KIRKBY STEPHEN 4th February 2014

 


It was a gloomy day with very strong winds high on the fells and rainy intervals with patches of watery sunlight.

Five led walks and two private walks braved the testing conditions to visit the notable features of the area – The Nine Standards, the impressive former railway structures and the Eden Valley castles.

The Oldhams of course covered all three in a taxing 13/14 mile trek from Ravenstonedale over Ash Fell Moor to Birkett Common, Pendragon Castle High Pike and the Nine Standards, Rigg and Birkett Hill. A demanding route and little time for photographs.

Mike B’s group also started out from Ravenstonedale with the Oldhams, but within a very few minutes they were specks in the distance. Mike B's group crossed Wharton Fell with the Settle Carlisle Railway in the Tunnel beneath them. They descended into the Eden Valley and lunched Pendragon Castle and had afternoon tea at Lammerside Castle !

At Wharton Hall they met Alan and Edwina who were returning from their ascent of Great Bell further down the Valley.

With a dramatically reduced party from last week Mike J led his very small party to the same Nine Standards and for their lunch the whole party sheltered behind the summit Cairn !

Paul C’s party of nine walkers also headed for the Nine Standards Riggs and for a sheltered lunch. They individually occupied each of the Nine Standards !

Following a different route, Stuart’s group headed for Podgill Viaduct, Ewbank Scar and Ladthwaite. They returned by Lamps Moss and Nateby Common.

Late afternoon groups began to converge on Nateby with Pat and Steph’s group approaching the village from Newbiggin. They had followed the Smardale – Waitby - Greenriggs Nature Trail all the way to Kirkby Stephen.

All were back in time for some refreshments and we left promptly at 5.00. In spite of the gale force winds Mark managed to keep the coach on the M6 to round off a good day’s walking.

Mike B


Thank you to the photographers again who risked their cameras and phones in very unfavourable conditions.  Alan, Elaine, Howie, Mike B, Mike C, Mike J, Mike JM, and Stuart.

To view the photographs click here

Next Walks:        (Updated)

Sunday 18th February 2024 – Coniston via Ambleside

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.

 

 

Sunday 3rd March 2024 – Glenridding via Kirkstone

5.00 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 17th March 2024 – Castleton via Hayfield

5.00 p.m. departure

 

M57, M62 eastbound, M60, A555, A6 to New Mills, A6015 to Hayfield, A624 southbound to Chapel-en-le-Frith, A6, A623, turn left on the B6049, Bradwell, A6187 to Castleton. Park in Castleton. Morning coffee stop at Burtonwood services, M62.

 

 

 

 

 


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