TORVER to BROUGHTON - 12th October 2025


A coach of 42 fellwalkers set off from Southport to the south Lakes in the hope of another dry day. Although sunshine was promised, some remained beneath the cloud, whilst others went up above and experienced the breathtaking sight of a ‘cloud inversion’.

Geoff’s group were very confident until they got to the woods where all the paths were blocked by fallen trees. They picked their way through and on to a tough climb up to Caw summit.  The blue sky was a welcome sight but sadly not quite a full inversion. The remainder of the walk was uneventful and all on good paths as planned. Darren got some good drone footage on Stickle Pike. They got back to the bus at 4 pm so had time for some refreshments at the Manor Arms freehouse.

Clare’s group headed south from Torver for the lower fells Chris, Jane and had a mixed day. The low cloud persisted for much of the day, sharing only sneaky peaks of the stunning views of the Coniston range hidden from sight which was a disappointment but the views of the Duddon Estuary later in the walk were some compensation. In contrast there was plenty to see at ground level with snippets of local history, reservoirs and tarns that were so still, it was like looking in a mirror. The quiet of the mist made the chattering of the birds more audible; meeting a number of friendly dogs (and their owners); being ignored by 4 horses who were told they couldn’t join the group; and followed by a herd of young cows who were mesmerised by Jane’s orange fleece, much to her dismay. Then there were the sheep that Chris thought were pigs!! (should have gone to Specsavers 🤓), mushrooms galore, a final stroll along the railway and past Broughton Towers into Broughton and a fair amount of reminiscing between old work colleagues. A good days walking of 11 miles 1800ft.

Dawn’s group on leaving the coach at Torver, set off towards White Maiden. With very little visibility due to the thick fog and no path to follow, Dawn's navigation skills were put to the test. About 20 metres from the top of White Maiden, the group emerged from the fog to be greeted with the most spectacular cloud inversion with floating mountain peaks in all directions. An early lunch stop was agreed upon to allow the group the extra time to enjoy the feeling of floating on clouds. After reaching the top of White Pike, the group descended back into the fog to bag Green Pikes, Pikes and Caw.  After reaching the top of Brock Barrow, the group made the decision to skip the Dunnerdale Fell range to ensure there would be time to enjoy a pint at The Blacksmiths Arms in Broughton Mills before heading back to the coach. 12 miles and 3500ft ascent completed.

Mike’s group of six walkers spent much of the day grubbing around the damp forestry undergrowth - but it was, as all agreed, a most enjoyable day – thanks in large part to the company!

Ian’s group included Keith, who was on his first walk, and although a sunny day was originally forecast, the Lakes was covered in a blanket of cloud for most of the day. After starting from Torver the group headed along the bridle path in the direction of the Walna Scar Road. At some point they inadvertently strayed off this and into an area with no recognised paths, and had some difficulty in finding the right one again due to the very poor visibility. On reaching the WSR they eventually found some sunshine and had lunch looking at the spectacular ‘cloud inversion’ covering the Duddon valley. Having deliberately missed out White Maiden the rest of the walk went as planned and finished in time for a much-appreciated drink in Broughton.

Paul’s walk set off and after the long early pull up Hummer Lane, the walk through the forest was surprisingly easy without the diversions prevalent on previous occasions. Although the group did not experience the small windows of sunshine, they weren't quite high enough to be walking in the clouds either and had good views across the valleys. No wind, no rain and mild conditions. Altogether a good walk.

Simon & Trish’s walk saw them travel 9.5 miles with a 1600 foot ascent. A few of Wainwright’s outlying fells were bagged in the process including Beacon, Wool Knott & Blawith Knott. A couple of unusual mushrooms were seen, together with some nice reflections in Beacon Tarn and another smaller tarn. A beautiful area!

John’s walk started off from a point on the A593 just above Moss Side Farm. The party of six continued in a north-westerly direction, passing a gate that carried a cautionary notice for drivers not to follow their satnavs onto what became little more than a rough track. But a perfect start for the walk. After a dip down to Broughton Mills the route away from the River Lickle involved a narrow path through bracken. Beyond Hare Hall there was evidence of past quarrying and a pleasant graded
track aided the walkers as they reached Stickle Pike. Then it was swiftly down to Ulpha Bridge and a bridleway through woodland on the far side of the River Duddon. Then back across the river for the 'sting in the tail' ascent to Rawfold Bank - which John's faithful five took in their stride! The day ended at 5 o'clock in Broughton with a well-earned pint! Eleven miles and some 2200ft had been clocked up.

Pat G walked with Steph, Lorna & Pat T and the four friends headed off from Broughton to Foxfield along footpaths and roads. At Foxfield they caught the train which went over the Duddon Estuary to Green Road. They then followed the estuary to Lady Hall and on to a wood which they thought would have a nice path through it, but that was not the case. The path in fact was horrible, with wet stones and rocks all the way to Duddon Bridge. Then it was uphill to Broughton and some enjoyable refreshments. It was a bridge day for photos with 2 along the estuary and 1 of Duddon Bridge.

Thanks again to all of the leaders - Ian, Geoff, Dawn, Pat G, Paul, John, Clare V, Mike B and Simon. And of course to all of the very willing photographers who sent in some memorable photos this week. They get better every walk!

Click HERE to open the album.

Click HERE to view Darren's video with drone footage and music, of their walk to Caw.

Next Walks:

Sunday 26th October 2025 – Malham

5.00 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 the Skipton roundabout, A65 to Gargrave, minor roads through Airton and Kirkby Malham to Malham. Park in Malham. Morning coffee stop at Darwen services, M65.

Sunday 9th November 2025 – Newbiggin to Orton

5.00 p.m. departure

Northbound to Preston, M6 north to junction 38, A685 to Newbiggin, back along the A685 and then the B6261 to Orton. Park in Orton. Morning coffee stop at Burton services.

Sunday 23rd November 2025 – Sedbergh

5.00 p.m. departure

Northbound to Preston, M6 north to junction 37, A684 to Sedbergh. Park in Sedbergh. Morning coffee stop at Burton services.






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