Wed, 2 Jul 2025
Challenging – Fairfield, Dove Crag and St Sunday Crag: From the footpath alongside Brothers Water, we ascend to the top of the ridge following Dovedale Beck. A short detour to the left onto Dove Crag, then along the ridge over Hart Crag and onto Fairfield before descending via St. Sunday Crag to Patterdale. Return to Hartsop along the valley path. 11.9 miles, 3706 ft ascent.
Moderate – Gt Borne, Starling Dodd and Little Dodd: A 3 Weetabix walk, a top of the grade for both ascent and descent, but the climb is rewarded by a glorious, undulating ridge walk with great views. A short road walk from Bowness Car Park before reaching the open fell to begin the steady climb up the side of Herdus. The path levels out after about 1hr 15, where we take the morning drinks stop, before the undulating path to Gt Borne summit less than 1 hour away. The ridge walk continues to Starling Dodd, then Little Dodd. Contouring to join the descending path. Once reaching the Ennerdale forest track, it’s less than 2 miles along this easy-going route back to Bowness Car Park. A combination of grassy and rocky paths, possibly muddy at times. 2 narrow becks to step over. 8 miles 650m ascent/descent.
Easy – Around Sale Fell: From Peel Wyke near the Pheasant Inn we will walk a clockwise circuit of Sale Fell with an optional short climb to the summit. Mostly on forest tracks and grassy paths. A few steepish climbs. 5 miles and 1100 feet of ascent if we climb to the top.
Wed, 9 Jul 2025
Easy – Ambleside to Hawkshead: After some roadside walking from Ambleside the route goes 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, 13 Jul 2025
Moderate – Loughrigg Circuit: Lily Tarn, Loughrigg Tarn, Arboretum, Rydal caves, Ambleside, 7/8 miles c 1000ft.
Wed, 16 Jul 2025
Challenging – Ullswater Way: From Aira Force, we will continue the Ullswater Way via Glenridding to Patterdale where we head for Side Farm and pick up the undulating path on the other side of the lake. The views are wonderful and refreshments can be enjoyed when we get to the camp site before reaching Pooley Bridge. 15m (24k) 1300 ft (396 m).
Easy – Binsey: From the slip road to the Keswick Reach campsite (at NY207354) cross A591 and take footpath to top of Binsey and continue to Binsey Lodge. Thereafter the walk is along a very quiet road and a short stretch on the A591. The walk is very short but the climb is steep so it will be slow with an early lunch. 4.5 miles and 1,000’ of ascent.
Wed, 23 Jul 2025
Challenging – The Langdale Pikes: It is a circular route and we will ascend Loft Crag, Pike of Stickle, Thunacar Knott, Harrison Stickle and Pavey Ark, descending along the east side of Stickle Tarn. There is some scrambling on this walk. The walk is just under 7 miles, and ascent is approx 2,600 ft or more.
Moderate – Aiken Beck Horseshoe: This walk is at the higher end of the Moderate grade covering over 11km (7 mi) and 600m (2,000′) ascent/descent, and circumnavigates Aitken Beck, taking in Broom Fell, Whinlatter, Lord’s Seat, etc. Note that this walk includes 300m (1,000ft) of continuous ascent over 1½km (1 mile).
Easy – Eastern Shore of Thirlmere: This lovely walk (with no stiles) has an extra-easy option of 3.5 miles (allow two hours, including one break) because those unwilling to continue to the bus stop at Thirlmere Dam Road end (ie Smaithwaite) will be able to catch the return bus at Swirls. Starting from Armboth Road end (by the southern tip of Thirlmere) we will then tackle the easy ascent to the impressive waterfall at the bottom of Birkside Gill, where we will swing north and undulate all the way to Swirls (which has toilets) along a delightful forest track cutting across the partially afforested slopes above Thirlmere. At Swirls, (where there will be an option of leaving the walk), we will use the pass under the A591 to reach a lovely path running north – initially along the shore of Thirlmere – which will eventually deposit us near the bus stop at Thirlmere Dam Road end. Please note that this section, which is 2.5 miles long, has more vigorous undulations, three of which could be said to amount to moderately steep (by the standard of easy walks, that is) ascents – thankfully, short, but still. That said, the cumulative ups (over the entire walk) are unlikely to amount to more than 1,000 feet of ascent.
Wed, 30 Jul 2025
Moderate – Scout Scar: Starting from the Scout Scar car park (free) on the Underbarrow Road, a short and easy ascent takes us to the plateau of Scout Scar, a delightful limestone escarpment with wide views over the Lyth Valley. We walk the length of the escarpment, passing the modest summit, and descend at the southern end, crossing Brigsteer Road and passing Helsington church and the picturesque Holeslack Farm. We follow paths through woods and fields to Sizergh Castle, where there are toilets, drinking water and refreshments available. If time allows, we could have a quick look at the beautiful gardens. The return route is roughly parallel to the outward route, but we will take the path closer to the edge of the Scar. 7 miles, approx 500 ft ascent.
Easy – Gt Langsale to Ambleside via Neaum Crag: From Elterwater village the route passes the lake and continues to Skelwith Bridge for the climb to Neaum Crag. After descending to Loughrigg Tarn a second climb is to the shoulder of the fell and the walk then descends to Ambleside via Miller Brow. About 6 miles (10km) and a total climb of about 750′ (230m) over the 2 ascents. Ascents and descents are mostly fairly gradual. Paths are generally good but rough in places. 2 stiles.
Sun, 3 Aug 2025
Moderate – Tarn Crag: Walk to Tarn Crag via Lancrigg on way up, down by Easedale Valley. c 6/7 miles c 4 /5 hours walking.
Wed, 6 Aug 2025
Challenging – Buttermere to Braithwaite via Crag Hill: From Buttermere head up Whiteless Pike to Crag Hill (via Wandhope) then past Sail to Causey Pike before descending via Stile End for a well earned pint in the Coledale Arms. Circa 11km and 970m ascent.
Easy – High Doat: This isolated and seldom visited small fell is reached from Seatoller initially via the old miners track then passing a curious “modern” stone circle. From the summit the descent will be via Scale Close to Longthwaite for the return to Seatoller on valley paths via Coombe Ghyll and Thorneythwaite. Total ascent around 650 ft (200m). Climbing is mostly fairly gradual but the descent has a short steep section. Distance about 5 miles (8km) with shorter options. Paths rough in places, and sections may be wet or muddy. Up to 5 stiles (3 can be bypassed).
Wed, 13 Aug 2025
Moderate – White Coombe: 9 miles, 2000 feet of ascent. Starting at Silecroft station we go to Green Road station. We have just over a mile of walking along a quiet country lane to Hallthwaite Church, then across some fields to Stoupdale Beck. Ascend via the waterfall to White Combe and along the edge to Black Combe. If it’s a clear day, the views across the Irish Sea to the Isle of Man and Snowdonia are breathtaking.
Easy – From Pooley Bridge: The walk starts in Pooley Bridge and rises up to Roehead then follows an escarpment around woodland to a track and on to The Cockpit stone circle. From there we follow the track down to Swarthbeck and join the road alongside the lake to Waterside – unfortunately this road section is unavoidable. Then follow the lakeshore back to Pooley Bridge. 6 miles, rough underfoot in places, with a wet grassy section.
Sun, 17 Aug 2025
Moderate – Silver Howe and Blea Rigg: From Grasmere up to Easedale Tarn onwards to Blea Fell then Silver Howe return to Grasmere. 6/7 miles c 2000 ft, 4/5 hours walking.
Wed, 20 Aug 2025
Challenging – Pike o’ Blisco and Crinkle Crags: Ascend Pike o’ Blisco, down to Red Tarn, up to Crinkle Crags, Long top, highest Crinkle, Three tarns and descend over The Band.
Moderate – Little Hart Crag and Stangs: From Cow Bridge/Hartsop via Sykeside and Caiston Glen to Scandale Pass then on to Little Hart Crag. Further short climb towards Dove Crag but then we leave the path to descend N alongside an old fence line to cross the top of Hogger Gill (spectacular), pass Stand Crags and immerse ourselves in Stangs – a series of fabulous rounded tops (ascent optional) – before backtracking slightly to pick up the Dovedale path and pass Brothers Water (again) to Cow Bridge. 8 miles and approx 1800′ of ascent. The terrain is mixed with rocky paths, boggy bits and grassy off piste which includes 2 sections of fairlly steep but perfectly manageable descent of 200′ each.
Easy – Whinlatter WOW Trail: A walk of about 5 miles on forest roads and tracks from the visitor centre with perhaps 700ft of ascent. The walk commences with a steady walk up hill with beautiful views opening up. We pass a hide where we may see Red Squirrels, then have coffee on the sun loungers set out for forest bathing. Further on lunch will be overlooking Bassenthwaite Lake, then we walk back to the visitor centre passing the alpacas. No stiles.
Sun, 24 Aug 2025
Challenging – Great Gable: From Honister Mine, we will head up the Dismantled Tramway and across to Moses Trod, ascending Great Gable up the rocky climb on the north east ridge. Here we will have lunch whilst enjoying 360 degree views of The Lakes. We will descend via Green Gable, Brandreth and Grey Knotts, down the steep path to Honister Mine, where we can enjoy a cup of tea at the cafe. 6 miles, 2400 ft ascent, 5-6 hrs.
Wed, 27 Aug 2025
Easy – South Tyne Trail, Lambley Viaduct & River South Tyne: Walk involving 3 miles of path (and some road) adjacent to the River South Tyne, 3 miles along an old railway (the South Tyne Trail) with a 150′ grassy climb at one end and a 150′ stair descent at the other. Total length 6.4 miles. It includes the spectacular Lambley viaduct, the remains of a PoW camp and a (Featherstone) Castle. The location is S of the A69 about a mile after Greenhead and “Googles” at about 53 miles from Keswick taking just over 1 hour. A long way for an Easy walk, but well worth it!
Sat, 6 Sept 2025
Easy – Lucy’s Wood and Ulcat Row: 5.5 miles and circa 1,000 feet of ascent (no stiles). From Dockray, we will follow the minor road ascending towards High Row before abandoning it in favour of a footpath leading into Lucy’s Wood. The path cuts across a meadow whose grass will be wet after the rain, so wearing waterproof boots and/or socks would be advisable. Lucy’s Wood was planted in 1996 by Richard and Gina Farncombe in memory of their daughter Lucy, who had died at the age of 17. The delightful wood stretches up the hill to a secluded barn overlooking beautiful wetlands and affording spectacular views of Gowbarrow opposite and a section of the lofty High Street ridge rising on the other side of Ullswater. We will meander through the trees along charming narrow trails until we emerge at the barn. We will then continue ascending to the minor road linking Dowthwaite with High Row and, having reached the latter, will descend to Green How. There, we will take the path going down to Thornythwaite, cross the A5091 and follow a quiet side road to Ulcat Row, whence a lovely path hugging the base of Gowbarrow will deliver us back to Dockray.
Thur, 11 Sept 2025
Tour of Goldscope Mine: Cumbria Amenity Trust Mining History Society.
Wed, 17 Sept 2025
Moderate – Barrow, Outerside and Force Grag Mine: Route is via Braithwaite Lodge and ascend Barrow gentle pace. Over Stile End and Outerside, descend towards Scar Crags before turning right on paths towards the mine. Some paths will be boggy in areas. Cross Coledale Beck either on the stepping stones or further up the beck past the mine. The beck has split into two narrower channels further up. Continue past the mine and along the wide easy track back to the village. Distance just under 7 miles. Total ascent 2100ft.
Easy – Watendlath/A wander in Borrowdale: It was decided that the weather was too bad to do the planned walk to Watendlath, so the group tried Fairy Falls but had to turn back as the water was too deep crossing the streams.
Sun, 21 Sept 2025
Challenging – Nab Scar to Fairfield: 8 miles (13k), 3070 ft (935 metres). From Rydal to Nab Scar, Heron Pike, Great Rigg and on to Fairfield. Descend slowly to Grisedale Hause turning left to go down the long valley of Tongues Gill to Grasmere.
Moderate – Threlkeld to Keswick via Glenderaterra: 8.5 miles and 1,100 feet of ascent. From Threlkeld, we will follow the minor road to Wescoe and then ascend to the Blencathra Centre. We will then follow Glenderaterra Beck north into the valley along an attractive bridleway, cross the beck further in and join the well-trodden Cumbria Way, following it south around the base of Lonscale Fell before emerging at the Gale Road car park at the back of Latrigg. We will then descend along the Cumbria Way down to Spooney Green Lane in Keswick, the last section in particular being familiar to most, I imagine. If the weather is pleasant, however, we could return over Latrigg; I will let the group decide on the day.
Easy – Downhill from Honister: After the start at 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 (9.5km) with shorter options. Paths are rough/rocky in places. No stiles.
Sun, 5 Oct 2025
Moderate – Gt Asby Scar from Orton: Starting from Orton, an anticlockwise route on the East side of of the village starting across fields climbing gently to trace the edge of Great Asby Scar, visiting a stone circle, an old settlement, the Scar trig point and the Queen Victoria jubilee monument. Around 7 – 8 miles with 700′ of ascent. Some sections of limestone pavement, much of which can be avoided.
Wed, 8 Oct 2025
Moderate – Dunnerdale Horseshoe: This walk comprises 5 Outlying Dunnerdale Fells in a remote area of Southern Lakeland, the highest being 1200ft. On grassy undulating paths with views of the Duddon Estuary, firstly a short steepish ascent of Great Stickle, moving on to Tarn Hill and a short climb to Stickle Pike (1200ft). Worth the views of the high fells but this fell can easily be bypassed if needs be. Turning downhill through the horseshoe, gentle up via disused quarries to Ravens Crag and The Knott plateau. Descending to the valley road for a little over half a mile road walking back to the hamlet. Paths are mainly grassy with a few short sections of loose stones. Distance 7 miles Total ascent 2000ft.
Easy – Not High Rigg cairn: The walk starts by crossing the A591, turning right at Bridge End Farm, walking through Smaithwaite and onto Shoulthwaite Farm. Here we recross the A591 at Rough How Bridge. After contouring around a little way we have the main ascent of the day, following the wall up to a ladder stile and onto what the map calls Cowrake Head and the delightful Long Band where there is a short tricky bit. All that remains is the descent, steep in places, and back down to the road and may be, time allowing, refreshments at The Lodge in the Vale.
Wed, 15 Oct 2025
Challenging – Red Screes, Little Hart Crag, High and Low Pike: From Ambleside we will head up Low Pike and High Pike crossing over to High Bakestall and on to Little Hart Crag. We then cross Scandale Pass to climb Red Screes, returning to Ambleside down the south shoulder. 10 miles (16k) 3259 ft (990 metres).
Moderate – Deer walk to Whelter Bottom from Mardale Head: It is hoped that an orchestra of roars and numerous sightings of red deer will be our reward for tolerating the roughness of the final section of this ramble. Having left Mardale Head, we will take the vigorously undulating, largely stony, path running along the shore of Haweswater, with our section featuring five bridges, all spared by Amy – thankfully. At the bottom of Castle Crag, the path will climb rather steeply before descending, albeit more gently, towards the cascading Whelter Beck. Immediately after crossing over the bridge (our fifth one), we will abandon the path to enter the sprawling basin of Whelter Bottom – our ultimate goal. This section of the walk will be off-piste, although we will be able make use of deer tracks intersecting the corrie. We will nevertheless have to run the gauntlet of tussocky grass, bracken and uneven ground before we halt our progress roughly half-way into the basin. From there, we should be able to scan the entire area and see, and hear, lots of deer. A climb of the nearby Benty Howe will be optional; we can decide on the day. Please prepare for an extended lunch break inside Whelter Bottom by bringing spare layers of clothing to keep nice and warm while we sit, eat, watch and listen. The return will be along the same route. Circa 5 miles and 1,150 feet of ascent.
Easy – Seathwaite and Stonethwaite via the Borrowdale Yews: A walk exploring 2 of the side valleys of Borrowdale with an option to visit the famous Yew trees. From Seatoller the walk goes up one side of the valley to Seathwaite and returns along the other to Thorneythwaite. The route continues via Coombe Ghyll and Chapelhouse Farm to Stonethwaite and finally to Rosthwaite. About 6 miles (9.5km), with shorter options. No significant ascents apart from an optional short steep climb to view the famous Yews. Paths are rough/rocky in places and there may be wet sections. No stiles.
Sun, 26 Oct 2025
Challenging – Bowscale Fell and Blencathra: From Mungrisdale the ascent of Bowscale Fell is via Raven Crags, then along the top of Bannerdale Crags to the cairn. After dropping down to the Hause, an ascent of Blencathra via Foule Crag. Return to Mungrisdale is via Scales Fell and Souther Fell. 9.2 miles, 3170ft ascent. (The ascent of Blencathra was avoided because of strong winds on the day.)
Wed, 29 Oct 2025
Moderate – Eden Circular, including Dufton Pike: Dufton – Dufton Pike – Knock – Long Morton – Dufton. Start, car park off the Green(Toilets), along from The Stag, we gently ascend along farm tracks to the steeper path that reaches Dufton Pike. No rushing required, rewarded with great views towards Knock Fell, the route of the Pennine Way, further afield the more familiar sight of Blencathra. Continuing over the top, morning break on the grassy slopes as we descend. Majority of the total ascent now done, the route follows open fell, farmland, gurgling becks, tree-lined lanes, with slight undulations but many flat sections. Skimming Knock, then Long Morton, we return to Dufton following Mill Beck. Good paths throughout, a number of stiles, a few possible muddy bits, care to be taken on 2 slight diversions on river section at the end. Little bit of tarmac. All views subject to Mother Nature’s mood on the day. 8.1 miles 371m ascent/descent.
Easy – Around Grasmere and Rydal: From Grasmere, road walk to path descending to lake. Lakeshore to Rydal water then short climb round and descent to lake. Cross A591 then up to Rydal Mount and on to Coffin route. Back down to Dove cottage and return by bus.
Sun, 2 Nov 2025
Challenging – Froswick, Ill Bell and Yoke: Lovely walk along Troutbeck Valley and gradual assent to Thornthwaite Beacon. We return along the ridge over Froswick, Ill Bell and Yoke. 10 m (16k) 3030 ft (920 metres)?
Easy – Patterdale to Hartsop and Brothers Water: The walk explores the delightful and heavily wooded floor of the dale, with great views of surrounding fells on a fine day. Hartsop is reached via Crookabeck and Calf Close and after a detour to view Brothers Water the valley is crossed to Cow Bridge. Woodland and riverside paths lead to Beckstones to rejoin the outward route. About 6.5 miles (10.5km). One steady ascent of about 150′ (45m) otherwise mostly level or gently undulating. Paths generally good but rough/rocky in places and there could be wet/muddy patches. 1 stile.
Wed, 12 Nov 2025
Moderate – Latrigg via the southern terraces: From the Leisure Centre in Keswick proceed along the railway path before abandoning it to walk across the Forge to Brundholme Road. Having used the bridge over the A66, we will ascend to the lower Latrigg Terrace and follow it to the bottom of the path climbing to the higher terrace. Though steep, this climb will be short, with the reward coming in the form of the delightful terrace. To make the most of it, we will follow it westwards until we reach the touristy path (the Cumbria Way), which will then convey us all the way to the summit of Latrigg. The descent will be down the fell’s elongated eastern ridge and then along the path vigorously undulating westwards across Latrigg’s southern slope in parallel with, but above, Brundholme Road. Having again used the bridge above the A66, we will undertake the very familiar return to Keswick. Seven miles & 1,200 feet of ascent.
Easy – Thornthwaite to Keswick: Start at the Swan at Thornthwaite. Woodland paths are narrow and muddy with one fallen tree to surmount. Some walking on quiet roads returning to Keswick via Ullock. Approx 6 miles, 600 feet of climb.
Sun, 16 Nov 2025
Challenging – Haystacks to Fleetwith: By car to Gatesgarth, then ascending Haystacks via Scarth Gap. Then down via quarry tracks to pick up path to Fleetwith Pike, before descending down its ridge back to Gatesgarth. About 6.5 miles, 2200 feet of ascent.
Moderate – Back of Binsey: From Bewaldeth ascend Binsey and descend to Binsey Lodge, 1 mile of road walking down to High Ireby passing ruins of Ireby Grange. Thence by bridleway and footpath across country behind Binsey eventually to reach the Chimney on Whittas Park. Then back along the ridge towards Binsey before descending via the lane back to the cars. 7 miles with 1200ft of climbing.
Easy – Langstrath: This walk explores a wild and appropriately named valley in Borrowdale (Langstrath means “long valley”). The outward walk joins the Coast to Coast route briefly before turning at Smithy Mire Island to reach the foot of Stake Pass. The return on the other side of the valley passes the renowned Black Moss Pot and so called Fairy Glen. About 7 miles (11km) with a short alternative of about 3 miles. No significant ascents but a steady rise of around 350′ (110m) over the length of the valley plus some undulations. Paths rough/rocky in places and there may be wet sections.
Wed, 26 Nov 2025
Moderate – Clough Head (part): Threlkeld, Threlkeld Bridge, Bridge House and (NE) to the Coach Road. Climb up through the quarries (steep but short) and on to the back of Threlkeld Knotts. Diagonal path across the scree (quite safe but a wee bit exposed) and on to the summit of Clough Head. Descent via White Pike (160m of which is steepish and grassy) Coach Road and Newsham. 12km and 625m ascent.
Easy – Catbell’s terrace: We will walk a short distance on the road to Manesty where we will walk along the terrace path to Hawes End. From there we will walk through the woods to Portinscale and back to Keswick. About 6 miles and 750 feet of ascent.
Sun, 30 Nov 2025
Moderate – Setmurthy Common and Watch Hill from Isel Bridge: This light moderate walk takes in 2 outlying Wainwright fells, riverbank, woodlands and sweeping views of North Cumbria and beyond. Parking at Isel Bridge for a 9.30 start, we start alongside the River Derwent, continuing gradually uphill through fields and woodland. Crossing the wide Setmurthy Common before the expansive views of the 2 small summits and descending back down to the river. Approx 6 miles, 1110 feet ascent (9.5km, 340m ascent).
Wed, 10 Dec 2025 – Xmas walks (all walks modified due to inclement weather)
Challenging – Lonscale Fell: We will follow the Cumbria Way for 4 km then take a left turn to ascend on a diagonal path to the summit of Lonscale Fell. From there we head towards the main Skiddaw path and follow it down a short distance until we meet a track on the right descending to the pretty village of Applethwaite before our return to Keswick across the fields. Distance 13 km (8 miles); ascent 726 m (2,400 feet).
Moderate – Binsey
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. The return to Keswick is via Brundholme Road and the former “carriage drive”. About 6 miles (10km). An undulating route with several short ascents and one longer one of around 200′ (60m) (There will be an option to return via a disused road to reduce the amount of ascent.) Paths liable to be wet and/or muddy/slippery in places. 4 stone stiles.
Sun, 28 Dec 2025
Challenging – Robinson, Knott Rigg and Ard Crags: Walk begins at Birkrigg Quarry parking area. Ascend Robinson via High Snab Bank, descend over Buttermere Moss, cross the road at Newlands Hause and ascend Knott Rigg, then Ard Crags to descend via Rigg Screes to cross the beck and return to the quarry. Ascent: 3184 ft, distance: 14km.
Easy – Great Wood, Falcon Crag Terrace and Derwentwater: Starting from Keswick, this walk explores 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.