Sun 28 Jul - Tilberthwaite

Tilberthwaite (Nr Coniston) and Little Langdale Stroll!
(Many Thanks to Dan for the walk description!

Start point:
Roughly one and a half miles North of Coniston village, on the A593, turn left onto a single track road.
After another mile the main Tilberthwaite parking area is reached on the left, just before the bridge over Yewdale Beck (G.R. NY 306010.

Description:
From the car park we head along the lane. At High Tilberthwaite Farm, after passing through the farmyard, the path climbs gently up onto the Knotts, giving good views of Lingmoor Fell and the Langdale Pikes.
Dan informs me this is where we may see deer and interesting bird life!
We then descend, (gently may I add!) to pass Atkinson Coppice and continue our walk until we approach the very old Slaters Bridge, where we continue until we arrive at our pub lunch destination otherwise known as The Three Shires Inn!
The last section of the walk, after we have been suitably refreshed, is again a gentle and pleasant walk across the River Brathay, along a track past the disused Hodge Close quarry to reach High Tilberthwaite Farm and back to the cars. Nothing epic, just a pleasant hop, skip and jump!

Leader: Rachel (moby 07786 733539)
The walk is approx 4 miles. Grade 2
Start time 11 a.m.

Photos from Walney

Phil and Jen's photos from Jen's evening walk:

Photos from Whitbarrow

Dan's photos from Barbara's evening walk:

Sun 21 Jul - Great End

A walk through the high mountains, visiting Scafell Pike's much overlooked neighbour, Great End.
Starting from Seathwaite farm, a good stone path leads up to Styhead tarn, before continuing onto the classic corridor route. We then turn off to make the final 300 m of ascent to reach Great End summit.
Descent to Esk Hause and back over Glaramara to the start.
Distance: 8 miles
Highest point: 910 m
Time: 6 hours
Grade: 3 (Strenuous, moderate pace)
Start: 10.00 am at Seathwaite farm/campsite (park on roadside), Grid ref: NY235122 (postcode CA12 5XJ).
Directions: Take the Borrowdale Road (B5289) from Keswick towards Seatoller, and turn off where it is signposted Seathwaite. Continue for about 1 mile until you reach the farm.
Leader: Phil (07958 698905)

Sat 20 Jul - planning meeting

This is where we plan the next few months of the group's walks programme. To be held at Romney's in Kendal - 1900 for meal, 2015 for the meeting.

Contact Suzanne on 07887 942038 for further details. If unable to attend, please email walk details to summittgoodrambling@gmail.com

Wed 17 Jul - North Walney National Nature Reserve (NNR) evening Nature walk

LOCATION: North Walney National Nature Reserve (NNR) Evening Walk.
TIME: Meet at Earnse Bay Car Park, Walney Island at 7pm, grid ref SD170699.
GRADE: 1.
DISTANCE: 3 miles, approx 1.5-2 hours long.
PARKING: free parking at Earnse Bay
OTHER INFO: Unfortunately paths in the NNR are not suitable for prams/pushchairs. Dogs allowed but on a short lead so not to disturb the nesting birds.
ROUTE: To meet at the car park at Earnse Bay. From here we follow the track alongside the beach until we reach the NNR. We will then follow the pink markers set by Natural England which takes us past ponds, shallow pools and wildlife meadows. We then return along the shoreline. Hopefully we will see a variety of plants and wildlife. If anyone would like to return to my house for a brew you are welcome. No cafes etc open.
OTHER INFO: www.naturalengland.org.uk/northwalneynnr.
MY MOBILE: 07955390335 please let me know if you are coming.
LEADER: Jen

Sun 14 Jul - St. Sunday Crag

Start Point: Cow Bridge (between Brothers Water & Patterdale - GR NY 403134) @ 10.00

Description: We can either follow the road for the first 1¼ mi., to Patterdale, or we can walk to Hartsop & go down the little lane / bridleway past Dubhow, Beckstones, Crookabeck, Rooking & across to Patterdale.
Turn left, from the main road (SW) opp. The White Lion pub & pass the public toilet block!
After the second kissing gate, walk // to the drystone wall, then bear uphill.
At a metal gate & wooden stile on the right, look left for an indistinct path heading up.
Follow it & endure all of the false summits onto St Sunday Crag! (St Sunday is an alternative name for St Dominic, a 12th century Spanish saint, but ?? why this fell's called that!!)
From St Sunday Crag there are great views of the Helvellyn ridge (NW) & High Street (E).
Then head down the path to Deepdale Hause (it's Grisedale Tarn @ the head of the valley)
From the top of Fairfield follow the ridge E, then SE as far as Hart Crag.
Next head ENE along the ridge of Hartsop above How (for 'bout 3mi.'ish) to the edge of Low Wood.
Head down towards Deepdale Bridge, but follow perm. F.P. / wall (on right at start of woods) to footbridge (by the road).
Finally follow perm. F.P., alongside road, back to Cow Bridge.

Distance: 9 miles (14.5 km)
Total Ascent: 950 metres (3117 ft.)
Time: 6-7 hours
Grade: 4
Leader: Dan (on 01229 832840 [eves.] or 07919 831237)

Thu 11 July - Evening Walk - Whitbarrow Scar

An ascent through the woods to gain the Whitbarrow plateau to the fine summit view point of Lord’s Seat (views to Morecambe Bay, North Wales & The Isle of Man on a clear day). Descend via the western scarp followed by a woodland stroll along the base.
Meet: 18:30hrs at SD 452 840. Take the road signed Millside/Beck Head just off the A590. Just after crossing the cattle grid parking can be found in a small layby or along the quiet road.
Time: 2-2.5hrs
Distance: 5 miles
Ascent: 215 metres
Drinks afterwards at The Gilpin Bridge
Contact: Babs (07843567097)

Photos from Black Fell

Dan's photos from last weekend's walk:

Sun 7 Jul - Silverdale & Leighton Moss

Description: A fairly easy walk in the Arnside- Silverdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Small but perfectly formed, this lovely area on the border between Lancashire and Cumbria offers rocky coastal paths, wetlands, salt marshes, heath and woodland & is rich in birdlife and flowers. We will walk through Eaves Wood and then south along the coast to Jenny Brown's Point, before heading east along the edge of the wetlands to Warton Crag. We then walk to Summerhouse Hill, overlooking Leighton Hall, returning to the car park across the causeway at Leighton Moss RSPB Reserve.

Time: Meet at 10.00 at the National Trust car park at Eaves Wood, Grid Reference: SD 471759
Grade: 2
Distance: 8 miles, approximately 3.5 hours
Highest Point: 255 metres
Leader: Clair D, Mobile: 07855961619

Sun 30 Jun - Coniston/Black Fell

Description: We take the road up past the Black Bull pub and turn right onto the path which runs along the foot of the Yew Dale Fells. At Yew Tree Farm we cross the A593 and walk up past the Tom Gill waterfalls to Tarn Hows. Leaving the path half way around Tarn Hows, we walk through the Iron Keld and Arnside Plantations to Black Crag which has spectacular views over Windermere and the Coniston fells. On the return we retrace our footsteps to Tarn Hows and continue to the car park. The path next to the car park takes us back to Coniston and a welcome pub/cafe stop.
Time: Meet at 10.00 at John Ruskin School Car Park, LA21 8EW. Donations to school for parking
Grade: 2/3
Distance: 9.5 miles.
Highest Point: 322 metres
Leader: Suzanne Tel: 07887 942038

Sun 23 Jun - Harter Fell (Eskdale)

The walk has a gentle start along fairly level paths to Low Birker Farm, before climbing up the fellside to reach a plateau. Passing the stickleback ridge of Crook crag on grassy pathless terrain, we are eventually rewarded with a view of our first hill, Green crag. Ascent is short but steep, and the summit at 489 m provides excellent panoramic views on a clear day. A similarly short descent follows, before crossing pathless moorland to reach the forest path at the foot of Harter Fell. The ascent is steep but worth the effort to arrive at the summit (654 m). A gradual descent on grassy paths, visiting the ruins of Hardknott Roman Fort on the way back.
Distance: 9 miles
Ascent: 850 m
Time: 6 hours
Grade: 3 (Strenuous, moderate pace)
Start: 10.00 am at Brotherilkeld car park (layby near cattle grid), Grid ref: NY213011.
Directions: The car park is near the Eskdale end of the Hardknott pass, which can be accessed from the A595 to the West, or from Ambleside to the East. Parking is limited, so please contact the leader to arrange car sharing.
Leader: Phil (07958 698905)

Sat 22 Jun - Social - Kendal Brewery

I have a table booked for eight @8pm at the moment, so if people could let me know if they are planning on coming, I can adjust that as needed.

Suggesting meeting there ~7pm or later for a drink first in the bar, in the hope it’s a nice evening & we can enjoy some sunshine too.

I’m just about to go away for 2 weeks & am abroad for some of that so I might be slightly delayed responding to messages.

Cheers,

Al 07584 300306

Sun 16 Jun - Carrock Fell and High Pike

Description: Two of the rarely-visited fells to the North of Blencathra. After a steep ascent of Carrock Fell, we continue along the ridge To High Pike. Return is via Lingy Hut, then descending Grainsgill Beck, and returning via the Caldew valley.

Distance: 8.5 miles

Time: 4-5 hours

Start: 10.30. Park on side of road 100m north of Stone Ends Farm (which is 4km north of Mungrisdale) NY354338

Leader: Tom 07884493081 tgrs013@yahoo.co.uk

Wed 12 Jun - Evening Walk - Levens Park

Meet: 19:00hrs outside The Playing Fields, Levens Village (SD 488 857). Plenty of roadside parking.
Time: 1.5-2hrs
Distance: 4 miles
Grade: Easy
Drinks afterwards at The Hare & Hounds, Levens
Contact: Babs (07843567097)

Photos from Bootle

Dan's photos from Sunday's walk:

Sun 9 Jun - Bootle and Corney Fell

Meet 11am in the free car park opposite Bootle Church. To find the car park, follow the A595, turn left at signpost 'Bootle Station, Eskmeals'.

We head up Bootle fell and up Corney Fell, views lovely on a nice day. We then head back down (unfortunately via road walking but still good views) to a woods where the Bluebells were stunning this week, hope they are still there on 9th! We then head back into the village where there is a nice cafe.

Level 2 due to some steep parts and boggy fields. Distance approx 5 miles. Time approx 2.5 hours.

Please let me know whether you are coming. Jen 07955390335

Sun 2 Jun - St Bees Head

A dramatic cliff-top walk along the westernmost point of Cumbria, which on a clear day gives fine views of the Isle of Man. This RSPB nature reserve is also a nesting site for the black guillemot and a small colony of puffins.
The walk starts with a steady climb from the beach, up a grassy path to the top of South Head. From here on, there are extensive views of the coastline and out to sea. The path descends down to Fleswick bay, before another climb up the North Head and towards the lighthouse. There are several viewing points along the way to observe the wide variety of seabirds that live on the cliffs. After rounding the edge of the North Head, the return walk follows country lanes and across fields before rejoining the path along the South Head.

Distance: 8.5 miles
Ascent: 220 m
Time: 5 hours
Grade: 2 (Fairly easy, leisurely pace. Although most of the cliff edge is fenced off, care must be taken)
Start: 10.30 am at Seacote car park (charge: £3.80 per day), Grid ref: NX960118.
Directions: From St Bees village, head towards the train station, where there is a junction signposted "Beach". Follow this road to the end and turn left onto Beach road. The car park is further along on the seafront.
Leader: Phil (07958 698905)

Photos from High Knott

Jen's photos from Sarah's walk on Monday:

Mon 27 May - Afternoon walk - High Knott

High Knott - 5 miles, 620 ft ascent - grade leisurely to moderate

Meet at Ullthwaite Bridge (on road between Staveley and Kentmere) 2pm 

Much of this walk is on good footpaths and bridlepaths and includes good views of the Kentmere horseshoe.  We pass close to High Knott/Williamson's Memorial and the remains of an ancient British Settlement.  The stile to High Knott is passable but tricky.  

We leave Ullthwaite Bridge walking south passing Browfoot farm and then over fields.  North along the bridleway for two miles crossing Park Beck via stepping stones.  South downhill passing woodland and a disused cottage and back to Ullthwaite Bridge.  This walk is in Wainwright's 'The Outlying Fells of Lakeland' pages 18-21.  

There is only space for a few cars at Ullthwaite Bridge so please share if possible.  Please let me know if you are coming 07796 162828.  Sarah. 

Sun 19 Coledale Horseshoe

Route: Grizedale Pike, Hopegill Head, Crag Hill, Sail, Outerside, Barrow
Distance: 9 miles
Grade: 4
Start: 9.30 at small car park on the left just up the hill through Braithwaite on the Winlatter road (B5292) NY226237. Parking is limited, so please car share if possible, and arrive early. Additional parking is available about 1/2 mile up the Whinlatter Road.
Leader: Tom 0788 44 930 81 tgrs013@yahoo.co.uk

Sun 12 May - Glaramara

Start Point: Seatoller car park (G.R. NY - 245 137) @ 10.30

Description: From Seatoller we head up onto Thornythwaite Fell, before climbing more to reach the summit of Glaramara (which one of the two cairns??).  We'll then continue SW, between the bogs & pools for another 2km, until Allen Crags rocky 'cluster' is reached (highest point of the day, just!).  We carry on just a short way until we reach the spaghetti junction of paths at Esk Hause (this is because it's a joining point for paths from Eskdale, Wasdale, Borrowdale & Langdale!).  There is a big stone cross windbreak here, so it may be a possible lunch stop location?  After that we turn NW to pass under the cliffs of Great End, past Sprinkling Tarn & down to Styhead Tarn.  Next we turn NE by the tarn, to follow Styhead Gill (on its RHS when the path splits) down to cross Stockley Bridge.  We then follow the 'growing' river down to Seathwaite (coincidentally - this is said to be the wettest inhabited place in England!!) & follow the obvious (virtually flat) path, // to the road, back along Borrowdale to Seatoller once more.

Distance: 9.5 miles (15.3 km)
Total Ascent: 800 metres (2625 ft.
High Point: Allen Crags - 785 metres (2575 ft.)
Time: 6 - 7 hours
Grade: 3 / 4
Leader: Dan (on 01229 832840 [eves.] or 07919 831237)

Sun 5 May - Raven Crag

A long walk exploring the smaller hills in St John's in the Vale, then venturing through forest trails to arrive at the magnificent viewpoint from Raven crag.

Starting from Threlkeld, a stroll along the old railway line takes us to Tewet tarn and then onto Low Rigg. This is followed by a steep ascent up to High Rigg, where we can get our breath back before following the path down to Rough How Bridge. After carefully crossing the A591 we ascend the forest trail up to Raven crag (461 m). Return is via riverside paths and across fields, including a stop-off at Low Bridge End teashop.

Distance: 13 miles
Ascent: 850 m
Time: 6.5 hours
Grade: 3 (Fairly strenuous, medium pace)
Start: 10 am at Threlkeld car park (free parking), near the Birkett Mining Museum (Grid ref: NY319245).
Directions: Approach from the A66 or from the A591 and turn off onto the B5322, then continue on this road until the turn-off for the Mining Museum. The car park is the first on the left.
Leader: Phil (07958 698905)

Sun 28 April - Dent to Ribblehead

This is a linear walk from Dent Railway Station to Ribblehead that starts with a 10 minute train ride over the famous Ribblehead Viaduct. The walk takes us through part of Dent Dale, across Blea Moor and climbs the summit Whernside before returning to Ribblehead.

Start: Platform 2, Ribblehead Railway Station (NGR: NY 765 789). We catch the 10:27am train to Dent. Single train fare is currently £3.20. Plenty of free car parking in the vicinity of the station.

Start time: We travel on the 10:27am train from Ribblehead.

Distance: 10.5 miles

Time: up to 6 hours

Terrain: Mostly on reasonable paths with some road walking, but the footpaths crossing Blea Moor can be very boggy! The ascents of Blea Moor and Whernside are on relatively steep paths and give the heart a good workout. There is little shelter on the walk and it is very exposed to the elements.

Total ascent: 700 metres

Leader: Jeremy 07899923019. Please let me know if you're coming

Wed 24 April - Social - Group Theatre Trip!

The Reduced Shakespeare Company are performing their The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) [revised] at the Brewery Arts Centre on Wednesday 24th April at 8pm.

"All 37 Plays in 97 Minutes!

An irreverent, fast-paced romp through the Bard’s plays, The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) was London’s longest-running comedy having clocked a very palpable nine years in London’s West End at the Criterion Theatre!

Now revised for 2013 with the same recycled jokes - just put in a different order. Join these madcap men in tights as they weave their wicked way through all of Shakespeare’s Comedies, Histories and Tragedies in one wild ride that will leave you breathless and helpless with laughter."

Tickets £17 + £1 booking fee.

I am planning on going as I've wanted to see this for ages and have already booked my ticket. If you would like to come, please book your ticket through the Brewery (www.breweryarts.co.uk or 01539 725133). I have seat J8.

We'll meet in the bar from 6.30 for those who would like a drink and/or food first.

Text Sarah 07818 366665 if you are coming along.

Sun 21 April - Wray Castle

Start Point: roadside verges by Wray Church (G.R. NY 371 007 @ 10.30)
Description: pass Randy Pike / Renny Park Coppice / Brathay Quarries / Dan Beck / Outgate Inn (lunch or drink stop])- / Hole House / Blelham Tarn & back
Distance: 6 miles (9.7 km)
Total Ascent: 160 metres (525 ft.)
High Point: nr. Brathay Quarries - 100 metres (328 ft.)
Time: 3.5 hours
Grade: 1
Leader: Suzanne. Contact - tel 07887 942038

Sun 14 April - Place Fell

Start Point: George Starkey Hut car park (nr. Patterdale - G.R. NY 396159) @ 10.00

Description: From Patterdale (149m!) we first head across the valley floor to Side Farm, and then take the bridleway (SE'ish) up to Boredale Hause (370m).  We then bear left (N'ish), and continue up to the top of Place Fell (657m),  before passing The Knight, Mortar Crag and High Dodd (501m). Then we'll drop down 300m'ish into the Boredale valley.  After that it's up to just about the same height again, whilst 'taking in' Winter Crag (300m), Howstead Brow (330m), Beda Head (509m) and Beda Fell (450m).  It's all (near'nuff) downhill from there, down to Boredale Hause and then back to Patterdale again.

Distance: 8 miles (12.9 km)
Total Ascent: 841 metres (2760 ft.)
High Point: Place Fell - 657 metres (2156 ft.)
Time: 4 / 5 hours
Grade: 3
Leader: Dan (on 01229 832840 [eves.] or 07919 831237)

Sun 7 April - Leader needed

If you are able to lead a walk on this date, please contact Tom.

Saturday 6 April - Social at the Brewery Restaurant

An evening at the Brewery restaurant in Kendal, with pizzas and beer being a popular option. A table has been booked for 7.30, please let me know if you would like to come by Wednesday 3rd April so that the numbers can be confirmed to the restaurant.

Contact Phil by text: 07958 698905
or email: phil.brookes11@gmail.com

We may be asked to pre-order, so please have a look at the menu at http://www.breweryarts.co.uk/food-and-drink/vats-bar

Sunday 31 Mar - Fairfield Horseshoe

Note: Given the recent snowy weather, crampons and ice axe will be required if we do the Fairfield Horseshoe. I'm going to do a quick recce on Friday to determine the conditions, and may alter the route if conditions are unfavourable. Whatever we do, the start point and time will be the same. Please let me know if you are coming.

Start Time: 10:00 AM
Description: This is one of the classic Lake District walks, but one that the group hasn't done for a while, and is always worth revisiting. We'll do it in a clockwise direction, starting with the ascent of Nab Scar and Heron Pike. This is a joint walk with the Cheshire Walkers.

The Cheshire Walkers are also doing a walk on Sat 30 Mar, which Summit Good members are welcome to attend. Details at http://www.cheshirewalkers.org.uk/events/event.php?id=269 - please note that the details for this walk have changed.

Start Point: Rydal road car park, Ambleside (NY375046) - likely to be expensive. Free parking may be available at Under Loughrigg, NY 371044, but you will need to make your own way to the start
Level: Strenuous
Distance: 12 miles
Leader: Tom
Phone: 07884493081
Email: tgrs013@yahoo.co.uk

Sun 24 Mar - Three Boats Walk

A varied and very gentle day out around the shores of Lake Windermere. We will meet at the Windermere Lake Cruises boat house (SD 402 967) at the end of Glebe Road before taking our first boat from there to Waterhead, Ambleside. From here we quickly catch our second boat over to Wray Castle. From here we walk the 4 mile path to Ferry House along the lake shore. This is very flat and easy going. Finally we will catch our final boat from Ferry House back to Bowness.

Timings: Meet at 9:30 to allow time to purchase tickets, first boat at 09:55, second at 10:45 and final boat hopefully at 14:20 (with a back up boat at 15:00).

Parking: Numerous options around Bowness but easiest is Lake Cuises Coach Park at end of Glebe Road and Rectory Road - however, this one is quite expensive. (Roughly £6 per day). Will just meet at boat house.

Tickets: Full price is £9.00 for all three boats, however, local discount (anyone with LA or CA postcode) is available during winter season of 50% off. To recieve a local discount you need to fill in an application form. This can be done on the day but would be very useful if people arrive with form filled in and bring proof of address with you. The form is available on the Windermere Lake Cruises website (www.windermere-lakecruises.co.uk) and click on Contact and Brochures and then download the Resident's application form.

Leader: Howard and Vicky (07835 416262)

Photos from Red Pike and High Stile

Phil's photos from Sunday's walk, and two from Dan:

Photos from Kentmere

Phil's photos from Dan's Kentmere walk:

Sun 17 Mar - Red Pike, High Crag and High Stile

A high level walk in the Western fells which on a clear day offers views across the valleys of Buttermere and Ennerdale, and over to the Solway Firth and Scotland.

From Buttermere village across the isthmus, we start the long climb through Burtness Wood to Bleaberry Tarn. This is followed by a steep ascent up Red Pike (755m). The ascent becomes easier (weather dependent!) as we continue to High Stile (807m), before descending via High Crag and Seat to Scarth Gap, and returning along the lakeside edge back to the start.

Distance: 6.5 miles
Time: 5 hrs
Total ascent: 920m
Grade: 3 (strenuous, fairly brisk pace)
Start: 10.00 am at Buttermere-Newlands pass junction (B5289). Grid ref NY176170.
Directions: From the A66 west of Keswick, turn off at Braithwaite onto the B5292 (Whinlatter pass), go through High Lorton and follow signs to Buttermere. Free car parking on the Newlands pass at the junction to Buttermere village.
Leader: Phil (07958 698905)

Sun 10 Mar - Howgills

Cautley Spout & The Calf, from Cross Keys, near Sedbergh, grid ref SD698969.  5.5 miles/8.9km; 1990 feet/603 metres ascent. 

Grade - moderate 

Start 10.30 am.

Please contact Sarah 07818 366665 if you plan to attend.  This walk may not go ahead if there are no takers or the weather is bad.

Sat 9 Mar - Pudding and Planning meeting

At Suzanne's in Dalton - details have been sent to everyone on the group email list. If anyone else would like to attend, then contact Suzanne on 07887 942038.

If you would like to lead a walk, but can't attend, then please email Tom.

Photos from Loughrigg

Dan's photos from Suzanne's walk:

Photos from Wetherlam

Dan's photos from Wetherlam:

Photos from Walla Crag

Dan and Phil's photos from the Walla Crag walk:

Sun 3 Mar - Kentmere

Start Point: Barley Bridge (at start of the kentmere road) (G.R. SD 470 987) @ 10.00
Description: Staveley / High Reston Farm / The Heights / Mickle Moss / Whiteside End / Kentmere Hall & Village / Cornclose Lane (track) / Green Quarter Fell / Birk Rigg / Staveley Head Fell / Ghyll Bank / Low Elfhowe / Scroggs Farm & back
Distance: 11 miles (17.7 km)
Total Ascent: 515 metres (1690 ft.)
High Point: Green Quarter Fell - 350 metres (1148 ft.)
Time: 6 hours
Grade: 3
Leader: Dan (on 01229 832840 [eves.] or 07919 831237)