Sunday 21st February 2016 - Staveley, Lake District

Our walks this month are based on Staveley in the Southern Lakes. The coach will leave school as usual at 8.00 am prompt and there will be a toilet stop at Burton in Kendal services. All walks start at The Eagle and Child where we will finish for the hot pot meal at approx. 5.00 pm.  We plan to leave   at approx. 7.00 to be back in Formby about 8.30.  Boots are essential on all walks, also please take notice, when walking, of the advice on likely ground conditions from the individual leaders.

The cost of travel will be £10.00 for members, £13.00 for non-members and £5.00 for Leaders, children and students in full time education. Please make your cheque payable to Range Walking Club and ensure it is signed as it is inconvenient for the Treasurer to chase up such omissions.

Please send in your return to the Treasurer before 4th February; places will be booked on the coach by the treasurer on a first come first served basis.

Cancellations: if you need to cancel or make a late booking, please contact the Treasurer on 01704 809287 or by email monicatuk@yahoo.co.uk who will endeavour to substitute your booking from the waiting list.  If you cancel after 10th September and it is not possible to fill your place on the coach, regrettably, we will not be able to give you a refund as coaches will have been booked on initial returns.

Leaders Meeting: Monday 25th April at the Pinewoods commencing at 8.00pm

The Club Weekend Great Malvern Friday 3rd – Monday 6th June 2016
The weekend will be based at the Abbey Hotel Great Malvern.  A lot of people have already booked but if you now wish to come and stay at the Abbey Hotel please contact Margaret Pegg who will add you to the group booking.  If you wish to come and stay in other accommodation please let Margaret know so she is aware of the numbers that will be walking.

‘A’ Walk Distance: 11 miles Ascent: 2000 ft Leaders: Gordon Spence John Hughes Ray Belcher	This walk demonstrates that delightful views are available without heading for the summits.  From Staveley the route is northwards on a mixture of roads and fields, via Elfhowe, up onto the open country beside Staveley Head Fell, and then Green Quarter Fell overlooking Skeggles Water.  After Hollow Moor the path is west and descends to Kentmere Church. At Kentmere Hall there is a sharp turn south to climb steadily around Whiteside End with views over Kentmere Tarn and down the valley.  The final section is south east on good tracks to meet the River Kent and a short walk along the riverside road back to Staveley.
‘B+’ Walk Distance: 10.5 miles Ascent: 1600 ft Leaders: Lynn Smith Claire Lyons	This is a circular walk in and around the valleys, close to Staveley. We begin by going eastwards from Barley Bridge to Potter Tarn and Gurnal Dubs. On reaching the River Sprint we walk along the pretty Longsleddale valley to Docker Nook where our route takes us alongside Dockernook Ghyll and its waterfalls.  We skirt around the edge of Brunt Knott, where we have the option of walking to the top (time permitting) for some lovely views, then back into Staveley for our well-deserved hot pot!   Overall, this is a very attractive walk with some pretty views.
‘B’ Walk Distance: 8.75 miles Ascent: 1000 ft Leaders: Trevor Ludlow David Willis	We head out of Staveley in an easterly direction through fields and lanes before turning north to begin the steady climb of the day. This takes us past the waterfall at Side House continuing up onto the open fells.  Potter Tarn and the more remote Gurnal Dubs add a dash of water to the landscape.  There are good views to the south from here, our high point of the walk.  We follow tracks to Birk Rigg where we turn south to descend through fields & farms, finally arriving at Bowston where we cross the river Kent.  We return to Staveley along the Dales Way, following the south bank of the river, water levels permitting.  There are a number of styles, some up to 6 steps and plenty of mud to boot.  (December flood damage is to be seen, the bridge in Staveley is closed because of potential collapse).
‘C’ Walk Distance: 6 miles Ascent: 800 ft Leaders: Denise Numm Carol Whitby Barry Whitby	Starting from Staveley we leave the village on the Kendal road and briefly join the Dales Way near the level crossing. We head in an easterly direction to Cowan Head and rejoin the Dales Way to Bowston and cross the River Kent taking the quiet lane north to Mirefoot. Then follows an ascent by a cascading stream to our main objective of Potter Tarn. We return to Staveley via Birk Field, Littlewood Farm and Barley Bridge for a well-deserved hot pot.  If we are back early there are several cafes for refreshments before the hot pot. Our ascents and descents today are gradual and will be taken at a gentle pace. Paths are often grassy and can be slippery if wet so boots are essential and poles recommended. We have several options for lower level walks should there be inclement weather.  There are about 9 stiles, mainly ladder type but some of stone; all will need care if wet.