AMBLESIDE 19th January 2025

 


It was an encouraging start to the New Year with an almost full coach of members and one or two new members.

The miserable weather influenced the walks but none were fully abandoned.

Stuart’s group were first off the coach at Ings on the A51. They planned to link three Wainwrights by bridleways, footpaths and two good ridges. Unfortunately they had to miss out Wansfell because the icy conditions but managed 12.5 miles and over 2,000 feet.

Pat and Steph led out from Windermere up Orrest Head and along the route to Troutbeck, Skelghyll and the Jenkin Crag paths to Ambleside.

The Skelghyll Wood View Point became an feature meeting point for two or three groups coincidentally arriving at the same time.

Martin, Gerry and Mike’s groups had been frustrated by the hazardous icey conditions on Wansfell. From half was up the fell they warily descended to the Woods below and headed for Troutbeck.

At the same time Paul, Suzy and Simon’s groups had the same views in mind.

Leaving the coach at Brockhole, the Oldhams headed for Red Screes via Stock Ghyll Force and the Kirkstone Pass. On the ridges above it was another world of icy temperatures.

Steve J felt the same – note his iconic trig point photo.

Paul’s group also ascended Red Screes choosing instead to go clockwise up from High Sweden Bridge and returning by the Kirkstone Pass. They too experienced the beak winter conditions.

From Ambleside three groups crossed to the other side of the valley.

Geoff’s party followed a neat and exciting feature round from Skelwith Bridge, along to Cathedral Cave, Slater’s Bridge and then along to Elterwater.

Ian’s group headed for Black Crag. Finding an acceptable path to the summit they then descended to Tarn Hows and returned by Skelwith Bridge.

Mike J followed the Coffin Route to Grasmere and returned by Rydal Caves and Rothay Park.

It had been a dank day but everyone seems to have had an enjoyable day’s walking and got back to the coach dry. A good start to the Year!

Mike

In spite of the conditions or even because of the conditions we have a quality album. Thanks to all the photographers: Mike J, Claire, Ian, Geoff, Eric, Mike B, Stuart, Chris, Elaine, Pam and Steve.

Open the Album in the usual way. Click here

Next Walks:

Sunday 2nd February 2025 – Aber to Conwy

5.00 p.m. departure

M57 south, Mersey Gateway Bridge, M56, A55 westbound. At junction 20 (Rhos-on-Sea) the coach will turn on to the A547 and continue westbound on this to junction 19, where it will rejoin the A55 and continue westbound to Aber. At Aber the coach will turn around and return on the A55 to Llandudno Junction, parking in the Junction Retail Park (near McDonald’s). The coach will drive from there to the bus stop in Castle Street, Conwy shown on the map below, arriving there around 4.30 p.m. Morning coffee stop at Chester Services, M56.

Sunday 16th February 2025 – Grasmere

5.00 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.

Sunday 2nd March 2025 - Threlkeld via St Johns in the Vale

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 in Threlkeld. Morning coffee stop at Burton services.

 


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