Range Walking Club

Saturday 17th May 1980-Lake District-Langdales

 

Details of the next walk are set out below. As explained, the excursion is in the Langdale valley of the Lake District. The coach will, therefore, leave the school car park at 8.00 a.m. and is scheduled to return at approximately 10.00 p.m. Cost of the walk, because of increased distance involved, will be £2.00 for adults, £1.00 for children.

The May outing will take place on Saturday, May 17th. and will be in Great Langdale in the Lake District. Several options are offered which range from something for those who like their walking more strenuous and adventurous than hitherto. The 'A', 'B' and 'C' parties are definite options; the 'A'+ party is a possible option about which a decision will be taken on the day itself.

'A'+ Party. Bowfell, Esk Pike, Great End, Broad Crag and Scafell Pike.

Start and finish at New Dungeon Ghyll Hotel (ref. 295065) This is a very strenuous and exacting day which, if it is offered at all on the day, will only be suitable for a small, well - equipped party of fit people. It involves some 15 miles of walking, much at high level, and up to 4500 feet off climbing, in about 8 hours. It is a major undertaking.

 

Leader: Richard Walker (Richard will decide on the day whether this option is available)

 

'A' Party. Bowfell and Esk Pike via Bowfell Band.

Start and finish at New Dungeon Ghyll Hotel (ref. 295065). This is a strenuous day involving a mountain climb of some 3000 feet and about 10 miles of walking in roughly 7 hours. The ascent of Bowfell is steep and strenuous and may involve mildly exposed situations; the descent from Esk Pike is steep and stony. There will be scope for easy scrambling. Leather boots with Vibram-type soles, and good mountain clothing, are essential, as is good mountain discipline. The views (on a clear day) are quite spectacular and amply justify the effort. This is a good, hard mountain day.

Leader: Dennis Ashton

 

'B' Party. Red Tarn and Pike o' Blisco.

Start and finish at New Dungeon Ghyll Hotel (ref.295065). A good fell walk of 9 miles in roughly 5½ hours. This walk is of a standard between the previous A and B walks. The first 3 miles are fairly strenuous, via Oxendale Beck, up to Brown Howe and on to Red Tarn, 1700 feet. Up Pike of Blisco, a further 400 feet, down to Long Scar, down Wrynose Pass across to Blea Tarn and returning via the valley bottom, the walk includes fine views of Lakeland, waterfalls, tarns etc. It is well worth the effort, but boots are essential as are waterproofs.

Leader:  Graham Oddy

 

'C' Party

 An easy, low-level ramble mainly in the Langdale valley, for those who like to take it slowly and enjoy the views. We will even stop for a paddle if the weather permits, so bring a towel! Start at Elterwater village (ref. 327047) and go round Loughrigg Tarn to Skelwith Bridge. Time is allowed here to look round the slate industry shop and maybe even have coffee and scones at the coffee-shop. On to Skelwith Force and Elterwater Lake continuing along the river bank and back to the coach at the New Dungeon Ghyll Hotel (ref. 295065) - 6 miles. Or an additional 1½ miles further along the valley and back via Dungeon Ghyll Force for those who wish. Although this is a very easy walk it may be very wet in places, so boots or wellingtons are essential.

Leader: Barbara Oddy

Evening food and refreshment will be available at the Stickle Barn Cafeteria, New Dungeon Ghyll Hotel, at the finish of the walks.