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.