KESWICK VIA THE A591 - 12th April 2026

 Photo: by Geoff

Finally for the first time in quite a few weeks, the Club had a ‘dry’ walk with no need for a complete change of clothing as has recently been the norm! The 41 walkers set off in a multitude of groups and from a variety of locations but generally heading for Keswick via the A591.

Geoff’s group, after a tough start climbing 2400 ft in the first hour and getting most of the climbing done, had a great walk.

They got onto the Dodds and the walk was easier but very windy. After descending from Clough Head they got soaked in a shower which was only brief thankfully. At this point they decided to continue on to Castlerigg stone circle and Keswick rather than Threlkeld, which added a couple of miles and some height to the walk, but it was all very enjoyable and great to be out in decent weather again.

A couple of pints in Keswick Wetherspoons polished off a great day. They did 12 miles and 4000ft in the end.

Keith’s group left the coach at Town End, and were instantly struck by the strong, freezing wind. The talk quickly turned to what another horrific weather day it was going to be but thankfully it stayed dry, the wind gradually eased and the sun eventually began to shine through. As the group began their ascent up Calf Crag, the warning on the card of 'boggy sections' soon became apparent. As the walk progressed over Ullscarf, High Tove and High Seat the group decided the card should have told them to bring wellies. At this point everyone's boots were completely flooded and no one bothered to make any attempt to avoid the bogs anymore. Although very wet underfoot, the stunning views along the route kept everyone's spirits high and as the group descended into Keswick from Walla Crag the talk turned to how enjoyable the day was. Overall 16 miles, 3500ft ascent and 11 peaks achieved (6 of which were Wainwright's). Not a bad day at all!

Alan’s solo walk found him at last enjoying an excellent fell-walking day, although it was very windy on the tops. He was on his own, so started in Keswick and went up through Spring Woods to Rakefoot. From there he went on up to Walla Crag and the weather was clear enough to give the usual stunning views across Derwent Water to Keswick and the fells. It was getting windier, but he carried on towards Bleaberry Fell. On the steep section just below the summit he met a couple of walkers and they got chatting. It was cold and very windy so they were all wrapped up and didn't recognise each other at first, but he realised that she was Irene Hawkins, a very regular walker with the club 30 years ago, which was about when Alan had last seen her. They were both delighted to see that they were both still fell-walking! He went on to the summit but it was pretty grim up there so he grabbed a couple of photos and retraced his steps. And so he completed about 9.5 miles and 2,300 feet of ascent and a great day.

Paul’s group left the coach opposite Swirls car park and followed the path (alongside a gushing stream and cascades) down to Thirlmere then along the reservoir to the dam. After crossing the dam the unrelenting steep ascent to Raven's Crag began, though the final section, which at one time would have been very muddy, now has steps and boardwalks. The views from the summit platform were amazing, and there was snow to be seen on the higher Dodds and Helvellyn. The descent was by the same route but broken up with a lunch stop, for once in the dry. The group continued to Keswick on the planned route with bright and sunny conditions into the late afternoon. A total of 9.7 miles and just under 2,000 ft of ascent.

Ian’s group completed their walk as planned. A dry day for a change, making the walk so much more enjoyable. Lovely scenery, good company and back in time for a beer.

Pat’s group included the two Pats, Steph & Lorna. They all alighted from the coach at the Swirls car park along Thirlmere and made their way down to the lakeside path where they were soon overtaken by Paul's group. They then followed it to Bridge End and across the river to Smaithwaite farm. They made their way across the A591 and followed a path beneath High Rigg to Dale Bottom then it was back over the A591 and up to Castlerigg and through Spring woods, where refreshments were taken and onto Keswick for further refreshments. A good walk of about 9 miles and apart from the odd spot, no rain!!

Thanks as usual go to the leaders of the day - Geoff, Ian, Clare V, Pat G, Keith, Paul, Alan, Martin and Suzy. And to the photographers - Geoff, Paul M, Mike C, Darren, Ian, Clare V, Chris, Pat G, Dawn, Neil O, Claire D, Paul and Alan - for some beautiful photographs both of landscapes, groups and animals. Just keep them coming everyone :-)

Click HERE to open the album.

Click HERE to see Darren's video of The Dodds and Castlerigg Stone Circle.

Next Walks:

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.

Sunday 24^th May 2026 – Grassington

5.30 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 the Skipton roundabout, B6265 to Grassington. Park in Grassington. Morning coffee stop at Darwen services, M65.