CONISTON 29th Sept 2019


Members just knew that a good soaking was going to be the order of the day before the last pick up in Tarleton, when our driver Mark had to divert into the car park to avoid deep flooding at the bus stop!
The journey north through constant heavy rain didn't dampen spirits and there were five led walks on offer.

The first drop off was, or should have been Lowick Bridge. However Stuart erroneously stopped the coach at Lowick Green, half a mile too early, much to the consternation of the Oldham group who also wanted Lowick Bridge!
Nevertheless, the Oldhams set out and completed almost all of their 15 mile 'stomp' across the high ground west of Coniston Water, later dropping down to join the Walna Scar path to Coniston. Due to an electronic malfunction the walk was achieved using a rarely used item of equipment in the Oldham pack - a real paper map.
Stuart, after re aligning his map, led his party across numerous waterlogged fields in search of the Cumbria Way. Having located this, he headed to Beacon Tarn, a real jewel in sunny weather, but forlorn in the rain. 
The walk then descended to Coniston Water, following its lovely path into Coniston village. 
A real bonus was the sight of the beautiful steam yacht 'Gondola' moving sedately across the water, trailing a plume of smoke and steam.
John’s group started from Blawith heading for Cockenskell and Beacon Tarn. The paths were very wet and there were some risky crossings but no disasters. They dropped to the Lakeside path and followed it into Coniston.

Paul took a different route, on the opposite eastern side of Coniston Water, via Nibthwaite and on up to Park Crags and the beautiful Grizedale Forest.  Having a little extra time to spare, Paul then headed up towards Tarn Hows, turning before the tarn to descend via various footpaths into Coniston.

Mike and Pat began in Coniston, to climb up to the ever lovely Tarn Hows, continuing north to Oxenfell and Hodge Close with its cavernous old quarries. They lunched on the Dales Way sitting in comfort on bales of hay in a warm barn. They returned to Coniston via High and Low Yewdale.

Much changing into dry clothing on the coach preceded visits to the usual welcoming Coniston pubs for well earned refreshments.
A great end to a satisfying if soggy day's walking!

Norman and Stuart 

 Even in those wet conditions our photographers managed some atmospheric pictures.
Thank you to Howie, Stuart, Rick and Steve.
To open the Album click herehere
Southport Fell Walking Club 50th Anniversary Dinner Celebration
 5th October at the Bold Hotel
 Please arrive at 7.30pm
 The meal will be served at 8pm.

 The dress code is smart 

Next Walks:

Sunday 13th October 2019 – Shap to Pooley Bridge
5.30 p.m. departure

Northbound to Preston, M6 north to junction 39, A6 north through Shap to Eamont Bridge, B5320 through Yanwath to Pooley Bridge. Park in Pooley Bridge. Morning coffee stop at Tebay services. Return via the same route.
  
Sunday 27th October 2019 - Keswick via Lakes
5.00 p.m. departure

Northbound to Preston, M6 north to junction 36, A591 through Windermere and Ambleside and on to Keswick. Park in Keswick. Morning coffee stop at Burton services.

Sunday 10th November 2019 – Sedbergh via Kirkby Lonsdale
5.00 p.m. departure


Northbound to Preston, M6 north to junction 36, A65 to Kirkby Lonsdale, A683 to Sedbergh. Park in Sedbergh. Morning coffee stop at Burton services.


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