Sun, 2 Jul 2023
Moderate – Stanley Ghyll Force: Stanley Ghyll Force and Devoke Water 9 miles 1200 ft of ascent. Starting from Dalegarth Station in Eskdale we ascend the stunning gorge of Stanley Ghyll admiring its waterfalls on the way up. At the top, tracks lead us to Birker Fell where we cross the road and follow the track to lonely Devoke Water. Ascending Rough and Water Crag Hills we then make our way along the southern shore back to the access track before descending on a track via Underbank.
Easy – Newlands, Rigg Beck to the dam: Park at Rigg Beck quarry, walk to dam via Low Snab, return via Low High Snab, approx. 5.5miles.
Wed, 12 Jul 2023
Challenging – Fairfield Ridge from Grasmere: The walk begins at the roadside parking area between the two exits to Grasmere from the A591. We walk up Great Rigg via Stone Arthur and proceed along the ridge to Fairfield. We then loop round to Dove Crag and take the spectacular descent to Ambleside on the other side of the ridge via High Pike and Low Pike before returning to Grasmere along the coffin route. Total ascent: 3777ft, 12.5 miles.
Easy – Around Great How Thirlmere: Walk starts at the layby by the A591 opposite the dam road end. We do not ascend Great How but walk around it by first walking towards the dam, then taking the Thirlmere shore path to Swirls and crossing the A591 via the underpass. We then return along the terrace path above Thirlspot and Fisher Place. 5-6 miles on undulating paths.
Sun, 16 Jul 2026
Moderate – Ravenstone Hotel-St Begas-Mirehouse-Millbeck-Keswick: From Ravenstone Hotel, walk back to Keswick via St Bega’s, Mirehouse, Millbeck. 7 miles, 600 feet.
Wed, 26 Jul 2023
Challenging – Sca Fell: From Wha House Farm car park (GR201009) follow the footpath to Scale Bridge then climb and traverse to Cam Spout, climb to just below Broad Stand, scramble up to Foxes Tarn then the final ascent to Scafell summit. Descend following the ridge to Slight Side then take the footpath back to the car park. Distance approximately 15km ascent 920m.
Moderate – Ings-Kentmere-Staveley: Catching the 555 bus leaving Keswick at 8.30am(the fare for all will be £2.00) and getting off at Ings (between Windermere and Staveley).
From Ings, we will take a minor road ascending to the small hamlet of Grassgarth, where it peters out, giving way to a track heading north towards Kentmere Park and affording great views of the Kentmere Horseshoe ahead. Skirting round the bottom of Sallows, the bridleway veers to the east and descends to Kentmere. There, we will go back on ourselves by turning into a pleasant path passing by the elongated Kentmere Tarn and tracing the course of the River Kent. The path then becomes a bridleway, which, in turn, becomes Browfoot Lane. On reaching Scroggs Bridge, we will cross the road leading to Kentmere and return to Staveley via Scroggs Farm. In Staveley, there are toilets right by “our” bus stop (at the centre of the village), and return buses run every 30 minutes. Approx. 9 miles, the undulations shouldn’t add up to more than 800 – 1,000 feet of ascent
Easy – Stainton Circular: A leasurely walk from Stainton – the first part is up a hill then through woodlands. We continue across undulating fields to Dacre, then a quiet road section uphill and down to Soulby. From there we cross more fields towards Dalemain, before joining the path across to a woodland and return to Stainton. There are 6 stiles (if the gates are closed) and a short steep ascent through the woodland towards the end.
Sun, 30 Jul 2023
Moderate – Hen Combe and Gavel Fell: Start from Scale Hill NT Carpark. Along road passing The Kirkstile Inn towards Kirkgate Farm. Follow track to Mosedale Beck and cross beck and make way to summit Hen Combe (509m). If beck is too high to cross continue along track and ascend Hen Combe from the south. This adds one and a half kilometres to the route. From summit of Hen Combe head south west to Floutern Cop (451m). Continue west and then north to ascend Gavel Fell (526m). We descend to high Nook Farm, Maggies Bridge and back to cars. Approx 14km (8.7 miles), 660m ascent.
Easy – Sale Fell: Park at Peel Wyke and walk a clockwise circuit of Sale Fell with a short climb to the summit. Mostly on forest tracks and grassy paths. A few steepish climbs. 5 miles and 1100 feet of ascent.
Wed, 9 Aug 2023
Challenging – The Newlands Round: Drive to Chapel Bridge car park in Little Town. We will get onto fell at Causey Pike cottage just up the road from the car park. Walk up to Maiden Moor, on to High Spy stopping at Dale Head Tarn. Up to Dale Head summit, Hindscarth and Robinson summits, then along the Robinson ridge to Blea Crags where there is a 15 minute downhill scramble over rock, or an alternative narrow path to the right. A grassy descent back to the path to take us to the road back to the cars. 16 km (10 miles).
Moderate – Black Combe: This walk will take us to the corner of SW Lakeland and is one of Wainwright’s outlying fells. Parking at Whicham Church just off the A595, the route skirts the fell along the coastline heading north for a few miles on mainly flat grassy paths passing through farmland and over small becks. Turning inland the track climbs steadily but gently on open moor scenery before reaching the Combe and the summit trig point. From there it is a descent on both grass and stoney paths back to the car park. 8.5 miles and a little over 2000ft.
Easy – Longlands Fell: From Longlands hamlet, up track, right up hill to Longlands Fell top (900 feet of climb from Longlands), down (passing base of Lowthwaite Fell on right) to Charlton Gill -follow path down to left of Gill for lunch at Rough Close-then back on path going right to track back to Longlands. Approx 3 miles.
Sun, 13 Aug 2023
Moderate – Buttermere to Honister via Fleetwith Pike: The walk begins at Buttermere bus stop – c 10 30am. We walk alongside the Lake to Gatesgarth up the ridge to Fleetwith Pike and then down tracks to Honister Pass and return by bus from there. Height c 1700 ft; distance c 6 miles.
Wed, 16 Aug 2023
Murder Mystery Walk: This is a Murder Mystery walk with stopping points along the way for information to be given to participants to ponder: (1) Where did the murder take place? (2) What weapon was used? (3) Who committed the crime? All are suspects and at the end of the walk all will be revealed! Can anyone correctly detect the true criminal that executed the deadly deed? The walk is circular from Keswick, taking in Springs Road to the Stone Circle, continuing to Low Nest and heading for St John’s in the Vale Church. Then on to Tewet Tarn and back to the Stone Circle. At this point, there is an option to shorten the walk by continuing to the end of Castle Lane to get the bus back to Keswick, which would amount to about 6.5 miles, or carrying on back to Keswick via Eleventrees, a total of about 8 miles. One tall stile.
Wed, 23 Aug 2023
Challenging – Whin Rigg and Illgill Head from Miterdale: Start in Miterdale (NY147012) and follow a bridleway NW through Miterdale Forest then footpath NE to Whin Rigg and Illgill Head enjoying the stunning views of Wasdale and the Screes on the way. Then descend to Burnmoor Tarn, squelching (probably!) around to the S side to visit Boat How (NY177034) before dropping back into Miterdale, passing a couple of Cumbria’s numerous stone circles en route. Approx 10 miles and 2250′ of ascent with no difficult terrain apart from the squelching!
Moderate – Bowscale Fell: The walk is from Mungrisdale to Bowscales Fell (2306). We will walk to Bowscales and then up onto Bowscale via the tarn. It is a steady uphill climb, steep in places, to the summit. The way back to Mungrisdale is an easy descent on an old bridle path. It is a shortish walk, six to six and a half miles with about 1660′ of ascent.
Easy – Caldbeck to Little Fellside and back via The Howk: We walk up to Nether Row, before accessing a low fell side path to Little Fellside. From there we cross a field to Whelpo. From there we follow an interesting riverside path through the Howk and back to Caldbeck village. We follow paths through fields, across the fellside and use a riverside path. Unfortunately there is some road walking on quiet country lanes. Length approx 5 1/2 miles. Height gain less than 500 ft. 1 wall stile.
Sat, 26 Aug 2023
Easy – Ambleside to Hawkshead: After roadside walking from Ambleside the route is via Pull Woods and Blelham Tarn and then on to Outgate where field and woodland paths are taken to Hawkshead. About 6 miles (10km) with a shorter option. Paths mostly very good. No significant ascent. No stiles. Lovely woodland walking with fine views.
Sun, 27 Aug 2023
Challenging – Grasmoor and Crag Hill from Rannerdale: We walk up Lad Hows onto Grasmoor, across to Crag Hill – Wandope – Whiteless Pike – down to join the path across to Rannerdale Knotts – back down to the car park. Approx 10.5km, 3169ft ascent.
Wed, 6 Sept 2023
Challenging – Ullock Pike, Skiddaw and Bakestall: Start from Low Melbecks Barn (NY242322) with plenty of parking. Walk over Mill Beck, past Barkbeth, up Ullock Pike, onto Skiddaw, Bakestall and then down crossing Dead Beck and Mill Beck back to the start. Approx distance 8 miles and ascent of 980m with some rocky patches on Ullock Pike and a section of loose slate ascending Skiddaw. Mostly grass on decent.
Moderate – Harter Fell, Branstree and Selside: This walk sits at the upper end of the moderate range and, should weather conditions demand this, could be shortened by omitting Harter Fell. From the free, and very popular (hence the early start), car park at Mardale Head, we will climb Harter Fell along the attractive route leading past Small Water and via Nan Bield Pass. We will then descend to Gatescarth Pass before scaling Branstree. Then down to the depression (with a muddy section at the bottom), up Selside Pike and down again to the old corpse road, which will convey us all the way down to the road running alongside Haweswater. The easier return would be along the road, with a more attractive, but more demanding, alternative along the permissive path, undulating to a surprising extent (at least to a weary traveller) and running between the road and the reservoir’s shore before terminating at Mardale Head. Circa 8.5 miles 2,400 feet of ascent.
Easy – Rosthwaite to Galleny Force aka The Fairy Glen: We will walk from Rosthwaite towards Stonethwaite and head for the Fairy Glen. Having crossed the beck we will return via the campsite, through Stonethwaite and pass St Andrew’s Church and Combe Gill heading for Seatoller. No stiles. About 6 miles, minimal ascent.
Sat, 9 Sept 2023
Easy – Downhill from Kirkstone: From the top of the pass a gradual descent is made alongside Kirkstone Beck to Brothers Water before crossing the valley to Hartsop to take fell-foot paths to Patterdale for the return bus. About 7 miles (11km) with a shorter option. Paths pretty rough initially with wet sections, good paths and tracks for the latter half. 1 stile.
Wed, 20 Sept 2023
Easy – Holme Wood and Loweswater Terrace: We will walk to Iredale Place and then onto the terrace path above Loweswater, descending to High Nook Farm. Then continue through Holme Wood to Hudson Place and back to the cars. Approximately 6 miles and 940ft of ascent.
Fri, 22 Sept 2023
Murder Mystery Walk: This walk is circular from Keswick, taking in Springs Road to the Stone Circle, continuing to Low Nest and heading for St John’s in the Vale Church. Then on to Tewet Tarn and back to the Stone Circle. At this point, there is an option to shorten the walk by continuing to the end of Castle Lane to get the bus back to Keswick, which would amount to about 6.5 miles, or carrying on back to Keswick via Eleventrees, a total of about 8 miles. One tall stile.
Sun, 24 Sept 2023
Challenging – Cold Fell: Starting from the beautiful remote valley of Geltsdale in the Northern Pennines the walk ascends Cold Fell which at just over 2000 feet is the most northerly point of the Pennines. On a clear day the views across Hadrian’s wall to the Scottish borders are stupendous. Descending Cold Fell the walk climbs to the summit of Tarmonath Fell which has a large collection of cairns before returning to the starting point at Jockey Shield. If the Weather is bad there is an alternative walk across Cumrew Fell starting from the same point mainly on tracks. Cold Fell itself is largely trackless and can be confusing in mist however we are guaranteed to escape the crowds. 12 miles 2000 feet.
Moderate – Watendlath and Walla Crag from Rosthwaite: The linear walk will begin from the bus stop at Rosthwaite. We will walk over to Watendlath. From there along the river and then up to Surprise View down to Ashness Bridge over Walla Crag and down to Springs Road. Aprox 8 miles 1400 feet ascent.
Wed, 4 Oct 2023
Moderate – Baystones and Wansfell Pike from Troutbeck: Parking at the church, walk up through the village and to the top of Nanny Lane. Then undulating paths to Baystones and across to Wansfell Pike. Descent will be over Kelsick Scar passing the remains of an observatory, before entering Skelgyll Wood and back along the more well known Robin Lane into the village to enjoy ice creams or tea. Easy terrain. 7 miles with just over 1700 feet height gain.
Easy – Heughsgar Hill from Barton Church: Route – Barton Church / Celleron/ Winder Hall/ Heughsgar Hill / Kettley Gate / Pooley Bridge/ Barton Church. 6 1/4 miles. A few stiles. Height gained 6-700 ft but quite gradual. Some paths through fields, tracks over fell, and some road walking.
Sun, 8 Oct 2023
Moderate – Darling Fell Terrace: Starting from Waterend, we head south on the old coach road, then take a path which ascends gradually around the shoulder of Darling Fell. After crossing Crabtree Beck we skirt the southern flank of Low Fell, then make a steep but short descent towards Pottergill. We take a path through woods to Foulsyke, then quiet lanes to Maggie’s Bridge. Passing High Nook Farm, we turn onto the Loweswater terrace path above Holme Wood, finally descending back to Waterend. (The walk could be shortened by taking the lakeshore path from Maggie’s Bridge.) About 7 miles, 500 feet ascent.
Easy – Under Blencathra: From the centre of Threlkeld the walk steadily ascends Kilnhow Beck to the foot of Blencathra before contouring along to the outdoor centre to join a track high above Glenderaterra. After a taste of the wilderness a partly pathless cross-country route is used to reach a miners’ track that is followed to Derwent Folds. The return to the village is via Wescoe and field paths. Ascent about 700′ (220m), distance about 6 miles (9.5km). Paths rough in parts, and likely to be wet or slippery in places. Up to 6 stiles (can be bypassed).
Thur, 12 Oct 2023
Challenging – Hart Side and The Dodds: From High Row (380 219), the route crosses Aira Beck to climb Common Fell, following the “ridge” to Brown Hills and then well-trodden paths to Birkett Fell, Hart Side and the 3 Dodds. We’ll take the usual bridleway descent from Great Dodd to Randerside but then drop into Deepdale (1 km of tufty grass descent!) and down Rush Gill (easy) to Dowthwaite Head and so back to High Row. A walk of 4 Wainwrights, up to 7 Birketts, distance approx. 16.5 km and ascent (at the leader’s “steady” rate!) of under 900m.
Wed, 18 Oct 2023
Challenging – High Street from Hartsop: Head up Pasture Beck onto Thormthwaite Beacon and High St summit (828m). Across the Straits of Riggindale to Knott summit then a steady descent towards Angle Tarn. Final descent into the valley will be either Boredale Hause (distance approx. 15km, ascent 750 – 800m) or depending on time and the weather we can drop down earlier.
Moderate – Deer hunt around Boredale/Bannerdale: From Patterdale, climbing to Bedafell Knott over Boredale Hause; Ascending along the upper Bedafell ridge further before deviating to Heckbeck Head (deer!); Contouring along the rim of Bannerdale over Heck Crag to Satura Crag (deer!) and, possibly, further along towards the western slope of Rest Dodd – but not climbing Rest Dodd because the main purpose of this walk is to stalk red deer, who should treat us to an orchestra of roars (today’s audio effects were simply incredible); Returning to Patterdale by Angle Tarn (climbing Angletarn Pikes optional. We can decide on the day). Between 7 and 8 miles, Maximum 1,400 ft of ascent. Bookings accepted until 3pm on Tuesday, 17 October.
Easy – The Borrowdale Balcony: From Seatoller the walk makes a gradual ascent on the old mine track to reach the bridleway running high above central Borrowdale. After passing behind Castle Crag the route drops to the River Derwent at Gowder Dubb and then passes through Hollows Farm to reach the very modest summit of Peace Howe. A short road walk leads to the lakeside and after crossing Chinese Bridge field paths are followed to the return bus at the Borrowdale Hotel. About 5½ miles (9km). Around 450′ (140m) ascent initially and some further modest undulations. Paths rough in places.
Sun, 22 Oct 2023
Challenging – St Sunday Crag: The walk will start at Patterdale. Side Farm along to Crookabeck, Beckstones, over to Deepdale Bridge, along to Wall End to begin the mainly grassy ascent at first to Gavel Pike. This is the steepest section of the walk. St Sunday summit, then descent. Ascent to Birks. Descent to Trough Head and up to Arnison Crag. Descent by wall and return to Patterdale. Approx 12km 900m ascent.
Easy – Around Matterdale: Mainly fields, quiet roads – one short steep ascent on road. Two low, gated stiles. May be wet in places. 5.5 miles 500 ft of ascent.
Wed, 1 Nov 2023
Challenging – High Street from Hartsop: The walk will start at Hartsop, head up Pasture Beck onto Thormthwaite Beacon and High St summit (828m). Across the Straits of Riggindale to Knott summit then a steady descent towards Angle Tarn. Final descent into the valley will be either Boredale Hause (distance approx. 15km, ascent 750-800m) or depending on time and the weather we can drop down earlier.
Moderate – Loughrigg via Loughrigg Tarn: From the Ambleside bus depot across the park to Deer Howes. Onwards to Loughrigg Tarn up to Loughrigg Fell, Black Mire, Rydall cave and Pelter bridge. Return to Ambleside. Distance c 7 miles c 1500 ft ascent.
Easy – Moor Divock from Askham: The walk starts from Askham village. Route: Askham bridge/Whale/Helton/Moor Divock/Askham. Approx 6 miles. Height gained less than 500 feet. Route follows mainly good tracks, some overgrown paths, fields and there is a little road walking. Some paths probably wet/muddy. Height gain is gradual.
Sun, 5 Nov 2023
Challenging – Knott from Fellside: Ascend via Silver Gill and the hidden valley of Thief Gill to the Ridge (nb this part of the route is trackless). Once on the Ridge we will ascend Knott and then follow the ridge over Great Sca Fell and Brae Fell. Depending on time and weather we can then descend via either Charleton Gill or Ramps Gill to the Ford.
Moderate – Alcock Tarn: Grasmere on A591, Stone Arthur, Great Rigg, towards Heron Pike, at the col contour towards the path down from Heron Pike, Alcock Tarn, descend in SW direction, turn N on permissive path to Michael’s Fold. Bus back to Keswick.
Easy – Great Wood, Falcon Crag Terrace and Derwentwater: An exploration of local woodlands and the fellside below Falcon Crag, continuing by the lakeside to Lodore. Total ascent about 400′ (125m) with a fairly steep climb of about 300′ (100m) through Springs Wood near the start. Total distance about 6 miles (9.5km) with shorter options. Paths rough and possibly slippery in places. No stiles.
Wed, 15 Nov 2023
Moderate – High Seat and High Tove: We will make a steep, steady ascent via Barrow Beck to High Seat. Then descend to High Tove using the slab path, although it will also be quite boggy in places. Descend again to Watendlath where there are NT toilets but the tea room is closed. Return to Ashness Bridge via Watendlath Beck and Surprise View. 6.6 miles and 1650 ft of elevation gain.
Sun, 19 Nov 2023
Challenging – Loadpot Hill: Starting at Martindale (New) Church, the route takes in Steel Knotts (Pikeawassa), Wether Hill (climbing via 452 160 near Keasgill Head) Loadpot Hill and Arthur’s Pike. It then backtracks to Bonscale Pike to gain a sneaky descent route to Howtown with a slight climb back to Martindale Church. Ascent approx 750m and length (very!) approx. 14km.
Easy – Moor Divock from Askham: Route: Askham bridge/Whale/Helton/Moor Divock/Askham. Approx 6 miles. Height gained less than 500 feet. Route follows mainly good tracks, some overgrown paths, fields and there is a little road walking. Some paths probably wet/muddy. Height gain is gradual.
Sun, 26 Nov 2023
Moderate – Local Circular Walk: The group met at the Three Bears Bus Stop, walked through Fitz Park, up the Brundholme Road over the A66 and turned into the wood leading to Latrigg. They turned down the cart track to Underscar Manor and from there climbed up a cart track over a gate and onto the open fell. They followed the fence line to the familiar Applethwaite path and continued towards Millbeck through high bracken onto an open grass patch where lunch was taken with views over Keswick and into the Newlands Valley. The path continued through a zig-zag high gorse path to Millbeck Church. The group walked down the road to Applethwaite, through fields to cross the A591 and the A66, past the School into Fitz park.
Wed, 29 Nov 2023
Moderate – Angle Tarn Pikes & Brock Crags: Starting from Deepdale Bridge (399 144) the route climbs steeply to Boredale Hause followed by a gentle ascent to both Angle Tarn Pikes. After a brief diversion to a splendid view point called Heck Crag, a short grassy off-piste descent regains the paths to Brock Crags. From there the descent path aims towards but stays above Hartsop and has a 200m section which is rough under foot. A short (<7 miles) winter walk with nearly the full Moderate ascent quota of 2000′ and a host of fabulous views (hopefully!).
Easy – Knipe Scar from Bampton: Starting from Bampton Grange we walk gently uphill along a gently rising grassy path to reach the Scar. A short steep stretch brings us onto the top. Walk along the edge (with glorious views) before descending to Scarside. A stretch of road leads to a lonning which brings us to Rosgill. Passing through the village we follow a road and field path to Bampton Grange Church. Length 5 1/2 miles. Height gain less than 400 ft. No stiles or difficult walking. Paths could be wet/muddy.
Sun, 3 Dec 2023
Challenging – Place Fell: Patterdale, George Starkey hut, along to Side Farm. Take traversing path above lake then ascend steeply to reach The Knight. On to Place Fell, descend to rebuilt sheepfold, long descent to valley and Garth Heads, steeply up to gain long ridge of Beda Fell. Descend to cross Freeze Beck, on to Boredale Hause and return to Patterdale. Approx 9mls, 3200ft ascent. The paths will be icy in places.
Moderate – The Borrowdale Rd Castle Crag: Leaving Seatoller Farm, we’ll walk through Johnny Wood to Rosthwaite and along the Derwent where we’ll stop at Millican Dalton’s cave. After coffee, we’ll continue to Grange for lunch by the river, before returning along the coach road to Castle Crag and back to Seatoller by c15h30. c8 miles.
Easy – Threlkeld to Keswick via Brundholme Woods: From the village the walk follows field paths to Wescoe and after passing Derwentfolds the route climbs to the foot of Latrigg to join a delightful woodland terrace path. Brundholme Road, partly disused, is followed for a while to get around a blockage on the forest path and then a forest track is taken to Spooney Green Lane for the return to Keswick via Fitz Park. About 5.5 miles (9km). Several short ascents but no major climbs. Paths liable to be muddy/slippery in places. 5 or 6 stiles.
Wed, 13 Dec 2023
Challenging – Walla Crag via Cat Gill: Through Cockshot Wood to Strangshag Bay, The Ings and into Great Wood. Exit the car park and head left just before the bridge that crosses Cat Gill. A short, steep, rocky climb follows to the summit of Walla Crag. Head down towards Rakesfoot Farm and the path through Springs Wood back into Keswick. Approx 9km and 330m ascent.
Moderate – Latrigg: Starting from Spooney Green Lane we will walk along the Cumbria Way path for about 0.5 miles before turning East. We will continue on this path until just beyond the summit of Latrigg where a sharp about turn quickly takes us to the top of Latrigg. There we will head towards Gale Road but as soon as we rejoin the Cumbria Way we head back to the start. This walk has a considerable amount of steepish climb and one high stile before the descent back to base. About 4 miles and 1000’ of ascent.
Easy – Applethwaite: From the town centre the walk passes Crossthwaite Church and crosses over the A66 to reach Thrushwood before heading to Applethwaite. The return is via Ormathwaite Hall and Spooney Green Lane to Fitz Park. About 4 miles (6.5km). No significant ascent. 2 stiles. Paths liable to be muddy/slippery.
Sun, 31 Dec 2023
Moderate – Grasmere and Rydal Water: Grasmere to lakeshore. Ascend to Loughrigg Terrace and down to Rydal Cave. On to Rydal Church and return by the coffin route back to Grasmere. 6 1/2 miles. 1300ft of ascent. Mostly good paths.