Range Walking Club

Sunday 14th May 1995-Lake District-Grasmere

 

The walks this month take us to Grasmere in the heart of the Lake District on Sunday, 14 May. Be prepared for some bracing walking at all levels!! There will be no toilet stop en route but there are toilets at the start of each walk. The coaches will leave school at 0800 hours prompt. We aim to leave Grasmere at 1730 hrs and should be back in Formby by 2000 hrs. The cost of travel is £4.00 for adults and £2.00 for children and students in full-time education. Please return slips with cheque (not cash) to the school office by Thursday, 4 May in an envelope marked "Range Walking Club'.

'A' Walk
Starting from Rydal Water we traverse Loughrigg Terrace and cross the Red Bank road to start the long, steady ascent of the ridge from Huntingstile Crag to High Raise (095281 - 2500'). The ridge provides excellent panoramas mixed with close up views of impressive crags. From High Raise we head north via White Stones and Greenup Edge to pick up another ridge to Calf Crag and on to Helm Crag where we descend to Grasmere.

Distance: 12 miles

Ascent: 3500'

Leaders: Meirion Williams and A N Other

'B'+ walk
This follows the 'A' walk, at a slower pace, to Sergeant Man (088287 - 2400'). Depending upon the time, we will either retrace our steps a little to the Sour Milk Gill path or go north to Far Easedale (an extra 1½ miles). Both lead to the centre of Grasmere.

Distance: 9 miles (10½)

Ascent: 2300'

Leaders: Dave Miles and Gordon Spence

'B' Walk
A circular walk giving splendid views over Grasmere, Rydal Water and Elterwater. Starting at Grasmere we ascend the flank of Heron Pike to reach Allcock Tarn. This is a steep climb of some 900' and will be taken at an easy pace. We then descend southwards towards How Top and skirt the foot of Jab Scar to reach Rydal. After crossing the River Rothay, our route is west along the edge of Rydal Water and then on to Loughrigg Terrace. We ascend Dow Bank before heading north to skirt Silver How and return to Grasmere. This walk involves some rough fell walking and walking boots are essential.

Distance: 8 miles

Ascent: 1800'

Leaders: Keith Ellard and Dave Griffiths

'C' Walk
Leaving the car park at Ambleside, we have a riverside walk before a steady 400' climb on a good surface to Loughrigg Fell. There are excellent views across to Windermere as we cross the fell and descend to Skelwith Bridge for lunch (pub, craft/coffee shop, picnic alongside the River Brathay). We pass Skelwith Force (surging waterfall) before following meadows on the shore of Elterwater to Elterwater village. From here there is a short but steep climb - to be taken at a leisurely pace - to Huntingstile Crag. We then drop down to Grasmere with views of the lake as we descend. Plenty of time for tea shops and browsing.

Distance: 7 miles

Ascent: 800'

Leaders: Ginny and David Willis