Range Walking Club

Sunday 18th October 1998 - North Lake District-Keswick

The next outing of the club takes us to the North Lake District area on Sunday, 18 October. This part of the country is always popular with club members so early booking is recommended. The walks will have considerable scenic variety and, with reasonable weather, superb views. The coaches will leave school at 0800 hrs prompt and a toilet stop will be made at Tebay. We hope to be back in Formby no later than 2000 hrs. The cost of travel is now £7.00 for adults and £4.00 for children and students in full-time education and who were formerly Range High School pupils. Please return slips with cheque (not cash) to the school office by Thursday, 8 October in an envelope niarked "Range Walking Club". Walking boots are essential for all walkers.

'A' Walk

A Druid's Circle, Manchester's water supply, a surprise view - even the promise of a pint of Jennings! Starting near to Castlerigg Stone Circle at GR 299240 we make a brief visit to this monument before crossing fields to Dale Bottom Farm and the head of Thirlmere. Shoulthwaite Gill cascades down from Armboth Fell via a myriad of spectacular waterfalls and this is followed up, between Raven Crag and Castlerigg Fell with views back over Skiddaw and Blencathra ranges and outlooks over the Dodds and Helvelynn ranges. The rather soggy top of Armboth Fell is made via High Seat (1995') and High Tove (1665') (don't forget the gaiters) before descending into the delightful hamlet of Watendlath. Descent from the Tarn follows the photographers' dream of Surprise view (above Lodore), Ashness Bridge (calendar fame) and Friars Crag before reaching Keswick and necessary rehydration!

 

Distance: 14 miles

Ascent: 1,800'

Leaders: Ken Bryning and Rob Scurr

 

'B'+ Walk

This is a very varied scenic and interesting walkstarting near Threlkeld on the A66. We walk in a southerly direction along St John's in the Vale almost until we reach the main Keswick to Grasmere Road. The route follows good. paths alongside or just above St John's Beck. Time permitting, there is an opportunity for a refreshment stop at Low Bridge End Farm. A change of direction sees us ascending High Rigg and walking along the ridge to a spectacular view point at the top. After descending to the Youth Centre we continue over Low Rigg to Tewitt Tarn. A short walk on minor roads leads us to an ancient Stone Circle. We then follow tracks to Castlerigg Farm and enter Keswick via Springs Wood.

 

Distance: 10½ miles

Ascent: 1500'

Leaders: Glennis Poole and Dave Purdy

 

'B' Walk

Commencing at Scales (343269) we head west to Blencathra Centre before swinging north and then south beneath Blease Fell and Lonscale Fell respectively. Joining the path from Skiddaw (283256) we then follow the Cumbria Way, skirting Latrigg before the final leg into Keswick. Weather permitting this promises to be a pleasant walk offering views of many of the northern fells. There is, however, a rocky scramble at the start over which care wdl need to be taken.

 

Distance: 8½ miles

Ascent: 800'

Leaders: Janet Purdy and Ray Webb

 

'C' Walk

We commence our walk wtth a woodland section above the River Greta before joining the disused railway track as it heads towards Threlkeld. Turning south, we now head into St John's in the Vale. Our route takes us past Tewet Tarn, up Low Rigg and then down to the Youth Centre. We return to Keswick through farmland and woods and, if time and underfoot conditions permit, via the Castlehead Woods viewpoint which overlooks Derwentwater.

 

Distance: 8 miles

Ascent: 800'

Leaders: Barry Whitby and Peter Houghton