Southport Fell Walking Club

There were 19 members of the Southport Fellwalking Club (plus Lola the dog) who went to Borrowdale this year. As they have done since 2012 they stayed in the beautiful Glaramara Hotel in Seatoller, which over the years has evolved from a Youth Guest House operated by the Co-Operative Holiday Association in 1935, to the independent Glaramara Hotel that is so well known today. The accommodation and food as always was second to none. The group was spoiled last year with almost unbroken sunshine over the four days, but weren't so lucky this year even after the recent heatwave. Nevertheless everyone managed to get out and about, completing a variety of walks (both high and low) and even a trip at last to the Keswick Pencil Museum!!! Thanks to Anne for making the necessary arrangements and also for hosting the annual quiz night, which this year was won by the team made up of John G, Pat T, Bob, Lorraine and Anthony. This years photos were taken by Mike K, John G, Pam B & Paul C. Than...

 Photo: by Clare V What a difference a few months make in the world of fellwalking! Back in March we wondered if we’d ever walk in the sunshine again. But since Glenridding we’ve seen four consecutive ‘dry’ walks. Unheard of!! And what a beautiful day this was. Glorious sunshine throughout but with a gentle breeze that kept the temperature down to one that was manageable. Twenty-four hours later and it would have been a different story! Keith’s group, after leaving the coach on the A59, headed straight for Embsay reservoir where the group took advantage of the ice cream van. With temperatures in the high 20’s it was a nice chance to cool down a bit. They then headed for the trig point at Cookrise Crag Top, the cross and the obelisk on Cracoe Fell before heading down to Burnsall where it looked like the whole of Yorkshire had congregated. They couldn’t even walk down the road as the cars were backed up both ways. With marshals directing the cars over Burnsall bridge the whole plac...

 Photo: by Clare V Thirty-six members of SFWC set off for Kirkby Stephen with another promise of fair weather. Surely they couldn’t have a third dry walk?? But yes, the run of 'good luck' weather wise seems to be holding out! Geoff’s group left Kirkby Stephen heading first for Ewbank Scar and Ladthwaite Beck which seemed to be a lightly used route requiring much limbo-ing and jumping over fallen trees. Next to Birkett Hill they found a bullock who was happy to see them and started their ascent towards   Nine Riggs navigating various bogs with mainly sunshine. After lunch just before Nine Riggs they got to the top just in time to spot Stuart on his own route before the clouds rolled in dropping the temperature a little. Heading back they followed the coast to coast mainly before diverting to extend the walk first to the North of Kirkby Stephen and then across the 2 viaducts. Great day with about 14 miles or so walked. With his mate John absent, Stuart chose to 'w...

 Photo: by Darren Geoff’s group began their walk in Derbyshire at Buxton, where they took in the famous hot springs before wandering through the beautiful Pavilion Gardens. From there, they made their way up to Solomon’s Temple, enjoying the views before passing the HSE labs and an industrial estate as they headed towards open countryside. The real climb soon began, and it was broken up with a well-earned lunch stop at an old WWII pillbox. Refuelled and ready, they set their sights on the main objective: the Dragon’s Back hills. The second ridge proved more challenging, with a steep scramble up loose scree—one that Barry wisely chose to bypass. After the excitement, they descended into the valley and crossed the stepping stones, taking a moment to enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Their route then led tghem up to Pilsbury Castle, adding a touch of history to the day, before easing into a relaxed and nonchalant amble towards Hartington. The group finished with refreshments at t...

 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...