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Sunday 25 September 2016

Sun 25 Sep - A Lap of the Dodds

Leader: Mel
Car Parking: Free parking at High Row
Start / Finish: Car park at High Row (NY380219)
Meet Time: 9.15am
Start Time: 9.30am

Route: From the car park head out over Matterdale Common on the Old Coach Road. At the footbridge over Groove Beck, turn left along the right side of the beck and follow the path to the west leading up to the first summit of Great Dodd (858m). From here, head along the ridge to Watson's Dodd (789m) and continuing to Stybarrow Dodd (846m). Leaving the main path, we head east from the summit of Stybarrow Dodd to White Stones and following a smaller path to the top of Hart Side (758m) and the final summit of the day. Dropping down (no path marked on the map at this point) join a path that leads to Dowthwaitehead; this path could be quite boggy in places if there has been a lot of rain. Finally follow the small road back to High Row and the cars.

The Dodds are often neglected by other walkers who tend towards the heights of Blencathra and Helvellyn so the fells may be relatively quiet. Views en route should be grand on a clear day with Skiddaw, Blencathra, Helvellyn, Scafell Pike and Great Gable featuring aswell as the valleys of St Johns in the Vale and Thirlmere.

This is an unreccied walk.

Distance: ~8.5miles
Total Ascent: ~500m
Time: ~6 hours
Grade: Strenuous

Please let Mel know in advance by 5.00 pm on Saturday if you are coming on this walk - text 07584303975.
I reserve the right to modify the route or cancel the walk dependent on weather conditions.

Wednesday 21 September 2016

General Information on Walks

Easy Access - walks for everyone, including people with conventional wheelchairs and pushchairs, using easy access paths. Comfortable shoes or trainers can be worn. Assistance may be needed to push wheelchairs on some sections, please contact the group running the walk for details. 
More Specifically, Easy - walks for anyone who does not have a mobility difficulty, a specific health problem or is seriously unfit. Suitable for pushchairs if they can be lifted over occasional obstructions. Comfortable shoes or trainers can be worn. 
Leisurely - walks for reasonably fit people with at least a little country walking experience. May include unsurfaced rural paths. Walking boots and warm, waterproof clothing are recommended. 
Moderate - walks for people with country walking experience and a good level of fitness. May include some steep paths and open country, and may be at a brisk pace. Walking boots and warm, waterproof clothing are essential.  
Strenuous - walks for experienced country walkers with an above average fitness level. May include hills and rough country, and may be at a brisk pace. Walking boots and warm, waterproof clothing are essential. People in doubt about their fitness should contact the organiser or leader in advance. 
Technical - walks for experienced and very fit walkers that may require scrambling. You must contact the organiser or leader in advance for further details.
If you have any queries about a planned walk regarding technicality or route please contact the walk leader beforehand. Leaders may refuse participants who in their opinion are inadequately equipped or unfit.

Some Photos From 2016 So Far


Sunday 18 September 2016

Sun 18 Sep - Eagle Crag, Sergeant’s Crag and the Langstrath Valley

Description: This walk takes us into some “classic Lakeland” countryside that includes following streams past idyllic waterfalls, ascents up memorable fells with views along fantastic Borrowdale and rough walking through the wonderfully secluded Langstrath valley.

Route: From the start point, we cross Stonethwaite Beck and head south-easterly using the well-defined track. After a few minutes walking, Eagle Crag appears in full, and we will walk by its eastern side, following Greenup Gill.

Shortly after a waterfall we ascend steeply, behind Pounsey Crag, and make our way to the first summit of the day, Eagle Crag (526 m). The view from here is lovely and we’ll linger a while to appreciate the views.

Following a brief walk southwards we reach our highest point of the walk, Sergeant’s Crag. From here, we begin a gradual descent over rough ground into the Langstrath valley. Using the route of the Cumbria Way, we’ll amble our way back to Stonethwaite, taking in the atmosphere of this lonesome valley and enjoying places such as Tray Dub and Black Moss Pot.

Once back at the start, we’ll find a suitable cafĂ© or pub for a hot chocolate and slice of cake!

Grade:
Moderate

High Point:
Sergeant’s Crag (571 m)
Height gain: Approx. 560 m (1,850 ft)
Distance: Approx. 7 miles (11 km)

Meet Time: 09.45 am
Start Time: 10.00 am
Time: Approx. 6 hours

Start / Finish: Outside the front of the Langstrath Country Inn, Stonethwaite, CA12 5XG (grid reference NY 262137).

Car Parking: Either in Stonethwaite villages (approx. grid reference NY 262137, postcode CA12 5XG), or the layby just before it. If there is insufficient room to park courteously in Stonethwaite, there are a couple of car parks in Rossthwaite (including a National Trust one) about a mile away.
Buses: The Stagecoach 78 bus service from Keswick passes Rossthwaite General Store, which is just less than a mile from the walk start point. (Public transport is available to Keswick: from Lancaster & Kendal it is the Stagecoach 555, from Carlisle the 73, and from Workington & Penrith the X4 & X5 buses.)

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.

Saturday 10 September 2016

Sat 10 Sep - Annual General Meeting

Venue: The Queens Hotel, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9BU
Start time: 5.30 pm

AGENDA

1.Apologies for absence

2. Election of officers
Chair (*)
Secretary (*)
Membership secretary (*)
Treasurer (*)
Walks co-ordinator
“Without portfolio” officers
(*) = mandatory positions

3. Treasurer’s report
Accounts up to 31st August 2016
Anticipated funds for next year
Use of funds

4. Membership update
Number of paid-up members

5.Attendance at walks
Walks update
Summary of activities since last AGM
Walk leaders and availability
Programme for next year

6. Discussion of events & socials

7. Date of AGM 2017

8. Any other business
 
Please email summittgoodrambling@gmail.com if you would like to discuss anything further.

I hope to see you there

Suzanne Gates

Club Secretary


Sat 10 Sep - Stockghyll Force Waterfalls and Wansfell

Description: From the hustle and bustle of Ambleside town centre, this walk takes us to the picturesque Stockghyll waterfalls before heading out into open countryside, up Wansfell Pike and then along to Wansfell (marked as Baystones on OS maps). Although the route is moderately steep in places, the ascent is on largely well-pitched paths, and the payback for our efforts are superb views over Ambleside and the complete length of Windermere.

Route: From the start point, our route follows a minor road out of town before heading into Stockghyll Woods. Once here, we have time to explore the lovely surroundings and wander alongside Stock Ghyll itself and enjoy the views of the elegantly cascading water.

Out of the woods we take the gradually ascending track before forking off to the right and ascending more steeply up the pitched-path that takes us to Wansfell Pike. Although it is a moderately steep ascent, we won’t be in a hurry and there will be plenty of opportunities to stop and enjoy the views back over Ambleside. Soon enough we will reach the top of Wansfell Pike where we’ll stop for a brew and enjoy what is possibly the best view from this fell as from here the entire length of Windermere is visible.

Our route continues to the north-east and follows the grassy (and after heavy rain, a bit squishy) ridge for around a kilometre before reaching the highest point of Wansfell itself (487 m). On OS maps this marked as Baystones, and I wonder how many “Wainwright Baggers” have climbed Wansfell Pike believing they had summited Wansfell, only to be inadvertently mislead by the vagaries of cartography?

After the high point it is a simple case of retracing our earlier steps back to Ambleside, where we’ll go to the Queen’s Hotel for a lemonade and a chat.

Grade: Moderate

High Point: Wansfell (marked as Baystones on OS maps) (487 m)
Height gain: Approx. 530 m (1,700 ft)
Distance: Approx. 4.8 miles (7.7 km)

Meet Time: 11.00 am
Start Time: 11.15 am
Time: Approx. 4.5 hours
Start / Finish: Outside the Tourist Information Centre in Ambleside (post code LA22 9BS, grid reference NY 377 045).

A Note on Timings: This route has been selected to fit in with the Summit Good Ramblers Annual General Meeting that is being held on the same day at 5.30 pm at the Queen’s Hotel, Ambleside. Although graded moderate, with a steep ascent, the timings will allow a leisurely pace to be set with plenty of relaxation stops and still have sufficient time to get to the AGM without being rushed.

Car Parking: There are numerous pay and display car parks in Ambleside. (Road side car parking is normally restricted to permit holders or is limited time (typically only an hour) using a parking disc.)
Buses: Public transport is available from Keswick to Ambleside and also from Lancaster & Kendal to Ambleside. Both directions use the Stagecoach 555.

Leader: Wayne

Please let Wayne know in advance by 8.00 pm on Friday 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.

Sunday 4 September 2016

Sun 4 Sep - Blencathra via Hall's Fell Ridge

Leader: Andy
Start / Finish Point: Small car park in Threlked village (Honesty Box)
GR: NY 318 256
Meet Time: 9:15
Start Time: 9:30

Description: Blencathra or Saddleback is one of the most Northerly mountains in the National Park. It has six separate fell tops, of which the highest is Hallsfell Top which can be approached directly via Hall’s Fell Ridge. Blencathra stands apart from the other Lakeland fells, looking South and West offers a vast panorama.

Hall’s Fell Ridge is a steep but relatively short and direct ascent to the summit, it is a bit ‘scrambley’ in places but isn’t anywhere near as treacherous or exposed as Sharp Edge. It does require a certain amount of care especially in windy conditions, however this is still a great walk for anyone that wants to venture up into the hills but who is put off by very long mountainous walks.

Route: From the car park we head NNW walking alongside Blease Gill before crossing over and entering a field through a gate. From here we head ENE to Gategill Farm. We now start the climb towards Hall’s Fell ridge before ascending the ridge itself, during good visibility views from the ridge are exceptional. Once we reach the top of the ridge we are suddenly greeted by Hallsfell Top summit and a trig point. Depending on energy levels and enthusiasm we may take a short detour from here towards Atkinson Pike in order to catch a glimpse of Sharp Edge. The descent takes us steadily Southwest past Knowe Crags before turning sharply to head West down towards Blease Farm, we then walk back alongside Blease Gill to reach the start point.

Ascent: 690m
Distance: 5 miles
Time: 4 hours
Grade: Moderate
Dogs: Dogs are welcome on this walk but please ensure your dog doesn’t affect your ability or anyone else’s ability to be safe when walking on more exposed terrain.

Please let Andy know by 17:00 Saturday 3rd September if you plan to attend the walk.

07746523780

andykelly22@hotmail.co.uk

I reserve the right to modify or cancel the walk dependant on weather conditions