STAVELEY - 21st December 2025

                                                                                 
                                                                                   



Finally after what seemed like a month of constant rain, the walkers from Southport were granted a pleasant, dry and largely sunny day on the fells. Initially however the weather looked grim as they headed north, with rain once again accompanying them.

But gradually small patches of blue sky began appearing ahead, and everyone's spirits began to rise!  A total of 35 walkers set of in six groups from various locations around Staveley, with all eventually ending up back in the village.

Not long after the coffee break and leaving the motorway, the depleted Oldham's group, now under the leadership of Dawn, left the coach beside Sizergh Castle grounds.

Stu almost missed their drop off point shortly after this, but Gerry applied the brakes and allowed them to alight.

Stu’s group welcomed aboard two new members - Julie from Formby and Terry from Ainsdale. They started off with a short gentle climb away from the road, which led them across fields to the spectacular views across the Lyth Valley from Helsington church.

Heading north, they climbed up and across Helsington Barrows to the trig pillar on Scout Scar, then over the plateaux to stop at the famous 'Mushroom' viewpoint shelter, built in 1912 and restored twice since.

Sunshine and great views were available from here, which tempted them to stop for a drink and a quick bite to eat, then to descend and cross the slightly lower Cunswick Fell and Scar.

Dropping down a very muddy path through woodland, they reached Plumgarths, and crossed more very soggy fields to reach Burnside, a small village dominated by a huge paper mill.

Here they went into the very welcoming 'Jolly Anglers Inn', where a childrens' Christmas party was due to begin at 2pm.

The landlady very kindly said they were welcome to stay for a drink before the party began, even allowing them to eat their sandwiches there!

The rest of the walk involved a beautiful route along the Dales Way, which followed the River Kent all the way up to Staveley.

Quite muddy in places, not surprising as this river had risen earlier in the week, and washed up debris was evident all the way along the banks.

Arriving in Staveley at 3.30 pm, the mileage had risen to 13.7 from the intended 10.5 miles. Nobody complained, as the 'diversion' to Burnside and the pub, plus an extended riverbank section all made the day more enjoyable.

Paul’s group also delighted in a lovely day with no rain! The route was as planned, except that Paul had to resort to map reading only and occasionally even the good old compass after his GPS unit finally died.

Lunch was consumed on a hillside in the sun accompanied by a small herd of Galloway cattle, and they later had a chat with some alpacas and negotiated their way past a couple of horses galloping around the field they were crossing. Welcome refreshments at the Eagle and Child concluded a great day's walking.

As Keith stayed home sick, Dawn took on the challenge of leading the Oldhams' group on the 13 mile hike from Sizergh to Staveley.

This was quite a different route to the usual Oldhams' peak bagging walks but didn't disappoint in any way. Straight off the coach, the group were able to explore the grounds of Sizergh Castle before heading over to Sizergh Fell. They then headed towards Scout Scar where they were rewarded with fantastic views of the Howgills, Kentmere Horseshoe, Fairfield Horseshoe, the Langdale fells and the Coniston Fells. A great place to stop for lunch and a little mulled wine!

With the sun shining brightly, the group continued to enjoy the views as they headed across Cunswick Scar before reaching the first pub stop at Plumgarths. Unfortunately, the second pub of the day, Jolly Anglers Inn at Burneside, had a children's party in full swing so it was decided to skip this one and head straight into Staveley. A great day was had by all.

Clare in her group was joined by Monica, Michelle, Karen, Gary, Wai, Alison, and Anthony for a circular walk from Staveley hoping to finally have a week free of rain and being able to look up and actually enjoy the view. They weren’t disappointed and what a great day it turned out to be. 

The ground underfoot was drier than expected, blue skies peeked out occasionally and the visibility was good enough to see the Old Man and Hellvelyn shrouded in cloud in the distance, identified by courtesy of Outdoor Active. Starting with some easier ascents to reach Hugill Hall and the Staveley Head Fell with a chance to take lunch with beautiful views (see video), before the steeper climb up to hill 415 which turned out to be a pimple on the edge of Potter Fell but merited a group photo nonetheless. 

The walk across Potter Fell was, not surprisingly, a bit wet in places but the slightly unusual access points in the walls and the changing views as progress was made kept things interesting helped by Wai’s Chai Tea sweets (mixed reviews) and Gary’s mulled wine at the trig on Brunt Knott. 

A final ascent over hill 395 and an easy walk back into Staveley in good time for refreshments, with the ladies adding a short walk along the river to the weir before heading back to the coach. Spectacular scenery and great company, what more could you want from the last walk of 2025. 🎄

Thanks as ever to Dawn, Gerry, Clare, Paul, Pat, Steph and Stu who led the teams so well this week, and all of the leaders throughout the year who have taken on this responsibility. And also to all of you who take the photographs of each walk, as without them this blog would not be what it is.

Merry Christmas to you all and have a great New Year. See you back on the fells in 2026.

Click HERE to open the album.

Next Walks:

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.

Sunday 18th January 2026 - Settle

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 Gisburn, A682/A65/B6480 to Settle. Park in Settle. Morning coffee stop at Darwen services, M65.

Sunday 1st February 2026 – Grasmere

5.00 p.m. departure

Northbound to Preston, M6 north to junction 36, A590/A591 though Ambleside and on to Grasmere. Park in Grasmere.  Morning coffee stop at Burton services.

 



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