Wed, 10 Jul 2024
Easy – Walla Crag the easier way: A short bus ride to the top of Chestnut Hill reduces the ascent to about 600ft. The summit is reached via Rakefoot and the descent is to Ashness Bridge for the return to Keswick via the lakeside. Total distance about 6 miles with a shorter option. Ascents mostly gradual, descents steep in places. Paths rough in places. No stiles.
Sun, 14 Jul 2024
Challenging – High Street from Hartsop: From Hartsop we take the path to the right of Pasture Beck to the head of the valley, ascend to the pass at Threshthwaite Mouth, then up to the Beacon. We then follow the broad path along High Street, passing Angle Tarn before descending to Boredale Hause and back to Hartsop. 9.6 miles, 3007ft ascent.
Moderate – Branstree and Selside: From Mardale Head, we will follow the wide Gatescarth Pass track, starting our grassy, and slightly wet in places, ascent of Branstree on top of the pass. We will then head for Selside Pike, detouring over High Howes. From the former’s summit, we will stroll down an easy slope to the delightful corpse road, which will eventually deposit us on the minor road running along the bottom of the valley. Because the permissive path following the reservoir’s shore to Mardale Head is rather rough, we are likely to return along the road (just over a mile) – unless we turn out to be a group of masochists. 7 miles, circa 1,800 ft of ascent.
Easy – Downhill from Honister: The bus does most of the climbing on this walk and after alighting at the Honister Mine it is almost entirely downhill, initially via the old mine road and later on the high level bridleway that runs above Rosthwaite. The walk will then continue via Hollows Farm, Peace How and Chinese Bridge to the Borrowdale Hotel. Distance is about 6 miles with longer and shorter options. Paths are generally good but rough/rocky in places. No stiles.
Wed, 24 Jul 2024
Challenging – Whinfell Beacon and “the other Borrowdale”: Initial steep ascent from Huck’s Bridge to Ashstead Fell then a number of tops on the SW ridge above Borrowdale as far as Whinfell Beacon. Bridleway descent into and then along the valley to Low Borrowdale farm. Bridleway ascent to the fells on the NE side of the valley (incl Winterscleugh) which are followed until the path hits Breasthigh Road for the final descent back to the A6. Approx 10 miles and 3200′ of ascent.
Moderate – Lonscale Fell: From Gale Road (Skiddaw) parking area the route continues along the Cumbria Way for a while before turning left up the path adjacent to the fence leading to the top of Lonscale Fell. From there the route follows Burnt Horse ridge then descends to the Glenderaterra Valley, returning to the car park along the Cumbria Way. Distance 7 miles (10.6km); total ascent 1900 feet (574m).
Easy – The Cockpit from Pooley Bridge: Roe Head, Cockpit, path towards Howtown, Sharrow Mire, road and foorpath along lakeside back to start. Approx. 6 miles. Less than 600ft of climbing. Mainly on good paths. May be rough in places. 1 patch of wet bog. No stiles.
Sun, 28 Jul 2024
Challenging – Dale Head and Hindscarth: We will start the walk along the track towards Dale Head and then cross the river below Low Snab Cottage and take the path beside Low Snab Cottage up on to the Hindscarth Ridge. Some steep climbs but lovely views. After Hindscarth and coffee stop, head round to Dale Head, down the steepish path to Dale Head Tarn and then up the other side to High Spy. On to Maiden Moor and back down to Little Town and Chapel Bridge. Approximately 14 km and 930 metres ascent overall.
Moderate – Bleaberry Fell via Goat Crag Terrace: At Shoulthwaite Farm a good path takes us to the bridge over Shoulthwaite Gill – a gateway to our climb, which will commence on the other side. With the imposing Goat Crag towering over us, we will head straight for it up a fairly steep grassy slope, soon reaching a stony gully slanting left. Relieved that it saves us from a vertiginous climb, we will overlook its roughness, using this handy, if rather steep, passage to reach what I call Goat Crag Terrace. The grassy trail slanting upwards, albeit more gently, along the terrace will now be intermittent, this route being unfrequented. Tramping among a profusion of grassy mounds and dodging a small tarn at its feet (not on the OS map), we will overcome the only obstacle in the form of a wire fence – thankfully, low and not barbed. We will head for Walla Crag making use of a little-known passage semi-circling the summit on its southern side before joining the touristy highway. Having visited Walla and gone down past Rakefoot Farm, we will detour via Great Wood, returning to Keswick along the lakeshore. NOTE: this flexible walk does have a shorter, six-mile, variant, the detour via Great Wood being optional. The six milers will simply descend to Keswick via Springs Farm and along Springs Road. Just over 8 miles and 1600ft of ascent.
Easy – Around Threlkeld: From the school in Threlkeld, a fairly steep climb alongside the beck passes a waterfall before heading eastwards towards Gategill and down to an old road near some industrial units. This road again heads eastwards before travelling a short distance on the path by the A66 which is crossed (carefully). Another roadway leads to the River Glenderamackin which is followed to a bridge south of Threlkeld, then passing a campsite and turning to a short stretch of the B5322, crossing the A66 again leading directly to the return bus-stop near the Village Hall where, with luck, the hourly bus will return to Keswick. 5.25 miles, 500’ of ascent and 1 stile.
Wed, 7 Aug 2024
Challenging – Three Lakes Passes: Setting off from Mardale Head we head up to Nan Bield Pass dropping down to Kentmere and up and over to Londsleddale (Sadgill) returning over Gatesgarth Pass. The views are stunning of Haweswater, Small Water and Kentmere and the Kentmere Horseshoe mountains not to forget Postman Pat countryside. 16km (10m) 860m (2855ft).
Moderate – High Seat to the Benn: Bleaberry Fell, High Seat, Litt Memorial, gate into Wood, the Benn, Shoulthwaite Farm, bus back to Keswick.
Easy – Stainton/Dacre/River Eamont: The first part of the walk is uphill and through woodland then continues along undulating fields to Dacre. The next section is on a quiet road, over to Souland Gate. From there we follow a path over to the River Eamont and on to Whins Pond fishing lake. Continuing, we cross the main road and through fields to Dalemain House, followed by a short but steep uphill section through Evening Bank Wood and return to the cars. Six miles, 3 stiles.
Sun, 11 Aug 2024
Challenging – Upper Easedale from Grasmere: From Grasmere we begin with an ascent of Helm Crag, then a walk along the ridge via Gibson Knott, Pike of Carrs and Calf Crag. A further ascent takes us on to Greenup Edge, up to High Raise and across to Sergeant Man. Descent is to Easedale Tarn and back to Grasmere. 10.1 miles, 3186 ft ascent.
Moderate – Dollywaggon Pike: Walk begins at Dunmail Raise contouring along to and up Raise beck to Grisedale Tarn. Zig zag up to Dollywaggon Pike. We pass under Nethermost Pike along the path towards Helvellyn (but not ascending it). We then descend to Wythburn Church for bus back to Keswick. C 6 miles 2400 feet.
Easy – Some of Crummock Water: We will set off from Lanthwaite Green along the path below Grassmoor towards the beck below Rannerdale. Having crossed the beck and reached the road, a little road walking will take us to the head of Crummock Water. The return will be via Hause Point and the lake shore following the River Cocker for a short distance before returning to the cars through Lanthwaite Wood. A short 6 miles with a steepish section coming down off Hause Point.
Wed, 21 Aug 2024
Moderate – Linear walk to Keswick via Dodd: An easy start to Bega’s church, skirting around Mirehouse with a slow ascent through Dodd wood on forest tracks and narrow sheltered paths. A choice to continue the short ascent to Dodd summit or to wait at the seat to admire the view over Keswick. The gentle descent continues on forest tracks, woodland paths and open fields to Applethwaite, Thrushwood, over the A66 passing Keswick school and back to Keswick. Distance 13-14km, ascent approx. 500m.
Wed, 4 Sept 2024
Challenging – Coniston Fells: Coniston – cross Miners Bridge, up thru the old mine workings, passing Low Water to The Old Man. Ridge walk via Brim to Swirl How. Optional out and back to the crash site of the Halifax bomber at the top of Broad Slack (Gt. Carrs). Prison Band to Swirl Hawse, Wetherlam back to Coniston. Approx 15.5km and 1100m ascent.
Moderate – Torver and Coniston Lakeshore loop: A walk of 3 different parts in terms of path terrain and scenery. Firstly Torver Beck towards the Coniston Fells and quarries. Secondly mainly downhill along tracks, some roadside walking, then through woods to a longish section of Coniston Lakeshore. Thirdly, gently undulating back over Torver Common, some bracken and streams, grassy paths. Drinks and tea available at the deli or pub. Distance 8.5 miles. 1500 ft ascent.
Easy – Newlands Valley: We will walk up the valley as far as Goldscope mine and return to Stair.
Sun, 8 Sept 2024
Moderate – Harter Fell and Hard Knott: From Jubilee Bridge at the foot of Hardknott Pass (on the Eskdale side) we will follow a delightful bridleway signposted for Dunnerdale and ascending at a comfortable gradient across the lower slopes of Birker Fell (fabulous views already). Abandoning the bridleway by Spothow Gill, we will climb along a grassy trail, a bit steeper but equally easy, which will metamorphose into a stonier path near the top of Harter Fell. Having enjoyed the exquisite summit and the extensive panorama it offers, we will undertake the easy, if slightly wet, descent to Hardknott Pass before tackling a similarly easy – and wet – ascent of Hard Knott, sitting on the other side of the pass. Having delighted in even more magnificent views of the Bowfell – Scafell range ahead, we will walk down the fell’s easy northern shoulder before descending further into Upper Eskdale and following, first, Lingcove Beck and, later, the River Esk, both forming charming rock pools and intricate little waterfalls. The path leading down the progressively widening valley will then convey us back to Jubilee Bridge. 8.5 miles, 2,350 feet of ascent.
Easy – Knipe Scar: From Bampton Grange walking through fields along clear grassy or stony tracks with a gentle short rise to Rosgill. Wide tracks, small section of minor road before a very gradual ascent to the ridge. Along the limestone escarpment with splendid views before descending on grassy wide paths down bracken slopes to the suspension foot bridge over the River Lowther. Riverside path back to the village. This walk will be easy pace and includes three small gates through walls. Distance 6.2 miles. 700 ft total ascent.
Wed, 18 Sept 2024
Challenging – Steeple, Haycock and Caw from Ennerdale: We walk alongside Ennerdale, crossing the river and ascend to Lingmell. We cross Low Beck and ascend Long Crag to Steeple. Lovely rock and hopefully stunning views. We turn SW and walk over Great Scoat Fell to Haycock and continue on to Caw. We descend down the ridge to FB over Woundell Beck to join the path back alongside Ennerdale. The route is about 17.7 km (11miles) with about 950m (3117ft) of ascent.
Moderate – Whinlatter Top, Lords Seat & Broom Fell: We will start at the sizeable car park at the bottom of the valley of Darling How (between Graystones and the “back” of Whinlatter Fell). This car park (marked on the OS map) sits below Spout Force (although the waterfall is not visible from there) and above Scawgill Bridge. Having walked deeper into the valley, we will go up an initially afforested, rather steep, slope before emerging into the open, where the gradient will ease. We will then follow a path ascending to the top of Whinlatter along the pleasant ridge leading over Brown How. After dodging some wet bits on the descent, we will reach a forest road which will deposit us at the foot of Lord’s Seat, with a steeper path conveying us to the summit. We will then go down the ridge leading to Widow Hause over the top of Broom Fell before undertaking a most attractive zig-zaggy descent along a little-known path. At the bottom, another forest road will take us back to the cars. 7.5 miles; roughly 1,400 feet of ascent.
Easy – Skelwith Bridge to Grasmere via Dow Bank: After an initial leisurely walk along the valley to Elterwater the route steadily climbs to Dow Bank where cross-country paths are followed under Silver How to descend to Grasmere via Kellbrow. Paths are rough/rocky in places and there may be wet sections. Total ascent is about 750 feet (230m) including a short section that is steep and a bit scrambly but it is not technically difficult or exposed. Distance is around 5 miles (8km). No stiles.
Sun, 22 Sept 2024
Challenging – High Cup Nick via the Gill: Start Dufton then High Cup Gill to High Cup Nick and Pennine Way return to Dufton. Length 15.25km ascent 490m (according to one publication!). The challenge in this fairly Moderate walk is a 200m section of old rockfall which involves some low-level rock hopping and, near the top of the gill, a very steep and eroded section with a minor degree of exposure.
Moderate – Skelwith Bridge to Coniston: Start at Skelwith Bridge. Cross over the river and walk on the Cumbrian Way path towards Low Colwith. Short walk on road, through Tongue Intake Wood. Join the Cumbrian Way to Tarn Hows. Descend through woods to Coniston Water. Mainly walking on Cumbrian Way paths, highest point is about 220m, just over 10km.
Wed, 2 Oct 2024
Challenging – Ard Crags, Robinson and Hindscarth from Little Town: An undulating walk with a couple of steep ups and a steep rocky finish – but if the weather is good the views will make the effort worthwhile! From Little Town the walk heads over the Ard Crags/Knott Rigg ridge before descending to Newlands Hause – then up onto Buttermere Moss for a short bog trot before the final ascent onto Robinson. Hindscarth awaits across the valley. From its summit the walk descends the lovely ridge to Scope End for a rocky finale into the valley bottom. The route is about 15.5 km (9.5 miles) with about 1000m (3280ft) of ascent.
Moderate – Bedafell Knott and Heckbeck Head: The key purpose of this walk is to observe the spectacle that is red-deer rut. From the car park operated by Patterdale Hotel we will ascend to Boredale Hause, continuing to the ridge of Beda Fell beyond. At the point at which the bridleway starts its descent into Bannerdale, we will swing south and proceed further up the ridge, heading towards Heckbeck Head over Bedafell Knott. We will then contour along the rim above Bannerdale – possibly, as far as the northern spur of Rest Dodd rising west of Yewgrove Gill, which we may even follow down for a little while, keeping sufficiently far from the red dear to show them respect but, hopefully, sufficiently near to hear the impressive bellows of the stags. Whether we actually venture that far will be settled on the day, one of the deciding factors being how much we have manged to observe hitherto. The return to Patterdale will be along the well-trodden path passing by Angle Tarn and skirting around Angletarn Pikes. Please note that the climb thereof is not envisaged. Maximum 8.5 miles; roughly 1,600 feet of ascent.
Easy – East Side of Borrowdale: The walk explores the quieter east side of the valley using less well known paths some of which are not on maps. After passing the Bowderstone the route goes via the river and Eelstep Brow to Red Brow before continuing below Frith Wood to meet the popular path to Stonethwaite. The route then follows a fellside path to Borrowdale Mill and then on to Seatoller via Thorneythwaite Farm. One fairly steep but short ascent. Paths are rough in places, and can be slippery and/or wet. Distance up to about 6 miles (9.5 km) with a number of shorter options. Up to 3 stiles.
Sun, 6 Oct 2024
Moderate – Behind Binsey: About 6 miles and incudes a visit to high Ireby and the ruins of Ireby Grange , which, apart from the summit of Binsey, is relatively low level.
Wed, 30 Oct 2024
Challenging – Catbells/Maiden Moor/High Spy/Castle Crag: Walk from Keswick to Catbells, Maiden Moor and High Spy. Descend to the Cumbria Way via Rigghead Quarry, ascend Castle Crag.
Moderate – Holme Fell and Black Crag: From the NatTrust car park at Glen Mary Bridge (A593 W of and “below” Tarn Hows) we’ll ascend Holme Fell on the footpath from near Yew Tree Farm via Uskdale Gap, descending to Hodge Close. Track and road out to the A593 for footpath to summit of Black Crag. Return via Tarn Hows and Glen Mary. Approx. 7 miles with 2 distinct ascents of 715′ and 620′ plus a few undulations! Some rough paths (large stones), some squelchy bits and 1 very short, easy and safe scramble.
Easy – Armathwaite Hall to Cockermouth: This walk is one part of the Dorothy Wordsworth Trail (in reverse). From Armathwaite Hall we soon join the Allerdale Ramble and continue, passing over Watch Hill, to a bus stop near Cockermouth School in order to return to Keswick. Strictly we should walk the extra 1 mile to Wordsworth House and this will be offered as an option.
Sun, 3 Nov 2024
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. Walking just past the end of Loweswater we turn up through Home Wood to join the Loweswater terrace path, finally descending back to Waterend. About 7 miles, 500 feet ascent.
Easy – Lower Newlands: The walk follows a delightful terrace path at the ‘back’ of Catbells to Little Town where a quiet lane is taken to Stair. Field paths are then followed to Uzzicar and after another short section of road walking a bridlepath is taken to Braithwaite Lodge and the village centre for a bus return to Keswick. About 5.5 miles (9km). No significant climbs but a few modest ascents. Paths generally good but may be wet/muddy in places. No stiles.
Wed, 13 Nov 2024
Challenging – Yoke, Ill Bell, Froswick and Troutbeck Tongue: Gradual ascent from Church Bridge to Yoke and great views as the route continues over Ill Bell and Froswick. We will descend to the Troutbeck valley and cross over Troutbeck Tongue returning via Limefitt Holiday Park. Distance 17k, 863m ascent.
Moderate – Latrigg from the high Brundholme path: We climb over a stile from the high Brundholme path, climb steeply alongside a fence to reach the open fell, walk NW on open fell to the cart track back to gate leading to Skiddaw. Approx distance 8km, ascent 429m.
Easy – Stainton, Dacre, River Eamont: The first part of the walk is uphill and through woodland then continues along undulating fields to Dacre. The next section is on a quiet road, over to Souland Gate. From there we follow a path over to the River Eamont and on to Whins Pond fishing lake. Continuing, we cross the main road and through fields to Dalemain House, followed by a short but steep uphill section through Evening Bank Wood and return to the cars. Six miles, 3 stiles.
Sun, 17 Nov 2024
Challenging – High Tove and High Seat from Rosthwaite: Take Cumbria Way path past Stonethwaite and then bear left on to steep path up to Lingy End. Follow the path past Dock Tarn (hopefully not too boggy) to Watendlath. From Watendlath follow the path up to High Tove (again could be boggy) and then along to High Seat. We will go on to descend from High Seat to Ashness Bridge and into Great Wood. Approximately 16km and 900 metres elevation.
Moderate – Latrigg/Cumbria Way/Blencathra Centre.
Easy – Round the lower slopes of Latrigg.
Wed, 27 Nov 2024
Challenging – Skiddaw via Ullock Pike: The walk starts just beyond Dodd Wood car park, heading up over Ullock Pike and Longside Edge before the final climb onto Skiddaw. The return leg drops down a grassy ridge, over Sale How passing Skiddaw House before joining the familiar path back to Keswick along the Glenderterra valley. According to Vivienne Crow it is ‘the best Skiddaw walk….ever!’. The route is about 17 km (10.5 miles) with about 900m (3000ft) of ascent.
Moderate – Carrock Fell, Milton Hill and High Pike: From the Ford at the base of Carrock Fell, climb up to the summit, to reach Carrock Fell hillfort. Then wide, open spaces of a moorland ridge, the route to High Pike. Descend west via West Fell. The walk is almost entirely on grass, apart from the rocky summit of Carrock Fell itself and the peaty ridge leading to Milton Hill (Can be a bit boggy here).
Easy – Ambleside to Grasmere via the Coffin Route: After leaving the bus at Scandale Bridge the walk goes via Rydal Park and the popular “coffin route”. It then briefly joins the path to Alcock Tarn before taking the less well-known terrace route to the Forestside Hotel and the A591. Field and riverside paths will then be taken to reach the centre of Grasmere. About 6 miles (9.5km) with shorter options. No long ascents but several short climbs. Paths mostly good but in places rough and/or slippery. 1 stile.
Sun, 1 Dec 2024
Moderate – A wander round Latrigg. Distance: 9km; Total ascent: 390m.
Wed, 11 Dec 2024
Moderate – Lords Seat from Wythop Valley: From Brumston Bridge above Wythop Mill, walk up the valley via remains of old chapel to Wythop Hall. From there we pass the ruins of the old brickworks before climbing up Lords seat via the forest track. NB the final stretch to the col between Barf and Lords Seat is trackless. From Lords Seat we walk to Broom Fell before descending via Wythop Moss. For Birkett baggers there is the chance to ascend Burthwaite Heights. If time and energy permit we will add on Ling Fell at the end. About 6 miles and 1600 ft of ascent.
Easy – Castlerigg Stone Circle: The walk will be via Springs Wood to Rakefoot then across fields to Castle Lane and on to the stone circle. After a bit more road walking the A66 underpass will be used to get to the Railway Path, which will be followed back to Keswick. Total ascent about 400′ (120m), mostly fairly gradual. About 6½ miles (10km) with a shorter alternative. Paths generally good but likely to be wet/muddy in places. 1 stile, which can be bypassed.
Sun, 15 Dec 2024
Easy – Rosthwaite to Seathwaite and the Borrowdale Yews: From Rosthwaite the walk is via Longthwaite and the Borrowdale Church to reach the Seathwaite valley at Thorneythwaite. After passing through Seathwaite farm the route returns along the opposite side of the valley passing the majestic Borrowdale Yews, made famous by Wordsworth. Distance about 5½ miles (9km). No significant ascents apart from an optional short, steep climb to view the Yews. Paths are rough/rocky in places and there may be wet sections. 3 stiles (that can be bypassed).
Sun, 29 Dec 2024
Moderate – Penruddock/Dacre/Soulby/Wreay/Thackthwaite Circuit: The route is 14-15 km, around 250 m of undulating ascent and a mix of (potentially muddy!) fields, footpaths, bridleways and (unfortunately) about 3km of quiet country lanes. A good post-Christmas stomp affording excellent views over Ullswater to Place Fell!