GLENRIDDING VIA A66 - 29th March 2026

 Photo: by Mike K

Well what have we done to deserve this?? Someone from the Club has most definitely run over a black cat!! Yet another soaking for the 37 Southport fellwalkers who suffered another wet, very windy and at times miserable day - yet it was surprisingly enjoyable at times and even, dare I say it, character-building!!!!!!

Keith’s group left the coach at Pooley Bridge and instantly began their battle against the elements. As they made their way over Salmond's Hill and onto Gowbarrow Fell, it was a case of heads down to battle the rain and wind whilst trying to avoid as much ground water as possible. The strength of the wind at the top of Gowbarrow Fell left the group questioning if it was possible to complete the planned route so they headed to The Royal Hotel in Dockray to reassess. Soaked through to the skin and battered by the wind, the suggestion of staying at the hotel for a roast dinner and walking back along the lake, nearly won the group over. After a quick weather check and the promise of no more rain, it was decided to continue the walk on the lower path around Glencoyne. Here the group avoided the worst of the wind and as the clouds lifted, still got to enjoy the stunning views around Ullswater. What started off as a miserable walk turned out to be quite enjoyable. 14 miles and just under 3,000 ft ascent completed.

For Darren’s group, due to the lack of ascent at the start of their walk they didn't get the full brunt of the wind until Howtown but they certainly got the rain. They detoured to the tea room there before moving on up the pass to commence ascending Steel Knotts except for Michelle who visited the church.

They got around 15% of the way being caught by strong gusts, before abandoning that fell and just ascending Hallin Fell. Strong winds meant they didn't hang around too long but did catch a nice rainbow before descending on the slippery path on the northern side with a few slides in mud on the way. Luckily the weather cleared for them as they took the lakeside route back to Glenridding for a pint or two at about 4:20. Approx 13 miles in the end and glad they stayed low!

Ian’s group couldn’t believe that they were in for yet another wet walk, starting with steady rain which became more challenging as the wind increased to gale force with some sleet. As a result the walk was changed to miss out Gowbarrow Fell and take the lower path ending at the bottom of Aira Force instead. The N.T. cafe there was a very welcome shelter and provided hot drinks, sausage rolls and pasties! The remaining low-level route by Ullswater was actually carried out in dry conditions, but still nobody was tempted to do the planned path that would have included Seldom Seen. After changing into dry clothes the group enjoyed a very pleasant hour in the Ullswater Inn.

For Paul C’s group a wet and windy day was in the forecast and it certainly delivered! With very strong winds at lower levels the group abandoned the ascent of Gowbarrow Fell instead skirting round directly to Aira Force, which was very impressive with the high-water volume. A diagonal route from there across fields was also abandoned when the path became impassable due to flooding. However, the walk back to Glenridding on the path alongside the road was very pleasant but there was little enthusiasm to take in the loop to the lower part of the Glencoyne valley. Nevertheless the group completed 11 miles and enjoyed refreshments in the village before setting off home.

Stu and John completed their private walk which was similar in route to both Paul and Ian's walks. The difference was that they’d intended to carry on after visiting Aira Force waterfalls to go up to Glencoyne Head along the 'amphitheatre' path.

Beginning at the Waterfoot bus stop, along with several other groups, it was a surprise to find that the hard surfaced car park was no longer there, and has been grassed over!

 

Setting off in the rain and strong wind, they crossed waterlogged fields to pass the Waterfoot hotel and campsite.

The moderate climb to Wreay and Bennethead involved more mud and flooded fields, so they decided to take the minor road to reach Priest's Crag and the path to Swinburn's Park Plantation.

Surprise again!  The recent deforestation had made this area almost unrecognisable, and the expected shelter from the wind in what had been a thickly wooded area didn't happen!

On reaching the south western edge of Kirsty Brow, they had decided that the intended climb up to Airy Crag (Gowbarrow fell trig pillar) was not a good idea, due to the very gusty wind and driving rain.

Instead, the lovely twisting terrace path below Gowbarrow Park was taken, affording fabulous views down across Ullswater, white capped waves whipping up along the lake. No steamers were operating though in the awful weather!

Dropping down to the beautiful Aira Force Waterfalls, the tempting National trust Cafe was a very welcome place to enjoy a sausage barm and coffee, in warm dry conditions.

Here, Garry's little party also dropped into the cafe.

All thoughts of climbing up to Glencoyne Head were abandoned, the weather becoming increasingly wild and wet, so they chose the delightful path alongside the lake, encountering a small herd of those lovely docile Belted Galloway cows along with some calves.

Arriving earlier than expected in Glenridding, soaked to the skin but at least getting 10 instead of the planned 12 miles in, a change of clothing and stroll to the pub ended yet another day on the fells.

Garry’s group set off with high hopes but expectations of a wet and windy day. Getting off the coach they got the rain but it was surprisingly calm. The rain had some advantages such as the spectacular flow at Aira force. During the ascent up Green Hill they started to have brief tastes of the wind to come when on certain sections they turned and got the significant winds from the side, however the views during the ascent over Ullswater were great.

However once reaching the top of Green Hill, we encountered the full force of the winds. The winds came and went as they crossed to Gowbarrow fell top, where the final ascent brought significantly higher winds. They battled to get to the trig point, but it was at that point they decided to abandon the original walk plan in its entirety.

Descending down to high cascades for lunch, they decided on the new route. Taking in views of High Cascades, High Force and Aira Force again on the way for a coffee stop at the Aira force cafe, they then stayed low level and headed to Seldom Seen. As they headed higher up Glencoyne the wind started to pick up, which made them divert back to Ullswater instead of crossing Stybarrow Pass, and onto Glenridding.

Steph’s group left the coach at Aira Force Car Park and completed a circuit of the waterfalls in Gowbarrow Park, in some very wet weather. Afterwards they dried out and had snacks in the superb National Trust Cafe. Then they proceeded to walk along the lakeside path to Glenridding. Owing to the very inclement weather it was here that they ended their walk, and spent the afternoon in Glenridding.

Mike B’s group, in response to the weather forecast, Mike B, Gerry and Jason headed for Aira Force. They followed the falls to the top, and given the conditions they were as spectacular as you could imagine. They then traced the Lakeside Path to Glenridding where they occupied the remaining time between Lanty’s Tarn and The Traveller’s Rest. An enjoyable wet walking day.

The Clubs thanks and appreciation went to their gallant driver Robbie, who had his work cut out fighting the wind on the return trip over Shap summit.

Thanks as usual to Paul C, Steph, Ian, Darren, Garry, Mike B, Keith and Stu for leading, and to Mike K, Clare, Darren, Michelle, Paul M, Mike C, Dawn, Howie and Stu for taking some memorably wet photos!!

Click HERE to open the album.

Click HERE to see Darren's video of his walk up Hallin Fell.

Next Walks:

Sunday 12^th April 2026 - Keswick via A591

5.30 p.m. departure

Northbound to Preston, M6 north to junction 36, A591 through Windermere and Ambleside and on to Keswick. Because of new parking constraints in Keswick, the coach will drop off in Keswick if required (but not in a car park) then park outside the town, returning to park in the usual Booth’s car park around 3pm. Morning coffee stop at Burton services.

Sunday 26^th April 2026 - Hartington

5.30 p.m. departure

M57, M62 eastbound, M6, M56, A555/A6 to Buxton, A515 to junction with B5054, B5054 to Hartington. Parking on village green in Hartington. Morning coffee stop at Burtonwood services, M62.

Sunday 10^th May 2026 – Kirkby Stephen

5.30 p.m. departure

Northbound to Preston, M6 north to junction 38, A685 to Kirkby Stephen. Park in Kirkby Stephen.  Morning coffee stop at Burton services.