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3 Tarns (Harrop, Blea,
Watenlath) These three lovely tarns in the vicinity of Thirlmere are
just sufficiently adjacent to provide a good day's walk. Allerdale Ramble This is a
well-graded walk, mostly easy going, set down on an existing network of
footpaths and bridleways in the area. The whole walk is too much for one outing
and Ian has divided it into two interesting outings. Angle, Sprinkling, Styhead Tarns High up above Borrowdale are a number of attractive stretches of water, large, medium and tiny. These three are arguably the most well-known, Angle Tarn, the furthest away, lies above Langdale while the other two are quite close to each other, at the foot of great End. Ard Crags and Knott Rigg 1860
Ft. and 1790 Ft. respectively. Total distance (a) 7.1 miles or (b) 9.2 miles.
1650 Ft. of ascent overall. Map NW Area 208198 Back O' Skidda The huge tract of
land behind the masifs of Skiddaw and Blencathra is known locally as the 'Back
O' Skidda'. It is said that this lonely, undulating area is the last part of
Lakeland where you can walk all day and not see another soul - that has
certainly been my experience on occasion. Except, of course, when 'Sod's law'
prevails. That is, when you've walked miles in total solitude and you have a
desire to relieve yourself, yes, as soon as you've released John Thomas a head
bobs over the horizon. Bakestall/Skiddaw In the wild,
Northern extremities of the Lake District there are a number of mountains that
few seem to bother about. One such is Bakestall, the northerly outrider of the
Skiddaw range. A truly exhilarating ascent is made up Birkett Edge and Dead
Crags before one joins the main approach to Skiddaw. Bannerdale/Blencathra As
you drive westwards towards Keswick along the A66, The Blencathra range comes
into view on the left as you reach the highest point on the road, Troutbeck.
Bannerdale lies out of sight behind the crags of Blencathra and White Horse
Bent. When you approach the top, ask the leader to show you the white stone
cross laid down by a Threlkeld man about sixty years ago. Lord's Seat and Barf 1811
Ft. and 1536 Ft. 8½ miles. NW Area 205266 Total ascent 1060 Ft. Base Brown Walkers climbing Sour Milk Gill and negotiating the hanging valley of Gillercomb are usually bound for Green Gable and Great Gable and barely afford a glance at the mountain rising on the left. Seldom visited and little known, yet at 2100 feet, Base Brown, were it anywhere else in England but the Lake District would be a place of pilgrimage for local walking groups. Look for the hanging stone on your way up. Bassenthwaite Village and Whitewater
Dash Highest point 1680 Ft. Black Sail Hut Black Sail
Pass links the valleys of Wasdale and Ennerdale. A wonderful scenic walk takes
us to the Black Sail Hut, now a youth hostel, nestling in Ennerdale just below
the pass. Bleaberry Fell and High Seat Beneath Blencathra The massif of Blencathra consists of five huge fells, Blease, Gategill, Halls Fell, Doddick and Scales, spreading from north to south like the fingers of a great hand. Several paths explore the lower reaches of these fells where one is high enough to take in the lovely views. One can also observe the evidence of mining operations of a bygone era. Blencathra via Doddick Fell The mountain of Blencathra consits of five main fells, or 'fingers', Blease, Gategill, Halls, Doddick and Scales fells. The three middle fells all rise from south to north to the summit ridge. Blencathra to Keswick After reaching the summit of Blencathra a descent of Blease Fell offers breathtaking panoramic views to the South - which makes it difficult to adhere to Wainwright's oft-repeated advice "watch where you put your feet". The leader has a choice then of either taking the old railway track or returning via Brundholme Woods - or combining the two. Bog House Generally in the area between
Derwentwater and Bassenthwaite, this is another of Ian's entertaining low-level
walks making good use of his fine knowledge of the network of footpaths in the
Lake District Bowfell and Esk Pike Looking
from the north towards the Scafell Massif, you will see what appears to be a
smaller hump just to the left of the cluster. This is Esk Pike, a giant in its
own right but dwarfed somewhat by the highest grond in England. To the left of
Esk Pike is the shapely pyramid of Bowfell, a fine day's walk. Bowscale and Blencathra Towering
above the village of Threlkeld, mighty Blencathra or 'Saddleback' as it is known
locally is a firm favourite of visitors to Lakeland. Approached in this instance
from the back, so to speak, the walk takes in the great upland plateau of
Bowscale. Brandreth and Grey Knotts On the top of Honister Pass walkers bound for Ennerdale and Great Gable first ascend the line of the old gravity railway, what Wainwright called 'the straightest mile in lakeland.' Instead of following the paths to the aforementioned destinations, a faint path rises in an easterly direction leading eventually to todays objectives. With a little more effort the gently rising ridge leads to the superb viewpoint of Green Gable. Brothers Parting Stone
It's all to do with a family once famous in the area and where the brothers
----- but I'll let the leader tell you the interesting story. Burnt Horse. 1850ft. 8½miles. 1680ft of ascent.
NW area map 284290 Buttermere Crag Hill Of
the three main mountains overlooking Buttermere, Crag Hill is the nearer to the
Mines and quarries of Honister, to the left of High Stile as you look at the
across the lake. On the summit you will be treated to superb views of Ennerdale,
Pillar and beyond. Buttermere Red Pike A
lake of immense charm that has inspired many a poet and writer, Buttermere is
equally famous for the range of three 2000ft+ mountains rising on its
south-western shores. The most northerly in the range is Red Pike, the middle
one High stile and at the other end, Crag Hill. The views on a clear day are
spectacular - don't forget the camera. Buttermere to Keswick A bus journey into the lovely Buttermere valley drops us off just past the tiny building that was the old schoolhouse. Passing through a small wood, the track rises almost imperceptibly around the base of Whiteless Pike into a hidden valley between Wandope and Knott Riggs to emerge at Rigg Beck and on to Hawes End where the leader will decide on the launch or shanks pony back to Keswick Carrock to Keswick Carrock Fell lies is one of the last fells on the eastern perimeter of the lakeland Mountains. Thereafter the Eden plain stretches somewhat flatly for 20 or so miles before the uplands of the Penines rises from the peat bogs. The remains of a British fort are still very much a feature of the summit of Carrock. Castle Crag (Millican
Dalton's Cave). Catbells This romantically named fell attracts visitors in their droves, some of whom baulk at the steep rise to gain its summit. Modest in height, it is nonetheless a superb viewpoint as the focal point of a day-long lakeside ramble. Causey Pike A familiar sight to the
Keswick visitor, but not so many can put a name to it. Across the other side of
Derwentwater, eyes are drawn to a mountain, the peak of which comprises, from
this angle, three nobbly bits. Well, this is Causey Pike, a fine, airy walk with
lovely views in good weather. Circuit of Bassenthwaite Lake What this walk lacks in height gained in more than makes up for in distance walked - which is why it is a Classic. From the Moot Hall the leader takes you to Spooney Green Lane - as if going to ascend Skiddaw. Walking through a series of field paths and lanes taking you through the villages of Applethwaite and Millbeck it is some time before you actually arrive at the Lake. Thereon the miles roll away under your feet passing around the northern end of the lake and coming around the other side back to Keswick. Clough Head To the south of the
village of Threlkeld, Clough Head rises well above 2000ft. On approach, the
sheer cliff below the summit seems unbreachable until a narrow but perfectly
safe trod suddenly becomes apparent. Coast to Coast Day 3 (NE) Popularised
by the late A. Wainwright, the Coast to Coast walk is more popular than ever and
has spawned on or two small business ventures, ie, you can get your days
planned, accommodation booked and your backpack and luggage carried between
stops. This walk explores the route normally covered during the third day. Cockup I don't know how some of the
Lakeland Fells acquired their names, I suppose they are corruptions of
long-forgotten Viking names. This fell, once a grouse shoot, lies to the north
of Skiddaw, not too far from Dash Falls. Coledale The area surrounding the old Force Crag mine workings is known as Coledale. There are numerous tracks and paths, formed and frequented in the past by shepherds and miners, all long gone. An interesting walk along these interconnected tracks makes for a good day out. Coledale Horseshoe Two
and a half miles west of Keswick, above the valley of Newlands, there rises what
A. Wainwright termed the 'North-Western fells'. Viewed from the air, the
mountains of Grisedale Pike, Crag Hill, Sail, Scar Crags and Causey Pike take
the shape of a great switchback horseshoe - hence the name of this longer walk. Crummock Crummock Water is
separated from Buttermere by a few hundred metres of pasture land and stretches
in a north-westerly direction. The walk is equally enjoyable in a clockwise or
anti-clockwise direction. Dale Head Tarn At the top of
the hause between Dale head and High Spy, the footpaths converge on Dale Head
Tarn with its fine view of Newlands. Look for the plentiful evidence of mining
activity of yesteryear around this area. Dale Head 2473 ft. 2100
ft. of ascent. 9½ miles. NW area map 223153. Darling How and Broom Fell Derwentwater scenic and high
route There are numerous ways to explore the area surrounding
Derwentwater and many special points from which to observe the
breathtaking beauty of the 'Queen of Lakes'. No-one knows them better than your
leader - don't forget the camera. Derwentwater Terraces Overlooking
Derwentwater on the western side are a series of footpaths and bridleways, no
great height so not a great deal of hard work. Dock Tarn Above the village of Stonethwaite a zig-zag path leads to the bracken clad heights and the summit of High Crag. Nestling below is the secluded little Dock Tarn. A fine walk off the beaten track. Dollywagon Pike, Nethermost
Pike Eagle Crag A bus ride into Borrowdale
is followed by a stroll to the hamlet of Stonethwaite, passing the tiny but
still alive Borrowdale School on the way. Rising sharply almost a mile away,
Eagle Crag sits astride the valleys of Greenup and Langstrath. Fairfield/Horseshoe The mountain of Fairfield
gives its name to the famous Horseshoe which begins and ends at Rydal, taking in
eight separate peaks. The total horseshoe is around 11 miles and offers
wonderful views. The highest point, Fairfield, is often climbed as a separate
outing, approached from Dunmail Raise near the old Cumberland/Westmoreland
boundary. Fellbarrow Taking the road to Whinlatter, we travel beyond, past the village of Lorton, taking the road to Buttermere and Crummock. We alight from the bus before these destinations and cross the fields in a westerly direction, our objective being in sight at this point. Fleetwith Pike At the top of the
pass, where the Honister quarry burrows into the fells on each side of the road,
the defunct rail track on the southerly side provides a way of ascent to a
meeting of paths and access to the summit of Fleetwith Pike overlooking
Buttermere and Crummock. Floutern Tarn and Great Bourne There are no less than five Mosedales in the Lake District and one of them lies to the south west of Crummock Water and which is touched upon in reaching our objectives for today. Gasgale Gasgale Gill drains the
water from high Coledale Hause, running between the mountains of Grasmoor and
Whiteside down to Lanthwaite Green. A path runs the length of the gill, taking
the walker to its source on Coledale. Gategill and the Lead Mines
Up past the kennels of the Blencathra Foxhounds, the slopes of Saddleback
were a hive of mining activity in times past, and much of it around Gategill,
the middle of the 'five fingers. of Blencathra. Gillercombe Horseshoe Deep into
Borrowdale, at the end of the bus line at Seatoller, the walk either begins by
walking the mile or so to the hamlet of Seathwaite and following Sourmilk Gill
upwards to the hanging valley of Gillercombe and taking in the mountains that
enclose it to return by Honister or, of course, going round the other way. Glaramara Rising steeply above Seatoller
in Borrowdale is the ridge comprising Bessyboot (love that name) Glaramara and
Allan Crags before leading off on to Esk Hause at the far end. Whichever
approach is taken, a good walk is assured. Glenderamakin and Greta Below
the the towering height of Clough Head, between Threlkeld village and the
quarry, the waters of The Glenderamakin and the Greta meet. The lod railway line
accompanies the Greta to Keswick from thereon, where it flows into the Derwent
and on to Bassenthwaite Lake. Glenderaterra Valley and Lonscale A deep gully runs between Blease Fell, the westermost 'finger' of Blencathra and Lonscale Fell, the easterly outrider of the Skiddaw massif. This gully takes its name from the beck which flows through it, the Glenderaterra Beck. The valley still displays much evidence of the mining activity of yesteryear. Glenridding to Keswick over Helvellyn Tops The tourist village of Glenridding, like its near nieghbour Patterdale was once the scene of much industrial activity and most of the cottages hereabouts originally housed workmen from the nearby Greenside Mine. From the village the famous 'hole in the wall' is reached after a steady climb. The journey ahead is what walkers call an 'honest climb'. No false horizons, what you see is where you're going. A super linear walk which takes in the highest points in the area Gowbarrow, Little Mell and Aira Force Spreading further afield from our usual territory we venture into the vicinity of Ullswater. Gowbarrow Fell is probably most famous for Glencoyne Park at its eastern foot where one can see the decendants of Wordsworth's "Dancing daffodils." Little Mell is an easy stroll and Aira Force is a famous beauty spot, Grange, Brown Dodd and Lodore A hundred or so years ago, the village of Grange, in Borrowdale was a centre of Cumbrian Methodism. he only evidence left today are the three churches (one of which has closed) and the lack of a pub! Across the pretty bridge over the river Derwent and a steady rise brings us to Brown Dodd. Thereafter an undulating stroll over the higher ground precedes the descent close to Lodore Falls. Grasmoor The
highest of what is termed the 'Western Fells', the western flank of Grasmoor
rises steeply from Lanthwaite Green on the Lorton-Buttermere road. The eastern
approach from Coledale Hause is more gentle. Views on a clear day are extensive
in all directions. Great Calva Tucked away in the vast wilderness 'Back o' Skidda' are several mountains in excess of 2000 feet. One of these is Great Calva. Savour the peace and solitude of this quiet backwater, away from the bustle and congestion of the central Lakes. Great End Now, most Lakeland fellwalkers
know that the four highest peaks hereabouts are, in order of stature,
Scafell Pike, Scafell, Helvellyn and Skiddaw. But how many would know what
number 5 is? At the northern end of the Scafell range stands the mighty Great
End at 910 m. or 2958 feet in old money. A good question for you quiz
enthusiasts! Great Gable A great favourite,
this internationally known mountain affords the walker a wonderful feeling of
achievement once the summit has been reached. Some routes now suffer from
advanced erosion, Gable being a victim of its own popularity, but rely upon your
leader to take you up and down the best routes. Great Gable Girdle Many years ago someone, probably rock climbers discovered a negotiable track circumnavigating Great Gable, offering magnificent views in every direction as one progressed along the way. It didn't really become popular with walkers until Wainwright gave it publicity. It is arguably the finest walk in the Lake District that doesn't reach a summit. Along the way it passes internationally famous climbs including Kern Knotts Crack (rated very severe) Napes Needle and Sphinx Rock Greenup Edge Walking from the signposted turn off just beyond Rosthwaite one soon reaches the hamlet of stonethwaite. Passing through, you are hemmed in by Bull Crag on the right and High Crag to the left whilst ahead looms the bulk of Eagle Crag. Very shortly Stonethwaite Beck bifurcates to become Langstrath Beck to the right and Greenup Gill to the left. It is the latter we follow to rise to the Edge passing Lining Crag. Several tracks now give the choice of Ullscarf, High Raise, Wythburn or Grasmere via Easedale. Grisedale Pike 9 miles, 2700 ft
of ascent. Soaring to more than 2500
ft, Grisedale Pike is a feature of the skyline beyond the village of Braithwaite
to the west of Keswick. Such is its popularity that the tourist paths are very
worn and eroded. Believe it or not, your leader takes you up a little known well-graded green
trod with stunning retrospective views. A bus journey takes us to Whinlatter
Centre and our objective is clearly in view. We make as if intending to climb
the north west ridge but turn away at the last moment to follow a thin track up
through the trees which brings us to the foot of Hobcarton End, or Black Crag as
Wainwright called it. A steep ascent of the fell rewards us with extensive views
across the Solway Firth and into Scotland. An undulating trek followed by a
steep pull brings us to the summit of Grisedale Pike with breathtaking views in
all directions. A long descent via the defunct Force Crag mine and access track
takes us to Braithwaite and the last scenic couple of miles to Keswick. Hawes End to Grange A pleasant trip on the Derwentwater launch is a prelude to the walk today. The route to Dale Head tarn depends upon the whim of the leader - all are equally enjoyable. The descent path to the old pony route leading to Grange passes the defunct workings of one of the many lead mines worked hereabouts in times past. Haystacks Tagging on the end of the
Buttermere fells is the rugged, if modest, Haystacks. Within easy reach of
Honister, it was the undoubted favourite of the late Alfred Wainwright, the
legendary guidebook writer. It has three tarns at various heights and following
his death in 1991 it was beside the middle one, Inominate Tarn that his ashes
were placed in accordance with his wishes. Helvellyn This is the most visited
mountain in Lakeland and really needs no introduction. Our leaders ascend via a
variety of routes and, whatever the weather, you can be sure of plenty company
when you get to the cross shelter on the summit. Hidden Valley of Shoulthwaite Ian
McQueen, with his encyclopedic knowledge of the area, has devised some walks in
areas off the beaten track. His valley walks take in charming old footways and
places where feet seldom tread. Hidden Valley of Wythop On
the westerly side of Bassenthwaite Lake the forest of Whinlatter gives way to
the Wythop forest and Barf rises steeply opposite the White Swan hotel. A little
further on a well-graded forest path gives access to the secluded Wythop Valley. High and Low Rigg Rising in the vale of St John, just above the Diocesan Centre are the modest, undulating hills comprising High and Low Rigg. A short but steep in places ascent brings us to the highest point where the reward is the extensive all round views. The summits are delightful places of birdsong and hidden little hollows. High Coledale and Barrow
Behind the village of Braithwaite the Western Fells rise around the valley
of Coledale wherein lies the redundant Force Crag mine. To the south, the fell
of Barrow slopes almost to the edge of the village. High/Low Rigg, St. Johns in the Vale and Stone Circle. High Scawndel Along the old pony route between Seatoller and Grange there is an out drop of rocks climbing almost opposite Castle Crag, this is High Scawndel. Once the scene of widespread mining and quarrying, there is much visible evidence of these industries of bygone times. Access over undulating fellside to Launchy and Dale Head tarns is an interesting diversion. High Spy and Maiden Moor High Street and Thornthwaite
Crag Down below Ullswater brings us into the midst of what
Wainwright called 'the eastern fells'. High Street is a former Roman highway,
the original path of which can still be traced. A century or so ago it was known
as 'Racecourse Hill' and jolly festivals and racing events took place. A mile
away stands the famous eleven foot beacon marking the summit of Thornthwaite
Crag. High Tove, Watendlath,
Rosthwaite Moving in a southerly direction from Bleaberry
Fell and High Seat, the walker reaches the slightest of rises which couldn't
possibly be a seperate peak - but it is, this is High Tove. A short descent
leads to the hamlet of Watendlath and then over the col to Rosthwaite. Hindscarth The middle one of the three
main tops in the longer walk 'The Newlands Horseshoe' , Hindscarth is perhaps
the most noticable from the valley. Although a steep ascent, the views are
excellent and you have the satisfaction of knowing that you have earned your
evening pint. Honister to Lakeshore A nice easy stroll from the working Quarry of Honister through the Borrowdale Valley and the Lakeside path makes for a pleasant day out. Johnny's Wood and Borrowdale
A beautiful little corner of Lakeland much beloved of the late Alfred
Wainwright. Little paths criss-cross the landscape and your leader is familiar
with every one of them. Keskadale Yaks Again, one of
Ian McQueen's 'off the beaten track' walks. A delightful ramble in the vicinity
of the Newlands Valley. Kings How, Jopplety, Brown Dodd
As you enter Borrowdale, the fine rock-climbing faces of Falcon Crag and
Shepherds Crag are passed to your right. Further on, as the Village of Grange is
approached, King's How (called locally Grange Fell) rises on the right, the
other two objectives being quite close. Kirk Fell Above the Ennerdale Valley a
long, high ridge of a mountain rises between Great Gable and Pillar. Lovely and
contrasting views are to be had in all directions, particularly the steep
western aspect of Great Gable. Your leader will approach from Honister, making
use of an old smugglers path known as the 'Moses Trod' Ladyside Pike and Hobcarton Pike Roughly midway on the narrow country road that links Whinlatter and Lorton, the path on Swinside rises, initially steeply through a chicane of stone walls and then a gentle sloping grassy path to a ridge. The ridge continues on to first, Ladyside Pike and then Hobcarton Crag (Often better known as Hopegill head) Langstrath Beyond the hamlet of Stonethwaite the walker is confronted by the huge bulk of Eagle Crag. To either side lies a lovely valley, to the right is Greenup and to the left is Langstrath, beloved of walker making for the Langdales or perhaps Bowfell. The valley itself offers a superb low-level walk. Lanthwaite Green to Keswick A bus ride through Whinlatter and on down the Buttermere road brings us to the farm at Lanthwaite Green. We Make for the narrow valley between, on the left, Whiteside and on the right the massive Grasmoor. Gasgale Gill runs through the valley and a footpath runs on either side to bring us to Coledale Hause. Little Dale In the valley of Newlands
there are several little nooks and cannies tucked away in some quiet byway and
seldom visited by walkers. Such a place is Little Dale, nestling between the
mighty Robinson and Hindscarth and deserted since the cessation of mining
activity over a century ago. Lining Crag Passing through the hamlet of Stonethwaite in Borrowdale, as we follow Stonethwaite Gill, the valley is split by the massive bulk of Eagle Crag. On one side id the valley of Langstrath but it is the other valley, Greenup that we approach. At its head it rises steeply in the direction of Greenup Edge to reach the viewpoint of Lining Crag Little Dale and Hindscarth This walk proceeds up the mighty flanks of Hindscarth from the environs of the above walk in Little Dale. A strenuous but superb route takes you to the roof of Newlands and you can certainly feel you will have earned your evening drink. On this very route I was once lifted bodily several feet in the air by a freak blast of wind and deposited in the heather a few yards further up the fell! I trust you won't encounter any such experience. Lonscale Fell Largely ignored and
unnoticed by walkers intent on conquering mighty Skiddaw, the former upland
grouse moor to the east of the giant rises slightly and terminates in a sheer
precipice, Lonscale Fell, offering stunning views of the Glenderaterra valley
and St. John's in the Vale down to Thirlmere Melbreak In the Buttermere valley lie the lakes of Buttermere and Crummockwater. The main Crummockwater fell is Melbreak. Not as high as the Buttermere mountains it nevertheless is of considerable stature, rather like an upturned boat in appearance. The views from the summit are well worth the effort of ascending it. Mosedale to keswick A taxi or bus ride takes us east on the A66 for 5 miles to the Mungrisdale turn off. Going beyond Mungrisdale we reach the hamlet of Mosedale. There are, in fact, no less than five Mosedales in Lakeland but our walk begins from this one. Rising in a westerly direction, we soon enter the wild country 'Back o' Skiddaw'. It is then a steady ramble back to familiar environs. Mungrisdale Common and Blencathra Midway between Skiddaw House and Blencathra - 'Back o' Skidda' - rises a large flat-topped plateau, atop which any one of a hundred clumps of turf could claim to be the actual summit. It is rarely visited except as a means of passage from on valley to another but is a fine approach to Blencathra. Nethermost Pike, Dollywagon
Pike Living in the shadow of mighty Helvellyn, these two
peaks are nonetheless giants in their own right, affording fine easterly views
across Grisedale and beyond and over Thirlmere in the other direction. Nitting Haws Above Hollows farm,just beyond the village of grange in Borrowdale, a huge fell rises steeply to a prominent rocky outcrop, Nitting Haws. At first glance, there appears to be no path but closer inspection reveals a narrow trod. Exhilarating stuff. Old Fort on Bleaberry Fell
In times of yore, the ancient Britons who lived hereabouts had to be wary of
marauding Picts and Scots and wisely chose to build there abodes on high ground
so any attackers would be under the distinct disadvantage of having to fight
their way uphill. Some traces of these old forts remain but if, like me, you
haven't got a trained eye then you have to look very closely. Outerside, Stile End and Barrow
Almost 150 years ago, near the Sail Pass above Stoneycroft in Newlands a
mine was opened to extract Wolfram, the ore which bears Cobalt. At one stage a
small amount of Silver was discovered and the owners invested much money in
building a finely engineered track all the way from the Newlands road. The mine
has long been silent but the old track now serves walkers, some of whom are
bound for the three mentioned above. Pillar to Seathwaite Standing
at just short of 3000 feet, Pillar is arguably the King of Ennerdale. A mecca
for walkers and climbers alike, this noble peak, when conquered, affords one a
great sense of achievement and the satisfaction that you have earned your
evening pint. Ravenstone to St. Begs On the old Carlisle road, about 3 miles out of Keswick is the general area of Ravenstone. A series of footpaths taking in St. Begs (or Bega's) meanders around this locality offering a stroll in an unfrequented backwater. Red Pike, High Style and High Crag This is one of the great classic walks of Lakeland. Beginning from Buttermere we make for the right of the massif on the other side of the lake. Climbing steadily in the company of Scale Beck we reach the subsidiary of Dodd. A further climb brings us to Red Pike and from there on to the other two. River Glenderamakin and Cumbria Way Roughly around a central point of 299249. A flat stroll of some 3½ miles in the company of the River Greta takes us past relics of former riverside industries and across a series of bridges to a former rail workers hut. We take our leave of the river here and follow an unclassified road up to the farmstead of Wescoe before crossing a series of fields to reach the Blencathra Centre at the bottom of Blease Fell, an outrider of Blencathra. Ther are two branches of the Cumbria Way in this vicinity and we continue our outward journey on one and begin our return on the other. Skirting Lonscale Fell the views are spectacular before we gradually embark on the long descent that brings us back to Keswick. Riverside to Tewet Tarn and Stone Circle A leisurely stroll up to the old former railway station brings us on to the former rail track, now a highway for walkers and cyclists (this is part of the cycle coast to coast route). Turning of across the fields just before Threlkeld takes on to Shundraw and Tewet Tarn. Lunch at the Dioscean Centre is followed by a gentle rise to the Stone Circle and back to Keswick. Riverside and Glenderaterra
Valley Region of 295265. 9 miles. Highest point 1700ft Robinson At the head of the Newlands Valley stand the three great mountains Robinson, Hindscarth and Dale Head. Robinson is the most westerly of the three and arguably the least climbed. Route depends on the whim of the leader but, as only two recognised direct routes are available there is not much choice. If going on to Buttermere, there is a well-graded track with lovely views so don't forget the camera. Rosthwaite to Keswick A
bus journey into Borrowdale takes us the to village of Rosthwaite from where we
join an old packhorse route up and over the ridge into the next valley and the
hamlet of Watendlath. If Dock Tarn is included we branch off right at the top of
the pass instead of dropping directly down to Watendlath. A route from this
delightful little tarn takes us on to Watendlath. Proceeding north, we eventually reach the viewpoint of
Surprise View. From there we may rise to Walla Crag or on via the woods and
lakeside back to Keswick. Round of Aitken Beck A couple of miles west of the Whinlatter Visitor Centre the Lorton Road dips sharply to level out at Scawgill Bridge and the long-abandoned Quarry. Following the beck up below the remote Darling How farm, the walker enters the quiet and lonely Aitken Valley with skyline views of Broom Fell and beyond. Rydal and Grasmere These
are two of the prettiest stretches of water in Lakeland - possibly in England.
Much photographed and famous for having had some of the famous Lakeland poets
living nearby. There is much to see and explore around the shorelines of these
adjacent small lakes Sail Pass On the westerly side of
Newlands the Coledale fells begin to rise. This area was the scene of much
mining activity in the past and many of the former mine tracks have been taken
over by walkers. Between Causey Pike and Sail is the high, airy Sail Pass,
approached by a finely graded old track. Scafell Pike The highest point
in England, this is a must for anyone who has not 'been there, done it etc'. The
approaches from Seathwaite are normally the Corridor Route and the Esk Hause
route. The leader will take you up on and down 'tother. One of our longer summer
classics, this involves a late return, see the leader. To save over a mile of
dreary road-walking and waiting around for a bus back, we will use cars and park
at Seathwaite. Meet at the Moot Hall as normal. Seat How, Lords Seat and Barf. High up above the main part of Whinlatter forest stands the prominent but small hillock of Seat How. Approached by a 'hidden' footpath through the deer forest, it is a remarkably fine viewpoint. A series of woodland paths leads to the higher viewpoint of Lord's Seat and just over a mile away stands the super viewpoint of Barf, home of the 'Bishop', your leader will recount his tale for you when he comes into view. Seat Sandal Over the top of
Dunmail Raise the road drops towards Grasmere in the former shire of
Westmoreland. Looking up Raise Beck, the Helvellyn range rises steeply towards
the north, in the other diresction, rising almost as steeply is Seat Sandal. Seathwaite fell and Great End
The massive, soaring height of Great End is well known and quite
recognisable , being almost perpetually in view from the Borrowdale valley. The
lesser height of Seathwaite Fell however, seldom features in any walking itinery,
which is a pity as it has a great deal to offer in the way of views and rock
scenery. Approach is made from Borrowdale . Seathwaite Yews Deep into Borrowdale we find the village and general area of Seathwaite. As the walk suggests, some of the route takes in woodland and the opportunity to observe the flora and fauna therein. Seatoller to Keswick Following
the old pony route from Seatoller at an easy stroll almost to the village of
Grange, we have some fine views en route of what the late A. Wainwright called
'The most attractive square mile in Lakeland'. Thereafter we follow mainly a
lakeside route back to Keswick with some diversions on the way. Sergeant Man Entering the valley from
the little hamlet of Stonethwaite, one is immediately aware of the towering
Eagle Crag that separates the valleys of Greenup and Langstrath. If you carry on
up either valley it becomes apparent that there is another mountain of almost
equal stature behind Eagle Crag, this is Sergeant Man. Silver How and Easedale Tarn
In my opinion, Easedale Tarn is the most beautifully situated tarn in Lakeland,
lying in a secluded upland not over far from Grasmere. A few miles in a
southerly direction, Silver How offers stunning views for surprisingly little
hard work. Skiddaw House and River Caldew
A good, surfaced lane leads off from the Mungrisedale - Caldbeck road.
Originally constructed to service the mine, it is still in good condition. Past
the defunct Carrock Mine, the road becomes a track with the River Caldew on the
left (look for slabs of Skiddaw granite in the river bed) Eventually, Skiddaw
House and the Cumbria Way is reached. Skiddaw There are quite a few ways up
Skiddaw but I think that this is the best. For the most part, it is well
away from the tourist routes. I can never understand why there are so many
detractors of this grand old mountain (mainly climbers). The late A Wainwright
said - "Fortunately, most detractors of Skiddaw are now dead, or soon will
be- " Not quite true perhaps, but I understand the sentiment. Souther Fell to Latrigg Souther
Fell is the most easterly summit on the northern side of the A66, attached to
the Blencathra Massif by the ridge of Mousethwaite Combe. In 1745, many people,
including local dignitaries, attested to seeing a phantom army up there on
midsummers night. I went up there one Midsummer's night and stayed until after 1
am. Unfortunately I saw nowt, had i taken a six-pack with me I would possibly
have had a more positive report for you. The probable return route offers a delightful walk back to Latrigg and Keswick. Southerndale and Barkbethdale
Nestling between the Skiddaw range and the Ullock Pike/Longside ridge are
the enclosed, hidden valleys of Southerndale and Barkbethdale. Seldom visited by
walkers, these valleys offer peace and relative seclusion that is all too rare
in Lakeland these days. Sprinkling Tarn and Styhead
Tarn Ascending from the hamlet of Seathwaite, the first half mile
or so is virtually flat until Stockley Bridge is reached. Here, the leader will
make a choice whether to ascend to the right or left, determining which of the
tarns will be visited first. Sprinkling & Styhead Tarns and Great End This walk differs from the one above in that it becomes an A walk by the inclusion of Great End, the 4th highest peak in Lakeland after Scafell Pike, Scafell, Helvellyn and Skiddaw (a good quiz question!). In the proximity of Styhead the leader will ascend a steep, grassy slope known as The band to reach a shelf and thereafter a scramble up to the summit of Great End. St John's in the Vale Just
beyond the Castlerigg Stone Circle is the little valley of St. John's with its
church and its scattered communities, such as the quaintly named 'Naddle' and of
isolated farms and cottages nestling on and around the rugged little tors of Low
and High Rigg. St Sunday Crag and Fairfield Hidden from the west by their massive neighbours Helvellyn and Nethermost Pike, St Sunday Crag and Fairfield are giants in their own right when viewed from an easterly direction. From Patterdale, St Sunday Crag is ascended first via a lovely track that begins near St. Patrick's Church (hence 'Patterdale'). From the summit Fairfield is gained via a little switchback which is not too strenuous. Steel Fell to Grasmere The top of Dunmail Raise was once the border of the old counties of Westmoreland and Cumberland and, in folk lore, is the last resting place of King Dunmail. On the other side of the road to Raise Beck, a fence rises steeply up the side of Steel Fell. It is not as bad as it looks and height is soon gained. Once on top, it is an undulating stroll to Far Easedale and on to Grasmere. Stonethwaite, Grange Fell
The tiny hamlet of Stonethwaite has, believe it or not, those two essential
establishments of learning, enlightenment and philosophy - a school and a pub!
It is well worth a visit. Not far away, Grange Fell is thickly wooded, not by
man's hand but by nature, which is infinitely more attractive. A visit to the
falls at Lodore makes this a grand day out. Stonethwaite to Grasmere Passing through the hamlet of Stonethwaite the walker is confronted with the looming bulk of Eagle Crag, to either side of which is a valley. The left fork is taken to follow Greenup Gill up past Lining crag to Greenup Edge. Climbing is now done for the day as the route descends through Far Easedale to Grasmere. Stonethwaite to Seathwaite Passing through the hamlet of Stonethwaite along the banks of the beck the walker encounters the bulk of Eagle Crag with a valley to either side. A lovely stroll can be had by going out through one valley and returning (on to Seathaite) via the other. Tarn at Leaves
This rustically named tarn is istuated in the borrowdale Valley - but you
have to do some work to get there because it isn't at ground level. It is to be
found near the summit of Rosthwaite Fell or, to give it it's local name,
Bessyboot. The Ancient Byways There
are many old footpaths and bridleways in Lakeland, the routes of the old miners,
quarrymen and shepherds. Not all are used extensively and some hidden away after
falling into disuse and are hard to find. The Dodd A good, long flat walk
from Keswick brings one to the foot of Dodd at one of the many access paths and
thereon to the summit. It has a rather sad tale to tell but I won't steal the
leaders thunder by telling you here. A nice walk back through pretty villages
completes the ramble. The Dods At the northerly part of the
Helvellyn range are a series of high mountains, Stybarrow Dod, Watsons Dod and
Great Dod, linked by an ancient drovers path. The original line of this old
path, which can still be traced, skirts between the summits - drovers had no
interest in peak-bagging, but, of course, generations of walkers have laid down
distinct diversions to the tops. The spelling is correct, by the way. The Langdale Pikes A
long, flat walk from Stonethwaite up the Langstrath Valley takes us past the
lofty Eagle and Sergeants Crags to the old zig-zags at the end of the valley
taking us steeply up to the ever boggy Martcrag Moor. Having negotiated the
mire, we visit the internationally famous Pike o' Stickle, Loft Crag, Harrison
Stickle and High Raise before setting off on the long downhill descent back to
Stonethwaite and a well-earned pint. The valley of Newlands was a
hotbed of industrial activity in times past, a fact belied by the present rural
scenario. There is still ample evidence of the many mines and quarries of
centuries past, some of the latter operating until comparatively recently. Troutdale Entering
Borrowdale, shortly before the village of Grange, one passes, on the left, those
places beloved of the rock climbing fraternity, Shepherds Crag and Falcon Crag.
A bridle way leading in the same direction offers access to Troutdale. Ullscarf At the top of Greenup Edge, walkers bound for, or coming from, the Langdale Pikes and High Raise usually turn off. The homeward bound will bear east for Thirlmere/Grasmere or west for Stonethwaite/Borrowdale. Not many carry on northwards on the rise to the barren summit of Ullscarf, which is a pity because the journey to Stonethwaite on this route takes in High Saddle, Low Saddle and lovely Dock Tarn. Ullock Pike, Longside, Carlside
The ridge to the west of Skiddaw and seperated from that mountain by the
valleys of Barkbethdale and Southerndale is the ridge that comprises these three
peaks. Beginning from High Side, so picturesque in summer but often cut off in
winter, this walk, as with most conducted by this leader, sees all of the hard
work done in the first couple of hours. Walla Crag and
Bleaberry Fell (High Tove) Of modest height, Walla Crag
offers a fine view of the vale of Keswick and both Derwentwater and
Bassenthwaite. The natural progression upwards from Walla Crag is Bleaberry Fell
and from there we either carry on to High Tove or turn back and visit the quaint
and ancient Ashness Bridge. Watendlath and Surprise View The hamlet of Watendlath is approached from Rosthwaite on the Borrowdale road via an ancient packhorse route. From there we progress along the valley in the company of the gill until we reach Surprise View with it's breathtaking vista. An easy rise to Walla Crag offers another fine view over Keswick on our way back. Whinlatter Top Most people
associate Whinlatter with the Forestry visitors centre or as a starting point
for a stroll along the forest tracks. Whinlatter, however, is the name of a
felltop with delightful views to the western fells and the Lorton valley. To be
precise, it has two summits, Brown How and Whinlatter Top. Of no great height at
1722ft, (according to Ordinance Survey 1905 figures) the
summit has a remarkably sturdy shelter which protects walkers from the wind
sweeping in from the West Cumbrian coast some 17 miles away. Whiteless Pike There are many noteworthy peaks in the vicinity of what Wainwright called the 'Western Fells' Most are centred near or around Coledale Hause, a high apex with paths into several valleys. Ascending from Buttermere, the first fell one reaches is Whiteless Pike, going on to Coledale Hause by way of Wandope. There is now a choice of descents, the connoisseur's would likely be over Crag Hill, Sail, Scar Crags and Causey Pike down to the Newlands Valley. White Stones on Carlside
A leisurely flat stroll along old footpaths and bridleways brings you to a
well-graded ascent to the well-known stopping place at the white stones, with
it's truly magnificent views over Keswick, Derwentwater and Borrowdale. Whiteside and Hopegill Head
From Lanthwaite Green, near Buttermere, Whiteside is approached across
Gasgale Gill and the subsidiary height of Whin Ben. The mile of narrow, airy
ridge leading to Hopegill Head is an exhilarating experience. Wolf Crags and the old coach
road. South of the A66 opposite the the village of Threlkeld,
Clough Head marks the northern end of the Helvellyn range. Lying below the
summit of Clough Head is the tor of Wolf Crags and below this is found the old
coach road, an ancient thoroughfare that was once the major passage in the area. Wonders of Newlands There is
much to see in this lovely valley, including evidence of former industry, pretty
secluded cottages and, of course, the flora and fauna.
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