GRASMERE 30th JANUARY


GRASMERE 

The weather forecast was not promising - severe strong winds and heavy rain was expected later in the day. So planned walks were understandably modest – always a relative comment.

The Oldhams had 8 Wainwrights and 3500 feet on their card but were distracted by the open air gymnasium on the summit of Helm Crag. Their ambitious targets were amended and while they did most of the Easedale Round, omitting only the remote peak of Eagle Crag, they returned with very little time to spare.

Steve J made similar adjustments to his card and used his planned alternative  route to cross from the head of Easedale to Wythburn Fells and Steel Fell.

Geoff Ryan led his group in the reverse direction – up Steele Fell, across Far Easedale and over to Ash Crags to descend by Easedale Tarn.

The two other groups started out together - heading for Loughrigg Fell.  Mike J and Pat’s group used the Dow Bank path to access Red Bank and then ascend Loughrigg Fell. They achieved that, but by mutual consent they avoided the very exposed summit cairn and continued over the top and down to the Tarn.  From here they followed paths round to Rydal Caves and then the Lakeside Path back to Grasmere.

Ian and Gerry followed the same path to Red Bank and then descended to Chapel Stile where they joined a very busy section of the Cumbria Way to Skelwith Bridge. To return they ascended Neaum Crag path to Loughrigg Tarn and up the ‘back’ of Loughrigg. After a perilous decent the Terrace was finally achieved - with great personal relief.

Anne and Helen and Graham were in the same area having followed their traditional walk from Ambleside, through Rydal Park, Badger Bridge and Loughrigg Terrace with views across to Fairfield and Helm Crag.

The heavy rain held off until the last fifteen minutes but by then most were already back in the coach!

It was great to be back in the Lakes and Grasmere looked as beautiful as ever.

Mike B



Thank  you again for the range of beautiful photos – Anne, Claire, Geoff, Howie, Mike J, Mike B, Pam and Steve J.

To access the slide show click here.

Next Walks:


Sunday 13th February 2022 - Threlkeld via St Johns

5.00 p.m. departure

Northbound to Preston, M6 north to junction 36, A591 through Windermere and Ambleside to Stanah, B5322 through St John’s in the Vale to Threlkeld. Park at the Salutation Inn, Threlkeld. The Salutation is not normally open, but they will be opening it up that day for the Southport Fellwalking Club. Morning coffee stop at Burton services.

Sunday 27th February 2022 – Shap summit to Staveley

5.00 p.m. departure

Northbound to Preston, M6 north to junction 39, B6261 to the A6, A6 to Kendal, A591 to Staveley. Park in Staveley. Morning coffee stop at Burton services.

Sunday 13th March 2022 – Coniston via Lakes

5.00 p.m. departure

Northbound to Preston, M6 north to junction 36, A590/A591 past Windermere to Ambleside, A593 to Coniston. Park in Coniston.  Morning coffee stop at Burton services.

 

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