Range Walking Club

Sunday 8th April 1984-North Lakes-Keswick

 

The next outing of the walking group will take place on Sunday, 8 April 1984, to the Keswick area of the Lake District. The coach will leave promptly at 8.00 a.m. and we expect to be back by about 7.30 p.m. There will be a short convenience stop on the motorway on the outward journey. 'A' and 'B' party walkers should assume the need to bring. enough food and drink for the full day. The cost of the walks is £3.00 for adults and £2.00 for children. Boots are essential for 'A' and 'B' party walkers, as are extra warm clothing and wind/waterproofs. Jeans are unsuitable and should not be worn. Details of the walks are given below. Please indicate on the attached slip which walk you intend to join and return it to the school office by Thursday, 29th March, to Barbara Craine. At this time of year, snow is still likely on the high fells. The walks are therefore dependent on conditions. Decisions as to the precise routes will be taken on the day in the light of the actual conditions, but in optimum conditions the routes would be:

'A' and 'B' Walks - Blancathra, Bannerdale Crags and Bowscale Fell

'A' Walk
This walk starts from Scales, just off the A66(T) at 340263, climbs to the col overlooking the River Glendermackin, and contours round Scales Fell until an ascent can be made to sharp Edge. Technically, this is not difficult in good conditions but the Edge has some airy situations which call for a cool head! A scramble up Foule Crag leads to the summit of Blencathra or Saddleback as it is also called (2847 ft.) The summit ridge is followed to Bannerdale Crags (2230 ft.) and on to Bowscale Fell (2306 ft.). The descent is to Mungrisdale, from where a lane leads back to Scales and transport.

Distance: 10 miles

Ascent: 2700 ft

Leaders: Dennis Ashton and Tony Shaw

'B' Walk
Starting from Threlkeld, 322255. the walk passes Gategill and ascends Hall's Fell to reach Blencathra summit via Narrow Edge on Hallsfell Top. In good conditions this is a delightful scramble with no difficulties, although care may be needed in places. The walk then joins the 'A' walk route to Bannerdale Crags, Bowscale Fell and Mungrisdale,

Distance: 9 miles

Ascent: 2850 ft
Leaders: Alan Frost and Andrew Frost

(It is stressed that these walks will only be attempted in particularly good conditions. In anything less, routes which are less demanding will be chosen on the day.)

'C' Walk
This will be an easy and pleasant walk in the Keswick area. Again, the decision as to route will be taken on the day in the light of conditions, but likely routes are near Bassenthwaite and in the Vale of St John's. The walk will aim to finish in Keswick.

Distance: Approx 7½ miles
Leader: Keith Ellard