Sun, 1 Jan 2023
Easy Group – Great Wood, Falcon Crag Terrace and Derwentwater. On a very damp day the Group welcomed in 2023 with an exploration of local woodlands and the shore of Derwentwater. After a climb through Springs Wood, the upper path through Great Wood was taken to Cat Ghyll bridge where the terrace path below Falcon Crag was joined. At the “Lookout” a little known descent path was taken to Ashness Gate and after a section of road walking the shore of Derwentwater was reached and this was followed back to Keswick town centre.
Wed, 11 Jan 2023
Challenging Group – Rannerdale and Crummock Edge. Another poor January day of high winds and a constant threat of rain or hail showers meant the walk leader opted for a lower-level circuit, instead of the High Stile ridge. A small group, who had met in Buttermere and fully clad in waterproofs, headed straight up a blustery Rannerdale Knott. Following a swift descent, the Group followed the lapping shore of Crummock Water to Lanthwaite Wood. At the boat house, after a brief assessment of the water level and the white horses, the leader decided to walk the road to High Park and re-join the far shore path. Bog trotters would have been useful for the return leg and just after Scale Bridge there was a show of appreciation for the steppingstones, although at that stage with the cars close by, wading wouldn’t have been so bad!
Moderate Group – Newlands Valley. Starting from the Portinscale footbridge, with a forecast of light showers but strong winds, the Group walked to the foot of Catbells, and along a terrace path as far as Littletown. By now the weather was worse than expected so the decision was taken to shorten the walk and join the intended return route near the road bridge below Littletown heading for the ford (and footbridge) over Rigg Beck. A short walk along the road and a gated path took the Group to a footbridge over Newlands Beck and onto the road to Stair and the quickest route back to the starting point. Very wet but still amazingly cheerful. (c7.5 miles, 900 feet ascent.)
Sun, 15 Jan 2023
Challenging Group – Knot From Longlands. With low clouds covering the hills the Group set off from Longlands. However, as height was gained the clouds gradually lifted leaving the summits clear. The old corpse road towards Fellside was taken before turning off to begin the steep ascent of Longlands Fell. From the summit, the Group descended towards the old Bridle road, up to the main ridge line and then left for the short diversion to Brae Fell. A mile further on to the top of Great Sca Fell and then Knott which at 2329 ft was the highest point of the walk. The return was made via Great Sca Fell, Meal Fell, the lonely pass of Trusmadoor and back to Longlands crossing the infant River Ellen. (8 miles and 2240 feet of ascent.)
Moderate Group – Sale and Ling Fells. The Group met near the Pheasant Inn at Embleton and followed footpaths and forest tracks up through Wythop Woods. Eventually emerging onto open fellside, an undulating path led to the summit of Sale Fell. Descending into the quiet Wythop valley and crossing the beck, the Group followed the old coffin route along the side of Ling Fell, then turned up the slope to gain the summit. The return route was via a steep path over the western flank of Sale Fell, a short stretch of road walking through the hamlet of Routenbeck and then back through the woods to the starting point.
Easy Group – Catbells Terrace. After a bus ride to Grange, the Group walked along the road to Manesty before taking the terrace path under Catbells. From here the views of Derwentwater and the snow topped summits of Skiddaw and Blencathra were impressive. About halfway along the terrace the Group stopped to watch a Mountain Rescue training session with the search and rescue dogs. The “dogsbodies” were spread over the fellside for the dogs to find. Continuing on to Hawes End the walk back to Keswick was via Portinscale and a wet Howrahs path.
Wed, 25 Jan 2023
Moderate and Challenging Group – Rosthwaite to Watendlath to Walla Crag. The Moderate Group numbers were swollen by the (very welcome) members of the weather cancelled Challenging walk. After a bus ride to Rosthwaite, the Group made the climb up to Watendlath in persistent but not heavy rain. After a pleasant break under the trees, the Group made its way by the river towards the road to Ashness but of course taking a short detour to Surprise View which was when the sun came out. Continuing through Ashness Farm and the path above Falcon Crag the summit of Walla Crag was reached. The return to Keswick being made via Springs Wood, and Ambleside Road.
Easy Group – Tarn Howes & Holme Fell. Defying the rain, the Group followed the bridleway zig-zagging its way from the Glen Mary car park up to the iconic Tarn Hows. The walk continued along the water’s edge towards, and then along, the stony track leading down to the A593. Crossing the road, the Group tackled the gradual ascent across the slope of High Oxen Fell before reaching Hodge Close with its spectacular, now disused, slate quarry. Passing a delightful tarn-like reservoir, there was now a climb in bright sunshine up to Holme Fell before descending to Uskdale Gap, from where a rough path led them back down to the road.
Sun, 29 Jan 2023
Moderate Group – Behind Binsey. Setting off from Scalegill Holiday Park, on the A591, the Group climbed up to Binsey summit by way of Green Lane but not before the clouds dropped obliterating the view. A rapid descent was made to Binsey Lodge and from there a pleasant walk along quite country lanes into High Ireby and the sad ruins of High Ireby Grange which burnt down in 1957. At the remote farm of High Houses the route turned sharp right to cross the shoulder of Whittas Park. By this time the visibilty was only a few yards but the bridleway is well marked and easy to follow to Caermote Roman Fort. A short stretch of the A 591 then led back to the start. (7.5 miles and 1250 ft of ascent.)
Sun, 5 Feb 2023
Challenging Group – Glaramara. Starting from Seatoller on a bright crisp winter’s day, the Group quickly warmed up during the ascent over Thorneythwaite Fell. There were tricky icy patches on the rocky paths but the usually boggy areas towards Glaramara had hardened. One of the gentler approaches was taken to the summit to enjoy some of the best views in the Lake District. The Group continued towards Allen Crags, lingering midway at a sheltered tarn hidden from the path. With Great End towering above them, the Group turned to follow Grains Gill, bypassing the slippery path to Stockley Bridge before returning to Seatoller via Seathwaite and Black Sike.
Wed, 8 Feb 2023
Challenging Group – Glencoyne to Nick Head & Glenridding. With 50mph winds forecast, the originally planned Challenging walk over Hart Side and The Dodds was hastily rearranged to a lower level. The Group set off from the Upper Cascade carpark below Dockray and climbed up above Ullswater into a very windy Glencoyne and round to Nick Head before descending to Greenside Mine and Glenridding. The lakeside path and the Aira Force valley took them back to the start. An excellent walk for a windy but otherwise dry and sunny day. The sighting of a red squirrel near Aira Force being an added bonus.
Easy Group – Walla Crag. Despite the biting wind the Easy Group set off for Walla Crag, using the local bus initially to reduce the overall climb. Alighting at Castle Lane the Group followed field paths to Rakefoot and ascended the fell via the old shepherd’s track. A visit to the summit viewpoint was brief in the bitter wind and the descent was then made to Ashness Bridge and then down to the lakeshore via the splendid grounds of Barrow House Youth Hostel. After a section of road walking the shore of Derwentwater was reached and this was followed back to Keswick town centre.
Sun, 12 Feb 2023
Challenging Group – Loughrigg & Silver How. The challenging walk to Loughrigg and Silver How began at Rydal church, before passing through the grounds of Rydal Park to Ambleside and Miller Brow. This was followed by a steady undulating climb via the delightful Lily tarn and through dominant bronze colour vegetation to Loughrigg’s summit. Having absorbed the scene, the Group descended to the terrace, crossed the Red Bank road and continued to Dow Bank, Spedding Crag and onward to the summit of Silver How. The steep stony descent was soon completed, and the walk then continued through the Wyke plantation, down to the calm Grasmere shore and then along Rydal water and through Dora’s Field before returning to the church.
Moderate Group – Red Tarn & Birkhouse Moor. The Moderate Group met at Glenridding and set off towards Helvellyn via Glenridding Beck to the YHA and the historical area of Greenside Mine, before crossing the beck to take the popular path to Red Tarn. It was calm enough to spend a few minutes enjoying the view of the tarn and the splendid Helvellyn backdrop. The Group then turned eastwards to Birkhouse Moor from where almost all of Ullswater can be seen. The return route to Glenridding was made via a descent to Lanty’s Tarn which, because of a low water level, was sadly not looking its best. A wonderfully clear, dry and calm February walk with some great views.
Easy Group – Mirehouse to Keswick. Having got off the bus at Mirehouse, the Easy Group followed a forest road towards the lower slope of Dodd and along the lively Skill Beck. A gently undulating, bridleway, part of Allerdale Ramble, then led them south while affording fabulous views of the valley and Keswick below. The gradient steepened in Lyzzick Wood before becoming severe on the open slope below Doups, but the Group tackled the descent to Millbeck without too much difficulty. By contrast, there then followed a relaxing amble back to Keswick along footpaths cutting across pleasant fields below Applethwaite.
Wed, 22 Feb 2023
Moderate Group – Loweswater High Circuit. The Group met and set off from Waterend at the north western end of Loweswater. Climbing up to the old Mosser Road and then by contouring the slopes of Darling Fell from where there are wonderful views of Crummock Water, Buttermere and the fells beyond. The route continued along the slopes of Low Fell, and then down to Maggie’s Bridge along a minor road. The Group walked through High Nook farm and then made the ascent to the top side of Holme wood before following the coffin route towards Fangs Brow. A quick decent through muddy fields and via Jenkinson Place and Hudson Place completed the walk.
Sun, 26 Feb 2023
Challenging Group – Newlands Round. The Challenging group set off from Little Town to walk the classic Newlands Round. Due to the cold and possible icy conditions the decision was made to ascend Robinson via Scope Beck rather than scramble up Blea Crags. It was quite windy on the summit and descending to Littledale Edge they managed to find a dip in the ground to shelter. From here the Group continued up to Hindscarth and onto Dale Head where the wind had dropped a little and a 360 degree panorama of the Lake District was enjoyed. The walk continued with a descent to Dalehead Tarn and then up over High Spy and Maiden Moor. At Hawse Gate the path descending directly to Little Town was taken to finish the walk having completed 5 Wainwrights and enjoying some stunning views.
Wed, 1 Mar 2023
Easy Group – Around Grasmere and Rydal. A large group of walkers met in the centre of Grasmere. After a short walk along the road, the lakeshore path was reached and followed. A steady ascent led up to Rydal Cave and then a descent to Rydal church where time was taken to explore the grounds. The return route to Grasmere followed the coffin route to Dove Cottage and then back into the village.
Wed, 8 Mar 2023
Challenging Group – Cat Bells. Public transport problems meant that the original plan to walk from Seatoller to Keswick via High Spy and Maiden Moor had to be abandoned. Instead, the Group walked from Keswick through Portinscale to scramble up Cat Bells. After descending to Hause Gate the group split into two. Most members returned to Keswick by descending to the east side of Derwentwater and some took the opposite path and dropped down into the Newlands Valley. Not the planned walk but still enjoyable.
Moderate Group – Uldale Fells. This was a circular walk starting in Longlands and initially followed the Cumbria Way before ascending to Longlands Fell, the first of four Wainwrights. The Group descended to the top of Charleton Gill to pick up the path to Brae Fell and then continued across to Little Sca Fell and Great Sca Fell. After Meal Fell the walk descended to the Trusmador which was a sunny, sheltered spot and welcome respite on a very cold blustery day.
Easy Group – High Rigg. The Group met at Legburthwaite on a beautiful sunny but very cold day with a little snow visible on the tops. From the car park the Group walked up High Rigg to gain the ridge path. The ridge was followed before taking the path down into St Johns in the Vale where the local church and grounds were explored. The return was via a lovely path that ran parallel to St John’s Beck.
Sun, 12 Mar 2023
Moderate Group – Cathedral Cave. The Group met and started walking from the Elterwater Car park. A quick ascent along the side of Lingmoor Fell was followed with a descent into Little Langdale. After crossing Greenburn Beck the walk arrived at the main entrance to Cathedral Cave. A short tunnel led into into the magnificent main chamber and then another short tunnel and a short scramble brought the Group into the open quarry. Another scramble down some boulders led to the entrance of a long mine tunnel where headtorches were necessary to navigate the darkness. Emerging into the daylight, the route continued to Hodge Close Quarry notable for its sheer sides and deep lake. The next highlight was Colwith Force Waterfall which was in full spate, and then on to another waterfall at Skelwith Bridge. The return to Elterwater was achieved with a two mile walk alongside Elterwater.
Easy Group – Stainton, Dacre, Soulby and Dalemain. The Group set out from Stainton and followed paths across the fields to St Andrews Church at Dacre. Time was taken to visit the ‘Dacre Bears’ and to admire the church etched window and the castle or Pele Tower. The Dacre Bears are four stone statues in the church yard. Their origin is not known for certain but they are thought to date from pre Saxon times and may have some Pagan significance. Leaving the Church behind, the route followed the road and then a footpath through the fields to Dalemain. A further path led to the woods and a steep climb back to Stainton village.
Wed, 22 Mar 2023
Moderate Group – Dodd. The original plan to ascend Ullock Pike was abandoned due to strong winds and Dodd became the revised target. Starting from Ravenstone Manor the Group walked through woodlands before ascending alongside Skill Beck. Crossing the beck to ease the incline, the summit was enjoyed in clear bright conditions. The descent retraced early paths before following more testing footpaths through the partially cleared Lyzzick Wood. Reaching Millbeck, the group continued through fields below the villages, crossing Applethwaite Gill to Spooney Green. A walk of 8 miles and slightly in excess of 2000ft.
Easy Group – Ambleside to Grasmere. The Group travelled by bus to Scandale Bridge just north of Ambleside. Passing through the lodge gates, Rydal Park was traversed to reach the interesting landscape of Rydal Hall. The route continued via Dora’s Field where the magnificent display of native daffodils was much admired. After crossing the main road, a short ascent was made to Cote Howe and the start of the Loughrigg Terrace path that was then followed for its full length. The walk then continued via the seldom visited Redbank Wood to Huntingstile Lane, which was then followed to the public road and then to Grasmere for the return bus journey.
Sun, 26 Mar 2023
Moderate Group – Helm Crag and Gibson Knot. After going over Dunmail Raise, the skies were blue and the sun was warm as the Group parked their cars and began their walk past Ghyll Foot farm on the way to Thorny How and Lancrigg before climbing Helm Crag. The route took them over Gibson Knott and beyond before turning off below Moment Crag to descend into the Greenburn valley and follow an often-boggy path eventually past the farm again and back to the cars. Approximately 6.5 miles and 1800ft ascent.
Easy Group – Latrigg and Brundholme. The Group walked to the summit of Latrigg from Spooney Green Lane by branching from the Skiddaw path. The path was relatively steep initially and the total ascent was 1,000 feet. It was very cold and windy at the summit so the stop to admire the view was very brief. The gentle descent brought some respite from the conditions and it was much more pleasant sitting on some tree trunks. The return to Keswick was through Brundholme Wood, on a path which offered lovely river views, and then on the old railway track.
Wed, 5 Apr 2023
Challenging Group – Blencathra vi Knott Halloo & Gategill. The forecast was for intermittent heavy rain, wind and low cloud as the Group left Keswick and walked through Brundholme Wood to Threlkeld via Wescoe. Only the lower slopes of Blencathra were visible as thick cloud shrouded the top. Keeping close together, to avoid losing anyone in the mist, the Group climbed steeply via Knott Halloo to the summit of Gatesgill and then onto the main path to Blencathra’s high point. Descending via Blease Fell, the cloud suddenly thinned and the distant Derwentwater appeared to be floating in the sky.
Moderate Group – Around Melbreak from Scale Hill. The Group set off from Scale Hill through Flass Wood beneath Mellbreak before reaching Mosedale Valley. On a wide track in this remote valley, the solitary Mosedale Holly Tree was noted before rounding the fell above Black and Scale becks. The weather conditions improved, and the Group made its way along a shortish section of boggy ground enjoying views of Scale Force waterfall and beyond. The Crummock Water lakeshore path was reached, and Low Ling Crag provided atmospheric scenes of the high fells. Continuing lakeside and then crossing the River Cocker to Lanthwaite Wood completed an enjoyable blustery day.
Sun, 9 Apr 2023
Challenging Group – Steeple from Ennerdale. The Group set off at a brisk pace along the northern side of Ennerdale Water where there is evidence of much tree felling. Crossing the eastern end of the lake, new fencing was noted in preparation for the reintroduction of beavers. With the cloud high and the wind strong, a steep climb began through trees to Lingmell. This was followed by a descent to and across Low Beck and then an ascent of Long Crag to the majestic rocky scenery of Mirk Cove with great views to Pillar before reaching Steeple summit. Little and Great Scoat Fell, Haycock and Caw Fell followed with the wind still strong but never a real worry. The descent and return was along the attractive ridge between Silvercove Beck and Deep Gill and then back into the forest.
Moderate Group – Gowbarrow Fell & The Meldrums. The Group gathered at the (Aira Force) High Cascade car park on a day full of optimism for a splendid sunny day. Quickly rising to the summit of Gowbarrow Fell the walk continued to Great Meldrum and Watermillock Fell (just south of Little Mell Fell) before descending towards Watermillock church to join the Ullswater Way westwards through Swinburn Park. Now near Gowbarrow again, the Group descended to the Aira Force valley via the delightful terrace path, completing the circuit by following Aira Beck back to the High Cascade. The weather forecast proved to be over optimistic but this was still a lovely walk.
Easy Group – Catbells Terrace & The River Derwent. The Group travelled by bus to the foot of Catbells and then walked the deservedly popular terrace route to Manesty. A much less well-known path was then taken below Yewdel Knott to Swanesty How, opting for the lower branch to avoid a couple of unpleasant scrambles on the drier upper route. The path through Hollows Farm was then taken and then onto the Derwent riverside path leading to Rosthwaite. A scenic open-top bus service back to Keswick completed the day.
Wed, 19 Apr 2023
Challenging Group – Helvellyn. The Group left Swirls car park and headed up the path beside Helvellyn Gill. The wind increased with ascent, but Browncove Crags gave welcome shelter. As the Group reached Lower Man the full force of the wind was felt and it was a difficult walk along to the Helvellyn summit. After a brief rest in the shelter the descent was made towards Wythburn. Now out of the wind and with the sun breaking through, the descent was a contrast to the ascent. The Group turned north on to the forestry track returning to Swirls car park enjoying both the spring weather and Thirlmere views.
Moderate Group – Muncaster Fell. The Group set off from Muncaster car park on a lovely sunny and breezy, morning and ascended Fell Lane to Hooker Crag where the wind was now fierce. The walk continued along the fell dodging the bog and enjoying superb views of the high fells in front. The path continued down to a quiet farm track, fringed with spring flowers, that runs along the base of the fell until the final ascent back up to Fell Lane. Along this path there is a tower erected to commemorate the rescue of Henry VI found by shepherds wandering after the battle of Hexham in 1464. He was taken to Muncaster Castle and sheltered there. The tower was built many tears later in 1783 by Lord Muncaster.
Easy Group – High Doat. The Group travelled to Seatoller and then took the former mine road for a gradual ascent, branching off to ascend to the first mini top of High Doat where a largely unknown stone circle was examined. After a visit to the second top a steep descent was made to join the main Honister to Grange bridleway and then the path alongside Tongue Ghyll was used to descend to the valley floor. Pausing briefly at Longthwaite the valley was traversed to Coombe Ghyll to view its historic corn mill. The return to Seatoller included a diversion to Glaramara House for welcome refreshments.
Sun, 23 Apr 2023
Challenging Group – The Dodds & Clough Head. Leaving the bus at Legburthwaite, the Group made the moderately steep ascent to Sticks Pass. From there all the Dodds were summited (Stybarrow, Watsons & Great) before the final climb to Clough Head. The threatening rain held off as the Group descended steeply to The Old Coach Road from White Pike. The route to Newsham was as boggy as always and at Thelkeld several members took the option of the bus back to Keswick. Those that chose to walk back to Keswick were rewarded with ice cream from the van at the bottom of the Wescoe road.
Sat, 29 Apr 2023
Moderate Group – Old Coach Road & The Ancient Settlements. On a murky morning, the Group got off the bus at Dockray and followed a minor road up to High Row. There, tarmac gave way to a wide track, the Old Coach Road, undulating all the way to St John’s in the Vale along the edge of the sprawling Threlkeld Common. Having rounded the bottom of the expansive slopes of Clough Head, they reached the base of Threlkeld Knotts before deviating to visit a pre-historic stone-hut settlement cleverly concealed below. A further descent led them to the bus stop in Threlkeld, where half of the group decided to walk back to Keswick – gluttons for punishment!
Wed, 3 May 2023
Challenging Group – Yewdale Fells. On a glorious May morning, the Challenging walk started from Coniston to cover ten relatively low-lying fells to the East of Wetherlam. The Group began with a warm-up via the Cumbria Way up to Tilberthwaite from where the first five were climbed. Starting with the most Northerly, Low Fell on Great Intake, before moving southwards, dropping to cross Yewdale Beck and then onto the second five fells. Following the ascent of fell number ten, Kitty Crag, the Group descended the gill of Mouldry Bank Beck to join the Coppermines track for the return to Coniston.
Moderate Group – Glenderaterra & Latrigg. The Group met at Spooney Green Lane and walked up to Gale Road and then round the back of Skiddaw on the Cumbria Way above the Glenderaterra Beck. The path crossed over to the Blencathra terrace and then onto the Blencathra Centre, down to Derwent Folds and then up to the back of Latrigg and the summit. The views from the top were spectacular on what was one of the first warm days for some time. The final stretch of the route was the descent back to Spooney Green Lane making it a walk of 10 miles.
Easy Group – Orton Scar. The Group walked north from the village of Orton and climbed up to the Queen Victoria Memorial Monument on Orton Scar. From there the walk descended to view Great Asby Scar before taking the gentle path into the valley. A minor road and a bridleway took the Group back to Orton. This was a relaxed ramble, on a warm sunny day with superb views towards both the Howgills and Pennines.
Sun, 7 May 2023
Challenging Group – Grange Fell & High Seat. This walk coincided with the Fred Whitton Challenge consisting of 2500 cyclists racing in the Borrowdale valley. Unbeknown to the Group this meant there were no buses to take the Group to the planned start. Undeterred, the Ramblers set out to walk their planned route in reverse. Starting with the meandering Brockle Beck path up Bleaberry Fell, then onto the delightful ridge walk to High Seat and High Tove, with excellent views on all sides. A sharp descent to Watendlath was followed by a climb over the twin peaks of Grange Fell, and a final rocky path through the woods to Grange for the bus back to Keswick.
Wed, 17 May 2023
Challenging Group – Glenderaterra Valley, Skiddaw & Lonscale Fell. The Challenging Group’s circular route began at Lattrig car park before following the path alongside Lonscale Fell to Skiddaw House which was open for refreshments. The Group then walked to Dash Falls before making the steep climb onto the Skiddaw ridge. The weather on the top was glorious and made the return to the starting point via Lonscale summit very enjoyable.
Moderate Group – Whinlatter Forest. The Group caught a bus from Keswick to Powter Howe at Thornthwaite to start the walk. This began with a steep, treeless climb up to a forest track. About a mile along the track, the trees have been felled and there is now a new viewing point overlooking Bassenthwaite Lake and beyond. After a complicated series of zig-zags the Group arrived at Seat How and continued up to Ullister Hill and, now out of the forest, to Tarbarrel Moss and then Whinlatter Top. The return route started with a descent back into the forest via the Whinlatter Gruffalo, down to the main road at Heavy Side and completed with a walk into Braithwaite.
Easy Group – Hartsop and Brothers Water. The Group met at Cow Bridge Car park and set off along the path beside the road to Deepdale Bridge. A bridleway was followed across the valley floor, before crossing Angle Tarn Beck Bridge and climbing through ancient woodland to Hartsop village. After admiring the old houses and their gardens a path was followed to and then along the Brotherswater lake shore towards the camp site. A small group temporarily left the party near Hartsop Hall to investigate a nearby stone circle, before the return along the far lakeshore to the starting point.
Sat, 20 May 2023
Moderate Group – High Hartsop Dodd & Little Hart Crag. On a dazzling morning, the Group bused it to Cow Bridge, where they took a bridleway skimming Brothers Water and leading to the remnants of an old settlement below the pyramid of High Hartsop Dodd. This was followed by the steep ascent of the fell, the eye being drawn to the mountains fringing the nearby Dovedale. Beyond the top, the gradient eased, and a lofty ridge path led to the attractive rocky summit of Little Hart Crag, where an extensive panorama opened to the south. After descending into the verdant Scandale via Scandale Pass, the Group followed Scandale Beck gently down all the way to Ambleside.
Easy Group – Great Langdale to Ambleside via Loughrigg Tarn. The Group travelled by bus to Elterwater village in Great Langdale. The walk initially followed the Cumbria Way along the valley and past the lake to Skelwith Bridge where a path was taken via the holiday park to climb to the seldom visited Neaum Crag viewpoint for grand views of the Langdale area and beyond. The route then continued via Loughrigg Fold to Loughrigg Tarn before tackling the second climb of the day to the shoulder of Loughrigg Fell. The descent was then made via Miller Brow into Ambleside for welcome refreshments and return buses.
Wed, 31 May 2023
Challenging Group – Pillar. The Group set off across to Fleetwith from Honister Mine on a sunny day. After the steep descent alongside Loft Beck the path crossed the River Liza and a welcome rest was taken under the shelter of a tree on Black Sail Pass. An unrushed ascent of Pillar followed in the warm weather revealing increasingly distant fells as height was gained. The Group lingered around Pillar summit before beginning the return past a dry Beck Head Tarn and Sail Beck before continuing along Moses’ Trod back to the Honister car park.
Moderate Group – Seatoller Fell. The Group started from Seatoller and walked through Johnny Wood, continued to Scaleclose Coppice and out onto the Cumbrian Way towards Honister. This was followed by a climb towards Grey Knotts but turned off the path at the 450m contour and followed an intermittent sheep track towards Seatoller Fell, eventually finding a path over the tops. Descending towards a high wall, fortunately with a well constructed stile, the route dropped down through the fields off path and through the bracken onto open access land before reaching Seatoller Bridge. At this point, it was agreed to end the walk at Seatoller rather than continue to Rosthwaite as the heat was becoming oppressive.
Easy Group – The Eamont Way. Keen to explore the new Eamont Way, between Penrith and Pooley Bridge, the Group left Penrith’s hustle and bustle behind as they turned into a pleasant bridleway by Skirsgill. In blazing sunshine, they passed under an old viaduct and climbed the lofty bridge over the River Eamont before reaching the attractive village of Sockbridge. After a short stretch along the B5320, the Group escaped the tarmac and took a brand-new path engineered to avoid the road. The trail then led to Pooley Bridge across gently rolling fields and pastures dotted with fragrant hawthorn and gorse bushes.
Sun, 4 Jun 2023
Challenging Group – Helvellyn via Hard Tarn. The Group met at Patterdale for a challenging walk up to Helvellyn. The route rose steadily along Grisedale and on to Ruthwaite lodge. From here there was an ascent into a hot Ruthwaite Cove, before crossing the beck and up to, until now, the hidden Hard Tarn where the resident newts could be seen. The rocky crossing to the foot of the east ridge of Nethermost Pike was made and an enjoyable scramble followed with views across to a busy Striding Edge. From Helvellyn summit the Group began the scramble down a much-eroded Swirral Edge, up to Catstye Cam and then a welcome rest by Red Tarn. The walk was concluded by heading first to Birkhouse Moor and then descending back into Patterdale.
Moderate Group – Watendlath via Dock Tarn. A glorious day of sunshine awaited the Group. The walk started at Rosthwaite and followed the Cumbria Way/C2C route hugging Stonethwaite Beck. After passing Stonethwaite Bridge, a steady climb was made through the trees to Lingy End. The Group continued towards Dock Tarn before veering off to take a more direct, and less frequented route to Great Crag. Descending to Watendlath, refreshments were enjoyed at the cafe before returning to Rosthwaite via Puddingstone Bank.
Wed, 14 Jun 2023
Challenging Group – A Coledale Round. The Group enthusiastically made their way up Grisedale Pike from Braithwaite and then to Hopegill Head where they paused for a while reminiscing over past experiences in the surrounding area and anticipating the route ahead. They then continued down Sand Hill to cross Coledale Hause before ascending the steep path up Eel Crag and on to the summit of Crag Hill with its new perspective of fell views. Having carefully traversed The Scar a refuelling stop was enjoyed below Sail. The return route to Braithwaite was made via a detour to Causey Pike and finally the village shop for ice cream.
Moderate Group – Lingmell. On another dazzling day, the Group climbed Lingmell from Wasdale Head. The direct ascent along the fell’s steep shoulder was punctuated with stops to admire the stupendous views of Wast Water below and the formidable crags of Sca Fell and Scafell Pike towering above. The summit revealed an equally impressive vista of Great Gable, Kirk Fell, Pillar and Wasdale Red Pike. The route down led via Lingmell Col, teeming with Scafell Pike crowds. The Group dodged the throng by descending along a quieter alternative path only to be joined again at the crossing of the now depleted Lingmell Gill much further down. An enjoyable hike amid impressive mountain scenery.
Easy Group – Watendlath. On a very warm day the Group appreciated the open top bus that took them to the Borrowdale Hotel. The walk began at High Lodore Farm with a steep climb alongside Upper Lodore Falls which, alas, was not impressive in the drought conditions. The walk then continued via Moss Mire to the idyllic Watendlath Tarn and on upwards to the highest point of the day at Puddingstone Bank. The steep and rough main path was then followed down towards Rosthwaite before branching off under Yew Crag to pass behind and above Hazel bank Hotel to reach Stonethwaite where most welcome refreshments were obtained at the local hotel before a final short walk to the return bus at Stonethwaite Cross.
Sat, 17 Jun 2023
Easy Group – East of Thirlmere. Getting off the bus at the southern tip of Thirlmere, the Group went up the wooded slope to the now trickling Birkside Gill waterfalls. Turning into a pleasant bridleway leading all the way to Swirls, the airy forest road afforded great views of Thirlmere below and the slopes of the Central Ridge beyond. At Swirls, the walkers crossed the A591 and undulated along the reservoir’s shore to the foot of Great How, where they turned into a narrower path half-rounding the tree-covered hillock on the water’s side. Emerging on Thirlmere Dam Road, they were a stone’s throw away from their bus stop for the return to Keswick.
Sun, 18 Jun 2023
Moderate Group – Shap Abbey and Knipe Scar. A small Group gathered at Bampton Grange and set off following the River Lowther upstream via Rosgill and the fabulously-named Parish Crag Bridge to Shap Abbey. After a few minutes to absorb the historical surroundings, the Abbey dates back to the 12th Century, the Group set off back to Rosgill on the opposite side of the river before climbing up to Knipe Scar. Then a descent to the suspension bridge to cross the river once again to follow the riverside path back to Bampton Grange. An enjoyable walk for a humid day.
Wed, 28 Jun 2023
Easy Group – Derwentwater Circuit. A big group of Ramblers met at the Moot Hall with the intention of doing a full anti clockwise circuit of Derwentwater. This is a relatively flat walk mainly along the shore of the lake itself. The exception being that at the northern end of the lake requires a fairly mundane trek along the Howrah path before crossing the River Derwent on the suspension bridge into Portinscale. A short section of road walking through the village and then the path led via Nichol End through the woods along to Lingholme and beyond. Eventually the shore was reached, and the Group enjoyed the views of the Lake and the surrounding fells. The path to the Chinese Bridge was taken to reach the eastern side of the lake. At the Lodore Hotel it started to rain and the decision was taken to return to Keswick by bus.