NEWBIGGIN TO ORTON 9th November 2025


 Thirty-five walkers set off with a forecast of rain moving north as the day went on. The hope was that they'd get away with it…but they didn’t!! Another damp walk was had by all, but a good day all the same with plenty of photos both taken and shared.

Geoff’s group had a fine day’s walking which saw them set off from Newbiggin, following the Dales High Way across Ravenstonedale Moor and Tarn Moor, with wide open views and a brisk breeze to keep everyone moving.

The route continued past Andrew Scar, Hollin Stump, and the striking Thunder Stone, before the steady climb over Beacon Hill and Orton Scar. Spirits remained high throughout, helped by good company and fine scenery.

The descent into Orton marked the end of another excellent but wet day and time for one or two pints.

Pat and Steph’s group started their walk from Orton in a northerly direction, on what was then a fine morning. The first point of interest was Robin Hood's grave – which they almost mistook for just a pile of stones!!

By this time they had noticed inclement weather coming in from the west, and sure enough it certainly arrived but they soldiered on to their objective of Crosby Lodge. Here they sought shelter under some scaffolding on an old building to eat their lunch. They had planned to return via the Scars, but fearing for their safety on the slippery limestone decided to take a more direct route to Orton which gave them more time for the tea shop, chocolate shop and pub.

Stuart’s walk saw him leave Newbiggin at a nice early time of 10 past 10, setting out at a brisk pace along The Dales High Way.

After just less than one mile, he was surprised to see Paul's group appearing ahead from the right-hand side. They’d taken advantage of a shorter route across the fields, and had crossed Stuart’s route ahead and climbing up to Great Ewe Fell.

Skirting that summit, he continued north east across Crosby Garrett Fell, a broad expanse of peaceful wilderness, bare but beautiful in its own right.

At 11 o'clock like all of the other groups, he paused for a two-minute silence to remember our fallen heroes. In the distance he could see saw Paul's group likewise pausing.

Pressing on across the fell and Windy Bank, the steep drop down to Potts and across the bridge was followed by the equally steep climb up to Little Asby, a tiny hamlet so typical of the many settlements in this area of Cumbria.

Passing quickly through, next came Asby Grange and Asby Hall, before the descent into Great Asby, a beautiful village with the St. Peter's church at its centre.

Sadly, although the village's only pub The Three Greyhounds is still up and operating, Sunday winter opening time is 3pm, so his anticipated lunchtime pint didn't materialise!

The village bus shelter, with a great supply of paperback books for sale for a small donation, provided a welcome shelter for lunch! The rain by this time had become steady.

 Leaving Great Asby, a long climb south east along a minor road led to the muddy track leading to Great Asby Nature Reserve, a wild and open expanse of limestone and tussocky grassland, quite spooky in the developing mist.

At the end of the scar, there was time on hand to divert up to the monument cross, commemorating Queen Victoria's jubilee, which is at the summit of Beacon Hill, now completely enveloped in drizzle and mist, before dropping down to join a bridleway leading directly into Orton village.

The welcoming sight of both the Don Fraser coach and the very accommodating George Hotel, ended what may have been another 'wet one' but still a good day's walking, totalling up almost 14 miles and 1600 feet of uphill work.

Paul’s walkers experienced a pleasant start to the day, with some sunshine, so the group added in Great Ewe Fell and Little Ewe Fell, where they stopped to respect a 2 minute silence at 11am.

Pressing on it proved tricky finding somewhere suitable for lunch, but then as the day progressed the rain started. Ground conditions were surprisingly good with little mud until the last mile which was a somewhat testing end to the walk, 11.5 miles in all.

Thanks to the leaders Geoff, Paul, Keith, Pat G, Stu, Mike J & Suzy for stepping up and ensuring that all of their charges got back safe and sound. And in the usual way to all of the photographers including Geoff, Darren, Mike K, Chris, Dawn, Claire, Ray, Pat G and Stu.

Click HERE to open the album.

Next Walks:

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.

Sunday 7th December 2025 - Gisburn – Christmas meal

4.30 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. Park in Gisburn. There will be a comfort stop only at Darwen services on the M65. The coach will leave Gisburn at 4.30 pm to drive to the Calf’s Head for the Christmas meal at 5 pm.

Sunday 21st December 2025 - Staveley

5.00 p.m. departure

Northbound to Preston, M6 north to junction 36, A591 to Staveley. Park in Staveley.  Morning coffee stop at Burton services.

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