Sun 22 May 2016 - Mellbreak and Lanthwaite Woods

Car Parking: Lanthwaite Woods National Trust car park, Loweswater. Grid reference NY 149 215

Start Point:    At Lanthwaite Woods car park

Meet Time:     09.45 am

Start Time:     10.00 am

Description:   This walk is a mixture of mountain trails, moorland walking and forest paths. It is a circular route.

Route:            Viewed from Loweswater village, Mellbreak rises up steeply and appears as an imposing sentinel, standing guard over Crummock Water. In this walk, we will ascend Mellbreak directly, following the path up its steep northern edge before making a complete traverse of its ridge-like form.

Starting from Lanthwaite Woods, we walk for about a kilometre on country roads (care required) until we reach Kirkhead. From here we take the path that leads to the base of the northern nose of Mellbreak. The path steepens as we continue, and it becomes rocky. However, this section will not be rushed, and people will be free to progress at whatever pace is comfortable for them. Soon – after stopping occasionally to “take in the view” – we will be past the steepest of the ascent and ambling over to the northern (lower) summit of Mellbreak (508 m). Our route continues southwards, firstly into a shallow col and then gradually up to the highest point of our day, and Mellbreak’s southern (higher) summit (512 m).

The views are fantastic from Mellbreak’s skyline, with the imposing bulk of Grasmoor to our east and the entirety of the Crummock & Buttermere valley stretching to the south.

We continue southwards and begin to lose height. Soon we will reach the shore of Crummock Water. The walk back northwards is lovely, and having a splash and a paddle in the lake is hard to resist!

As we reach the north end of Crummock Water, we cross the source of the River Cocker and head back into Lanthwaite Woods. At this time of year, the blue bells will hopefully be putting on a show for us, covering the forest with a carpet of delicate purple flowers. From here it’s just a short wander back to the cars.

High Point:     Mellbreak summit (512 m) (approx. 540 m height gain)

Distance:        Approx. 6.5 miles (10.5 km)

Time:              Approx. 6 hours

Grade:            Moderate, although the ascent directly up Mellbreak is steep and strenuous

Leader:           Wayne

Please let Wayne know in advance by 6.00 pm on Saturday if you are coming on this walk (text 07753 121168)

If the conditions are bad I reserve the right to modify the route or cancel the walk. If insufficient interest is shown in the walk it may be cancelled.

Fri 20 May - Evening walk and planning meeting

6pm - meet by the toilet block in the lower White Moss Common car park (GR SD 348066) for an easy walk that circumnavigates Rydal Water via Loughrigg Terrace and the old Coffin Route. Length 3 miles, 140m ascent. Grade: Leisurely/Easy.

7.30pm - walk planning in the Badger Bar, Rydal with the option of a meal for those who would like to eat. Parking available in the hotel car park and also on the 555 bus route. All members of the group (not just regular walk leaders) are welcome to attend and share ideas. We need to plan walks for the coming months but also socials.

Please let Sarah know by commenting by text -07818 366665 if you plan to attend. You are welcome to attend either or both of the walk and social/planning meeting.

Sun 15 May - A Wainwright Round From Cow Bridge, Hartsop

Start Time: 9:30am
Start Point: Cow Bridge Car Park, Hartsop. Grid Reference NY403134. The car park is situated on the A592 and has an honesty box.

Description: Five of the eastern Wainwrights -Hartsop Above How, Hart Crag, Dove Crag, Little Hart Crag and High Hartsop Dodd. Don't be put off by thinking that we will be going up and down five separate hills. The summits are achieved in a sequence that means that we don't lose any altitude between them that we would then have to regain. The ascent has great views of the craggy cliffs of Hart Crag and Dove Crag with the Priest's hole cave clearly visible. At the summit of Hart Crag there are wide views over much of the Lake District. The return route takes us down to the valley and alongside Brothers Water.

Distance: 8 miles
Highest Point: 822 metres
Time: Approx 5 hours+
Grade: Strenuous

Contact: Dave (07767416090). Please let me know via text by 6pm on Saturday if you are planning on coming.

Wed 11 May 2016 - Evening walk - Bardsea to Conishead Priory

Wednesday, 11th May 2016 – Bardsea Beach to Conishead Priory

A stroll along the beach with a gentle meander through the peaceful grounds of Conishead Priory. Bring along a drink and snack as there is a nice seating area in Conishead Priory gardens.

Meet time: 18.00 hrs
Walk start: 18.15 hrs
Distance: 3.5 miles
Ascent: 58 metres
Walk meet: Car park at the beach south of Bardsea village, near the “Olde Mill” pub (LA12, 9RB).  Approx. grid reference SD 301 742. 

Grade: Leisurely

Parking along the beach stretches along to an ice cream kiosk called Chill and Grill. If you arrive early there may be a chance for an ice cream. Opening is weather dependent so I hope it is a sunny night.

Please text Suzanne (07887 942038) by 9 pm the day before to let her know you are coming.

Sun 8 May - A Wainwright Round from Mardale Head

Meet Time: 9.15am
Walk Start Time: 9.30pm
Start Point: Mardale Head NY469107
Car Parking: Small free car park at Mardale Head
Description: On this walk we cover 5 of the far eastern Wainwrights (W). From the car park we cross Mardale Beck and follow the path along Haweswater reservoir to The Rigg before heading up the steep path to Kidsty Howes. The path broadens out and the gradient relents as we ascend to Kidsty Pike (W). We will detour from the main path to bag Rampsgill Head (W) before continuing on to High Street (W) and the trig point at Racecourse Hill. We then follow the trail above Blea Water round to Mardale Ill Bell (W) before dropping down to the wind shelter at the top of Nan Bield Pass. Finally we ascend to the summit of Harter Fell (W) before heading back to the car park via the main Gatesgarth Pass track.
Distance: ~8.5 - 9 miles
Highest Point: 828m
Grade: Strenuous
Time: approx 5-6 hours.

Notes: If the conditions are bad I reserve the right to modify the route or cancel the walk. Length and time are approximates as I've not done this exact route before but have extended a walk that I've done a few times in the past.
Contact: Please let Mel know by 6 pm on Saturday if you are coming on this walk 07584303975 or meggleton9@hotmail.com

Fri 29 Apr-Mon 2 May - Scotland weekend

Early May Bank Holiday weekend Scotland trip - updated.

I am planning a trip to Glencoe on the weekend of the early May bank holiday (i.e. travel up evening of Fri 29th April & return evening of Monday May 2nd).

This is going to be a camping trip, staying at http://www.redsquirrelcampsite.co.uk unless (& this would very much depend on who comes) we decide to wild camp some/all of it. We can just turn up at the camp site without booking as it is 22 acres! But please do let me know if you are coming as we will need to arrange a rendez-vous for the Saturday morning - I am assuming most people will be pitching up late Friday and we may not find each other before the morning.

The Clachaig Inn is only a short walk from the site, and I suspect we will end up there for dinner both Saturday & Sunday.

Plenty of great walking in this area of course! If the weather is kind, the problem will be choosing what to do. I will turn up with a few ideas - high-level, strenuous & probably a little technical is the general idea - the mountains up there are still in Winter conditions so I will be packing crampons & axe - keep an eye on the SAIS site & blog for more info. If you want to come along but do your own walks in the day & only meet up in the evenings, that is good by me as well. Apologies if you are looking for more precise details on the walks but I really cannot say at this point - if you are thinking of coming but aren't sure, please do contact me directly & we can have a chat about it.

So far I think we number ~5/6 (Tom, Dave, Andy, Mel, myself, possibly Michelle), and I will be looking for confirmation by the middle of the week before we go. I am going to be away in Scotland for work on Friday 29th so am heading straight to the campsite, but will endeavour to help arrange lifts for others as necessary.
Alastair - 07584300306

Useful links:
http://www.sais.gov.uk/glencoe/
http://glencoeblog.sais.gov.uk/
http://www.redsquirrelcampsite.co.uk
http://www.clachaig.com/

Sun 17 Apr - Morning Walk and Pub Lunch: Pavey Ark and Harrison Stickle

Start Time: Meet at 9:15am for a 9:30am start. Start Point: The large Stickle Ghyll National Trust Car Park next to the Stickle Barn Tavern LA22 9JU (Grid Reference NY 292 063). 

Description: This route offers a chance to get up on the tops for some great views, without an arduously long trek. We’ll summit two of the Langdale Pikes, Pavey Ark followed by Harrison Stickle. We begin by joining the popular path running alongside Stickle Ghyll as it ascends steeply up the sheltered valley towards Stickle Tarn. Emerging at the tarn, from this vantage point it is easy to pick out ‘Jack’s Rake’, a scrambling route that traverses the cliff face below Pavey Ark. We however will not be ascending via that route, instead skirting through the East Gully before climbing up to the summit where we can soak in the views of the surrounding mountains and Lake Windermere in the distance. It is then a short walk over to Harrison Stickle, which we'll reach soon after. We descend to the north of Dungeon Ghyll, surrounded by impressive crags and steep gulleys. Upon our return we'll be stopping for a pub lunch in The Stickle Barn Tavern, which is right next to the car park. 


Distance: Just under 5 miles
Highest Point: Harrison Stickle summit (736 m) 
Grade: Strenuous. 
Time: Approx. 3.5 hrs

Contact: Please text Dave by 6pm on Saturday if you would like to go on this walk 07767416090. 
Notes: If conditions are bad I reserve the right to modify the route or cancel the walk.

Sun 10 April - Cat Bells to High Spy: A "Star Wars" Ridge Walk

Route Description

This route takes in some of the hills used as a key backdrop to the main battle scene in Star Wars: Episode VII.

From Gutherscale, we ascend up to Skelgill Bank and then head southwards to reach Cat Bells (451 m), our first summit of the day. Gaining height as we go, this broad, grassy ridge continues for about 3 more miles, going over Maiden Moor (576 m) and the highest point of our day, High Spy (653 m).

The ridge offers great view across the Derwent Fells to the west, the Skiddaw massif to the north, Derwent Water to the east and beautiful Borrowdale to the south – and who knows, if we are lucky we might even catch a glimpse of an X-wing or a TIE fighter whilst we are up there!

We continue southwards until Dale Head tarn, and then return to the start point via the miners’ track in the secluded Newlands valley, taking in a lovely waterfall as we go. After the walk we will find a spot for a drink and slice of cake (at the Mos Eisley Cantina, perhaps?!?)

May The Force Be With You! 

Car Parking: Gutherscale car park (free), below Cat Bells, grid reference NY 246 211 (Gutherscale is south of Portinscale, near Keswick) 

Start Point: At the Gutherscale car park, grid reference NY 246 211 

Meet Time: 08.45 am 

Start Time: 09.00 am 

Distance: Approx. 9.5 miles (15 km) 

Height Gain: Approx. 850 m 

Time: Approx. 6 – 7 hours 

Grade: Strenuous 

Note: This walk has been graded as strenuous as it is a relatively long walk, with a fair bit of ascent. However, the walk won’t be rushed, so those people who are used to my “moderate” walks and want to try something a little bit harder might like this. 

Leader: Wayne

Please text Wayne (07753 121 168) by 6.00 pm on Saturday if you are coming on this walk.

If the conditions are bad I reserve the right to modify the route or cancel the walk. If insufficient interest is shown in the walk it may be cancelled.

Sun 3 April - Coniston

Walk details for Sunday April 3rd.
Coniston Old Man & Dow Crag/Wetherlam circuit
Meet: 0930-0945 at Walna Scar car park (NY288971) for a 10am start

Grade: Strenuous / technical
Description:
I'm going to leave the exact route open until the day, but it will start with an ascent of the Old Man, possibly via an optional scramble on The Bell if conditions & enthusiasm combine to allow it! Then depending on preference within the group, I was thinking of either completing a circuit anti-clockwise either via Dow Crag and Buck Crag, or going clockwise to Wetherlam via Swirl How and the Prison Band. This will also depend on ground conditions as it could still be a little wintry up there (i.e. come prepared for winter - spring has not fully sprung just yet on the fell tops). We could expect to be out for 5-6 hours either way.
Apologies for the late notice for this walk, I have had a lot on recently. Please let me know by Saturday evening if you are planning on coming.
Al
07584300306

Sun 27 Mar - Angle Tarn via Boredale Hause, return by Hayeswater

Meet Time: 9.45am
Walk Start Time: 10am
Start Point: Car park at Cow Bridge
Car Parking: Free parking in car park either side of bridge
Description: Heading along the road to the Hartsop turning we pick up the bridleway that will ascend to Boredale Hause, with good views over the valley. Turning south the path curves below Angletarn Pikes before descending to Angle Tarn itself. From the tarn the path continues, following the ridge with Bannerdale to the left and Hayeswater to the right before descending to Hayeswater outflow. Crossing the footbridge we will follow the track down to Hartsop and then back to the car park.

Distance: 7miles
Highest Point: 510m
Grade: Moderate
Time: approx 4.5 hours

Notes: If the conditions are bad I reserve the right to modify the route or cancel the walk.
Contact: Please let Mel know by 6 pm on Saturday if you are coming on this walk 07584303975 or meggleton9@hotmail.com

Sun 20 Mar - Hard Knott fell and Mediobogdum Roman Fort

Car Parking: Car parking is free at the roadside parking area by Jubilee Bridge, Brotherikeld (at the start of Hardknott Pass on the west side). Grid reference NY 214 011. If this area is already full there are other nearby places to park on the roadside towards Boot village.
Start Point: Jubilee Bridge, Brotherikeld. Grid reference NY 214 011.
Meet Time: 09.45 am
Start Time: 10.00 am
Description: This walk is a mixture of mountain paths and moorland walking. It is a circular route.
Route: From Jubilee Bridge we will take the path which goes northwards through Brotherikeld and follow the River Esk into Upper Eskdale. The water of the River Esk is beautifully clear, and after a couple of miles walking we arrive at a group of waterfalls and plunge pools. This is a great area to stop for a few minutes and soak in the atmosphere.

Soon afterwards we arrive at Lincove Bridge, one of the most ancient packhorse bridges in the Lake District, where we branch to the right and as we begin to gain height the fabulous rocky amphitheatre of the east-side of the Scafell Range comes into view.

Our route now doubles back on itself and we continue our ascent past a few little tarns to the top of Hard Knott. The view now includes the Coniston Fells and other planes of interest.

The descent to the road is quick, and we follow it for about half a km before taking the path to the Mediobogdum Roman Fort. Constructed during the reign of Emperor Hadrian, the fort is believed to pre-date Hadrian’s Wall, being at the time one the most remote outposts of the Roman Empire. From here it’s just a short stroll back to the cars.

High Point: Hard Knott summit (552 m) (approx. 480 m height gain)
Distance: Approx. 6 miles (10 km)
Time: Approx. 5½ hours
Grade: Moderate.
Note: This route goes through sheep pasture with some high “ladder-type” steps over drystone walls. For this reason it is not suitable for dogs.
Leader: Wayne

Please let Wayne know in advance by 6.00 pm on Saturday if you are coming on this walk (text 07753 121168)

If the conditions are bad I reserve the right to modify the route or cancel the walk. If insufficient interest is shown in the walk it may be cancelled.

Sun 13 Mar - Scout Scar/Cunswick Scar

Walk Details for Sunday 13 March December - Scout Scar from Kendal Town Hall - 7.5 miles, 305m ascent, level of difficulty: moderate

Meet outside Kendal Town Hall at 10.30am. This walk passes through Serpentine Woods, across Kettlewell Crag, Helsfell Nab, crossing the A591 Kendal by-pass by a footbridge onto Cunswick Scar. We then journey south along Cunswick Scar passing an old limekiln and a radio mast and continue south onto Scout Scar where on a clear day fantastic views can be enjoyed across lakeland. Finally, the walk passes through fields and joins the Brigsteer Road and returns to Kendal. Please text Sarah on 07818 366665 by no later than 6pm on 12 Mar, but ideally before that, if you wish to attend.

Sat 5 Mar - Coastal walk – Harrington Harbour to St Bees

Walk : Coastal walk – Harrington Harbour to St Bees.
Date: 5th March 2016, Saturday
Start point: Harrington Harbour Car Park, Grid Reference NX 987252. Return by train (car share option might be available if all are interested in the full walk but we can talk about this before the start of the walk)
Meet time: 8:45 AM
Start time: 9am
Distance – 12 miles approximately
Grade – Moderate for those who is doing full walk and easy for those who is doing part of the walk. Please see the description for further details.
Attractions: Roman ruins near Parton, view of Dumfries and Galloway, historical town of Whitehaven and hopefully a history speech from me if you can understand my English. Light house, two bird watching points and lots of birds nesting on the cliffs, Views of Isle of man, Tomlin view point, you might spot dolphin if you are lucky, St Bees coast (Start point for the coast to coast walk)

Description:
A great opportunity for beginners who wants to get into walking. The walk is in two parts. The first part is from Harrington Harbour to Whitehaven (Approximately 5 miles). This is where the walk can end for those who wants to do a short and easy walk. The second part is from Whitehaven to St Bees (approximately 7 miles).
We will start a walk from Harrington harbour. There is a gentle hill up to get on to coast to coast path. In a good weather you can clearly see the Dumfries and Galloway hills.
We will continue on this path to reach Parton. There are some roman ruins on the way. I will explore this a bit more before the walk and hopefully give you some history on the day.
We will arrive in Whitehaven town. If there are people on the way who have never visited Whitehaven then we will spend some time in Whitehaven and I may give you some details on the mining history of the town.
From Whitehaven we will continue on the coastal path. There are some narrow section with big drops so on these narrow sections we need to be cautious.
We will visit a couple of bird watching points on the cliffs. We will visit the light house followed by place called Tomlin (viewing point). You might see dolphins here if you are lucky.
We will then reach St Bees coast. We can have tea/coffee break at the St Bees cafe before heading to St Bees Railway station to take the train back to Harrington.
Bad Weather: The walk from Whitehaven to St Bees is a cliff walk with some narrow section. In the bad windy weather, I will have to shorten this walk from Harrington to Whitehaven only or may need to cancel walk all together. So please look at the group facebook page a day before for any cancellation notice.
Contact: Ron on 4th March by 1:00 pm if you are coming. Mobile: 07707603848

Sun 21 Feb - Wasdale winter round

**CANCELLED** due to weather - strong winds, and rain/snow + low visibility don't lend themselves to high-level walks

Meet time: 08:30 – 08:45
Walk start: 09:00
Start point: National Trust car park, NY182075

Distance: Approx. 10 miles / 16km (will vary depending on conditions)
Time: Approx. 7 hours
Grade: Strenuous & technical
High point: Pillar (892m)

Leader: Alastair (07584 300306).

Please contact me by Friday as I am likely to be out of signal on Saturday & unable to respond to messages

Description:
This is a fairly ambitious high-level walk with a few options for making it longer (or shorter) as conditions & progress on the day dictate. As it is high-level & we can expect there to be snow & ice underfoot, please bring ice axes & crampons, as well as extra warm clothing, packed lunch & head torch.

Route - from the valley we will ascend towards Napes Needle & Great Gable, and cut across to Beck Head to gain Kirk Fell from where we will head to Black Sail Pass & on up to Pillar before dropping down to Wind Gap. If we are making good progress and want to continue at high-level, we have the option of continuing to Little Scoat Fell and Red Pike before dropping back into the valley just before Yewbarrow, but we are likely to descend at Wind Gap into the valley and back along Mosedale to the start, via the inn. NB if we are really struggling then we can also descend Black Sail pass before Pillar.

Alternative routes.
If the weather is poor, then the route may be changed on the day (maybe traversing the Wastwater screes & coming back over Whin Rigg or heading up Over Beck & back down by Nether Beck).

Sun 14 Feb - Crummock Water, Rannerdale and Mosedale

Meet Time: 9.15am
Walk Start Time: 9.30am
Start Point: Lanthwaite Green Farm. Grid Reference NY159208
Car Parking: Free parking next to the farm on the right just after cattle grid
Description: From the farm we follow the road down to join the path that will take us into Rannerdale where we will follow Squat Beck up to the head of the dale (and the highest point of the walk). The route then descends down giving good views of both Buttermere and Crummock Water, and then follows the course of Mill Beck via Ghyll Wood down to Buttermere village. From here we will head across Scale Bridge and head right towards Crummock Water. Branching off from the main path along the lakeside we will ascend towards Mosedale (we can do a mini detour here to take in Scale Force, the highest waterfall in the Lake District - the water plunges 52m in a single drop). Following a grassy path then track through Mosedale we descend to Loweswater where we follow the road to Lanthwaite Wood and back to the cars.

The terrain can be very wet through Mosedale especially so be prepared for some trudging through boggy areas. (If it has been particularly wet in the previous week I may choose to stick to the lakeside path)
Distance: ~9.5miles
Highest Point: 300m
Grade: Moderate (but only due to pace because of the shorter days, and the wet conditions)
Time: 5 hours

Notes: If the conditions are bad I reserve the right to modify the route or cancel the walk.
Contact: Please let Mel know by 6 pm on Saturday if you are coming on this walk 07584303975 or meggleton9@hotmail.com

Sat 6 Feb - ?

Leader: Sarah

Sun 24 Jan - High Rigg from Castlerigg Stone Circle

Meet Time: 09.15 am
Walk Start Time: 09.30 am
Start Point: Castlerigg Stone Circle, Keswick, CA12 4RN (grid reference NY 291 237)
Car Parking: On the side of the road at Castlerigg Stone Circle (free)
Description: This walk is predominately on grassy footpaths, although there are a few brief sections on minor roads and a short stretch on the pavement next to A591. The paths are all ok, although in wet weather will be muddy. It is a circular route.
Route: From the stone circle, our route initially heads east using a mix of minor roads and footpaths towards Shundrew Quary. From here, we walk southwards over grassy footpaths, gaining height as we make our way towards Tewet Tarn. At the tarn the views over the Derwent Valley begin to open up, with the bulks of Skiddaw and Blencathra dominating the skyline. Continuing past Low Rigg we descend to St. John’s in the Vale Church. Outside this little church, which was rebuilt in 1845, there is a picnic bench where we may stop for a drink and a jelly baby before the brief, yet moderately steep, pull to the top of High Rigg. The summit is essentially just the top of a broad grassy ridge and is marked by a rocky outcrop and the obligatory Lakeland cairn. The view over to Clough Head and Great Dodd is lovely, and on a clear day the crags and screes are clearly seen. As we continue southwards from the summit, the route zig zags in order to avoid the spongey bits of ground until we meet a dry stone wall at the beginning of Long Band. At this point, we turn to the west and follow the wall down until we reach the bridleway that takes us to Sykes Farm. We now walk through fields of improved pasture to Low Nest, and cross the A591 (care required: road crossing) and follow the footpath north for about a third of a km before crossing back over (care required: road crossing) and take Castle Lane (a minor road) back to Castlerigg Stone Circle and the cars.
Distance: 11 km (6.8 miles)
Highest Point: High Rigg summit (355 m) (approx. 390 m height gain)
Grade: Moderate
Time: Approx. 4½ to 5 hrs
Important:
When this walk was recced there was evidence of cows being grazed on sections of this route, for this reason PLEASE DO NOT BRING DOGS ON THIS WALK. Thank you.
As this walk is taking place in January the amount of available daylight is short, please arrive promptly for a 09.30 am start. We intend to be back at the cars before dusk, but please bring a good headtorch and spare batteries just in case we are delayed for any reason.
Notes: If the conditions are bad I reserve the right to modify the route or cancel the walk. If insufficient interest is shown in the walk it may be cancelled.
Contact: Please let Wayne know by 6 pm on Saturday if you are coming on this walk (text 07753 121168)

Sun 17 Jan - Kentmere Horseshoe

Trying this again, hoping the weather will be better this time...

Meet time: 08:30 – 08:45
Walk start: 09:00
Start point: Kentmere Church (grid ref NY 456 041) **

Distance: Approx. 12.5 miles
Time: Approx. 6.5 hours
Grade: Strenuous
High point: 828m @ High St.

Leader: Alastair (07584 300306)

Description:

A classic Lakes horseshoe - briefly the walk will take in: Buck Crag - Yoke - Ill Bell – Froswick – Thornthwaite Crag - High St - Mardale Ill Bell - Nan Bield Pass - Harter Fell - Kentmere Pike - Rough Crags - Wray Crag

If the weather should deny us this option, the alternative is to walk up to Kentmere reservoir along the valley, up to Nan Bield Pass, onto Harter Fell & down into Longsleddale at Gatesgarth pass before returning to Kentmere via Sadgill.

Please bring a headtorch (sunset is ~4.15pm) as well as normal packed lunch, extra warm layers, waterproofs etc.

There is also a strong probability that we will need crampons for at least parts of this walk with a cold spell forecast. An ice axe would be useful, and the knowledge & experience of how to use both pieces of equipment. If there is wind forecast, goggles are also a good idea & can be strongly recommended. An idea of conditions on the higher fell tops can be gleaned from many places, one such being Weatherline [http://www.lakedistrictweatherline.co.uk/]. If you have any doubts or questions about this please get in touch with me in advance

Please let me know before Saturday if you are attending & let me know if you need or can offer a lift (& if so, where from).

**Depending on who/how many are attending I may arrange to meet at Staveley and drive up to the start in as few cars as possible, due to limited parking in Kentmere. In this case it would be ~08:15 at the parking just past Barley Bridge (approx. SD 469 987) or in the Mill Yard. I will arrange this directly with those attending if necessary

Sun 10 Jan - Leader needed

Please contact Tom if you are able to lead a walk on this date

Sat 26 Dec - Cancelled

Tomorrow's Boxing Day walk is cancelled for safety reasons and the current amber weather warning of further heavy rain across Cumbria. Wishing you a Merry Christmas and stay safe.

Sun 20 Dec - Group Christmas Lunch!

In a change to previous years, it was agreed at the recent AGM that we would organise a pub lunch following a shorter walk as our Christmas Social event for this year.

This year the Christmas Social will take place at the Eagle & Child, Staveley on Sunday 20th December at 2pm. The Eagle and Child have a Christmas menu available, this is £22.50 and must be booked seven days in advance along with a deposit of £6. The Eagle & Child Christmas menu can be found at http://www.eaglechildinn.co.uk/christmas-menu-2015/. If you wish to have the Christmas menu, I need to have received your deposit and menu choices by *absolutely no later than 1st December*. This is because I am going on holiday for two weeks on 2nd December and the deadline to order will have passed by the time I get home.

The pub have indicated people in our group may order from the regular menu if preferred; this does not have to be booked in advance and usually includes a choice of roast lunches. If you wish to come and eat on this basis, please also let me know in order to make sure that we have a big enough table reserved for us. Again, it would be helpful I you could let me know by 1st December if you plan to join the group, but otherwise by no later than 6pm on Friday 18th December.

I am not proposing to organise a secret santa gift exchange this year, however if anyone else would like to facilitate this they are most welcome to do so.

Please contact Sarah by text on 07818 366665, or email on revsarahmoore@me.com for more info, or to reserve a place.

Sun 20 Dec - Potter Tarn & Gurnal Dubs

6.5 miles, 400m ascent, level of difficulty: moderate

Meet in the Mill Yard at Staveley at 10.30am (SD 486 984). This is a short but beautiful walk offering beautiful views into Lakeland. It is an ideal introductory walk for anyone who is looking to start walking in the Lake District who has a reasonable level of fitness and/or is used to walks of at least 2-3 hours duration in gentler areas.

Leaving the village of Staveley the walk begins with an uphill climb to Littlewood Farm through fields. We will then cross to Birk Field and into more open countryside. Passing Potter Tarn on our left, we then climb to Gurnal Dubs where there is a surprisingly well built boat house. We then retrace our steps to Potter Tarn and descend Potter Fell to Hundhow and Hagg Foot where we cross the River Kent soon after. The walk then follows the Cumbria Way back to Staveley.

Following this walk will be the group Christmas event which is a pub lunch in the Eagle and Child, Staveley, at 2pm. Please check separate post for more details. You are welcome to attend just the walk, or just the lunch, or both. Please be aware that in the light of this, there will not be a lunch stop included in the walk, however we will plan to pause at Gurnal Dubs for a short break.

Please contact Tom (07884493081 or tgrs013@yahoo.co.uk) about the walk. But please still contact Sarah (07818 366665) about the meal

Sun 13 Dec - Pavey Ark and Harrison Stickle

Start Time: Meet at 9:15am for a 9:30am start.
Start Point: The large Stickle Ghyll National Trust Car Park next to the Stickle Barn Tavern LA22 9JU (Grid Reference NY 292 063). There is another car park 100 metres down the road which may be cheaper if you’re not a NT member.
Description: This circular route follows well defined mountain paths and involves no walking on roads. The terrain is steep and rocky in places and care should be taken as the rocks can be slippery.
Route: This route offers a chance to get up on the tops for some great views, without an arduously long trek. We’ll summit two of the Langdale Pikes, Pavey Ark followed by Harrison Stickle. We begin by joining the popular path running alongside Stickle Ghyll as it ascends steeply up the sheltered valley towards Stickle Tarn. Emerging at the tarn we can stop for a well earned rest. From this vantage point it is easy to pick out ‘Jack’s Rake’, a formidable scrambling route that traverses the cliff face below Pavey Ark. We however will not be ascending via that route, instead skirting through the East Gully and climbing along a much more manageable path to reach the summit where we can soak in the views of the surrounding mountains and Lake Windermere in the distance. It is then a straightforward amble towards Harrison Stickle, which we summit soon after. We then make our way along the path beside Dungeon Ghyll, surrounded by impressive crags and steep gulleys as we descend. Upon our return we can find refreshment in The Stickle Barn Tavern, which is right next to the car park.
Distance: Approx 8 km (5 miles)
Highest Point: Harrison Stickle summit (736 m)
Grade: Quite strenuous, but the distance is manageable and we’ll not be in a hurry. I'm anticipating being down well before dusk but please bring a torch (ideally a head torch) just in case. If the conditions are wintry, please be sure to bring adequate warm, waterproof clothing.
Time: Approx. 4.5 hrs
Leader: David

If you would like to go on the walk please text 07767416090 by 6pm on Saturday.

Sun 6 Dec - Cancelled

Unfortunatley the walk for tomorrow is cancelled due to the poor weather and travel conditions. There are a high number of flood warnings in place and a number of roads already closed due to flooding. As the rain is not forecast to stop until tomorrow morning the conditions are unlikely to improve.

Sun 29 Nov - Kentmere Horseshoe

CANCELLED due to lack of interest and poor weather. I will put it on again in the New Year.

Meet time: 08:30 – 08:45
Walk start: 09:00
Start point: Kentmere Church (grid ref NY 456 041) **

Distance: Approx. 12.5 miles
Time: Approx. 6.5 hours
Grade: Strenuous
High point: 828m @ High St.

Leader: Alastair (07584 300306)

Description:

A classic Lakes horseshoe - briefly the walk will take in: Buck Crag - Yoke - Ill Bell – Froswick – Thornthwaite Crag - High St - Mardale Ill Bell - Nan Bield Pass - Harter Fell - Kentmere Pike - Rough Crags - Wray Crag

If the weather should deny us this option, the alternative is to walk up to Kentmere reservoir along the valley, up to Nan Bield Pass, onto Harter Fell & down into Longsleddale at Gatesgarth pass before returning to Kentmere via Sadgill.

Please bring a headtorch as well as normal packed lunch, warm layers, waterproofs etc. Although we should be down before the light goes, and the forecast is currently not too bad, it's best to be prepared!

Please let me know before Saturday if you are attending & let me know if you need or can offer a lift (& if so, where from).

**Depending on who/how many are attending I may arrange to meet just Staveley and drive up to the start in as few cars as possible, due to limited parking in Kentmere.

In this case it would be 08:30 at the parking just past Barley Bridge (approx. SD 469 987) or in the Mill Yard. I will arrange this directly with those attending if necessary

Sun 22 Nov - Castle Crag

Start Time: 10.00 am
Start Point: The National Trust Car Park in Rosthwaite CA12 5XB (Grid Reference NY 257 148)
Car Parking: There are three options for parking in Rosthwaite (all are within a short distance of one another):
-There is a large car park next to the Scafell Hotel (which is on the main road as you go through the village) where you can park for £3/day (payable at the hotel reception).
-The National Trust Car Park, just off the main road (signposted to the right if approaching from Keswick)
-The village hall (right next to the NT car park) has an honesty box requesting £3 and has a small area for parking.
Description: This circular route follows well maintained footpaths and bridleways exclusively with no walking on roads. A short section along the riverbank is quite rocky and on the final ascent towards the summit of Castle Crag the path briefly winds steeply through slate scree.
Route: A chance to explore Wainwright’s ‘loveliest square mile in Lakeland’. From Rosthwaite we walk south eastwards through quiet farmland past Borrowdale YHA and then follow the River Derwent as it meanders through mixed woodland towards Seatoller. Gaining altitude as we emerge from the canopy and onto the open fell, we are greeted by classic Lakeland views across the Borrowdale valley and to the high fells beyond. We continue to climb gradually as we skirt around Seatoller and up onto the gently undulating path which traverses the fell side towards Castle Crag. Upon seeing the rugged, angular crag ahead it is easy to see why an ancient hill fort is believed to have existed upon the summit. Beginning the final ascent up the wooded hillside, we then wind our way up through slate scree and into a fascinating landscape littered with slate sculptures erected by previous visitors. Not far above is the summit bringing spectacular views through the jaws of Borrowdale, across Derwentwater and Keswick to Skiddaw looming beyond. Descending back to the main path we are then soon back into woodland where we find Millican Dalton’s cave, a previous summer home to the self styled ‘Professor of Adventure’ during the 20’s, 30’s and 40’s. A gentle amble alongside the river takes us back to Rosthwaite where we’ll find the Flock In tearoom.
Distance: Approx 9.5 km (6 miles)
Highest Point: Castle Crag summit (290 m)
Grade: Leisurely/Moderate.
Time: Approx. 4.5 hrs
Leader: David

If you would like to go on the walk please text 07767416090 by 6pm on Saturday.

Sun 15 Nov - Wild Ennerdale and Moss Dub Tarn

Walk Cancelled due to Predicted Weather Conditions

Friday 13 November: AGM and Walk Planning Meeting

On Friday 13 November we are holding the Summitt Good AGM and Planning meeting at the Hare and Hounds in Levens from 18.30. The meeting will be followed by a meal for those who are interested.

We will be planning walks and socials from January onwards. If you have not led a walk before but would like to give it a try please feel free to come along and find out some more. Leading walks is a fun and rewarding way of sharing your knowledge and experience of the countryside with others. Whether you like easy ambles or more strenuous walks across the higher fells, Summitt Good would be pleased to discuss what’s involved in leading walks and help you on your way. We are keen to get walk leaders from all over Cumbria and over all grades of walks.

Please could you let Suzanne know in advance if you plan to go along so we have an idea of numbers. Email: summittgoodrambling@gmail.com or text 07887 942038

You can find directions to the Hare and Hounds on their website:
http://www.hareandhoundslevens.co.uk

Sun 8 Nov - FRCC Remembrance Day service on Great Gable

Start: Seathwaite, Borrowdale. NY 235 121 (nr the phone box/public toilets)
Meet: 07.45 for an 08.00 start.
Distance: 10km+, 5-7 hrs
Grade: Strenuous

This is an opportunity to join 100s of like-minded souls for what should be a moving Remembrance Day service, in honour of those who have given their lives so that we may enjoy all that we do today. Whilst many of us may normally seek solitude on the fells, this coming together with common purpose should be a powerful reminder of those lost, what they sacrificed and also why we should strive to avoid future conflict, and to end it where it exists today.

So, with that said - the practical side of the day - apologies for the early start, but the service is at 11am, the walk in takes over two hours and it is going to be busy so will be slow going - and I really don't want to arrive during or after the service.

It will be busy parking so please allow plenty of time for getting there, getting parked & finding each other. It will be busy enough that if anyone is left behind, there should be a steady trail of people heading up to follow (though of course should anyone end up taking this option I would recommend having a map & compass and know how to use them).

Please also try to arrange car-sharing where possible. I will facilitate this if you indicate when you contact me that you are able to give a lift, or need a lift, and provide an approximate location/route along which you might need/give a lift.

To this end, please do let me know before Saturday if you are coming. I am likely to be out most of Saturday & possibly unable to either receive messages at all or at least reply in a timely fashion - it is hard to try and help make plans when I only find out at 9pm the night before if someone is coming!

There will be a period of time on the top when we are relatively immobile so please bring plenty of warm clothing, perhaps a layer or two more than you normally would.

With the shorter days upon us, please do also pack a headtorch, preferably with spare batteries (or even a spare torch), just in case. I always endeavour to get back down before dusk but there's no excuse not to be prepared.

Once the service has completed, I would like to consider the option of the Corridor Route onto Scafell Pike, before descending back to Seathwaite via Esk Hause and Grains Gill (total about 16km, and >2000m of ascent). This however, will be decided on the day depending on the conditions and the wishes of the group. The alternative is likely a direct descent back down to Seathwaite.

Any questions, please contact me. My mobile is 07584300306. Thanks for reading & if I don't see you Sunday, I hope you have the chance to mark it in some way wherever you are.

Sun 1 Nov - Hutton Roof Crags and Farleton Fell

Description: As you travel up the M6 to the Lake District, you may have noticed the
hill to the right just before turning off at J36. Not many people stop here, but it's worth
a look. It's predominantly Limestone pavement, and not too steep, so the walking should be fairly easy.
Start point: Plain Quarry car park near Burton in Kendal, SD552761
Directions to the car park: From M6 J36 head towards Skipton on the A65. Almost immediately you will come to a roundabout. Turn right, marked Holme, Burton A6070. Follow this road for a few miles to Burton in Kendal village. Immediately on leaving the village turn left in to Dalton Lane (signposted Hutton Roof, Kirkby Lonsdale), and follow this road for about 1.5 miles. The car park is on the left (not signposted, but fairly obvious). Nearest postcode LA6 1NL (please note this isn't exactly where the car park is, but should get you onto the right road out of Burton in Kendal).
Level: Moderate
Distance: 10 miles
Start time: 10.00
Leader: Tom 07884493081 tgrs013@yahoo.co.uk