2025 January to June

Wed, 1 Jan 2025

Moderate – Circular from Portinscale:  The route takes us through woods skirting the shores of Derwentwater, onward to Skelgill then Newlands Beck.  Nothing too wild but a good way to blow those cobwebs away.  Woodland tracks, quiet lanes, beckside and field paths.  About 6.5 miles.

Wed, 8 Jan 2025

Moderate – Whinlatter Forest Trails:  From the bus stop near the gallery in Thornthwaite (the first bus stop in the village when approaching it from Keswick), we will follow the lovely Comb Beck Trail climbing across the lower slopes of Thwaitehill Knotts before veering off into an equally delightful bridleway meandering across Thornthwaite Forest.  The variety of trails and bridleways makes this walk very flexible, but, half-way through, I envisage going past the Whinlatter Visitor Centre and then entering Hospital Plantation (on the other side of the B5292) and following Heavy Sides Trail and Masmill Beck Trail before rambling to Braithwaite along the bottom bridleway to catch the return bus leaving Braithwaite for Keswick at 15.06.  Approximately 8 undulating miles.

Sun, 12 Jan 2025

Moderate – Borrowdale Circuit:   Leaving Rosthwaite initially along the Cumbria Way, follow River Derwent upstream, ascend into Johnny Wood, skirt around Seatoller, through Stonethwaite into Langstrath.  7 miles, ascent/descent 150m.

Easy – Around Brundholme:  The walk explores the woodlands below Latrigg with great views to the south and east on a fine day.  An undulating route with several modest ascents amounting to a total of around 600′ (180m) over the course of the day, less if the option is taken to return via the Railway Path.  About 5 ½ miles (9km).  Paths mostly good but may be muddy/slippery in places.  No stiles.

Wed, 22 Jan 2025

Challenging – A Coledale Round:  Starting from Braithwaite the round will take in Grisedale Pike and Crag Hill.  We may visit Causey Pike before returning.  Very approximately 15km (9.5 miles) with about 900m (3000ft) of ascent.

Moderate – Great Cockup:  Starting at Overwater we walk on a quiet country lane to Orthwaite before a grassy climb to Great Cockup (950 ft of ascent).  Descending to the pass of Trusmadoor and depending on weather, time and fitness levels, we have the option on climbing Meal Fell (another 300 ft of ascent).  In both cases return is across the moorland on well marked tracks to Longlands from whence a mile of lane walking brings us back to the car.  About 6 miles and 1200 ft of ascent.

Easy – Cat Bells Terrace:  From Portinscale Bridge, we will walk to High Brandelhow before climbing up to cross the road and joining the Catbell’s terrace path.  We will return by walking to Hawes End and back to Portinscale.  Approximately 6 miles and 700 feet of ascent.

Sun, 26 Jan 2025

Moderate – Heughscar Hill & Arthur’s Pike:  Start in Pooley Bridge.  The route is Winder Hall Farm, Heughscar Hill (ish), The Cockpit, Arthur’s Pike summit and lower cairn, and back to Pooley Bridge, miraculously without much re-tracing of steps although it is a figure of eight!  Technology says 13km and 461m of ascent but I think it’s less!

Wed, 5 Feb 2025

Moderate – Raven Crag and its Environs:  Starting at the Dam Road End, c6½ miles and ±440m ascent/descent, taking in superb views down Thirlmere, with the possibility of the excitement of an RAF escort.  An initial ascent of Great How along stony (and wet) paths with its stunning view down Thirlmere before crossing the dam and taking the stiff pull to the top of Raven Crag. The return, on winding forest tracks is more gentle. Note that some footpaths are narrow, stony, wet and muddy after rain.

Easy – Around Loughrigg:  From White Moss the route gradually climbs to Red Bank before dropping to skirt Loughrigg Tarn.  From there a 2nd, steeper, climb is made to the shoulder of Loughrigg Fell before descending to Ambleside via Miller Brow.  About 5miles (8km) with around 700 feet (215m) of ascent over the 2 climbs.  Paths mostly good but rocky in places. 1 stile.

Sun, 9 Feb 2025

Challenging – Bowscale Fell, Bannerdale, Souther:  From Mungrisdale, ascend steeply via Raven Crag to Bowscale Fell, continue around the rim of Bannerdale Crags.  Descend over White Horse Bent to cross River Glenderamackin and ascend Souther Fell.  The diagonal descent path will then be taken back to Mungrisdale.  13km 740m.

Wed, 19 Feb 2025

Moderate – Sale Fell and Ling Fell:  This walk is a figure of 8 starting at Peel Wyke near the Pheasant Inn.  We ascend through Wythop Woods on forest tracks, then over Lothwaite top and on to the summit of Sale Fell.  We descend to the Wythop valley, cross Brumston Bridge, take the old coffin route along the flank of Ling Fell, and ascend to the summit.  After a short but steep descent, we return to Brumston Bridge, then skirt the western end of Sale Fell, and take the lane to Routenbeck and back to the start.  About 7.5 miles and 500 metres ascent.  Good paths throughout.

Wed, 5 Mar 2025

Moderate – Grasmere, Silver How, High Close YH, Grasmere.

Easy – Greta Wood, Falcon Crag Terrace & Derwentwater:  The walk is an exploration of local woodlands and the fellside below Falcon Crag, returning by the lakeside.  Total ascent about 450′ (140m) with a steady climb of about 300′ 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.

Sun, 9 Mar 2025

Challenging – Loughrigg and Silver How:  From Rydal Mount through to Ambleside, Miller Brow, Lily Tarn, Loughrigg, Hammerscar plantation, Dow Bank, Spedding Crag, Silver How.  Descend steeply and through Wyke Plantation to road, join lake shore, continue along Rydal Water to Rydal Mount.  16km, 900m ascent.

Moderate – High Tilberthwaite Round:  This lovely undulating walk of 8.5 miles (with circa 1,300 feet of ascent) will start in Elterwater, where we will park at the NT car park.  From there, we will follow the Cumbria Way to Skelwith Force, whence we will cross Great Langdale Beck and swing westwards towards Little Langdale, taking in another waterfall, Colwith Force, en route.  We will then do a 2.5-mile detour via High Tilberthwaite using two delightful bridleways before reaching Little Langdale.  There we will visit the magnificent Cathedral Cave before crossing over Slater’s Bridge and picking up the bridleway leading back to Elterwater.

Wed, 19 Mar 2025

Challenging – The Howgills:  Long gradual climb up to Fell Head followed by a delightful undulating ridge walk to The Calf.  Down to Calders and on to Great Dummocks to walk above Cautley Crags, crossing the head of the spout, returning via Force Gill beck.  17k 10.5 miles, 1047m 3435ft.

Moderate – Blake Fell:  Starting at Waterend on the shores of Loweswater we ascend up past Holme Force Waterfall to the Terrace; from there we ascend Burnbank Fell.  A boggy walk to the summit of Blake Fell follows.  From there we traverse round to Gavel Fell before descending to High Nook farm.  Finally we make our way back to the cars along the shore of Loweswater.  About 2000ft of ascent and 9 miles.

Easy – Ambleside to Grasmere via Loughrigg Terrace:  From Scandale Bridge the walk is via Rydal Park, Rydal Church (with hopefully a great display of native daffodils in Dora’s Field), Loughrigg Terrace, Redbank Wood, Huntingstile Lane and Redbank Road.  About 5.5 miles (9km) and around 450′ (140m) of ascent.  Ascents mostly gradual, descents rather steep in places and there may be slippery sections.  No stiles.

Sun, 23 Mar 2025

Challenging – Steel Fell and Seat Sandal:  From Low Mill Bridge, climb to Steel Fell.  Descend steeply to Steel End Farm.   Ascend  Raise Beck, and then Seat Sandal via the wall.  Descend to Travellers Rest for a coffee while waiting for bus.  Meet at Booths in time to catch the 9.30am bus to the Travelers Rest (Winterseeds) arriving around 9:55.  12km, 1000m ascent.

Moderate – High Rigg and Tewett Tarn:  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 a third of the Furths in England – Helvellyn and Skiddaw – and, of course, Blencathra.  From our start point, 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, after which we’ll visit a water supply and landscape with a history of brewing (beer, not tea).  Our return journey follows the delightful beck meandering through the pastures of St. John’s in the Vale, where we’ll stop for afternoon refreshments en route.  c8 miles and c 1,500’/460m.

Easy – Around Derwent:  From the Moot Hall at we will walk around Derwent through Portinscale and around to Lodore.  Bus back available at Lodore or Borrowdale Hotel. Distance about 6 miles.

Wed, 2 Apr 2025

Challenging – Skiddaw Little Man and Lonscale Fell:  From Spooney Green Lane we head up to Skiddaw Little Man via the tourist route.  After dropping down to the hause below Skiddaw, we double back to Jenkin Hill and then over to Lonscale Fell, returning along the Cumbria Way, with a final climb over Latrigg (if time and energy allow!).  About 18 km and 1100m of ascent.

Moderate – Blea Rigg, Codale Tarn Crag, Grasmere:   Grasmere, Lang How, round Blea Rigg, drop down to path at Belles Knott, Codale Tarn, Tarn Crag, back to Grasmere for bus.

Easy – Longlands Fell:  Walk will be up Longlands Fell, down Charleton Gill and back on track to Longlands – height climbed 1000 feet.

Sun, 6 Apr 2025

Challenging – Glaramara, Allen Crags and Seathwaite Fell:  From parking area by Thorneythwaite Farm (honesty box) we ascend Glaramara via Thorneythwaite Fell.  We continue to Allen Crags before descending to Esk Hause.  We take the downward path to Sprinkling Tarn, then cross onto Seathwaite Fell before descending over Aaron Crags back to Thorneythwaite via Stockley Bridge.  18.5km, 3315ft ascent.

Moderate – Keldas and Red Tarn:  Leaving Glenridding we’ll climb to the top of today’s only Wainwright, stopping on the way to savour the vista and scoff our elevenses.  Leaving Birkhouse Moor, fine views of Catstycam guide us to Red Tarn, where we’ll relax in the sun and take our lunch.  With most of the climbing over, we’ll head down towards Grisedale, stopping briefly at Lanty’s Tarn before a brief climb to admire an unusual view of Ullswater from Keldas.  Ice-creams await in Gledridding as reward for a 7 mile walk in, what promises to be, sunny weather.  Don’t forget the suncream!

Easy – Gowbarrow the easier way:  The bus is used to give an elevated start reducing the summit climb to 650′ (200m).  The planned route from Matterdale church is via Ulcat Row and Milses to the summit and the descent is via Yew Crag to the Aira Force Visitor Centre.  Total ascent over the day is about 800′ (250m) and the distance is about 5 miles (8km). The main ascent is steep in parts so will be taken slowly.  The descent route is mostly quite gradual.  Paths are rough/rocky in places.  No stiles.

Wed, 16 Apr 2025

Easy – Dalton’s Cave and Johnny Wood:  The walk explores 2 sites of interest in Borrowdale.  From the Lodore Hotel the walk is via Manesty, Peace How and Hollows Farm and the riverside path with a visit to the famous Millican Dalton’s Cave.  After New Bridge field paths are taken to the Johnny Wood nature reserve and on to Seatoller.  A low level walk with 2 modest ascents: the first (to the cave) is optional, the second (to the wood) is steep and may be slippery but can be omitted by leaving the walk early.  About 5½ miles (9km) with shorter options.  Paths are rough/rocky in places and there may be wet sections.  No stiles.

Sun, 20 Apr 2025

Moderate – High Cup Nick:  A feast for the eyes in 9 miles and 1500′ of ascent.  We start from Dufton, first walking through the short but delightful Dufton Gill and across fields to the bottom of High Cup Gill.  The route is then up the SW side above the gill to “the nick”, returning to Dufton down the NW side on the Pennine Way.  Spectacular stuff on a good terrain walk – in the right weather!

Wed, 30 Apr 2025

Challenging – Hopegill head and Grisedale Pike:  From Braithwaite pick up the miners’ track to Force Crag mine.  Cross the stepping stones (should be dry!), rough path to Coledale Hause, ascend over Sand Hill to Hopegill Head.  Down from Hopegill then up to Grisedale Pike.  Follow the wall down into Whinlatter forest, passing the activity centre and picking up the path alongside Comb Beck back to Braithwaite via Seldom Seen.  Approx 15km and 950m of ascent.

Moderate – Hartsop above How:  We will approach Hartsop above How via the delightful Dovedale, which we will enter after passing by Brothers Water.  We will then climb steadily alongside Dovedale Beck, crossing it at the foot of Stangs.  The path will deposit us at the foot of a gully leading steeply up on the side of the rocky Dove Crag.  Thankfully, the gully has been excellently stepped, and the ascent – while steep – does not require the use of hands.  Once we have cleared the gully, we will undertake the easy, albeit off-piste, crossing of the grassy moraines at the foot of Hart Crag in order to reach the top section of the long ridge of Hartsop above How.  Proceeding down the ridge, which is pleasant despite its lumps and bumps, we will visit the summit before continuing down at a reasonable gradient all the way to Dovedale Bridge.  If we have parked further along at Cow Bridge, a permissive path avoiding the road will take us there.  7.6 miles with 1,820 feet of ascent.

Easy – Castle Inn to Mirehouse via Scarness:  From Castle Inn there is a start of a good path leading towards the holiday lodges at Kilnhill (marked on the OS map).  Just past Kilnhill, we turn south (i.e. in the direction of Scarness, which is signposted as being 1.5 miles away) and cut across several fields – with the help from five wooden stiles, which are, thankfully, all solid, with no bits missing.  Having then entered the somewhat wild shrubby area near Bassenthwaite Lake (deer sightings), we will continue to the well-concealed dwellings at Scarness while anticipating the most delightful part of this amble, namely walking along the edge of Scarness Bay and then Bowness Bay.  The path there is excellent and views truly breath-taking.  Past Bowness Bay, there will be another couple of fields to cross (with two more stiles – but easy) before we reach St Bega’s Church in its idyllic setting near the shore of Church Bay.  After vising the building, which dates from about 950 AD, we will follow a comfortable track leading to Mirehouse and to the bus stop beyond (near which there are toilets and a café).  Five miles – largely on the flat, with a negligible ascent.

Sun, 4 May 2025

Challenging – Place Fell and Beda Fell:  From 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 – Bleacrag Moss:  This is a short walk from Grange.  Through Cummacatta Wood but we divert from the usual path to follow a wall and climb up a stream on a path seldom followed except by animals.  We cross the steam and follow a fence line into Bleacrag moss behind Black Crag.  We follow deer paths through Bleacrag moss to Ether Knott.  Make our way to Brown Dodd, descent to Mossimire Coppice.  Ashness Wood, Ashness Farm, Barrow House, field to bus stop.

Wed, 14 May 2025

Challenging – Three Passes:  A delightful walk visiting three valleys and three lakes.  A reverse route of the previous one as we will head up Gatesgarth Pass first, over to Sadgill, round to Kentmere, up to Nan Bield Pass, descending to Haweswater with fantastic views.  10.5 miles (16.8k) 2880 feet (878 metres).

Moderate – Little Hart Crag & High Hartsop Dodd Dodd from Hartsop:  From Hartsop, we will head towards Sykeside campsite near Brothers Water (a permissive path will allow us to avoid walking along the A592), from where we will ascend to Scandale Pass along Caiston Beck.  From the pass, we will undertake the easy climb of Little Hart Crag, from which we will gently descend to the summit of High Hartsop Dodd (ascent negligible).  There will then follow a steep descent to the bottom of the valley, but at least we will be going down, and the descent presents no technical difficulties.  To vary the route, the return will be via Cow Bridge – unless a mutiny breaks out and a more direct return via the campsite is demanded.  7 miles and circa 1,800 feet of ascent

Easy – Under Blencathra:  This walk explores the lower slopes of Blencathra and the wild Glenderaterra valley.  From the centre of Threlkeld the walk ascends Kilnhow Beck before contouring along to the outdoor centre and a track high above the valley.  After a taste of the wilderness the walk drops to a miners track that is followed to Derwent Folds.  The return to the village is via Wescoe and field paths.  Ascent about 700′ (220m), mostly quite gradual.  Distance about 6 miles (9.5km).  Paths mostly good but rough in parts, and may be wet and/or slippery in places with a short pathless section.  Up to 6 stiles (can be bypassed).

Sun, 18 May 2025

Moderate – Rannerdale Knotts and the bluebells.

Easy – St John’s in the Vale:  The walk will start from Threlkeld Bridge so those travelling by bus will have an additional short walk from and to the bus (1st stop after the bus leaves the A66 for Threlkeld).  Parking at Threlkeld Bridge or nearby if required.  We will go across the fields to Soskill Bridge before doubling back along the higher level bridleway to St John’s in the Vale Church.  Return via Low Rigg (summit an optional extra!) Tewet Tarn and Burns Farm.  About 6 miles, 500′ of ascent and only 2 stiles!

Wed, 28 May 2025 – Outing

Challenging – A Settle Loop via Warrendale Knotts and Victoria Cave:  This walk offers stunning views of the Yorkshire Dales including the three peaks of Ingleborough, Pen-y-ghent and Whernside.  Our route climbs fairly steeply out of the picturesque town of Settle before traversing limestone outcrops over Warrendale Knotts which overlooks the superb limestone landscape on display at Attermire Scar and far beyond across the National Park.  We visit Victoria Cave, one of many caves in the area, then proceed along sections of the Pennine Bridleway where we pass Malham Tarn not too far in the distance.  Further along the route, on our return to Settle, we join the Dales Highway passing beneath several impressive limestone scars.  Approximately 16 km (10 miles) and 575 m (1,900 feet) of ascent.

Moderate – Settle Circular:  Leaving Settle by following the River Ribble, we join the Ribble Way/Dales Highway.  Pausing by the riverside for our first sit down stop, then continuing towards Stainforth Force Waterfall.  After passing through Stainforth (toilets available) we join the Pennine Bridleway and ascend to our lunch spot, a waterfall at Catrigg Force.  The path levels out, with slight undulations, contouring past many caves, rejoining the Dales Highway to descend back down into Settle.  8 miles and 300m ascent/descent.

Easy – Settle-Stainforth Loop: From Settle’s Market Place a short steep climb leads to a very minor road to Langcliffe where a good path takes us to Stainforth, passing the impressive Hoffmann Kiln.  Here we join the Ribble Way which takes us close to the river all the way back to Settle.  6 miles and 500 ft of ascent.  12 stiles.

Very easy self-guided walk – Countryside around Settle:  For those that want a walk shorter than 6 miles, a step-by-step set of instructions and map can be provided leaving Settle along the River Ribble and returning across fields to the Market Place.  4 miles and 270 ft of ascent.  1 ladder stile.
 

Sun, 1 Jun 2025

Easy – Catbells Terrace:  Using the bus allows an elevated start to the walk at the commencement of the Terrace.  Beyond the Terrace a little used path passes the rear of Manesty and then the walk continues to Hollows Farm and the popular riverside path to Rosthwaite.  About 5½ miles (9 km) with longer and shorter options.  No major climbs but there are several short ascents on this undulating route.  Paths are rough/rocky in places and there may be wet sections.  No stiles.

Sun, 8 Jun 2025

Moderate – Dale Head and Little Dale: This walk is a higher end Moderate.  Parking at Chapel Bridge, proceed along the wide track into Upper Newlands valley, cross the beck and a lengthy ascent fairly steep in places on both grassy and rocky paths through the old mine to the summit.  Lovely ridge walk towards Robinson and then a gradual descent on an unmarked path into Little Dale.  Pick up a path down through the Dale below the crags and waterfalls to the reservoir.  Straightforward grassy path alongside Scope Beck to Chapel Bridge.  Tea and cakes at Little Town Farm if desired.  Distance 7.5 miles (12K).  Ascent 2300 feet (700m). Fantastic views.

Wed, 11 Jun 2025

Challenging – Hartsop to High St:  Starting from Hartsop Car Park we take a steady plod uphill to Hartsop Dodd and then onto Stony Cove Pike ( Cauldale Moor).  Then there is a rocky descent with the odd scramble to Threshthwaite mouth followed by uphill to Thornthwaite Crag.  From here there is a gentle walk to High Street and The Knott.  We then descend to Hayeswater and follow Hayeswater Gill back to the car.  5 Wainwrights with approx 12.5 km (7.8 miles) and 917m (3008 ft).

Moderate – Blencathra (via Doddick Fell):  This walk is at the top end of the Moderate grade covering 14½km (9mi) and 600m (2,000′) ascent/descent.  Our walk quickly crosses the intake wall and traverses Blencathra’s lower slopes.  One cannot reach the summit without climbing and so we have to make our way, quite steeply in places, up Doddick Fell.  There are incredible views of Blencathra on the ascent and we’ll stop throughout both to admire the view and to enjoy our morning refreshments.  The path up can feel quite exposed in places but don’t worry, it isn’t.  When we reach the summit, we’ll stop again overlooking Keswick and have our lunch.  Our descent will take us towards Sharp Edge, but we’ll come off the summit ridge before and, taking care over the loose stone, make our way down to the col.  A grassy path, which can be rather wet after rain, will lead us on to Mungrisdale Common.  From there, we’ll return, over grass, back to our start, stopping for afternoon refreshments en route and having an opportunity to examine the source of Keswick’s rock music.

Easy – Rydal Water & the Coffin Route:  The walk follows the shore of Rydal Water then crosses the main road to join the popular ‘Coffin Route’ before connecting with the less well-known terrace path behind Forestside to reach the Swan Hotel.  Continuing to the centre of Grasmere is optional.  Distance around 6 miles (9.5km) with shorter options.  Several short and mostly gradual ascents totaling in the region of 700′ (210m) over the day.  Paths mostly good with some rough sections.  1 stile.

Sun, 15 Jun 2025

Challenging – Grasmere to Borrowdale:  
We set off up Easedale, with lovely views of Sourmilk Gill.  On reaching Easedale Tarn, we branch off to Blea Rigg, and thence head on up to Sergeant Man and High Raise.  After lunch we drop down to Greenup Edge, over Lining Crag, and down into the picturesque Greenup Gill to catch the 78 bus from Stonethwaite back to Keswick.  Total distance about 15km with about 900 metres of ascent.  Approximate time 5-6 hours.

Moderate – Great Sca Fell from Longlands.

Easy – The Eamont Way (Penrith to Pooley Bridge):  This pleasant 5.5-mile walk, with hardly any undulations, will start at the bus stop in front of Cranstons Food Hall in Penrith (one stop before Penrith Railway Station).  After navigating a couple of busy roundabouts, we will escape onto the excellently waymarked Eamon Way by Skirsgill.  The good path will take us through an interesting tunnel before leading us across fields towards an impressive bridge over the River Eamont.  Once on the other side, we will continue towards the B5320 via the lovely village of Stockbridge.  After a short stretch along the road, where there is a pavement, we will deviate to Barton Church (i.e. St Michael’s Church) before rejoining the Eamont Way, which will then take us all the way to Pooley Bridge.  There, we will have the option of going directly to Keswick on the 509 or of returning via Penrith (first, on the 508). 

Wed, 25 Jun 2025

Challenging – Wythop Horseshoe:  Forest paths to Sale Fell descending to cross over to Burthwaite Heights from where we ascend Broom.  Lovely walk over to Lord’s Seat and Barf with fantastic views.  We return via forest paths to Wythop Hall.  Approx 11 miles/17.5k and 3000 feet/914 metres.

Easy – Lodore to Keswick:  This well-known 6-mile walk hardly needs a description, but rules are rules.  From the Lodore we will amble towards the Chinese Bridge, past which we will use the familiar duckboards to reach the Cumbria Way at the southern tip of Derwentwater.  The pleasant path will lead us past several charming bays before depositing us above Hawse End (i.e. at the foot of the Catbells ridge).  From there, we will continue to Portinscale past Lingholm and then on to Keswick, the entire route being largely on the level.

Sun, 29 Jun 2025

Moderate – The Greenburn Horseshoe:  From Grasmere a gentle rise over the first mile and a half, culminates in the ascent of Helm Crag.  Traversing the ridge, towards Calf Crag, takes us over Gibson Knott, with superb views into both the Greenburn and Far Easedale valleys.  Leaving Calf Crag, we traverse the initially marshy ground to arrive at the much viewed and final Wainwright of the day, Steel Fell.  The walk ends with the descent over the north ridge down to Dunmail Raise, and the bus back to Keswick.  12km/7 ½mi,  450m/1,500′ ascent approx.

Easy – Dalton’s Cave & Johnny Wood:  A repeat, by popular request, for those who didn’t brave a wet day in the spring, exploring 2 sites of interest in Borrowdale.  From Lodore the walk is via Manesty, Peace How, Hollows Farm and the riverside path with a visit to the famous Millican Dalton’s Cave.  After New Bridge field paths are taken to the Johnny Wood nature reserve and on to Seatoller.  A low level walk with 2 modest ascents: the first (to the cave) is optional, the second (to the wood) is steep and may be slippery but can be omitted by leaving the walk early.  About 5½ miles (9km) with shorter options.  Paths are rough/rocky in places and there may be wet sections.  No stiles.