Southport Fell Walking Club

 Photo: by Geoff Finally for the first time in quite a few weeks, the Club had a ‘dry’ walk with no need for a complete change of clothing as has recently been the norm! The 41 walkers set off in a multitude of groups and from a variety of locations but generally heading for Keswick via the A591. Geoff’s group, after a tough start climbing 2400 ft in the first hour and getting most of the climbing done, had a great walk. They got onto the Dodds and the walk was easier but very windy. After descending from Clough Head they got soaked in a shower which was only brief thankfully. At this point they decided to continue on to Castlerigg stone circle and Keswick rather than Threlkeld, which added a couple of miles and some height to the walk, but it was all very enjoyable and great to be out in decent weather again. A couple of pints in Keswick Wetherspoons polished off a great day. They did 12 miles and 4000ft in the end. Keith’s group left the coach at Town End, and were instan...

 Photo: by Mike K Well what have we done to deserve this?? Someone from the Club has most definitely run over a black cat!! Yet another soaking for the 37 Southport fellwalkers who suffered another wet, very windy and at times miserable day - yet it was surprisingly enjoyable at times and even, dare I say it, character-building!!!!!! Keith’s group left the coach at Pooley Bridge and instantly began their battle against the elements. As they made their way over Salmond's Hill and onto Gowbarrow Fell, it was a case of heads down to battle the rain and wind whilst trying to avoid as much ground water as possible. The strength of the wind at the top of Gowbarrow Fell left the group questioning if it was possible to complete the planned route so they headed to The Royal Hotel in Dockray to reassess. Soaked through to the skin and battered by the wind, the suggestion of staying at the hotel for a roast dinner and walking back along the lake, nearly won the group over. After a quick weat...

Photo: by Howie Well it was yet another frustratingly wet day for the Southport Fellwalkers. The forecast was quite grim as they made their way up the M6 to Coniston, and it proved to be correct for much of the day. However, the 37 walkers in eleven separate groups (some solo), made the best of it and were rewarded eventually with some fine views. Geoff’s group started their walk in Coniston on a wet and overcast day. The weather improved slightly as the walk progressed, although they were crossing very wet and muddy fields, paths and streams. Garry unfortunately slipped on the wet grass and got covered in mud. He wasn't feeling too good afterwards, so they decided to make their way back to Coniston. They returned quite early, at about 3pm, so had plenty of time to dry out. Despite the weather, they all enjoyed the day. Keith’s group left the coach at Newby Bridge before heading on a 17 mile forest walk to reach Coniston. Along the way they bagged 7 minor peaks, which included ...

Well at last the weather God’s looked down favourably on SFWC and provided a dry, surprisingly mild and even at times sunny day. Six walks ranging in length from 5 to 17 miles saw the forty-three Southport walkers taking on a variety of routes, some from East Marton, others from Gargrave but all of which terminated at the lovely town of Skipton. Keith’s group left the coach at East Marton and headed for a nice leisurely walk down the canal before joining the Pennine Way at Thornton-in-Craven. All was going well until they encountered the pool of crocodiles!!! Thankfully the group were able to navigate around the danger and continued on their way uninjured, up to Pinhaw Beacon. From there they made their way to Cononley where they took advantage of The Railway Inn's hospitality. For the final stretch they once again headed into the hills to reach the top of Skipton Moor before making their descent into Skipton. The weather was kind throughout the day and even the sun made a few app...

The weather forecast ahead of the weekend walk to Threlkeld was not hopeful, suggesting rain and snow at various levels. The 39 walkers accordingly prepared themselves for the worst with the groups going on the higher walks, kitting themselves out with the appropriate gear including ice axes, microspikes and crampons. True to form it was another cold, wet and snowy walk!! Geoff and Mike decided in the morning to keep it low level. They still got off at Stanah and walked up towards High Rigg then Keswick, and got soaked on the way but managed to dry off, before having lunch at Wetherspoons. They killed some time in Keswick before walking back along the old railway to Threlkeld. 11 miles 1,500ft but it was a pleasant days walking. Steve set off on his solo walk and although experiencing a dry start, it soon started raining on the track up the unusually quiet Glenderraterra Valley. Snow fell on the ascent to the Burnt Horse, it became unpleasant into the wind with no compensatory vie...

Forty-eight walkers set off for the Lakes, with the weather forecast suggesting yet another wet and challenging day. But they were pleasantly surprised for once as the Met Office’s pessimism was proved to be generally unfounded. Sure, there were some light spits and spots, but nothing to write home about, and apart from the Oldhams cavorting in the wet snow, most of the groups remained relatively dry! It was even mild for the time of year!! Geoff’s group found that much of their walk was enveloped in low cloud with limited visibility. The walk was tough from the start with the climb up Steel Fell being particularly difficult. Greenup Edge to High Raise and Sergeant Man was deep in snow and in other areas boggy ground made progress slow and demanding. They only just made it back in time and arrived back at the coach 16:55. Sadly there was no time for a pint, but they all enjoyed a good day’s fell walking. It was a tougher walk than expected with 13 miles travelled and an ascent of ...