CONISTON 2nd April 2023

 


Traffic queues heading into Ambleside confirmed a favourable weather forecast – and so it proved.

At Ambleside Rugby Club, Stuart’s team left coach following paths down the western side of Windermere to High Wray Bay and Belle Grange Bay. Here they turned west with Hawkshead in mind for lunch, with the last lap past Rose Castle to Tarn Hows. A neat 12.5 m

Shortly after afterwards at Clappersgate, Pat and Steph departed for Wray Castle and Belham Tarn, also with Hawkshead in mind and eventually Hollin Bank Farm to Coniston. 10m

At Skelwith Bridge there was a mass exodus of the Oldham group, Mike B’s group and Mike J’s group.

The Oldhams headed south with High Wray Bay and Harrow Slack in mind and eventually Latterbarrow. They paused in Outgate for refreshments and then crossed Limestone Hill for Tarn Hows and eventually Coniston. 16.5m

Both Mike groups followed the path through Low Park towards Stang End with Mike J carrying on to Low Hall Garth and on up to High Tilberthwaite. Then on the slopes of Wetherlam they followed the Miners path to Coniston.

Mike B’s group headed for Oxen Fell and Hodge Close with the Quarry in mind. They descended narrow path down to quarry water level. Refraining from a skinny dip in the icy water they left the quarry and headed up to through the woods to summit Holm Fell and then down through Tarn Hows. 8m

With some serious peaks in mind Paul led his party up Red Gill Head to the summit of Wetherlam. The group amicably split at Swirl How, one group happily descending, while Paul’s group continued on to the Old Man.9+m

As usual Steve J roamed at will from Coppermines Valley over the Great Carr ridges and returning by Walna Scar Road from Dow Crag and Brown Pike. 11.5m

Alan W went up the quarry route to Coniston Old Man, down to Goat's Hawse, then Dow Crag, Buck Pike, Brown Pike, and returned by Walna Scar. Apart from a bit of early mist - glorious views the rest of the day.8.5

Anne and Edwina left the coach at Glen Mary Bridge and further explored the very familiar Tarn Hows returning along the Cumbria Way through Boon Crag Farm.

It was a beautiful early spring day – and everyone enjoyed it.

Mike B

Thank you to the photographers who capitalised on the glorious weather and produced a colourful album. Alan, Anne, Bill, Rick, the Oldhams, Geoff, Mike K, Mike J, Jane, Pat, Stuart, Steve and Edwina.

To open the Album click here

Next Walks:

 Sunday 16th April 2023 – Pateley Bridge

5.30 p.m. departure

 Northbound to Preston, on to the M65, M65 eastbound to junction 7, via A6185/A678 to the A680, A671 to roundabout N of Whalley, A59 to the Skipton roundabout, B6265 to Grassington and on to Pateley Bridge. Park in Pateley Bridge. Morning coffee stop at Darwen services, M65.

 Sunday 30th April 2023 – Glenridding via Kirkstone

5.30 p.m. departure

 Northbound to Preston, M6 north to junction 36, A590/A591 to Windermere, A592 over the Kirkstone Pass to Glenridding. Park in Glenridding. Morning coffee stop at Burton services.

 Sunday 14th May 2023 – Kettlewell to Grassington

5.30 p.m. departure

 Northbound to Preston, on to the M65, M65 eastbound to junction 7, via A6185/A678 to the A680, A671 to roundabout N of Whalley, A59 to the Skipton roundabout, B6265 toThreshfield, B6160 to Kettlewell, where the coach will return on the B6160 to Grassington. Park in Grassington. Morning coffee stop at Darwen services, M65.


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