Range Walking Club

Sunday 15th July 1990-South West Lake District-Millom

 

There are few areas in the Lake District in which the club has not but this month's walk, based at Black Combe and Millom (South-west Lakes), is one of them. It is a pleasant area with some good views all around from Scafell via Ulpha Fells, Coniston Old Man, Barrow-in-Furness, The Isle of Man and back to Ravenglass Estuary. Blackpool Tower should also be visible and with a good pair of binoculars even Formby Point. Black Combe is easily seen from Formby Beach on a good day. The walk takes place on Sunday, 15th July and the coach will leave school at 8.00 a.m. The cost is as usual, £3.00 for adults and £2.00 for children. Please return slips to Barbara Craine in the school office by Thursday, 5th July.

'A' Walk
Starts 4 miles West of Broughton-in-Furness G.R. 177858. We head North to climb Knott Hill (921') then descend to Swinside Stone Circle before a steep ascent of Swinside Fell (1495'). From here we move South-west to Blackcombe and its Southern viewpoint (1970') via Stoupdale Crags and White Combe. The descent South to Whickam is on a path described by Wainwright as amongst the "most delectable of Lakeland Fell paths". Pleasant undulating country lanes take us to our finish in Millom.

Distance: 12½ miles

Ascent: 2500'
Leaders: Dave Luty and Ian Mitchell

'B'+ Walk
Starting at G/R 156849 the party will move Northwards, fairly steeply at first, then more gently up White Combe to the ridge at 1500 ft. A very gentle ascent up a grassy ridge leads to the summit of Black Combe at 1970 ft. All along the ridge, and particularly during the descent towards the coast, there are splendid views. The descent ends at Whickam, (137827) and from there on minor roads and footpaths past Millom Park and High Lowscales through pleasant country to the finish at Millom.

Distance: 11 miles

Ascent: 2250'

Leaders: John Hughes and Patrick Ferguson

'B' Walk
Starting at Beckside on the A595 the walk heads due North alongside a delightful beck. Whilst most of the climbing (1380') is done in the first two miles up to White Combe, it is fairly gentle to start with, becoming a little steeper nearer the top but only for a short distance. Ascents will be done at an easy pace. From White Combe we descend back to the A595 via Boystone Bank Reservoir, crossing the road at its junction with the lane to Dunningwell. There follows a pleasant section across Whincham Valley in a generally Southern direction, skirting Millom Park on its Western boundary and in doing so climbing the remaining 420', before finally dropping down into Millom.

Distance: 8½ miles

Ascent: 1800'

Leader: Arthur Jones

'C' Walk
An easy and pleasant walk with some road walking. Although little climbing is involved sufficient height is gained to give good views of the Duddon Estuary and Furness Fells. We start at Millom (ref. 172802 sheet 96 Landranger Series) and head West along a quiet road. After about ¾ mile we turn Northward and follow a path to Millom Castle, then by road and track we reach Millom Park. We enter the park and after walking through the forest to the northern boundary turn Eastward to cross the main Millom road at The Hill. Our route takes us down to the Duddon Estuary where we turn Southward and walk along the embankment above the sea washed turf of Millom Marsh to Millom and the car park.

Distance: 7 miles

Ascent: 270'
Leaders: Bob Hutt and Dave Griffiths