CONISTON 3rd August 2025


 After an ominous start on the M6 with a band of rain following them for the entire journey, all members of the Club were relieved when the promised sunshine duly arrived.

The weathermen had indeed got it spot on. Martin’s group got off the coach in Coniston at just after 10.30 in warm, dry weather with a brightening sky. They made their way up Yewdale with a brief stop for a snack so that they weren’t starving by the time they got to the planned lunch stop at High Arnside Tarn. There they ate lunch with a pleasant view and the added interest of several species of mayfly and dragonfly darting around below their feet.  After lunch they were soon walking round Tarn Hows, taking the high path with great views over the Coniston and Langdale Fells. Gerry spotted a small knoll from where the views were even more spectacular. They finished the walk descending through the woods to Monk Coniston and its walled garden and on to Coniston and the pub! One of the group had a tracker which reckoned they’d done 9.7 miles - about right for the time that they took.

Paul’s group was pleasantly surprised by the weather being very kind to them, with far more sunshine than had been anticipated. There were fantastic views all day and the walk was extended at the end by walking round via the boating centre. Back in Coniston a few drinks were enjoyed by all, and a wasp helped itself to a bit of Bob’s pint!!!

For Alan it was a glorious day in the end! He started in Coniston on his private walk, went up Wetherlam via Miner's Bridge, Hole Rake and Lad Stones and descended via Swirl Hawse and Levers Water. He reported it being a bit breezy on high, but the cloud lifted from the tops as he arrived there and the views then were superb. As for Edwina her walk went south from Coniston on the Cumbria Way, following the lakeside to the woods beyond Torver jetty and returned the same way.

Pat’s small group left the coach at Clappersgate and walked in a southerly direction along footpaths / cycleways and minor roads to Hawkshead where they had lunch. After looking round Hawkshead they took the path through the Church grounds and headed for Hawkshead Hill, admiring the lovely views along the way. Passing through the village and on to High Cross where on previous visits there has always been a picnic table for them to rest on, on this occasion the table had disappeared, so having got over their disappointment they carried on along minor roads to Coniston Water. They then walked round the head of the lake into Coniston village for well-earned refreshments. It was a lovely walk with perfect weather.

Ian’s walk was completed as planned with no amendments necessary. From Tarn Hows the route took in High Fell and Monk Coniston. All were impressed by Wray Castle, but were disappointed by Rose Castle. They had a lovely lunch spot by Windermere.

Stuart’s walk with John saw them stop at Wray Castle for coffee and cake, where Ian and his gang caught up with them.

Sadly, the castle itself is currently closed for major repairs to the roof, safety and security upgrade, electrical revamping and general 'overhaul' necessary with all old buildings. This all began at the end of 2024, and is expected to take up to a further three years.

The grounds however, including the excellent coffee shop cafe, and the toilets are remaining open throughout.

Continuing onwards, they had lunch by the beacon on Latterbarrow, where Ian's party arrived as they were leaving, allowing a good photo exchange!

Parting company Ian headed west towards Hawkshead while John and Stuart went east into the forest on Claife Heights.

Major deforestation had recently been carried out, and much of the area bore little resemblance to what they remembered from previous visits. As Stuart reflected it was sad to see, but that's the nature of forestry.

Descending to lower levels, they then passed through the lovely village of Hawkshead, without stopping at the tempting pubs, as the climb to Tarn Hows was next on the agenda.

The Tarn, though naturally quite busy on a summer Sunday, was as beautiful as it always is. A real gem, and well looked after by the National Trust.

They did a partial circuit, leaving by the trust's car park and visitor centre, to descend the very steep and precariously narrow road, giving them access to a beautiful wooded section of the Cumbria Way footpath, which took them all the remaining way into Coniston.

The accumulated mileage exceeded the 13 planned, becoming 15 miles at the end, due to a few 'add on' bits during the day, and a total ascent throughout the day of around 2,000 feet.

Arriving back at the coach at 4.20 pm, gave them plenty of time for the essential refreshments! 

The torrential rain on the journey to the Lake District made the Oldham's group with Keith leading, question if a 13 mile walk was the right choice for the day. Thankfully as they stepped off the coach in Ambleside, the clouds cleared and the waterproofs were quickly removed. The larger than normal group, fought their way through overgrown paths to bag 3 minor peaks before reaching the top of Loughrigg Fell. With the clouds continuing to clear and the sun shining brightly, the views were stunning in all directions. From here the group made their way to Skelwith Bridge before following the Cumbria Way to Coniston. Both Skelwith Force and Colwith Force were in full flow with all the overnight rain  and Tarn Hows was as beautiful as always.

Finally John and Debbie Gartside took a 9 mile and 1,100 foot route from Skelwith Bridge to Coniston taking in Elterwater, Little Langdale and High and Low Yewdale.

A fabulous day’s walking with the high number of photos taken being a testament to this.

Thanks to everyone who came along and made it such an enjoyable day. Special thanks to all of the photographers for their contributions (Ian, Pam B, Monika, Eric, Lana, Mike K, Pat G, Neil, Claire, Jason, Mike C, Alan, Edwina and Stuart). And to Pat, Keith, Paul, Ian, Martin, John, Alan, Edwina and Stuart for leading the walks.

Open the album by clicking HERE

Click HERE to see Darren's video of Keith's walk, to music.

Next Walks:

 

Sunday 17th August 2025 - Ilkley

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 past Skipton, A65 to Ilkley. Park in Ilkley. Morning coffee stop at Darwen services, M65.

Sunday 31st August 2025 – Glenridding via St John’s in the Vale

5.30 p.m. departure

Northbound to Preston, M6 north to junction 36, A591 through Windermere and Ambleside to Stanah, B5322 to the A66, A66 east, A5091 south through Dockray to the A592, A592 to Glenridding. Park in Glenridding. Morning coffee stop at Burton services.

Sunday 14th September 2025 – Ingleton

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 Gisburn, A682/A65 to Ingleton. Park in Ingleton. Morning coffee stop at Darwen services, M65. Return via A687/A683, M6 junction 34.

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