Southport Fell Walking Club

A coach of 42 fellwalkers set off from Southport to the south Lakes in the hope of another dry day. Although sunshine was promised, some remained beneath the cloud, whilst others went up above and experienced the breathtaking sight of a ‘ cloud inversion ’. Geoff’s group were very confident until they got to the woods where all the paths were blocked by fallen trees. They picked their way through and on to a tough climb up to Caw summit.   The blue sky was a welcome sight but sadly not quite a full inversion. The remainder of the walk was uneventful and all on good paths as planned. Darren got some good drone footage on Stickle Pike. They got back to the bus at 4 pm so had time for some refreshments at the Manor Arms freehouse . Clare’s group headed south from Torver for the lower fells Chris, Jane and had a mixed day. The low cloud persisted for much of the day, sharing only sneaky peaks of the stunning views of the Coniston range hidden from sight which was a disappointme...

 The forecast was favourable and the day proved to be dry and calm for the walkers as they made their way across a variety of paths and tracks. Unfortunately for them there was a total absence of footpath signage in most areas, something that has been noted on other Welsh walks in the past! And even worse was the state of the paths that did exist - rutted and water filled, most likely as a result of trails bikes and other vehicles. However it made for a fun-filled day!! On alighting the coach at Dolwyddelan, The Oldham’s headed south to Y Ro Wen. A beautiful, lesser known peak with stunning views across the Snowdonia National Park with not another soul in sight. Pure bliss! From here the group began navigating their way cross-country to the peak of Ro Lwyd. The walk card warned of no paths in places but it didn't quite prepare the group for the calf deep bogs, thigh high heather and young pine forests they had use, to support each other through to reach the final peak of Iwerddon....

The weather forecast in the days preceding the walk warned of heavy rain and strong winds. All were prepared for the worst but were pleasantly surprised in the end. Even the updated forecast of rain arriving at 2pm proved unfounded, and the wettest everyone got was making their way from the pub to the coach at the end of the day!! Martin’s group walked up the road to below Twistleton Scar and then picked up a path on the East side of Kingsdale, not very clear in places to Braida Garth Farm and crossed Kingsdale Beck by an impressive single beam footbridge. A short distance along the road brought them to the track to Yorda’s Cave. Unfortunately Martin had forgotten exactly where the entrance to the cave could be found so he led the party uphill where they had a pleasant lunch stop next to the stream. They then went down again to the cave which was well worth the effort. After that they returned on the West side of Kingsdale and across farmland to Ingleton and the coach - not troubled ...

Well it was another day of extreme weather for those members of Southport Fell Walking Club who chose to take on the challenge! Simons solo walk took in Birkett Fell and Hart Side from Dockray and through Glencoyne Head to Glenridding. The wind was so strong and dangerously gusty that he turned off below Birkett Fell. He tried the approach to Glencoyne Head but it was like a wind-tunnel.  On his own, he turned around fully to descend to Spying How and Groove Gill and then to the lakeside via Ullswater Way. Bright sun and warmth made it feel like a different world. Total distance and height in the end was 8 miles distance, and 1,600 feet of ascent. After much discussion, the Oldham’s decided to stick to the original route with a range of options to change plans if the weather became too severe.  After leaving the coach in Grasmere, they made their way to Alcock Tarn before heading up to Nab Scar. With the wind behind them and stunning views in all directions, they continu...

  What a wonderful sunny day for fell walking. Great weather was forecast and it didn’t disappoint the 37 walkers who made the trip along the M65 and across to Ilkley. There were five led walks and a variety of routes ranging from a mega 15 mile trek to a more relaxing 7 miles. Intermittent walk leader John Gartside discovered to his astonishment that he had fifteen followers for his broad traverse of Ilkley Moor! As this included half of the club committee John was thankful he had come armed with a newly updated OS Explorer map of Lower Wharfedale. Ably assisted by the very experienced Gerry as back-marker, John herded his group on a panoramic route linking the manmade Ilkley Tarn to the popular Cow and Calf Rocks. A good track was then followed, in glorious weather, across heather-clad Burley Moor as far as Horncliffe Well, at this point joining the Dales High Way. After lunch a gentle ascent led to the Twelve Apostles stone circle and on to the trig point.   Progress c...

 After an ominous start on the M6 with a band of rain following them for the entire journey, all members of the Club were relieved when the promised sunshine duly arrived. The weathermen had indeed got it spot on. Martin’s group got off the coach in Coniston at just after 10.30 in warm, dry weather with a brightening sky. They made their way up Yewdale with a brief stop for a snack so that they weren’t starving by the time they got to the planned lunch stop at High Arnside Tarn. There they ate lunch with a pleasant view and the added interest of several species of mayfly and dragonfly darting around below their feet.  After lunch they were soon walking round Tarn Hows, taking the high path with great views over the Coniston and Langdale Fells. Gerry spotted a small knoll from where the views were even more spectacular. They finished the walk descending through the woods to Monk Coniston and its walled garden and on to Coniston and the pub! One of the group had a tracker whi...