Arnside, A Walk, 12th November 2022

Walk lead by Peter Hitchcock.

For our final seasonal walk, we have a long-ish 12.5 miler but, as a low altitude route, there is hardly any climbing (except the Knott at the end!) so the going is pretty straightforward albeit muddy in parts.

From the town, we cross the railway and head off East along a coastal path in a ‘natural habitat’ area, then traverse a few fields, past an old castle (more later) before entering a lovely ‘inglenook’ wood leading us to the “Fairy Steps”.  More on the day.  We stay on a wooded escarpment for a while before starting a bit of a road trek south to Yealand Storrs and Leighton Moss bird sanctuary.  (Bring binoculars if you want).  On our return to Arnside, we pass the 14th C Arnside Tower before climbing the Knott to gain a panoramic vista from the Western Lakes eastwards to the Dales.  A literally sea-level trot brings us back to the town and refreshments.  There are lots of points of interest today on this varied walk which I hope you will enjoy.  Some woodland paths are granite/limestone rocks which will be slippery if wet, so sticks would be a bonus.

 

 

Arnside, C Walk, 12th November 2022

 Walk lead by Gwyn Jones

The walk takes us up over a shoulder of the Knott, down to Far Arnside, along to New Barns and back to Arnside. It is not a flat walk but we will have plenty of time to take a breather and enjoy the many views.  

We start (at 90ft ASL) up a short hill which takes us towards the top of the town. Our path then levels off and shortly takes us alongside a wood to join the road which leads uphill to the carpark (300ft). It starts on tarmac but after a short climb we divert onto grass to make our way up to the car park. We then continue through woodland before making our descent to the riverside. After going through a caravan park we take a woodland path which rises gently before descending to another caravan park at New Barns.  Depending on the tide we will return to Arnside along the sands. Otherwise we will take an inland road.

Arnside, B Walk, 12th November 2022

Lead by Andrew Philips. 

This walk is a relatively easy 8 miles, commencing along the promenade to the Coastguard Station, and then progressing up out of the village towards the Knott. There is a fairly steep, stony climb up to the viewing point, from where on a clear day we should enjoy a panoramic view of the Lake District fells. We then descend back to the track round the base of the Knott and head towards Far Arnside. Crossing a caravan site, the route leads to Arnside Tower. Returning from the Tower we will circle Eaves Wood to Waterslack, where we cross the railway and proceed for a short distance along a lane, before crossing back over the railway and heading back towards the Tower. We then return to Arnside along the road and through Red Hills Wood, returning via the Coastguard Station, where there is a small café. Toilets are along the promenade, charge 40p, payable by card only.

 

 

 

Church Stretton, A Walk, 8th October 2022

Lead by Brian Thorne.

If the prospect of climbing a long extinct volcano which also happens to have a Neolithic hill fort at its summit sounds inviting, then this could be the walk for you! However, as with all good things there is a price to pay, so please be aware that the route includes two very steep climbs and two even steeper descents.

So, leaving the coach, we cross the A49 and join the lane up towards New House Farm. A good path then leads us to our first steep climb up to Three Fingers Rock and thence along the ridge and up to our highpoint of the day, the summit of Caer Caradoc. After descending steeply towards Comley, we then turn south through bracken and woodland to tackle our second climb, which takes us to the summit of Hope Bowdler Hill. Traversing the ridge we once again drop steeply down and into the picturesque village of Hope Bowdler. Our return to Church Stretton is then via Bull Lane and down through Hazler Hill woods.

 

 

Church Stretton, C Walk, 8th October 2022

Lead by Jennifer Mathias, 6 miles

This walk is 6 miles. It is undulating and the steepest part is in Rectory Woods.
As we leave the Coach Park we enter the railway station and head for Sandford Avenue. We turn left into Easthope Road crossing the car park to the cafe called the Bake House.

After refreshments we make our way through Rectory Woods, across the Burway Road and down into Carding Mill Valley in front of us is the Long Mynd. A pleasant stroll takes us up to a reservoir. Returning to the Valley the path rises up to the Golf Course before descending into Cwm Dale. Circumventing Nover’s Hill we climb down to All Stretton.  If we have time we may visit the village before returning to Church Stretton via fields and Madeira Walk.

 

 

Church Stretton, B Walk, 8th October 2022

Lead by Richard Hawkins, 8.5 miles.

This is a “B plus” walk that has a long (almost 2 miles) rocky climb from Church
Stretton through Rectory Wood and then up along Motts Road to the top of Carding
Mill Valley. There are free toilets and a cafe at the National Trust visitor centre about
half a mile from the start. Leaving the valley we will walk along the top of the Long
Mynd on the Port Way or Shropshire Way to Pole Bank, the highest point of the walk
at 512 metres elevation with fine views of the surrounding countryside. We then
begin the most scenic part of the walk as we cross the Long Mynd down along
narrow paths high above deep valleys. Descending steadily, sticks will be beneficial
for much of the descent is steep and requires care as it has long drops into the valley
below to one side of the pathway. The final section is through hilly woodland leading
back to Church Stretton.

 

Elterwater, Walk C, 10th September 2022

 Lead by Jennifer Mathias, 6 miles.

This walk is 6 miles long. There is a variety of landscape woods, mountains, rivers, waterfalls and a lake. It has its ups and downs but nothing too steep. If it is fine there could be great views. If there is more rain parts could be slippery!

 

 

Elterwater, Walk B, 10th September 2022

Lead by Pat Guy, 7 miles, 1200ft

The B party walk this month will be led by Pat Guy. It is a scenic walk
passing tarns, waterfalls and a cave. We leave Elterwater following the
Cumbria Way to Skelwith Force, after admiring the waterfall we go over
the bridge and continue along the Cumbria Way and after a short climb
we visit the spectacular Colwith Force, the path continues gradually
uphill to High Park then levels out to Stang End and on to the Cathedral
Cave which is worth a visit, then it is a short distance to Slater Bridge, a
very ancient packhorse bridge. After crossing the bridge we make our
way up to Little Langdale village, which is just a few houses and a pub!!
Then it is back to Elterwater via Wilson Place and Sawrey’s Wood.
The walk is just over 7 miles long and 1,200ft of height gain.
There are refreshments in both the pub and tea-shop on our return to
Elterwater.

Colwith Force

 

 

Settle, Walk C, Sat 13th Aug 2022

Lead by Gwyn Jones, distance 5.7 miles.

From Settle we head up to Stainforth Force where we will have our lunch sitting on the limestone pavement. After lunch we take a short climb up a tarmac road before continuing on the road back down to Settle. A good deal of the way is riverside grassland and tarmac but there are some parts where the path is stony. There is one short climb and approx. 8 stiles.

Settle, Walk B, Sat 13th Aug 2022

Lead by Jennifer Mathias.

This loop is along walled paths, woodland, open pasture and up to limestone scars. There is variety and good views. It is classed as moderate but the decent into Settle is quite steep. This walk is about 7 miles.

 

 

Settle, Walk A, Sat 13th Aug 2022

Lead by Peter Hitchcock.

Settle is a familiar stomping ground for the Club so the aim on this walk is to visit 2
waterfalls which usually avoid the radar; but, the recent dry weather has led to just a water trickle but the sites are quite pretty and they are something you can tick off your local ‘bucketlist’!
 

After capitalising on the free toilets at the car park, we depart to the East on the usual exit route up to the Pennine bridleway; you will be “puffing” within 5 mins! But it is a short spell before we head northwards along the ridge line to Langcliffe, Upper Winskill and then on to the moors and Carrig Force waterfall. If the weather is good, we shall then take a slightly longer choice, very scenic route to Jubilee cave, following the track south along the base of the escarpment for a shallow climb up Sugar Loaf Hill and onwards to Scaleber Force waterfall; again, quite pretty. Finally, we return to Settle via an old drove road – the locally famous Lambert Lane – the latter part of which is quite steep downhill into the town so sticks would be a bonus. A couple of nice pubs await.
 

At about 9 miles, the route is quite short but the gains are in the views and you won’t be subjected to my first route which would have involved a 45 min ‘Falkland-style’ yomp along metalled track and then marshy bog! I wouldn’t have been popular!

 

Bakewell, Walk B, Sat 9th July 2022

Walk lead by Richard Hawkins, 7 miles.

After crossing the Lovers Bridge and walking beside the river we cross over the
medieval bridge and walk up Castle Hill  towards the golf club. Turning right into an
overgrown pathway we climb up to the golf course and cross over to the pathway on
the far side. Continue climbing up the path which is steep and heavily eroded and
likely to be wet and slippery in places. The path rises up the ridge and meets a steep
bridleway which we follow, always walking uphill until we reach a narrow roadway
and a right turn across to fields and plantations to the village of Edensor. Tasty
refreshments are available at the tearooms in Edensor, the cake is especially good.
Cross over the main road and follow the footpath towards Chatsworth House which
can be seen across the river Derwent. The route then follows the Derwent Valley
Heritage Way and then right into Carlton Lees (toilets in the garden centre) and the
gravel track to Calton House and continues across fields following a track back to
Bakewell. The details of the final walk down to Bakewell will depend on the weather.

Bakewell, Walk C, Sat 9th July 2022

Walk lead by Gwyn Jones, 5.7 miles.

This walk is mostly level and has very little uphill walking. We start by crossing the bridge over the river Wye and walking to the “picture perfect” village of Ashford-in-the-Water. There is a short bit of road walking but mostly alongside the river. From Ashford we walk up a short hill before making our way through fields to join the Monsal trail. This is the old railway track and is therefore level all the way to the old Bakewell railway station where we descend back into the town. I apologise to those who were on our last visit to Bakewell where we did this walk but the other way round. After last month’s climbing I felt I had to keep it flat and there’s not much of it at Bakewell.

Approaching Ashford-in-the Water

 

The Monsal Trail

Coach fares will now be £20 per head

In line with recent Club message, please note that from 1 July 2022 coach fares will now be £20 per head.

Keswick, Walk A, Sat 11th June 2022

Skiddaw Little Man, lead by Brian Thorne, 

Approximately 10 miles, 2,821 ft (860m) assent.

According to Wainwright, Skiddaw Little Man, (the highest point of today’s walk) is “So fine a mountain that it is less than justice that its name must forever acknowledge subservience to its parent, Skiddaw.” Little it most certainly is not – its summit soars half a mile above the valley and the path to it is in parts steep and unremitting. Having said that, the views from the summit present a magnificent panorama of the heart and soul of Lakeland and are well worth the extra effort that will be required to get ourselves up there.

So, leaving the coach, we pass up the High Street and through the Park to the Leisure Centre. Crossing the footbridge over the busy A66, we begin our climb up through the woods which cover the western flanks of Latrigg. Rising steadily, we pass through a small car park to begin the climbing in earnest. This is the really tough part, but just as you’re thinking, “Will it never end?” the gradient does finally ease and the way to the top is much less taxing.

Our way back to Keswick is (mostly) downhill, with a steep descent from the summit via Skiddaw Lesser Man to the main track on Jenkin Hill.

 

 The Skiddaw group.

Keswick, Walk B, Sat 11th June 2022

Walk lead by Pat Guy, 8 miles, 1,300ft assent.

The B party walk this month is led by Pat Guy. We start by walking along
the main street in Keswick (no time for shops now, that comes later) and
down to Derwentwater, where we walk along the lake and through trees
for about 2 miles before a short climb up onto the main Borrowdale road,
then we walk along the pavement for a short while before turning onto
the road to Ashness Bridge, proberbly one of the most photographed
views in the Lake District. After taking in the view and maybe lunch
depending on the time, we will start a steady climb on good paths onto
Walla Crag, if we are fortunate with the weather we will be able to take in
one of the best views in the Northern Lakes, this takes in the mountains
of Borrowdale, Skiddaw, Blencathra and the Eastern Fells. It is well
worth the climb. It is then a nice downhill walk into Keswick. The walk is
about 8 miles long and 1,300ft of height gain.

 You will then be allowed to visit the shops in Keswick and the many
establishments for refreshments. Toilets in Keswick are 40pence, cash
or card.

 

Ashness Bridge

 

 

 

Keswick, Walk C, Sat 11th June 2022

 Walk lead by Gwyn Jones, 5 1/2 miles 

This walk is up to Castlerigg and back down. The first 2 miles are on level ground along the lakeside, via Friars Crag, and through woodland to Calfclose Bay. The next mile is uphill through the woods. (Total ascent is approx. 400 ft.) It starts with a short fairly steep climb up a rocky path for about 150 yards. After this it becomes a more gradual ascent, eventually levelling off. Once out of the woods we enjoy views towards Keswick, Skiddaw and Cat Bells. We then take a short walk into the woods to cross a stream and go up to a road. From here it is all downhill back to Keswick.

View from Friars Crag

View from Great Wood during ascent

Hebden Bridge, Walk C, Sat 14th May 2022

Walk lead by Richard Hawkins, 5-6 miles 

After a break for coffee and cake at any of the many cafes and coffee places in the central pedestrian area we will leave from outside the Shoulder of Lamb. The route passes the Town Hall and  leaves the village after crossing the old pack horse bridge at Salem Fold and along the side of Hebden Water past the cricket ground and on to the bowling green before crossing the river and onward to the steps up to the road. We then follow the road a short distance before returning to paths and back to the river, past the Blue Pig and start the climb through enchanting woodland to Gibsons Mill. This part of the walk is similar to the “Coffin Route” including walking over rocks and tree roots but classified as “Easy Walking” by the NT. The Mill and surrounding woods are a National Trust property. There are toilets just after the Blue Pig and at Gibsons Mill. At Gibsons Mill there is a Cafe serving hot and cold drinks, cake, pasties, ice cream and a picnic area with seating. The return route follows gravel forest road down through bluebell covered woodland back to the Blue Pig and then back to Hebden Bridge.

Hebden Bridge, Walk B, Sat 14th May 2022

Walk lead by Pat Guy, 7 miles, height 1400ft

This month we are going to walk from Hebden Bridge to Lumb Bridge and Waterfalls. We follow a river through a wooded valley where we shall see carpets of Bluebells and Wild Garlic to the New Bridge!!

It is then a gradual ascent initially through more woods and then into open wild countryside to the waterfalls where we will have our lunch.

Then it is a short climb onto a wider track and a mainly downhill walk all the way back to Hebden Bridge but on the way visiting Abel Cross, some ancient waystones on route. The walk is approximately 7 miles long and with about 1400ft of ascent.

 

 

Hebden Bridge, Walk A, Sat 14th May 2022

 Walk lead by Peter Hitchcock, 10-miles,  height 1300 feet.

There will be some lovely views to absorb on this circular walk from Hebden Bridge railway station taking in both upper ridge-type moorland views (close and personal) as well as classic English ancient woodlands.  We shall climb sharply south out of the town for about 20 mins before contouring Erringden Moor along a good track ‘Kilnshaw Lane’ and then part of the Pennine Way to reach the summit of Stoodley Pike with its monument.  Having soaked in the views and the history, we descend south-east across peat moor to Withams Reservoir for lunch – unless some have sneaked in a quick ‘Bite at the Pike’ (a good name for a new restaurant)?!

The scenery on the 2nd half of the walk is in extreme contrast through wild-flower woodlands and valleys.  There will be some short climbs matched with welcoming downhills back to the town and refreshment.  Overall, a 10-mile walk up to a height of 1300’ at the Pike; as always, the group will need to maintain a good pace throughout to allow rewarding ‘rest’ times at beauty spots and places of interest.

 

 

 

Help needed

We have experienced trouble finding walks in the last two venues incurring several visits by walk leaders putting extra pressure on them. We are trying to cover all walks if you can help please do speak to a walk leader or we will have to reduce the number of walks we offer.

Kirkby Lonsdale, Walk C, 9th April 2022

C Walk lead by Jennifer Mathias just over 5 1/2 miles

This C walk is the third attempt at a route. The first had some very tricky stretches, the second seemed perfect until we found out that a lot of it was over private land with no permitted access. We will walk to the village for coffee at the Royal Barn then down to the river bank then across Devil’s Bridge and up to the the Roman Road before descending into Casterton. We will wander through the woods gasping at the devastation before taking a Lane through the golf course and caravan Park back to the coach

PLEASE NOTE THERE ARE TOILETS AT DEVIL’S BRIDGE. THE COST 40p BUT ARE ACCESSIBLE ONLY BY CARD PAYMENT

 

Kirkby Lonsdale, Walk A, 9th April 2022

Leader: Brian Thorne.
Approx. 12 miles.

 A fairly strenuous walk, starting from Devil’s Bridge, Kirkby Lonsdale and climbing to the massive cairn on Brownthwaite Pike, with fabulous wide ranging views of Morcambe Bay and the Lakeland Fells. From the Pike, we continue to Bullpot Farm, home of the Red Rose Cave and Pothole Club, taking in some of the fantastic rock formations at Ease Gill. A lengthy moorland track leads us to the hamlets of Leck and Cowan Bridge, before field paths take us back to Devil’s Bridge and refreshment in Kirkby Lonsdale.

 

 

Kirkby Lonsdale, Walk B, 9th April 2022

7.5 Miles, 800ft of total ascent

Starting from the coach park at Devil's Bridge on the river Lune we go north towards the village of Casterton and Casterton Fell, mainly on footpaths and country lanes.

Casterton village is dominated by its girl's school, established in 1833 by Rev. William Carus Wilson and considerably expanded in succeeding years. The church of the Holy Trinity was built for the school at the same time. Also centrally placed is the Pheasant Inn.

 

Llandudno C walk. March 12th 2022.

Leader GWYN JONES
Distance 5 ¾ Miles

I had hoped to find a way up onto the high ground of the Orme but all my attempts turned
out to be too severe for a C walk; so this is what we will be doing.  After refreshments
we will head, via the promenade, up to the Haulfre Gardens  - involving a climb of
approx. 200 ft. We then head towards the West shore and join a coastal path which will
take us to Deganwy.  Here we will cross the railway and walk along the roadside back into Llandudno.

 

 

 

 

Llandudno A walk. March 12th 2022.

 LLANDUDNO -GREAT ORME

A huge welcome to you all for the 1st walk of the season.  The Great Orme!!  It could be blowy; it could be very sunny; it could be cloudy!  What it will be is interesting and fun.

 

From the coach drop-off point, it is a short 15-min walk to the edge of town where we set foot on the Orme via the Haulfre gardens (free toilets) and under the watchful eyes of Tweedledee and Tweedledum!!  We skirt the western edge of the peninsular gaining fantastic views of the Conwy valley, the Carneddaus and Anglesey as well as the N. Wales’ equivalent of the “super-rich Sandbanks” residents’ pads.  We climb steeply for 15-20 mins to get near the top and to the northern edge where we shall have energising views of the sheer cliffs plus sea-birds and maybe seals as well as the local wild goats.  We then wander east then south to the summit via some ancient artifacts including the remnants of a Roman well.  The café at the top may not be open so don’t get your hopes up!!  On the final leg, we shall descend to the unique St. Tudno’s church with its impressive cemetery before continuing to the dry ski-slope and Happy Valley’s scenic gardens.  It is then only a stones throw to the pub then coach.  A short-ish route at 8.5 miles but a couple of steep bits to test out the thighs after the winter.  Apart from the occasional stone wall and the toilets at Haulfre gardens, available WC’s will cost you 30p so you may wish to bring some coins with you! 

 

 

Llandudno B walk. March 12th 2022.

 

 

After arriving in Llandudno we will walk through this seaside town heading for the Conwy Estuary to pick up the North Wales Coastal Path and head for The Great Orme and limb up to explore the top visiting various points of interest before descending once more to the NWCP along Llandudno Bay and back to the coach.

 

About 71/2 miles.

PLEASE NOTE ALL PUBLIC TOILETS IN LLANDUDNO COST 30p on The Orme they are free.

 

 

Walk Itineraries 2022

HOLY TRINITY FELL WALKING CLUB			WALKS 2022
Sat	12 March	Llandudno	a Peter Hitchcock b Jennifer Mathias c Gwyn Jones
Sat	9th April	Kirkby Lonsdale	a Brian Thorne? b Bill Farr c ?
Sat	14th May	Hebden Bridge	a Peter Hitchcock b ? c Richard Hawkins
Sat	11th June	Keswick	a Brian Thorne b Pat Guy -- c probably joint walk
Sat	9th July	Bakewell	a ? b Richard Hawkins c ?
Sat	13th August	Settle	a Peter Hitchcock b Bill Farr c ?
Sat	10th September	Elterwater	a Mark Stanford ? b Pat Guy c ?
Sat	8th October	Church Stretton	a Brian Thorne b Richard Hawkins c Jennifer Mathias
Sat	12th November	Arnside	a Peter Hitchcock b Pat Guy c Gwyn Jones
Sat	7th Jan 2023	Festive Walk & Meal To be decided	a tbd b tbd c tbd
AGM Friday 10th Feb 2023 - Parish Hall