- Range Walking Club
- Sunday 24th March 2002-Lake District-Hawkshead
The walks on Sunday 24 March
take us to the Hawkshead area of the Lake District, an area not visited by
the club for many years. After reconnoitring the walks it seems strange that
we've left it for so long to return to an area that has some great walking
and views that are comparable with the best the Lake District has to offer.
There is a choice of four walks all starting at Skelwith Bridge and
finishing at Hawkshead where there is a selection of pubs, shops and tea
rooms. As usual, coaches leave school at 8:00 am prompt and return to Formby
by 19:30 pm. A short toilet stop will be made at Burton Services (M6) on the
outward journey only.
The cost of travel will be £7 for adults and £4 for children and students in
full time education who were formerly pupils at Range High School. Please
return the slip completed in full, with a cheque NOT CASH, in an envelope
marked "Range Walking Club", to the school office by Thursday 14 March 2002.
If you wish to personally deliver your return forms out of hours please
deliver them to the Treasurer or David Wake.
'A' Walk
The walk starts at Skelwith Bridge and follows a beautiful part of the
Cumbria way south for the first mile or so. We then head for Hodge Close
Quarry one of Lakeland's secret places, from where we continue south west to
Tilberthwaite Gill. At the top of the Gill we make the ascent of Weatherlam
by the little used route Steele Edge to summit. From here the route descends
into Coniston Village and maybe time for a pint, (Jennings Bluebird
recommended) after which we head for the beauty spot of Tarn Hows and on to
the finish at Hawkshead.
Distance: 12 miles
Ascent: 2700'
Leaders: Ian & Ann Mitchell
'B'+ Walk
This walk also begins by following paths along the Cumbrian Way west from
Skelwith Bridge to visit the pretty Colwith force, en route to Stang End.
The easy walking continues west with photogenic views across Little Langdale
tarn. Turning south-east, the stroll is interrupted by the main climb of the
day, over a lower shoulder of Weatherlam, to descend past waterfalls in
Tilberthwaite Gill. There is then a further flat section before ascending
through woods, past more waterfalls to reach the famously picturesque Tarn
Hows. The final quarter of the walk is through woods and fields to Hawkshead.
Distance: 10 miles
Ascent: 1600'
Leaders: John Rothwell & John Hughes
'B' Walk
As with the A and B+ walks, the first part of our ramble follows the
Cumbrian Way from our start at Skelwith Bridge, taking in Colwick Force on
the way. From near Stang End we then turn south to cross "The Dubs" and
thence to Hodge Close, the scene of an old quarry now much used by the
diving fraternity. Continuing south, we skirt Holme Fell and turning east we
arrive at Yew Tree Farm, (one of the most photographed buildings in the Lake
District). Crossing the Coniston/Skelwith road we then climb up to Tarn Hows.
This ascent will be taken at a slow pace. Having contoured "The Hows" we
continue south east to finish at Hawkshead.
Distance: 8 miles
Ascent: 500'
Leaders: John McEvoy & Dave Luty
'C' Walk
A truly delightful walk with some outstanding views. It involves woodland,
lakeside, open fields, waterfalls and some minor roads. We start at Skelwith
Bridge and head southeastwards to Warbarrow Point on the shore of
Windermere, via Skelwith Fold and Wray church and castle. We then "walk the
lake" south wards to Belle Grange where we turn westward to head for the
finish at Hawkshead, going through Colthouse. The climbing in this walk is
well worth doing for the pleasing nature of the walk.
Distance: 7½ miles
Ascent: 800'
Leaders: Nikki Harrison & Phil Morgan