Mon, 1 Jan 2024
Easy – Gt Wood, Falcon Crag Terrace and Derwentwater: An exploration of local woodlands and the fellside below Falcon Crag, returning by the lakeside. 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, 10 Jan 2024
Challenging – High Spy: Rosthwaite, High Spy, Maiden Moor, Rosthwaite.
Moderate – Rosthwaite to Keswick via Walla Crag: Rosthwaite. Up to Watendlath, along to Ashness, over Walla and down to Keswick. Approx 6.5 or 7 miles and 1230 ft of ascent.
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, 14 Jan 2024
Moderate – Loughrigg Tarn: Ambleside, Mill Brow, under Ivy Crag, Loughrigg Tarn, Crag Head, Skelwith Bridge, Cumbria Way, Elterwater, Hammerscar Plantation, cart track to Redbank Road, Grasmere. About 11km.
Easy – Catbells Terrace: From the Lodore Hotel the walk will cross the head of the lake to Manesty to join the deservedly popular Terrace Path below Catbells. From Hawse End the route will then be via Lingholm, Portinscale and the Howrahs back to Keswick. About 6 miles. An undulating route with a number of modest ascents. Paths mostly good. No stiles.
Wed, 24 Jan 2024
Challenging – Little Langdale and Hodge Close: Due to windy weather conditions a low level walk was chosen incorporating Cathedral Cave and Slater’s Bridge.
Easy – Latrigg and Applethwaite: We will ascend Latrigg from Spooney Green Lane (fairly steep but we will rest at the top!), and then drop gently down from the summit to the left and go through the Latrigg car parking area, down the quiet road into Applethwaite. We then return to the starting point by crossing fields. May be slippery in parts. 1000 feet ascent, 5.5 miles.
Sun, 28 Jan 2024
Moderate – Borrowdale Circuit including 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 old quarry road, via Castle Crag, and back to Seatoller. c8 miles.
Easy – Loweswater: We will park at Waterend and walk to Iredale Place and then onto the terrace path above Loweswater, descending to High Nook Farm. Then continuing through Holme Wood to Hudson Place and back to the cars. Approximately 6 miles and 940 feet of ascent.
Wed, 7 Feb 2024
Challenging – Black Crag and Holme Fell: From Skelwith Bridge; southerly route to Black Crag, then to Tarn Hows, (steep descent to) Glen Mary Bridge , Yew Tree Farm, Holme Fell, Hodge Close, Stang End, Colwith Force (ish!). Roughly 8 to 9 miles, with “Moderate” ascent divided into 2 distinct parts!
Moderate – Bowscale Fell and Souther Fell: From Mungrisedale, we’ll gently climb Raven Crags and head towards Bowscale Fell, stopping for coffee overlooking Bowscale Tarn. Heading across Bannerdale Crags, lunch will be taken watching those traversing Sharp Edge. We’ll then continue to Mousethwaite Col and bag the final Wainwright of the day, Souther Fell before return back to Mungrisedale between 15h30 and 16h00. Distance: c8 miles.
Easy – Threlkeld to Keswick via Castlerigg Stone Circle: We will catch the bus to Threlkeld then return to Keswick via the railway and Castlerigg Stone Circle. Distance 9km (5.5 miles), ascent 175m (600 feet).
Sun, 11 Feb 2024
Challenging – Loughrigg and Silver How: Walk through grounds of Rydal Hall to cross A591. Stoney Lane towards Miller Brow, Lily tarn, Loughrigg Fell. Descent to terrace, across to Hammerscar, Spedding crag, Silver How. Steep descent to Wyke Plantation and shore of Grasmere and Rydal Water to Rydal Mount. 16km c800m ascent.
Moderate – Naddle Fell: Returning to Keswick from Grasmere across Dunmail Raise, one is confronted by an unexpected steep and abrupt fell. A study of the map reveals it to be shaped like a wedge. This little gem is known locally as Naddle Fell, but the wider community knows it as High Rigg. It may be one of the lowest fells in the area but its isolated position grants it views of half of the Furths in England – Helvellyn and Skiddaw – and, of course, Blencathra. From the start of our 6 mile walk, we’ll immediately climb up onto the fell where the wedge becomes very obvious. As we climb, the views will become more spectacular, yet we’ll feel alone in a seemingly remote landscape. After a stop to savour the views and enjoy our morning refreshments, we’ll make our way to the summit, a small rocky knoll. Our grassy descent, which can be slippery when wet, takes us to lunch. Our return journey follows the delightful beck meandering through the pastures of St. John’s in the Vale, where (time allowing) we’ll stop for afternoon refreshments.
Easy – Loughrigg Tarn: From White Moss the route gradually climbs to Red Bank before dropping to skirt Loughrigg Tarn. From there the 2nd, steeper, climb is made to the shoulder of Loughrigg Fell before descending to Ambleside via Miller Brow. About 5 miles with around 700 feet of ascent over the 2 climbs. Paths mostly good but rocky in places. 1 stile.
Sun, 25 Feb 2024
Challenging – Lonscale Fell: Setting off from Spooney Green Lane along the Cumbria Way to Gale Road. Depending on the conditions, we’ll either head up the Skiddaw path before branching off to Lonscale Fell, or continue along the Cumbria Way above the Glenderaterra Valley to climb the Burnt Horse ridge to Lonscale Fell, coming back by whichever of the two routes we don’t use for the ascent. Depending on weather (and energy levels), we may pop over Latrigg and down through Brundholme Woods, on the way back.
Moderate – Newly Open West Shore Thirlmere: We depart from the 555 bus stop outside Booths at 9.30am and alight at Wythburn Church approx 9.50. Anyone wishing to travel by car could park by the roadside at Thirlmere Dam road end (the end of the walk) and catch the 555 bus 09.43 to join those already on it. We will walk a short distance along the roadside path to Armboth Road end, Cross the A591 and a short road walk to the start of the Thirlmere shore path. This path goes from being very pleasant to very uneven in places and slippery if wet. It is a delightful walk coming right to the shore in places as it winds it’s way the length of the lake. Any height gain is in it’s many undulations.
Wed, 6 Mar 2024
Challenging – Legburthwaite to Traveller’s Rest via Helvellyn: A linear walk to Sticks Pass, Raise, Whiteside, Helvellyn, Nethermost Pike, Dollywaggon Pike, and down Tongue Ghyll to the bus stop at Traveller’s Rest for the bus back to Keswick. Ten miles and about 1200 metres of ascent. Not a walk for bad weather, low cloud or a southerly wind!.
Moderate – Haystacks from Honister Slate Mine: Ascend the quarry track to Dubs Hut. Continue across Warnscale Beck stopping at Blackbeck Tarn for a coffee break, before continuing up the main footpath to Haystacks. We’ll walk above Ennerdale stopping for lunch at the top of Loft Beck, before return along Moses trod back to Honister, by c15h30.
Easy – Easedale: The walk heads along Easedale, branching off the popular route to make a fairly steep climb under Ecton Crag to reach the path to Stythwaite Steps. The route continues alongside Far Easedale Beck before making a detour to the grounds of Lancrigg and then back to the Easedale Road. The finish will be an optional visit to the National Trust’s Allan Bank, a house and wooded grounds associated with Wordsworth and Cannon Rawnsley (Self-service drinks are usually available in return for a donation). Distance about 5 miles (8km) and ascent around 300′ (100m). Paths are rough in places and there will be wet sections. No stiles.
Sun, 10 Mar 2024
Moderate – Seatoller circular reaching Dalehead Tarn: From Seatoller, follow C2C route briefly to join contouring path to Tongue Gill. Ascend towards the climbing hut for a drinks stop. After reaching Rigghead Quarries, continue towards Dalehead Tarn for lunch. Contouring across to Yewcrag Quarries, descend to Honister on the Dale Head path, steepish at times. Rejoining C2C path back down to Seatoller. 5.5 miles 1637′ ascent/descent.
Easy – Squirrel Trail East Side Thirlmere: The walk starts from the bus stop at the Armboth road end where a short ascent up the forest track will take us above Thirlmere’s East side. A delightful undulating track with beautiful views down to the lake. At Swirls we take the underpass under the A591 and follow the shore path passing below Dalehead Hall to the end of the walk at Thirlmere dam road end. If time refreshments could be had at the Lodge in the Vale. 5.5 miles on good paths.
Wed, 20 Mar 2024
Moderate – Lingmoor Fell and The Squeeze: The walk will start from the National Trust car park at Elterwater (NY 328 047). On leaving the car park there soon follows a steady ascent through woods and disused quarries leading us onto open fells with exceptional vistas. Once we reach Brown How (the highest point of Lingmoor Fell 469m) we continue towards Side Pike where we pass through a narrow gap between boulder and crag which AW refers to as ‘The Squeeze’. Our route then skirts the Pike before eventually dropping down into Great Langdale and back to Elterwater. There are several stiles, some craggy terrain and rocky undulating paths to negotiate. Distance 12km (7.5 miles); total ascent 602m (1,975 feet).
Sun, 24 Mar 2024
Challenging – Place Fell: From Patterdale at George Starkey Hut along to Side Farm, traverse to The Knight and Place Fell. Continue towards High Dodd, descend to and cross Boredale, ascend to Howsteadbrow and continue along the undulating ridge to Beda Head and Fell. Descend to Boredale Hause and on down to Patterdale. Approx 14km 1000m ascent.
Moderate – Gt Langdale to Borrowdale over Stakes Pass: From the Old Dungeon Ghyll in Great Langdale, we will follow the Cumbria Way (here, an easy bridleway with hardly any undulations) into the depths of Mickleden before steadily ascending along Stake Gill to the sprawling Stake Pass. From its plateau, we will tackle the steep descent into Langstrath by following an excellently zig-zagged path which cuts out the steepness most effectively. Down in the valley, we will cross Langstrath Beck, thus abandoning the Cumbria Way, and head towards Stonethwaite. After another half a mile, we will reach the bus stop at the terminus of Stonethwaite Road, which, from this weekend, will be serviced by twice-hourly buses (no 78). 8.5 miles, circa 1,400 feet of ascent.
Easy – Dockray to Glenridding via the Ullswater Way: From Dockray the route descends alongside Aira Falls then follows the Ullswater Way to Glenridding with a diversion into Glencoyne to visit Seldom Seen. The walk is mainly level or downhill but with a couple of short but steep ascents (which can be bypassed). Around 5.5 miles. Paths are rough in places. No stiles.
Wed, 3 Apr 2024
Challenging – Wythop Horseshoe: Starting from Piele Wyke following forest paths to Sale Fell, dropping down to pick up path below Ling Fell and crossing Burthwaite Heights to gradually climb up to Broom. Easy walk across to Lords Seat and usual bog to Barf. Return is by forest paths. (17k – 884 metres ish).
Wed, 17 Apr 2024
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.
Moderate – Latterbarrow and Hawkshead: From Wray Castle, this walk takes us briefly along the shore of Lake Windermere and up through fields and woodland to the summit of Latterbarrow, an outlying Wainwright with extensive views for a modest height gain. Wending our way down to Hawkshead, some uneven paths through outskirts of woods, cross a small stream, fields and some road walking. Then into the village, pass the church and loop back through similar terrain passing Blelham Tarn back to the castle. Café at base if anyone is interested. Some paths likely to be muddy. Approx 7.5 miles. Ascent gain 1250ft.
Easy – Bowscale Tarn there and back: From Bowscale, Grid Reference 359 316 between Mungrisedale and Mosedale. The walk consists of a steady climb, starting along a rocky track, but later the path deteriorates a little to a narrower path which may be rocky and muddy. On reaching the Tarn, there will be some time to explore it, before we reverse our steps and return along the same track. Approx 4 miles and 700 feet ascent. No stiles. 1 stream crossing.
Sun, 21 Apr 2024
Challenging – Tarn Crag: Starting from lay-by north of Grasmere the route climbs up to Tarn Crag, down to Codale Tarn and Belles Knott, up to Blea Rigg traversing to Silver How passing Great and Little Castle How, descending to Allen Banks. Ascent 750 metres and distance 16km.
Moderate – Wansfell and Wansfell Pike: We will get off the bus opposite Brockhole Visitor Centre (of the LDNPA) and follow the delightful Mirk Lane until we reach Holbeck Lane, which we will cross before gently climbing along a grassy path leading to Robin Lane. We will continue along Hundreds Rad, which ends with a two-plank stile, beyond which is the permissive path (very pleasant; with one ladder stile – high but having a safety surround), up to Nanny Lane. Then down this lane, but only for a bit, before ascending along a (regrettably) muddy bridleway (for a third of a mile) which terminates with a ladder stile. Once over the stile, we will climb to the summit of Wansfell along an easy path ascending across a grassy slope. We will then tackle the ridge, wet in places, to the top of Wansfell Pike, where, weather permitting, we will enjoy spectacular views. To return, we will go down the fell’s north-western, steep-ish, slope using the well-trodden path leading directly to the comfortable bridleway below, which will deliver us to the centre of Ambleside past Stockghyll Force. Currently on Sundays, afternoon buses on the 555-route run every 30 minutes, so our return options will be as follows: 14.12, 14.42 or, much less likely, 15.12. Circa 6 miles, Roughly 1,700 feet of ascent.
Easy – Patterdale to Glenridding via Greenside Mine: The walk follows a fell path to Grisedale beck and then continues towards Lanty’s Tarn to join an elevated traverse to the Greenside Mine before descending to Glenridding. A relatively demanding easy grade walk: several short climbs, rather steep in places, with total ascent over the day of about 850′ (260 m) and paths are rough in places with wet/muddy sections probably. Distance about 5½ miles (9km). No stiles.