Southport Fell Walking Club

Well boy oh boy what a wet walk we had. Again!! The rain gods have certainly been making up for the lack of rain during our recent glorious summer, that now seems so long ago!! Thirty-three walkers set off on six different walks around the beautiful town of Sedbergh at the foot of the Howgill Fells. Historically part of the West Riding of Yorkshire, Sedbergh now finds itself sitting within the ceremonial county of Cumbria. The weather forecast had predicted a wet day, and it didn’t disappoint. Paul’s group set off and noted only very light occasional rain and even a little blue sky, although the ground was wet as expected. But as the day progressed so did the extent of the rain, particularly when they stopped for lunch! They came across more and more mud, and added distance to the walk going round in circles locating their route through farms a couple of times, so ended up walking about 12 miles. At least the rain had stopped for a while when they got back to the coach which mad...

  Thirty-five walkers set off with a forecast of rain moving north as the day went on. The hope was that they'd get away with it…but they didn’t!! Another damp walk was had by all, but a good day all the same with plenty of photos both taken and shared. Geoff’s group had a fine day’s walking which saw them set off from Newbiggin, following the Dales High Way across Ravenstonedale Moor and Tarn Moor, with wide open views and a brisk breeze to keep everyone moving. The route continued past Andrew Scar, Hollin Stump, and the striking Thunder Stone, before the steady climb over Beacon Hill and Orton Scar. Spirits remained high throughout, helped by good company and fine scenery. The descent into Orton marked the end of another excellent but wet day and time for one or two pints. Pat and Steph’s group started their walk from Orton in a northerly direction, on what was then a fine morning. The first point of interest was Robin Hood's grave – which they almost misto...

Forty-one members of the Club set off on what proved to be a particularly wet and at times windy day. Six groups in all navigated their way across the countryside to the eventual salvation of numerous hostelries of Malham. Unfortunately an accident on the M65 delayed their return for over an hour. As a result of the longer return journey which delayed the scheduled ‘pit-stop’, there were some strained faces and crossed legs for those who had earlier enjoyed a few post-walk drinks. Geoff’s group set off from Airton on a wet and chilly morning. Spirits stayed high, helped by Mike’s hot chocolate stop just before Gordale Scar. With the main route partly closed, they took the diversion towards Malham Tarn, enjoying the moody scenery despite the weather. From there, they continued to Malham Cove, grabbed some great drone footage, and finished the walk down into Malham village for a few welcome drinks in the Buck Inn next to the radiators. Martin’s group set off from Kirkby ...

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 ...