Southport Fell Walking Club

The enthusiasm of the Fell Walkers could hardly be questioned when 50 of them covered approximately 70 miles between them in spite of a dismal forecast of strong winds and rain. But it wasn’t all bad and most set off in breezy sunshine. Four groups chose different sections of the Pennine Way from Horton to Hawes. Both Stuart’s and Geoff’s groups left Horton at a brisk pace to follow the Pennine Way, then the Roman Road, then the Dales way along limestone tracks, with its caves, sink holes, bridges, waterfalls   and long sweeping ridges to Hawes, 14/15 miles. When both groups arrived in Hawes ahead of time, Geoff’s group detoured to the impressive Aysgill Force near Gayle while Stuart’s group explored the falls in Hawes. Mike’s group also found the beautiful Aysgill Force at the end of their trail along the Pennine way from Gearstones Farm just north of Horton. 13 miles Also from the start at Gearstones, Paul led his group off west to explore the Ribble W...

The forecast warned of showers and heavy rain and even thunderstorms, so we felt very lucky to have a fine day for the most part, albeit humid and hot and somewhat energy sapping.  The only shower came well into the afternoon and, as a bonus, helped to cool us down. No surprise that the first off the coach, in Windermere, were Steve and Huw who then made their way to Ambleside via Orrest Head, Limefitt Park, Troutbeck and Robin Lane. Two groups got off at the Rugby Club.  Stuart and Gerry's group did an 11 mile low level route to Black Crag and Tarn Hows, Stang End, Baysbrown Wood and back along the Cumbria Way.  Marcia and Mike went up on to Loughrigg and, on the descent were delighted to see a young girl selling delicious cakes to raise money for a student project.  Most of them availed themselves of this facility.  They then went on up to Dow Bank and descended to Chapel Stile by a steep and rocky path by Meg's Gill before walking to NDG al...