Southport Fell Walking Club

Photo from Geoff There were severe weather warnings for the weekend but as it turned out, there were very strong winds but no rain and just a little sun. The evidence of the recent storms was all around with flooded fields, demolished walls and raging rivers. Inevitably many of the walks had been planned, revised, revised again and even abandoned. Photo from Marcia There were many flooded fields visible, particularly in the Vale of St John, so Marcia led her group north for the higher ground. At Gategill the streams coming off Blencathra were in full spate and made for dramatic pictures. From there the group turned towards Blease Fell and found a very accommodating cafe in the Blencathra Centre. After a brief break they followed the paths down past Westco to view the bridge restoration on the Railway Paths to Keswick. Photo from Alan Alan and Edwina explored a similar area finding Kilnhow Beck in spate and then round the fell to  Roughten Gill spilling over into the va

There were 10 different walking routes planned for this Ambleside trip and the first two parties left the coach at Ings: Stuart’s party headed south to join the Dales Way to Windermere, before striking north over Orrest Head and Dubbs Reservoir to Troutbeck. From here they joined Robin’s Lane - just as many other members did during the day. Mike’s party crossed from Ings to Borrans Reservoir and up Applethwaite Common. Here they explored Sour Howe and Cappel Howe summits in total cloud. Dropping down to Troutbeck they followed Stuart’s party along Robin’s Lane past Jenkins Crag and Skelghyll Wood. At Windermere five parties departed from the coach: Steve J and Huw headed for Orrest Head, Dubbs Reservoir, and over to Ambleside via Robin’s Lane. Marcia varied her route from Orrest Head with an exploration of a ‘new’ exit path from Nanny Lane, past a beautiful waterfall and down to Robins Lane. The highlight of the day was a Brazilian Cake made with Maize flour and