SEDBERGH 23rd November 2025

Well boy oh boy what a wet walk we had. Again!! The rain gods have certainly been making up for the lack of rain during our recent glorious summer, that now seems so long ago!! Thirty-three walkers set off on six different walks around the beautiful town of Sedbergh at the foot of the Howgill Fells. Historically part of the West Riding of Yorkshire, Sedbergh now finds itself sitting within the ceremonial county of Cumbria. The weather forecast had predicted a wet day, and it didn’t disappoint.

Paul’s group set off and noted only very light occasional rain and even a little blue sky, although the ground was wet as expected. But as the day progressed so did the extent of the rain, particularly when they stopped for lunch! They came across more and more mud, and added distance to the walk going round in circles locating their route through farms a couple of times, so ended up walking about 12 miles. At least the rain had stopped for a while when they got back to the coach which made getting changed a bit easier. This was an area most of them had not walked before and would be beautiful on a warm sunny day!

Mike B’s group visited various sections of the two Sedbergh rivers. They saw plenty of deep fast flowing water and bridges and then returned to Sedbergh by the Pepper Pot. They then set off to visit ‘Farfield Mill’ – a restored Victorian Mill and now run as a creative art and craft exhibition centre. It’s well worth a visit and we’re told they have a very good restaurant! A good but wet day!

Pat G’s group started their walk by climbing up to a path beneath the fells passing a Motte & Bailey castle on the way.

After following this path for a while they descended to the river at Birks and followed the river all the way to Straight Bridge, before making  their way to the Fairfield Mill where they had lunch. After examining the Arts and Crafts at the mill they made their way back to Sedbergh  meeting Mike B, Jackie and David on the way who looked just as wet as they were as it had rained all day. They finished the day off by visiting all the book shops in Sedbergh where it was at least nice and dry.

The Oldham’s alighted the coach at Sedbergh and headed straight up Aye Gill Pike. With the sun peeping out from behind the clouds and dryer than expected paths on the ascent, the group began discussing how conditions weren't that bad. This all changed once the summit was reached and the group began their descent on the other side of the pike. Paths turned into full bogs, the clouds began to build and just as a perfect lunch spot was found, the heavens opened and the group was battered by torrential rain.  The lower-level paths weren't any better and after Monika took a dip in a raging stream, it was decided to stick to the roads to get back to Sedbergh. Overall another very wet day. 16 miles and 2000ft accent.

Stu’s group of four left the coach on the A684 just off junction 37, to follow the lane down to Killington Lake, which was full to capacity.

Taking the footpath beside the lake eastwards and skirting Lily Tarn, which was unfortunately partly hidden by trees and on private land, the path became very wet underfoot as it turned northwards becoming drier before meeting the A684 again.

It was here that they opened the gate for a quad bike, driven by a lovely lady farmer with her adorable collie Bella, riding on the back seat (see Stu’s photos)!

Both were so friendly, and they were told that Bella, although being a working collie, lived in the farmhouse and loved cuddles! Unusual for working dogs!

Pressing on, across the fields which were already boggy, they became worse as the rain began in earnest. 

Passing through a couple of farmyards, they reached a very minor road heading north, pausing to visit Fox's Pulpit.

This is a large rock bearing a blue plaque, telling the story of this being the spot where in 1652 a huge number of local folk listened to George Fox, spreading the word of the Quaker movement.

Next to it was a small Quaker graveyard, much untended.

Pressing on and turning east, they dropped down, crossing the long disused Tebay to Sedbergh railway, to cross the River Lune by a recently renovated footbridge.

The Lune was in full force and this sturdy footbridge gave no cause for concern!

Immediately after the crossing, they turned southwards along the Dales Way, passing through four more farm settlements, to arrive at the spectacular Lune railway viaduct, which once carried the same railway that they had crossed earlier.

They stopped under one of the arches which afforded them the only shelter from the rain for lunch, with the photographs from beneath showing the amazing quality of the stonework of this viaduct.

Continuing along the Dales Way, they reached Lincoln's Inn Bridge, crossing yet again the A 684 to reach The Oaks. Here they turned east to the banks of the River Rawthey, heading towards Sedbergh.

The river was very high and fast flowing, and it was near Birks, where they came across members of a Kayaking club attempting resuscitation of one of their team who had capsized and been rescued. John, one of the group, assisted in the resuscitation until the emergency services, including two air ambulances arrived.

Passing through the grounds of Sedbergh School, which are very impressive, we reached Sedbergh and our waiting coach. Removing wet clothing and retiring to The Black Bull with a blazing wood fire ended the day nicely.

The following account of the kayak incident was reported by the North Yorkshire weather updates post on their Facebook page:

“The incident involved a report that a kayaker, as part of a recreational group had got into difficulty on the water, near to Birks and that, as a result, he was unresponsive.

CPR was commenced and multi-agency response was sent involving two Air Ambulances, Police, Ambulance & Fire.

The first emergency service arrived on scene around 5 minutes after the call to 999 was made. Area Beat Officers and Response Officers from Unit 2, Kendal responded also to the incident on the outskirts of Sedbergh.

In this case the outlook was bleak from the outset.

Fortunately, other members of the kayak party and the public were conversant with CPR and basic life support and had begun lifesaving actions without any hesitation, with emergency services taking over and utilising a mobile defib machine to deliver the required shock.

The male, who had been placed in an induced coma, was suffering with hypothermia and cardiac issues was upright and talking to his loved ones from his hospital bed later that day. The initial assessment of his critical condition has now been downgraded.

This incident serves as a very real reminder that ANYONE has the ability to preserve life. If you have the opportunity to learn CPR or basic first aid - PLEASE TAKE IT!

When it comes to situations such as this, every second counts and the power is literally in YOUR hands!

Big thank you to the members of the Kayak Club, Cumbria Police, Sedbergh Fire Station, North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust, Great North Air Ambulance Service, North West Air Ambulance Charity.”

And many thanks to John and Stu’s group for their intervention at the incident which helped to ensure a positive resolution.

A happy postscript to a dramatic day 😊

Thanks again to the Leaders for navigating their way through the mud and swollen streams - Mike C, Pat G, Keith, Paul, Mike B and Stu. And to the photographers for all of their memorable photos in trying conditions. Often the worst of weather brings out the best of photos!

Click HERE to open the album.

See Darren's latest video by clicking HERE.

Next Walks:

Sunday 7^th 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 21^st 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.

Sunday 4th January 2026 – Llangollen via Horseshoe Pass

5.00 p.m. departure

Southbound to the M57, Mersey Gateway Bridge, M56, M53, A55 to Broughton, A5104 to Llandegla, A542 over the Horseshoe Pass to Llangollen. Park in Llangollen. Morning coffee stop at Chester services, M56.