September  Saturday 13th  -  Keswick

A Walk Lead by Peter Hitchcock

9 Miles,   1500ft Ascent

After an overly long recce, I have opted for a shorter route commensurate with the likely limited timescale available on the day (reckon we won’t start the walk until about 1045hrs).

But, the route offers fantastic views westwards across Derwent Water from a variety of different and beautiful Lakeland settings.

We leave the town south via the walking precinct to first climb a mere 162m high woodland knoll which will present a brilliant view across the northern part of the lake towards Cats Bells and beyond. We then contour the ridge all the way down to the iconic Ashness Bridge for a photo break/rest and possibly lunch – part 1 – depending on when we set off. Then its up on to the moor for a bit of Fell walking to the top of a lower level crag so you can get a good view of the whole of Derwent Water one way and towards High Rigg and Helvelyn the other (Lunch, part 2). The return to Keswick from there is a stroll along a mixture of moor and woodland trails and all downhill. The overall route is between 8-9 miles with very reasonable climbs up to only about 1500ft. Very manageable.

B Walk Lead by Andrew phillips

Latrigg Circuit

From the town, we will join the Cumbria way, which runs through the town, and head north. The route crosses the A66 over a bridge, and starts a climb of an hour or more (depending on the stops needed) through open woodland, with views to the west. The path circles round Mallen Dodd, up to the point where we leave the Cumbria Way, and take the path up onto Latrigg Fell. Continuing the steady climb, we reach a view point with a small bench, which will inevitably be occupied, but with views over Keswick and Derwentwater. Depending on the time, this may be a decent stop for lunch, sitting on the grassy slopes. The summit of Latrigg is not far ahead, signifying the end of serious ascent for the day. The descent is along a grassy path onto a track, which joins a lane leading to Brundholme Wood.

The path follows the contours through the wood, above the river, dropping down to the old railway line, leading us back into Keswick. Distance approx. 6 miles. I couldn’t work out the total ascent as my OS app was playing up but Latrigg is just 368 metres.

C Walk Lead by   Mike & Helen

5 Miles

The walk starts in the small village of Threlkeld which is just outside Keswick. We will walk on the road through the village stopping for coffee at the community centre cafe. We will then walk to the beginning of the old railway line which runs through to Keswick. It is flat all the way and a good tarmaced surface. There are some good river views along the route and a series of different bridges as well as a tunnel. We will take a break by the river in case anyone wants to eat their lunch although some might prefer to wait until we reach Keswick if they have had breakfast with coffee only a short while before. The walk is about 5 miles in total including the parts at the beginning in Threlkeld and the end in Keswick to the coach which will be parked outside Booth's supermarket. It is flat all the way other than a possible slight incline on the road going through Threlkeld village, thus an easy but very pleasant walk assuming the weather is on our side.

Saturday 9th August - Hathersage

A Walk Lead by John Gobin

10.5 miles, 1800ft Ascent

We leave the town center towards the south and walk alongside the River Derwent, then start a steady climb over the next mile and a half. Cross over a road and walk alongside into open moorland climbing gently towards Higger Tor (1391ft) with some amazing views across the landscape. We then drop down slightly towards a carpark, cross over the road and head north towards White Path Moss (1499ft) where, weather permitting we can have lunch.  Once on the move again we head north west onto Stanedge Edge for the next couple of miles. You may see Hang gliders and Paragliders together with a number of climbers along the route. We then start to descend down a gravel path, then a steep descent through a field of ferns towards N Lees road, onto the road, then off a track heading back downhill and eventually into Hathersage.

There will be very little shelter along the route, so hopefully not too much sun, Wind and Rain ....

Hathersage has a good choice of Pubs and places to eat. on the Main Road, which is a short walk from the car park.

The Coach should be able to park in the Oddfellows Road Car Park. The closest toilets are on the main road (A6187).

B Walk Lead by   Pat Guy

7 miles, 1100 ft Ascent

This month's destination is Hathersage in the Derbyshire Peak District.

The walk will start by turning onto Baulk Lane which stretches for about 1 mile. It is a good track with a steady ascent. We will then go to have a look at Bronte Cottage and then onto Green's house and passing Dennis Knoll and then onto the edge. Lunch will be taken on our way up to the edge. After a short walk along the edge we will walk out Stanage Poll and return to the edge to start our descent.

This path leads down to a minor road (toilets are available here) then down to North Lees (Bronte Cottage and North Lees is where the Bronte sisters had holidays) we then follow a good path down to Hathersage.

Although the walk is a steady ascent and descent the paths are mainly gradual and in good condition.

A map will accompany this description on Saturday.

C Walk Lead by   Gwyn jones

When I came to Hathersage to recce the C walk the long term weather forecast was for a sunny day with temperatures in the 20’s. So I have chosen a very easy walk along the riverside to Grindleford and back again. There are no climbs, no stiles and the footing is good (mostly grassland). Also there is some shade from the trees on the riverside and a short spell through a wooded area. There are a number of gates.

Saturday 12th July - Glenridding

A Walk Lead by John Gobin

10 miles,  3000ft

Helvellyn via

 Keppal

We leave the coach and head west along Greenside Road and pass the Travellers Rest on the right then start a steady climb along a gravel road following the Glenridding Beck. We pass by the Helvellyn YHA and outdoor pursuits centre where we start along a stony track still shadowing the Beck.

Once we hit the 2 mile point we turn NW and zig zag uphill we should see the summit from this point. We carry on with a more steady climb towards Whiteside (2832ft) and down the other side then up Lower Man (3035ft) then a gentle ascent to Helvellyn (3117ft) where wind/rain/crowds permitting we can have lunch.

The peaks are very exposed and if it’s windy it may get quite cold, so I recommend extra layers, Hat and Gloves.  

As you can see from the stats, it’s quite an ascent, so not for the faint hearted, however the views and sense of satisfaction should make up from a pair of achy legs on Sunday morning!

B Walk Lead by Andrew Phillips

6.5 miles,  1400ft

 Leaving the main car park in the village, the route initially follows the Ullswater Way alongside the lake. A short part of the route takes us along the road, with no pavement, so that great care will be needed. Leaving the Ullswater Way, we cross the road and join a footpath leading to Glencoyne, where we join a track heading to a cottage known as “Seldom Seen”. We then join a path leading up the side of the valley, following the shoulder of Sheffield Pike. This is a lengthy climb, and fairly strenuous, the path being rough in places. On reaching the watershed between Glencoyne and Glenridding, the route descends into the old mine workings, which should be a suitable lunch stop.

The route then follows a steep and rather loose stony path down to Glenridding Beck. Crossing the Beck, the path descends gradually to Gillside, and down into Glenridding. If time permits, we might consider a diversion to Lanty’s Tarn, which would involve some climbing, although not “recce’d”.

The starting altitude is 500ft, and the maximum altitude on the walk is 1,900ft, over a total distance of 6.5 miles, with the opportunity of good views over Ullswater and up to Helvellyn and the surrounding fells.

C Walk Lead by Mike & Helen

5-6 miles

The C walk starts in Glenridding at the Lake view cafe where we will enjoy our coffee. We then make our way through Patterdale where we have a very short section along the roadside. We progress into the countryside and some spectacular views. The terrain is rocky and uneven in parts but not particularly difficult. There are some short but not steep inclines along the way but a lot of flat ground.

At one point there is a fork in the path where we took the right side which leads down to the stream/river and a small bridge. After crossing a couple of fields with a path, we come to the main road. We cross here and go along the grass verge for a very short time before going up a few steps and over the only low stile into the woods. The woodland path is quite long and undulating with uneven ground which makes it feel a little arduous.

For this reason and depending on weather and what people want to do we may split at the fork with those that prefer taking the left-hand easier path up to the waterfall. This will mean this group returning the way they came but it is still a beautiful walk with fantastic scenery. The other group will meet us here for lunch at the waterfall. We will then all walk back together. The full route is about 6 miles, the shorter version nearer 5 miles. Again, a beautiful walk with gorgeous scenery and a very nice cafe by the Lake.

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 Saturday 14th June 2025 Baslow

A Walk Lead by Brian Thorne ..

10 miles with 1,703 ft. of climbing.

Viewpoint from Baslow Edge.

If you enjoy walking on gritstone edges and don’t mind a few rather steep climbs, then this could be the walk for you!

Starting from the Nether End car park in Baslow, we begin our climbing on the road up Eaton Hill. A grassy track then takes us northwards and once again upwards, to the start of our first gritstone walk along Baslow Edge. With good weather, the views along this section are superb and wide ranging to north, south and east, and the viewpoint shown above is a wonderful place to pause and enjoy them.

Moving on, we pass the Curbar Edge car park and climb once again before turning south-west and crossing the open moorland to reach the busy A621 at Blake Brook. A steady initial climb ends in a short but steeper ascent, to reach or next gritstone goal at Birchen Edge. A popular rock-climbing spot, this is also the site of a slim, pinnacle-shaped monument to Admiral Nelson, and the “Three Ships,” a trio of huge boulders named after his flagships, “Victory”, “Defiance” and “Royal Sovereign.”

Retracing our steps back down again, we cross through Silver Birch woodland to our final outcrop of gritstone, at Gardom’s Edge.

Nelson’s Monument, Birchen Edge.

A walk along the Edge and down through the wood brings us once again to the A621 which we cross and drop down to a footbridge before tackling our final “A” walk “Sting in the tail,” a rather steep climb up to the track taking us to the Wellington monument and the track leading us back down to Baslow and well earned refreshment.

B Walk Lead by Viv Powell

Monuments Loop

Distance: 8 miles (13 km)

Elevation: 1007 ft (307m)

Description:

The walk starts with a slow climb going North through Baslow then out onto footpaths with views across the river Derwent. The climb becomes steeper as we near the top passing around the end of Baslow Edge. Then on to the first monument of the day, the Wellington Monument, and some lovely views. From there we walk past the Eagle Stone and parallel to Baslow Edge eventually getting views of Curbar Edge to our left and a peek across the valley. Crossing the road we head across to the South of White Edge, going up again via a flight of stone steps, to the highest and most Northern point in the walk. Heading back South we have a steady descent to the A621 where we cross the road and start the second, much shorter, climb to Birchen Edge, Nelson’s Monument, the Three Ships and lunch. Retracing our steps a little we make our way down to the bottom of Birchen Edge and across to the South end of Gardom’s Edge and the Three Men Cairns. Another steady descent takes us down to the A619, there is a pavement but care is needed crossing a stile and then crossing the road. We now enter the Chatsworth Estate land and encounter our second flight of stone steps, going down this time. The steps are steep in places, at the bottom we cross Heathy Lea Brook via a wooden bridge with no handrail, so again care is needed. We head up a short flight of steps and walk beneath yet another edge, before crossing a very high stile into the Chatsworth Estate proper. The final leg is a very pleasant walk across the estate and back to the car park.

Notes:

Toilets are in the car park and are free.

The route includes two road crossings the A621 and the A619 where traffic is likely.

The route includes a path close to an unfenced edge.

The route includes two long flights of steps, one going up one going down.

There are not too many stiles on the route, but one is over a high wall 7+ ft.

C Walk Lead by Gwyn Jones

It has been difficult to find a suitable C walk at Baslow that doesn’t involve steep climbing.

This walk is within the boundaries of the Devonshire’s estate. It is mainly flat with one short climb.

We start by making our way into the estate and crossing grassland to climb up into woodland. Then we continue to the Hunting tower. From there we descend to the bridge at the river (passing Chatsworth House) and then on to the village of Edensor. We then return through grassland to the bridge and walk back to Baslow.

10th May 2025 Coniston

A Walk Lead by Peter Hitchcock

10.5 miles    1800ft

For a change, rather than hit the dizzy heights of The Old Man, Wetherlam or Dow Crag, we shall explore magical woodlands and waterfalls plus tackle some smaller crags and Fell bumps just to make you feel at home in the Lakes.

We leave the car park [60p toilets payable only by card – but there are lots of trees fairly soon!] along a northern valley to the outskirts of Tiberthwaite before turning for a gentle climb up Holme Fell, then ‘down’ and ‘up’ to beautiful Tarn Hows via, hopefully, waterfalls in plentiful flow. The path down from the Fell and up to the tarn could be tricky if wet so ‘sticks’ would definitely be a bonus here. If we haven’t set off too late, we’ll have lunch overlooking the Tarn.

Afterwards, we return south aiming for the Grizedale Forest ridge with epic panoramas spanning The Old Man to the south-west, then clockwise through Wetherlam, The Langdale Pikes, if good visibility – Berncathra – Helvellyn and finally the Fairfield Horseshoe and III Bells. Keep fingers crossed for a clear day. From the ridge top, we descend almost in a straight line to the village but, unless you can walk on water, then we shall have to skirt the lake to the north adding about ½ mile to the route! After approx. 10½ miles and 1834’ up and down, you will be ready for a drink at the end but, with the distance, I shall be keeping the pace going as the coach journey to Coniston will probably take longer than usual so, until the day, I won’t know exactly how much time we have available. But, it will be an interesting and enjoyable trek - see you there.

 B Walk Lead by Pat Guy

7 miles 1200ft

From the village of Coniston we walk to the head of Coniston water, we then take a path gradually ascending to Glen Mary Bridge, there are lovely views from this path. From the Glen Mary Bridge we ascend on a slightly steeper path to the summit of Holme Fell where weather permitting we will enjoy lovely views all around. We then ascend to Hodge Close Quarries passing a delightful disused reservoir on the way.

We then follow a path down to High Yewdale and follow the Cumbria Way back to Coniston. Hopefully it will be a clear day and we should have some amazing views of the Coniston Fells.

C Walk lead by Helen & Mike

5-6 Miles

The walk begins near to Coniston Lake. We will have our coffee at the Bluebird cafe overlooking the lake. Our walk is a circular one from Coniston to Torver between 5-6 miles. The paths on the walk there are ready made paths which are easy to walk on. The only challenging bit is approaching Torver when we have to go up a fairly long hill. As usual we will take our time and stop as needed. There is a bench at the top for a rest. The scenery and views of the lake and surrounding hills/mountains are fantastic and it is a stunning walk. At Torver we will have lunch on the Green which is conveniently located next to the pub The Wilsons Arms which has a lovely delicatessen where you can buy pies/cakes/drinks etc and a great pint of Loweswater Gold !!

There are 2 possible return paths, the first the same way we came but downhill which is welcome after lunch and the second different but with the odd tricky bit downhill through the woods towards Torver jetty. This is again a beautiful path along the lakeside but we can make decisions on the day about which to take depending on weather and how we feel. You can even hop on the boat back if you are feeling flush but we recommend sticking with the walk which is again one not to be missed !!

Sorry, no map available.

April 2025 Arnside

 A & B Walk combined lead by Brian Thorne

Approx 9.5 mls with 853 ft of climbing.

Leaving Arnside we pass the station and cross open fields, to the tower at Hazelslack Farm. A steady climb then leads us up through woodland and limestone pavement to the tight but relatively easy scramble up the “Fairy Steps and a fabulous view back over Arnside and the estuary.

Continuing through the woodland we curve back and lose height, passing through fields back to Hazelslack tower. Our route then takes us due south to the shores of Hawes Water by Challen Hall before we cross the railway once again to skirt around Eaves Wood, pass through the Caravan Site and reach the ruins of Arnside Tower.

Our final climb of the day will then take us over Arnside Knott before descending steeply back to our starting point.

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C Walk Lead by Gwyn Jones

5.5 Miles

This walk is very much the same as two years ago but in reverse. Unfortunately the tide will be well up so there will be no beach walking. There are some ups and downs but the hill up from the village at the start is the steepest. Last time we climbed up to the Knott but this time we go round the bottom. We head for New Barn and then through woodland to Far Arnside. From here we again take a path, mostly in woodland, to make our way back to Arnside.

March 2025 Llangollen

A Walk Lead by Peter Hitchcock

10 miles & 1,000 ft Ascent

For the 1st walk of the new season to Llangollen, we shall break with tradition and instead of breaking your backs early on by climbing up to the castle then onto Offa’s Dyke ridge path, I shall lead you to the South to break your back up on to the southern flank hills and to Y Foel Tor. (Only joking!)

From the car park (toilets now 40p – inflation), we climb south-east through a lovely national forest wood before trekking up to the ridge. It is steep out of the town and up to the wood, then the route tails off a bit before we start a good “long-haul” hours climb – as we call it – up to the top road. But, it is a gradual, albeit fairly steep path but with rewarding views north across the valley. A 2.5km upland road will take us to the foot of the Tor where we quickly conquer a ‘midday’ sting-in-the-tail climb to the top for lunch.

Its all downhill back to Llangollen via the very nice North Berwyn Way but it does get steep again as we approach the town – no options as we have to reach the valley floor again, the car park and the riverside resting house! Overall, we climb about 1000ft above the town and find it again after 10.25 miles. Muddy in parts, for the most its good, solid track. A fine ‘A’ walk test to christen the 2025 season.

B Walk by John Wilson

A circular picturesque route of 7.5 miles and 1000 ft ascent following the route on the map anticlockwise. Weather permitting we follow the black line to Castell Dinas Bran and descending down the other side. If the weather is poor we will stick to the orange line which is predominantly tarmac. 

Continuing anticlockwise round the route is a gentle walk down to the canal, then along the towpath to the canal end and Horseshoe falls. We then return to Llangollen along the towpath. 

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C Walk led by Bill Farr

Dist: approx 5 miles with 430ft ascent/descent

 

We start along the canal and turn off after just over a mile towards Valle Crucia Abbey - a 12th century monastery now mostly in ruins.  We then descend to cross a footbridge heading towards the very small hamlet of Hendry.  From here, we cross some muddy fields to a lane which takes us to Llantisilio church.  We go through a gate and head down to join the river at Horseshoe Falls before following the canal back to Llangollen (1.8 miles).