Southport Fell Walking Club

As the coach headed for Coniston, John G’s party left it at Newby Bridge – a worryingly early departure point. But a neat bit of planning was to take them diagonally across the fells to Coniston - over to Finisthwaite, High Dam, Satterthwaite, Grisedale and Hall Wood. They   short cut the trip down to Greenodd and then back up to Penny Bridge.             11m and 2000’ With Beacon Fell in mind, the Oldhams alighted at Penny Bridge. They crossed Lowick, High Common and Kirkby Moor and Beacon Fell. Although their mileage was vehemently   disputed, -   according to Dawn’s feet, - it was certainly more than their leader had promised!   3200? 18+ m? Mike B's group were next off the coach at Water Yeat, to cross the valley to Selside and the high level route along the east side of Coniston from where there were panoramic views of the Lake and the Old Man. They lunched outside the delightful original Lakeland ‘Cotta...

  It’s quite a long run to Hartington – and it wasn’t helped by a traffic jam just beyond Buxton which added 20 minutes to the trip. But it certainly did not spoil the day. It is a beautiful and interesting area, and all seemed to have a very enjoyable day. John   and Paul’s groups were first off the coach on the main road from Buxton to Hartington. John headed for Park House Hill, a small but distinctive ridge described as ‘an abrupt rock tor with a scary scramble on the top’!             And of course they did it...and then had to get to Hartington. From the same point, Paul ‘s group headed for the Green Lane - Tissington Trail to follow it to Biggin Dale and then down to Coldeaton Bridge and Alstonfield. The excitement of their day seems to have been the testing of the electric cattle fence !   Yes – it was turned on ! Pat and Steph’s group and Mike B’s group both set off at roughly the same time although i...