finally, the group made the long direct bridleway descent back to Milburn.

Setting out from the Bowderstone car park, the B group climbed to the head of Troutdale then steeply, via stone steps, past the slate plaque in memory of King Edward VII, to the summit of King’s How. It was noted, that located centrally in Borrowdale, the craggy heights of King’s How combine with Castle Crag on the opposite bank of the River Derwent, to form ” The Jaws”, and Derwentwater with Skiddaw in the background is a classic view. Past rocky outcrops, to the cairned highest point, Brund Fell was finally reached, and further on, surrounded by thick heather, the tranquil Dock Tarn. Descending an uneven rock staircase to the valley floor, a pleasant level path to Rosthwaite and then the 1500 ton Bowderstone, appearing to balance precariously on a knife edge, completed a fine walk on a spectacular spring day.


Wed, 20 Apr 2016

Starting from Legburthwaite, the A group traversed High Rigg before descending to St John’s in the Vale. Their route continued to Clough Head via disused quarries, a steep scramble up Fisher’s Wife’s Rake and the zig zag grassy path to the sunlit ridge and Jim’s Fold. Heading south from Clough Head, they continued to Watson’s Dodd via Calfhow Pike. Descent from Watson’s Dodd was down its pathless west ridge – easy at first before encountering bracken. Finally, they followed the Leat through woodland – a pleasant ending to a varied walk.

On a gloriously sunny morning a group of B walkers left Bampton village, climbing gently through the fields to Drybarrows. After fording the river and crossing the bog, the group ascended the grassy paths to gain a traversing path with superb views over Haweswater, before descending slightly to the head of Willdale and finally climbing the track up to Low Kop. Another track was followed down the ridge, named The Hause, to Moorahill Farm, before using the quiet road to return to Bampton village. During the walk the group saw lambs, fell ponies, skylarks, tadpoles and many small flowers.

From Caldbeck village, the C group’s walk started along the much improved path through Parson’s Park, beside the Cald Beck. Spring flowers including primrose, wood anemone and dog violet enhanced the route. After crossing the narrow bridge over the Cald Beck, the group walked to Hesket Newmarket and climbed to  Street Head. A rather muddy lane then led them back to Caldbeck.


Sun, 24 Apr 2016

Undeterred by the falling snow, the A group setting off from Mardale Head on their climb of the Rough Crag and Long Stile ridges onto High Street.  The snow didn’t linger long and intermittent low cloud offered snatched glimpses of Blea Water and Haweswater along the way. The group then followed the well-made path onto Mardale Ill Bell and ascended Harter Fell via Nan Bield Pass by which time the sun was shining and there were far reaching views from the Pennines to Morecambe Bay.  They made their way back to their starting point via Gatesgarth Pass.


Wed, 4 May 2016

Parking at the school in Patterdale, the A group ascended Thornhow End and then contoured Birks, high above Grisedale. In strengthening wind, they reached the top of St Sunday Crag but rapidly headed for Deepdale Hause and lower ground, then descending the sloping path to Grisedale Tarn. Passing the Brothers’ Parting Stone, they followed the valley back to Patterdale, sheltered from the wind and enjoying the sights and sounds of spring.

The B group left the carpark at Mardale Head to battle against the wind as they climbed to the summit of Gatesgarth Pass. With Longsleddale below them and Morecambe Bay on the horizon, they soon reached the Branstree cairn. They didn’t linger in the strong wind and descended towards Selside Pike passing the high cairns on Artle Crag. The cairn on the summit of Selside Pike offered shelter before they descended via Selside End to the Old Corpse Road. The pleasant route back to Mardale Head took them along the lakeshore path through the remains of the old village of Mardale.


Sun, 8 May 2016

The A group set off from Seathwaite farm in warm, sunny weather but with a blustery east wind blowing. After passing through the farm archway, they headed for a warm up scramble on Taylorgill Force then, going upstream for a further half mile, ascended the steep northern aspect of Seathwaite Fell. The Band on Great End was climbed before crossing the boulder field to Ill Crag summit. The views down Eskdale and over to the surrounding fells were absolutely amazing in the clear air, just why isn’t Ill Crag a Wainwright? After visiting the top of Broad Crag, the group descended to the head of Piers Gill; the footpath running along the rim of this volcanic fault was followed before contouring over to Sty Head and returning wearily to the cars.

The B group took the bus to Scales for traverse of one of the grandest fells in the Lake District, Blencathra. On a fine and somewhat windy day, they ascended by way of Scales Fell, then along the so familiar ridge, descending via Blease Fell to Threlkeld for a return bus to Keswick.


Wed, 11 May 2016

The Club’s annual coach outing was to Malham and good walking weather was forecast. There were three walks, all visiting Janet’s Foss and continuing to Goredale Scar. The first group climbed the Scar whilst the second one back tracked then climbed to the west of the Scar. Both followed paths to the eastern shore of Malham Tarn before following the Pennine Way through Ings Scar to the limestone pavement above Malham Cove. Descent was via the stepped path to the Cove where there was time to observe peregrines and rock climbers before returning to Malham village. The third group had longer to admire the Foss and the Scar before retracing their steps to the village. After the walks, supper was enjoyed 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, 18 May 2016

On a misty morning, with a worsening weather forecast, the A group left Little Town and proceeded up Scope End. They followed the wall keeping high above Scope Beck, passing old quarry workings and scrambled up through the crags above the dam to a misty Hindscarth. Undeterred, the walkers were rewarded with snapshots of the Buttermere valley through clearing mist and passed over the summit of Dale Head before descending south round Dalehead Tarn. With rapidly improving weather, High Spy saw the removal of jackets. The final descent was after Bull Crag on Maiden Moor, via the sheep fold.

From Hartsop, the B group set off towards Hayeswater Gill Filter House soon turning up the front of Prison Crag. After a fairly steep ascent they rested facing Gray Crag with Hayeswater and Pasture Bottom to each side. Continuing along the route via Brock Crags, Angle Tarn came into view where the group stopped for lunch. Angletarn Pikes was soon reached then the path towards Beda Fell followed, affording clear views across Bannerdale and Martindale before a sharp change of direction was made to Boredale Hause. The group then made their final descent facing Deepdale, crossing Angletarn Beck and returning to Hartsop.


Sun, 22 May 2016

The A group proceeded from Greendale up Buckbarrow, with an intrepid splinter party tackling its soaring crags, described as ‘unassailable’ by AW, head on. From the rocky spur overlooking Wast Water, the eye was drawn to the Scafell Range, casting off its shroud for the odd tantalising moment. A wide grassy path taking in Glade How and Cat Bields conveyed the group to the top of Seatallan, with a steep descent offering a quick way off the fell. Sheltered from the wind, the group settled to bask in the sun, survey the scenery and enjoy some poetry. A short climb led to the rocky summit of Middle Fell, another splendid vantage point, with a track going down completing the walk’s loop.

On a beautiful morning, the B group set off to complete a six mile circuit figure of eight taking in the summits of Ling and Sale Fells. Starting from St Margaret’s church, the route was along the northern flank of Sale, dropping down steeply to Brumston Bridge. Then it was up to Burthwaite to pick up the grassy track which climbs steadily to the trig point and the summit of Ling. Turning east, the group descended to the road to the bridge and on to Kelswick Farm. From there, they walked to the ruins of Wythop Church and on through Chapel Wood. Once out of the wood, and after a stop for lunch in the peace of the Wythop Valley, the direct ascent of Sale Fell was made. The circuit was completed by following the low ridge that allowed a panorama of Bass Lake and Skiddaw. The final descent was to the left of the forest wall before returning to the start point.


Wed, 1 Jun 2016

An A group set off from Coniston to ascend Dow Crag, the Old Man and Brim Fell. Turning off the main path to Coppermines Valley, they headed for Boulder Valley then the eastern side of Levers Water before crossing the valley floor to climb Great How Crags. Contouring Brim Fell via Black Crag to arrive at Goat’s Hawse, they crossed the scree to scramble up South Rake to Dow Crag. Returning to Goat’s Hawse, they ascended the Old Man then followed the ridge to Brim Fell before their final descent down Brim Fell Rake to Low Water and so back to Coniston.

On a day of disappointing weather in a fine week, a B group set off to ascend Great Sca Fell in the Northern Fells. Starting from Longlands, they followed the Cumbria Way for a short distance and then turned south on a rising path to the summit of Longlands Fell. There were good views towards Overwater and Binsey, but low cloud masked the tops of the higher fells nearer at hand. The group continued over Lowthwaite Fell, descended to a col and followed a clear path through thickening mist to the summit of Little Sca Fell, where an impressive cairn provided some shelter for their lunch break. A short ridge path brought them to the top of Great Sca Fell. After retracing their steps to Little Sca Fell, they emerged from the cloud and descended by a pleasant bridle path alongside Charleton Gill until they reached the valley bottom and followed the Cumbria Way back to their starting point.


Sun, 5 Jun 2016

On a blistering hot morning, a small A group set off from Bleach Green car park to climb Crag Fell and beyond. Onto Anglers Crag – what a vantage point to look down on Ennerdale Water – and then a slow climb in the heat to sit amongst the Pinnacles of Crag Fell for a coffee break. Leaving the north face of Crag Fell, an amazing area of towering crags and rocks, the group reached the summit of Crag Fell itself followed by the ‘long march’ to Caw Fell, this being broken with a lunch break and thankfully some cloud cover. From the loneliness of Caw Fell they descended down the shoulder of Great Cove to reach the shore of Ennerdale Water. Glorious reflections of the surrounding hills with hardly a ripple on the water were enjoyed on the walk along the beautiful southern shore, over Robin Hood’s Chair at the foot of Anglers Crag and back to Bleach Green.

The B group set off from High Row in cheery mood and summer walking gear on an already warm and humid day, crossing Groove Beck to turn off the old coach road onto the grassy track towards Great Dodd. Thankful for the recent dry weather which made for a much less boggy ascent than normal, they made their way up the ridge, with frequent water stops, pausing at the crags of Randerside, before reaching the cairned summit of Great Dodd. They then followed the path in a south westerly direction towards Calfhow Pike and on up to Clough Head, with panoramic views of Blencathra and the Greta valley. The dry weather also helped with the route down which usually wet and marshy was instead across springy moorland, picturesquely studded with cotton grass. Heading down the grassy slopes to Mariel Bridge, they rejoined the old coach road and as the predicted thunderstorm did not materialise, enjoyed a leisurely walk back to High Row.


Wed, 15 Jun 2016

Parking at Buttermere, the A group set off to climb the High Stile ridge. Ascending Red Pike via Old Burtness and the partly stepped path to Bleaberry Tarn, they paused frequently to appreciate the near perfect reflections in Buttermere below. After climbing and scrambling up the badly eroded path to Red Pike’s summit, they followed the classic walk along the ridge via High Stile, High Crag and Seat, taking in the magnificent views along the way. Another scramble followed, down to the Scarth Gap, before the descent to Peggy’s Bridge and the more relaxing walk along the east side of Butteremere, looking across to the ridge traversed.

The B group set off from Newlands Hause on a warm slightly breezy morning with little cloud. The route was to be around Melbreak, in an anti-clockwise direction, taking in Crummock Water, Rannerdale and Mosedale. Rather than walking along the road to Rannerdale they went via the gate at the Long How car park, through a pretty copse, across open ground to Wood House and then briefly along the shore of Crummock Water, to cross the road to go along a track leading to Rannerdale. It was a shame that the bluebell season was finished but the group went through Rannerdale and across the bridge to keep parallel to Crummock Water. The walk went through woods, continued to the Kirkstile Inn and then around the end of Melbreak to walk up Mosedale to the famous holly tree. After descending to Crummock Water by the side of Scale Beck the group concluded their day in the café opposite the Fish Inn at Buttermere.

The C group walk was from Glenridding to the former mine buildings up the valley, via parts of Greenside Road and the pleasant footpath through the meadows from Gillside. After crossing the beck by the bridge near the micro-hydro plant, the obvious path above the fell wall was followed back down to Gillside, bordered by bracken already chest high. The final track back to the car park showed much evidence of the December floods and also current repair activity.


Sun, 19 Jun 2016

With an uncertain weather forecast, the A group set off from Peter House Farm, walking to Horsemoor Hills, where they turned onto the track which rises towards Brockle Crag and then to the base of Burn Tod. From there they climbed up the path criss crossing Hause Gill until the col between Knott and Great Calva was reached. They then turned left to climb Burn Tod and Knott in increasing mist before returning to the col to ascend Great Calva, where a well-constructed shelter gave respite for their lunch stop. Proceeding down to the valley, the group joined the track coming from Skiddaw House and returned via Dash Falls to Peter House Farm, reaching it as the rain long threatened finally began to fall heavily.

Defying the weather forecast, the B group donned their waterproofs and launched themselves from the conveniently elevated High Cross into the maze that is Grizedale Forest. They meandered along wide forest tracks, passing by the occasional giant mushroom and other carvings. After much zig-zagging, a short but delightful climb led to the craggy summit of Carron Crag, adorned with one of the many sculptures scattered throughout the forest. There, they were able to catch a glimpse of a broad sweep stretching from the Far Eastern Fells to Morecombe Bay, although the Southern Fells remained shrouded in the clouds. Having traversed the knoll, they rounded it and headed back past some rather amusing signs – this time with the Coniston Water shimmering far below.