GLENRIDDING - 31st August 2025


Well it was another day of extreme weather for those members of Southport Fell Walking Club who chose to take on the challenge!

Simons solo walk took in Birkett Fell and Hart Side from Dockray and through Glencoyne Head to Glenridding. The wind was so strong and dangerously gusty that he turned off below Birkett Fell. He tried the approach to Glencoyne Head but it was like a wind-tunnel.  On his own, he turned around fully to descend to Spying How and Groove Gill and then to the lakeside via Ullswater Way. Bright sun and warmth made it feel like a different world. Total distance and height in the end was 8 miles distance, and 1,600 feet of ascent.

After much discussion, the Oldham’s decided to stick to the original route with a range of options to change plans if the weather became too severe.  After leaving the coach in Grasmere, they made their way to Alcock Tarn before heading up to Nab Scar. With the wind behind them and stunning views in all directions, they continued up the ridge to Heron Pike, Great Rigg and Fairfield. Here the clouds engulfed the mountain and the rain driven by the wind, quickly turned to hail. Fully wrapped up in waterproofs, woolly hats and gloves, the group decided the weather wasn't severe enough to change the route so they set off as planned to Hart Crag.  From here, the group split in two with Dawn leading her half down the valley to explore the Priest's Hole, whilst Keith's group continued their Wainwright bagging by continuing along the ridge to Dove Crag, Little Hart Crag and High Hartsop Dodd. As the descent began, the clouds lifted and the sun shone through once more making the end of the walk just as stunning as the beginning. The White Lion in Patterdale was the place where the two groups met and, over a well-earned pint, discussed the highlights of the day.

Ian’s walk – The last part of the planned walk was shortened by completing only part way up the Glenridding valley.  It was an enjoyable walk despite the challenging wind and nasty squall in the area of Grisedale Tarn.

Pat’s walk - Two Pats, Trish, Lorna & David started their walk from Dockray following Aira Beck to Aira Falls.  This was a delightfully quiet path passing High Force on the way. They joined the crowds at Aira Force where they had lunch and encountered the only rain of the day. After such a dry summer they were amazed that the falls were in full spate. Then it was a long march along the new path and lakeside path to Glenridding. The only hazard on this last stretch was the strong winds but it had been a good day.

Alan’s walk – Because it was such a wild day, Alan and Edwina didn't go high. They started at Dockray, and took the direct route up Gowbarrow Fell. The wind on the summit was ferocious and they were barely able to stand. Fortunately there was another couple there and they were able to swap cameras and take each other's summit photos!!

They descended via the Shooting Lodge and Yew Crag to the car park, and went up to visit Aira Force - absolutely crammed with people (as always). They then returned via the Ullswater coastal path, to find the views absolutely stunning and which included a brilliant rainbow. They'd intended to climb Glenridding Dodd en route but it was still really windy so they decided to give it a miss. Total distance covered was around 7.5 miles with 1500 feet of ascent.

Stuart’s walk - It was a very 'windblown' day, and as a result required an amended walk route!

Frustratingly, Stu failed to ask Robbi in time, to stop the coach at the planned bus stop at the top of Dunmail Raise, believing (erroneously) that there was a layby at the very crest.

They carried on to the next suitable stop, at Wythburn. From there, it was a straightforward 3/4 mile footpath walk uphill to the intended start point.

After a cautious crossing of Raise Beck, which was surprisingly cascading despite the recent spell of dry weather, they ascended alongside the beck being a lovely path involving several 'scrambly' bits, to reach Grisedale Tarn.

This is the point at which Stu had advised his group that the decision would have to be made whether or not to go up to Dollywagon, Nethermost Pike and Helvellyn.

Having asked the walkers descending coming the other way what the conditions were like, and receiving replies that 60 to 65 mile per hour gusts were making even standing up challenging, it was decided in the interests of safety and common sense, not to climb further.

The surface of Grisedale Tarn was being lashed by gusts, causing spray to blow across its length.  Crossing the outfall of the tarn, they began descending into the Grisedale Valley.

Still buffeted by the winds, a more sheltered lunch stop was sought, after which accompanied by short rain showers, the lower reaches of Grisedale brought more gentle conditions and welcome sunshine.

At Lanty's Tarn, as time was plentiful, it was decided to extend the walk along Glenridding Beck up to the mines, crossing the beck to stop for coffee, cake and drinks at the excellent YHA hostel cafe.

The remaining walk down to Glenridding belied the conditions on the high fells, although the clouds blowing across showed the true story! But, despite having to abandon Helvellyn, they still covered just over 10 miles and about 2,000 feet of uphill!

Paul's walk - The wind influenced the walk from early on when Wai's cagoule was whipped away from her rucksack, never to be seen again!! Maybe her modified use of leggings across the shoulders will catch the eyes of outdoor clothing designers!! After a sheltered lunch behind a wall, they set off to be met by ferocious winds as they approached the Glencoyne valley. It became clear that to continue on the planned route along the narrow path above and around the head of the valley would have risked being blown off, so a steep descent was chosen to cross the valley and follow the Seldom Seen path into Glenridding, where they added a small loop via Greenside Road to arrive in the village by the original planned path. The afternoon views across the hills and Ullswater were stunning.

Thanks as usual to all of the leaders and photographers for their massive and continued contributions.

Open the album by clicking HERE

See Darren's video of Grisedale Tarn by clicking HERE

Next Walks:

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.

Sunday 28th September 2025 – Betws-y-Coed via Dolwyddelan

5.30 p.m. departure

M57 south, Mersey Gateway Bridge, M56, A55 westbound to junction 19, A470 to Dolwyddelan, A470 back to Betws-y-Coed. Park in Betws-y-Coed. Morning coffee stop at Chester services, M56.

Sunday 12th October 2025 –Torver to Broughton-in-Furness

5.30 p.m. departure

Northbound to Preston, M6 north to junction 36, A590 through Newby Bridge to Penny Bridge, A5092/A5084 to Torver, A593 to Broughton. Park in Broughton. Morning coffee stop at Burton services.


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