H T Fell Walking Club: March 2011

Thursday, 17 March 2011

318 April walks from Glenridding

Our next walk will be in the beautiful area of Cumbria around

Ullswater and Glenridding

Saturday 9th April 2011

0800hrs prompt from short stay car park

Glenridding can be found at the foot of Kirkstone Pass at the southern end of Ullswater Lake. Glenridding is the main centre for the Ullswater area.
Glenridding was once the centre of the lead mining industry, since this as gone, the area is mainly for the tourists who come to view one of the most beautiful areas in the Lakes. The area is popular with walkers with many walks to suit all levels from the easy to the more demanding.

Greenside lead mine

Above the village, at Greenside, is the site of the largest lead mine in the Lake District. Lead ore was discovered in the 1650s and the site was mined from the 1690s to 1962. Without the mine, the houses and economy of Glenridding and the surrounding area would not have existed.

There will be three walks;

Details of the walks will be added as they become available, but by Saturday 2nd April

Walking Guide to the area here

Wednesday, 16 March 2011

A Walk at Glenridding

Leader: Jenny Matthias

Distance: 9+ miles

Total Ascent/Descent: 3170ft approx

Approx route map, click to enlarge

This walk is the ascent of Helvellyn, 3118 ft. Leaving the car park the climb begins, following Red Tarn Beck then taking the path to Lanty’s Pond into Grisedale. Picking up the New Path there is a steady climb to the Hole in the Wall.

Les prepared to cross Striding Edge last year

This leads on to Striding Edge and finally after a scramble onto the top where there is the shelter and two monuments. One from 1890 The Gough and the other from the landing of plane in 1926. There will not be long to linger, however for the path beckons us on.

The zig zag path down Whiteside

Following the Ridge to Lower Man the White side , before tirning eastward to start the descent around Keppel Cove. This is a clear path but with rolling stones! We do not need the ‘rock and roll’. This path leads steadily down passed old mine workings back into Glenridding. Hopefully in time for tea!

Path from Keppel Cove back alongside Sheffield Pike

This walk is a long way up and a long way down and we need to keep a good pace at all times.

More photographs and information about Helvellyn here

B Walk at Glenridding

Leader: Beverley Kelly

Distance:6 Miles

Total Ascent/Descent: 1980ft

click on map and photo's below to view a bigger picture

B Party Route Glenridding

Glenridding Dodd from the car park, our first destination

Today's walk is our first real challenge of the season after the level area of Silverdale, for we are amongst the mighty peaks of the Helvellyn range, the draw for all serious Fell Walkers. However, in Sheffield Pike we have a climb which is well within the range of any ‘B’ walker and rewards the hard work with spectacular views and rewarding achievements.

Alongside the lake

We start climbing through a lovely natural wood

The magnificent Heron Pike and Sheffield Pike

We warm up with a beautiful walk along the shores of Ullswater to reach an ascent up Mosedale through a natural woodland to eventually reaching the peak of Glenridding Dodds, a viewpoint enjoyed by the Victorians. From here we see the foreboding rocks of Heron pike, our next objective, however as we approach we can see the footholds which make this steep climb a pleasure. With plenty of stopping points we reach the summit and enjoy the wonderful panorama of these wonderful fells and valleys, enjoyed by the native Sea Eagles that used to inhabit this area.

Les relaxing on Glenridding Dodd

We now cross some boggy ground and a gentle climb to the cairn of Sheffield Pike.

Raise from Sheffield Pike

The Helvellyn Ridge only seems a stones throw away, but that is not our target for today. Our return is via Dale Head and the old mine workings of the greenside mines, then a quick trot along Greenside Road led by Corporal Les! I will be walking.

Les pauses on the low level route back for a photo opportunity with his new camera

This is a short, strenuous walk but with plenty of time to enjoy and rest. I am not planning to be back much before 1600hrs. giving ample time for refreshment before the journey home.

C Walk at Glenridding

Leader: John Smith

Distance: 6 Miles approx

Height Gain/Descent:690ft

C Walk Route [anticlockwise]

Unfortunately, it is difficult to walk out of Glenridding without going upwards other than along the main road and upwards is something that this walk along the Grisedale Valley has in the early part after which it is a gentle stroll along either side of the Grisedale Beck.

Greystones Coffee House and Gallery

We will start from the coach park, after the obligatory coffee stop of course, walking up the lane for some 400 yards. Moving into the woods, the path is a slow climb up steps which we will take at the pace of the slowest and resting as often as you like. The group will take a rest before walking along the slope up to Lanty’s Tarn.

Lanty's Tarn

The path emerges to a fine view of the valley which we will be able to keep as we walk through a short wooded section to descend onto the track that leads to Grisedale Tarn.

Nethermost Pike, Dollywagon Pike and Helvellyn from the entrance to the Grisedale Valley

The walk continues along this path with further views all around to a bridge which we cross to take the path home now walking towards Patterdale where we meet the main road and turn left for the final 15 minutes into Glenridding.

John Smith mobile 07745 996 394