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.