358 May Walks from Ambleside

Our next walking will be on

Saturday 9th May 2015

and will be from 

Ambleside

in Cumbria

the Jewel in Lakelands Crown

Ambleside is a town in Cumbria, in North West England. Historically within the county of Westmorland, it is situated at the head of Windermere, England's largest lake. The town is within the Lake District National Park. 

Although there has been a settlement since pre-Roman times, Ambleside is largely Victorian. A fort beside Borrans Park – named Galava - was built in Ambleside by the Romans, housing some 500 soldiers. It was built to defend the lower fells of South Lakeland from invasion by the Picts and Scots, and to guard the road to the Roman Port at Ravenglass via Hardknott Pass.........read more

 

There will be three walks:

• A Walk led by; Stuart Smith
• B Walk led by; Jennifer Mathias
• C Walk led by; Mark Stanford

Walk details ; see below

A Walk from Ambleside 2015

Walk Leader: Stuart Smith
Total Distance: 9+ miles
Total ascent/descent:

The walk is based to the north and west of Ambleside and offers stunning views of Lake Windermere, Rydal water, Coniston. Grassmere and the surrounding hills. This is an area that seems to be underused some of the path's although on the map don't exist in reality and there are not as many walkers as would be expected for such a beautiful area. The major problem is it is difficult to find a challenging A walk, the walks are either too difficult or a little too easy. This walk is relatively challenging because the ground is undulating and therefore it is quite a tiring walk. The route heads out from the car park towards Clappergate and then heads due north up into the hills and along a wooded section which is particularly beautiful it then meanders towards Ivy Crag, Longridge fell reaching a height of 335 m, we then had down towards Rydal water with excellent views of Grassmere the route then heads east with excellent views of Rydal water and Grassmere, we then pass a wonderful church in the Rydal Mount where Wordsworth used to worship. If there is time we can see Wordsworth's house. The route cuts through some beautiful countryside back towards Ambleside. If there is time at the end of the walk there is a Roman fort which can be explored. The distance is just over 9 miles (with the visit to Wordsworth's house and the maximum height is 335 metres.

 

B Walk from Ambleside 2015

Walk Leader: Jennifer Mathias
Total Distance: 7.5 miles
Total ascent/descent: 2000ft

This is a lovely Lake Districk walk. There is some road walking and the rest of the way is firm paths.  There are also a few stiles to climb over.  Although there is some climbing, which is steep there will be time  to go at a steady pace, and the rewards of achievement and satisfaction worthwhile.  Wansfell is 1,588ft , it is not a hard climb, it starts gently but there is a steeper pull up to the top. The views are stunning along the way. From the top you can have a magnificent view of much of  southern and central Lakeland including the Conistone, Langdale. Scafell and High Street Fells plus almost the whole of Windermere and even to Morecambe Bay. Surely all worth a little effort. Dropping down we go through the village of Troutbeck then up along Robin Lane before descending into the car park where the coach is.

C Walk from Ambleside 2015

Walk Leader: Mark Stanford
Total Distance: 6.5 miles app
Total ascent/descent:

After walking across the park a steep but short pull up the metaled bridleway will see us onto to the shoulder of Loughrigg granting us a stunning glimpse down the length of Windermere. Our next destination is the sublime Loughrigg Tarn where, weather permitting, we’ll be able to look across to the Langdale Pikes and Crinkle Crags. Next up are High Close Woods before we move onto Loughrigg Terrace affording views of Grasmere. We then walk down to the shore of Rydal Water before making our way through the grounds of St Mary’s Church (assiduously avoiding the temptations of the Badger Pub) to Rydal Hall. Weather and time permitting we’ll explore the gardens before taking the gentle stroll back into Ambleside in time for a well-earned coffee or pint.

What Gear Do you Need?

What Gear do you Need?

 There are plenty of people ready to give advice about gear to have, but most of them are coloured by their own preferences and experiences and you will in time know what is suitable for you. However, it would not be wise to tackle outdoor Fell Walking in sandals and a light jacket - you would not only be putting yourself at risk but also your companions and also those who may have to rescue you if you got into difficulties. Fell Walking is an activity which could be called a sport and includes risks.

You do not need a lot of equipment to get started and often you are able to borrow from a friend, but I think that essentials are a good pair of well fitting boots with socks - they are as important as the tyres on your car and a water and wind proof top jacket. You need to be secure on the ground and be able to keep warm and dry in the worst conditions.

Here is a list of suggestions from the BMC which you may find useful;

Click here to follow:

or this beginners guide with a podcast

The Great Outdoors in Good Company is the thing that you will always remember

Walk Photo's from Betws-y-Coed

Church of St Rhychwyn

View across Crafnant Valley

Monument to Taliesin

This was a picture near Fairy Glen on the c walk at Betws coed. 

The others in the party had gone down to see the Fairies.

Terry

357 April Walks from Betws-y-Coed

Our next walking will be on

Saturday 11th April 2015

and will be from 

Betws-y-Coed, N Wales

in the Snowdonian National Park

region of haunting beauty and grandeur

Why not join us as a visitor to enjoy the Great Outdoors in Good Company?

Betws-y-Coed is North Wales' most popular inland resort. It is where the River Conwy meets its three tributaries flowing from the west, the Llugwy, the Lledr and the Machno. Much of it was built in Victorian times and it is the principal village of the Snowdonia National Park.

Set in a beautiful valley in the Snowdonia Forest Park, it is ideal for outdoor activity holidays. Numerous Craft and outdoor activity shops are in the village with the popular Swallow Falls nearby......Click here to continue

There will be three walks:

• A Walk led by; Garth Raybould
• B Walk led by; John Adamson
• C Walk led by; Terry Simmons

Walk details will be added as they become available, but by Saturday 4th April.

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A Walk from Betws-y-Coed

Walk Leader: Garth Raybould
Total Distance: 9 miles app [14.5km]
Climbing: 1000 feet (300 m) 

THIS WALK STARTS AT LLANWRST: PLEASE BE READY TO LEAVE THE BUS!

'A' walks of an appropriate height and distance are difficult to find in the Betws area so this is a moderate rather than a hard walk, and although there are steep ascents in places we can take it at a fairly relaxed pace.  From the centre of Llanrwst we walk across the Conwy valley to Trefriw, where our main ascent begins, first of all through back streets and then woodland and farmland to the village of Llanrhychwyn.  We'll take a break here to look at the ancient church, dating from the 11th century and said to be the oldest in Wales.

From here we descend slightly to the hamlet of Penrallt and then contour southwards, above old mine workings, to Llyn Geirionydd, the only lake in Snowdonia where power-boating is permitted.  At the northern end of the lake is the monument to the 6th century Welsh bard, Taliesin.  We will follow the western side of the lake down to Tan-y-llyn: this path hugs the lake-side but rocks and roots create many trip and slip hazards so please take care. 

We have about a mile of tarmac now (sorry!) to Tynymynydd, through forested country but with great views of the Snowdon range as long as the weather is fine.  The rest of the walk is a gradual descent (but with one steep rocky bit) through forest to the Miners' Bridge, and then along the river-side to Betws.

 

Llyn Geirionydd

Taliesin monument