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

Sun 25 Oct - Blencathra from Mungrisdale via Sharp Edge

Start: Meet 9.45am for 10am start @ Mungrisdale village - parking by the phone box (honesty box), NY361303.
Distance: ~18km, 6-7 hours
Grade: Strenuous/technical.

Description: From Mungrisdale village we will take the road out south until we can ascend onto Souther Fell which should offer great views if fortunate enough to have a clear day. We then go along the ridge and descend to the river, where we will cross the footbridge and follow the river downstream until we can pick up the East Ridge of Bannerdale Crags which we will scramble up (easy scrambling). Once on top we head west before dropping down towards Brunt Knott and pick up the start of the scramble (Grade 1, some exposure) on Sharp Edge to gain Blencathra. Then we will head to Mungrisdale Common and on to Bowscale Fell before heading for the Tongue and descending back into Mungrisdale Village and the Mill Inn for refreshments!

If the weather is bad, or I am unhappy - for any reason - leading the group on the two scrambling sections they will be missed out, and I may well change the route on the day if conditions dictate.

Sharp Edge in particular has quite a notorious step which can be tricky, especially in the wet. There are plenty of videos and pictures on YouTube etc. if you want to have a look and see if you think you would like it.

If you are planning on joining me on this walk please let me know in advance. My number is 07584300306.

And please remember that the clocks change – 1 hr back – next Sunday morning too!

Thanks,

Al

Sat 17 Oct - Windermere Lake Cruise and walk

Meet at 10am at the Windermere Lake Cruises base in Bowness to catch the 10.30 boat to Ambleside and Wray Castle followed by an easy 4 mile walk along the lake shore to Ferry House and boat back to Bowness. Cost £10 adults although discounts are sometimes available to local residents with proof of address and holders of a My Cumbria discount card. Please text Sarah 07818 366665 by 8pm on Friday 16th October if you plan to attend.

Sun 11 Oct - Middle Fell

Start Point:Start point and parking are at the grass verge next to the Greendale Holiday Cottages on the minor road to Wasdale, grid reference NY 145 056 at 10.30 am

Description:This walk follows mountain paths for most of it, but there is some moorland walking involved. After rain it can be muddy in places; the path around Greendale Tarn is rocky and slippery in wet weather.

Route: From Greendale follow the path north to Greendale Tarn. At the tarn, we will take the east route around it and ascend to the col between Seatallan and Middle Fell. From here, it is a short walk to the summit and spectacular views over the lofty Wasdale Fells. The descent is direct and offers great views over The Screes and, in fine weather, to the sea and the Isle of Man.

Distance: 5.5 km (3.5 miles)

Highest Point: Middle Fell summit (582 m) (approx. 500 m height gain)

Grade: Moderate

Time:                     Approx. 4 hours

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.

Leader: Wayne

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

Sat 3 Oct - Arnisde Knott and Tower from Silver

Start Point: Wolfhouse Gallery, Silverdale, (LA5 OTX)

Start time: 10.30 am

Description: Starting the walk at the Wolfhouse Gallery, Silverdale, (LA5 OTX ) we will head along the coast towards Arnside through Far Arnside to White Creek where we will head inland past the wooded Arnside Knott and Arnside Tower and back to the cafe for a brew (and cake).  

Grade: Moderate
Distance: 5.75 miles

Time: 3.5 to 4.5 hours
Highest Point: 156 metres
Leader: Laura

If you would like to come please text Laura on 07443562662 by 9pm the day before.