THRELKELD - 15th February 2026

The weather forecast ahead of the weekend walk to Threlkeld was not hopeful, suggesting rain and snow at various levels. The 39 walkers accordingly prepared themselves for the worst with the groups going on the higher walks, kitting themselves out with the appropriate gear including ice axes, microspikes and crampons. True to form it was another cold, wet and snowy walk!!

Geoff and Mike decided in the morning to keep it low level. They still got off at Stanah and walked up towards High Rigg then Keswick, and got soaked on the way but managed to dry off, before having lunch at Wetherspoons. They killed some time in Keswick before walking back along the old railway to Threlkeld. 11 miles 1,500ft but it was a pleasant days walking.

Steve set off on his solo walk and although experiencing a dry start, it soon started raining on the track up the unusually quiet Glenderraterra Valley. Snow fell on the ascent to the Burnt Horse, it became unpleasant into the wind with no compensatory views, and all was completely clagged in. After the level section, the steep north facing ascent, alongside the fence to Lonscale Fell, saw deep snow with frozen ground underneath and he was glad of the ice axe for stability and security. 

There was no-one about at the top or on the East peak, and the only footprints were his own. But a runner did suddenly pass him on the descent, and then finally, out of the mist came some decent views at last! The walk actually ended up as 10.5 miles.

Keith’s group started off by losing members on the coach before they’d even started, after realising how difficult the walk was going to be in the snowy conditions. In the end there were only three brave souls!! They got of the coach on the top of Dunmail Raise and headed straight up to Grisedale Tarn. Even though they were right next to it, they couldn’t see it because of the cloud! On the steps up to Dollywagon Pike they stopped to prepare themselves for the weather that was about to come. Extra layers, spikes, thicker gloves and balaclava’s all went on. It made Keith think that this was the precise reason why they should always be carried. Boy were they needed. And so on to Helvellyn. On an average day it can be a difficult peak to conquer, but in Sundays conditions it was extreme. White outs on the top, freezing temperatures and wind blasting them with sleet, but they wouldn’t have wanted to be anywhere else. Then on to White Side, Raise and the Dodds. At Watson’s Dodd the clouds finally parted and they got views for the first time. On to Clough Head and down to Threlkeld for a well-earned pint and to finally get warm.

Paul’s group set off in much more snow than was expected, but it was already melting and rain was falling, so the slopes were very slippy with no firmness to the snow. A cold lunch stop in a hollow on High Rigg, but later the rain stopped and it was a pleasant afternoon, allowing time for a wander round the Castlerigg stone circle. 10.3 miles, but 2,200 ft of ascent was more than planned, probably due to the many ups and downs across High Rigg.

Alan’s group experienced yet another miserable day! Edwina and Alan started in Threlkeld, walked up past the Blencathra Centre and along the bridleway above the Glenderaterra Beck. Their intent was to descend into this valley and return via Derwentfolds and Wescoe, but they were so cold and wet by the time they reached Roughten Gill with the rain relentless, that they turned around and retraced their steps. So in the end they only completed around 6.5 miles and 1,000' ascent. Still, it's the exercise and fresh air that counts!!

Stu’s group headed north on the M6 accompanied by light rain, traveling through Ambleside and past Grasmere to the morning drop off points.

John and Stu left the coach shortly after the smaller than usual Oldham's group of just three, who began their walk from the top of Dunmail Raise.

Beginning from Wythburn, they trudged up through the woodland path with two inches of crisp snow underfoot.

This path along the eastern side of Thirlmere Reservoir, which was at full capacity, afforded great views through gaps in the trees across the water and beyond to the cloud enshrouded High Seat and Bleaberry  Fell  lower slopes.

Dropping down to Swirls car park, they crossed the main road to follow the reservoir side path along to Great How, and skirted this little hill to join the minor road beside Thirlmere's spectacular dam.

With the rain persisting, it was decided to take a welcome lunch break in the 'cosy' shelter of the bus stop at Legburthwaite.

It was here, just as they were about to leave, that Mike B's party was seen going south on the opposite side of the road.

They greeted them, inviting them to take their place in the shelter, exchanging views on " What's gone wrong with the weather again!"

They had been unable to find the low-level path to the east of High Rigg, so John and Stu set off to find it, having decided to abandon the climb up onto the High Rigg ridge.

They found that the start can be confusing if you are not familiar with the area, as at first the path appears to be ascending to High Rigg. But if you follow the yellow arrow upwards for a very short distance then take the right-hand path, you've found it!

Sadly, the beautiful little farm Cafe at Low Bridge End Farm, was not open, so they slogged on to St. John's Church, crossing over to descend past beautiful Tewet Tarn.

Turning north east, past Burns Farm, admiring and photographing some lovely friendly Longhorn cows, they descended further to take the most eastern section remaining, of the old Penrith / Keswick railway still available to walkers, bringing them almost to Threlkeld.

A short walk along a very minor access road took them back to the coach, and the very welcoming Salutation Arms Inn.

Quite wet on the whole but still a very satisfying day's walking.

Garry’s group started from the Swirls car park and went via the very full Thirlmere lakeside path down to Thirlmere dam, after which they joined the crowds up the steep snow and ice covered path up to Raven Crag. Heading up the path keeping clear of the people slipping and sliding back down, they got to the top to see the lovely view from the Raven Crag platform, however they were to be beaten by the weather and pretty much all that was visible was clouds.

Leaving the crowds behind they made their way to Castle Crag, during which the snow started coming down. However while snow was falling the clouds were rising, and so they got their view from Castle Crag to the snow-covered fells to the west. Just as Garry started descending, everyone else in the group was spotting a fox cavorting in the snow. It was at this point descending from Castle Crag that the snow started falling in very large flakes. While heading to the Benn they discovered that the deer fence is still all present and locked up so skipped that and headed downhill. 

They then headed to High Rigg covering its three tops. High Rigg on the top was basically a marsh underfoot, all except the SE top which was tricky to climb with major snow patches. And similarly again on the descent, causing them to slip and slide on their way down. They then headed to the other two tops (south top and main top) and then descended down to St Johns church. With time starting to run away from them they skipped Low Rigg and went direct to Tewet tarn. But they still managed to get back to the Salutation Inn for a reasonably leisurely drink.

Mike B’s group started in Great How woods beside Thirlmere and progressed low level over to St John in the Vale, walking below snow laden Cloughhead, Calf how Pike and the Dodds.

In the earlier section of the walk the landscape was transformed by a blanket of snow. But the persistent light rain made it another wet day to test their gears' waterproof quality. They rejoiced when the clouds finally lifted towards the final third of the walk.

A quick drink by the fireside at the cosy Salutation Inn was well earned. It was literally taken over by SFWC! A very enjoyable walk.

Pat’s group started their walk from Threlkeld. They made their way through the village to the disused railway path and on to Keswick. It was fine when they set off but of course it soon started to rain – something which they’re becoming more and more accustomed to!!! The path was quite busy with fellow walkers and dogs, and with the river in full flow it made it an enjoyable walk.

This was an easy walk for Lorna after her hip surgery. So, after a look round Keswick they returned to Threlkeld by bus.

Thanks to the many walk leaders on this weeks outing for bravely leading their charges, including Geoff, Garry (walk leading virgin), Keith, Paul, Pat G, Mike B, Stu, Suzy, Alan & Steve. And to the photographers including Geoff, Monika, Ray, Jason, Howie, Neil O, Pam B, Clare V, Pat G, Mike B, Eric, Stu, Alan & Steve.

Click HERE to open the photo album.

Next Walks:

Sunday 1^st March 2026 – Gargrave to Skipton

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 Skipton roundabout, A65 to Gargrave, return on the A65 to Skipton. Park in Skipton. Morning coffee stop at Darwen services, M65.

Sunday 15^th March 2026 – Coniston via Torver

5.30 p.m. departure

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

Sunday 29^th March 2026 – Glenridding via A66

5.30 p.m. departure

Northbound to Preston, M6 north to junction 40, A66 to the Rheged roundabout, then A592 along Ullswater, through Watermillock and on to Glenridding. Park in Glenridding. Morning coffee stop at Tebay services.