Sun 15th January - Thirlmere

This walk forms part of our 'Head for the Hills' January program. This is a series of easy/moderate walks aimed at both new and existing walkers who haven't been out with us before to come and see the fells with us. The walks will be in easily accessible areas with reasonable local facilities and in some of the more scenic and picturesque areas of the Lake District.

Car Parking: At Swirls Car Park NY316 139

Meet Time: 9.30am

Walk Start: 9.45am

Description: This walk follows a mixture of forestry tracks, footpaths and some road walking. The tracks and paths are all good, although in wet weather they will be muddy in places. It is a circular route.

Route: From the carpark we will use the subway under the A591 to take us to the eastern side of Thirlmere. We will then head north picking up the Blue Walking Trail. Once we reach the northern tip of the lake we will then walk on the minor road heading east, taking us over the dam. Once we reach the western side of the lake we shall head south along the shores. If the shore path is closed due to storm damage in 2015, we will walk along the minor road to Dobgill where we can re-join the shore side path. Once at the southern tip of the lake we will re-join the minor road leading us to the A591 where we will cross over and continue following the route along forestry tracks passing Wythburn Church and Straining Well as we go leading us back to where we started.

Thirlmere is a reservoir providing water to the Manchester area and was formed by the construction of the dam in the 1890's. Prior to this, Leathes Water and Wythburn Water were located here. The water is carried to Manchester via a 96 mile long aqueduct which relies on gravity rather than pumping stations.

Leader: Katie

Distance: Approximately 10 miles

Highest Point: It’s a fairly flat route, no real height gain to speak of

Grade: Easy end of moderate

Time: Approximately 5 hours

Notes: If the conditions are bad the leader reserves 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 Katie know by 6 pm on Saturday if you are coming on this walk (mobile 07709 318 941)