DUFTON 28th MAY 2023

                                   



What a wonderful day’s walking, in a delightful area we have not visited since 2019.                         So - new to some but familiar to others.

All four groups departed from Dufton village.
The Oldhams sped off in a northerly direction heading for the remote areas of Upper Teesdale: across miles of moorland tracks to Knock Fell, Great Dunn Fell and Cross Fell. Unfortunately, in a slight fall, Claire suffered an injury to her hand – later diagnosed as a broken finger. But it didn’t hold them back and neither did rescuing a sheep from a wire fence unduly delay them.

Stuart’s group headed north west to Bluethwaite Hill and followed round to the Threlkeldside Mine area and then over to Great Rundale Pillar and round to the Tarns. Returning via the Pennine Way they arrived at High Cup Nick just in time to greet Steph’s party triumphantly emerging from the Nick.

From Brackenthwaite Steph had led her group up the full length of the Gill with the exit getting nearer, rougher and steeper.

Unwittingly Gerry and Mike’s party were just ahead of them in a different part of the same gill, experiencing very much the same exertions. Some of the speedier, younger members were already on the rim, cheerfully offering encouragement and ‘advice’.

When all were up safely on the Pennine Way the three groups descended at different speeds down to Dufton. En route Stuart took photos of the various spectacular rock features.

The Stag Inn was relatively quiet and members enjoyed their hospitality in the gardens with views across to Dufton Pike.

A very memorable day.

Mike B

As always - thank you to the photographers, some of whom risked life and limb in the rocky parts of the Gill !  Anne, Chris, Clare, Geoff, Ian, Jane, Marcia, Mike , Steph and Stuart.

To open the Album click here

Next Walks:

 Sunday 11th June 2023 – Llanberis via A55

5.30 p.m. departure

 M57, Runcorn Bridge, M56, A55 westbound to junction 11 (the A5), A4244, A4086 to Llanberis. Park in Llanberis. Morning coffee stop at Chester services, M56.

 Sunday 25th June 2023 – Bassenthwaite to Keswick

5.30 p.m. departure

 Northbound to Preston, M6 north to junction 40, A66 towards Keswick, A591 towards Bassenthwaite.  Coach will turn round near Bassenthwaite village at Chapel Bridge (GR 228 317) and return on the A591 to Keswick. Park in Keswick.  Morning coffee stop at Tebay services.

 Sunday 9th July 2023 – Grasmere

5.30 p.m. departure

 Northbound to Preston, M6 north to junction 36, A590/A591 though Ambleside and on to Grasmere. Park in Grasmere.  Morning coffee stop at Burton services.


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