Southport Fell Walking Club

 Photo: by Clare V What a difference a few months make in the world of fellwalking! Back in March we wondered if we’d ever walk in the sunshine again. But since Glenridding we’ve seen four consecutive ‘dry’ walks. Unheard of!! And what a beautiful day this was. Glorious sunshine throughout but with a gentle breeze that kept the temperature down to one that was manageable. Twenty-four hours later and it would have been a different story! Keith’s group, after leaving the coach on the A59, headed straight for Embsay reservoir where the group took advantage of the ice cream van. With temperatures in the high 20’s it was a nice chance to cool down a bit. They then headed for the trig point at Cookrise Crag Top, the cross and the obelisk on Cracoe Fell before heading down to Burnsall where it looked like the whole of Yorkshire had congregated. They couldn’t even walk down the road as the cars were backed up both ways. With marshals directing the cars over Burnsall bridge the whole plac...

 Photo: by Clare V Thirty-six members of SFWC set off for Kirkby Stephen with another promise of fair weather. Surely they couldn’t have a third dry walk?? But yes, the run of 'good luck' weather wise seems to be holding out! Geoff’s group left Kirkby Stephen heading first for Ewbank Scar and Ladthwaite Beck which seemed to be a lightly used route requiring much limbo-ing and jumping over fallen trees. Next to Birkett Hill they found a bullock who was happy to see them and started their ascent towards   Nine Riggs navigating various bogs with mainly sunshine. After lunch just before Nine Riggs they got to the top just in time to spot Stuart on his own route before the clouds rolled in dropping the temperature a little. Heading back they followed the coast to coast mainly before diverting to extend the walk first to the North of Kirkby Stephen and then across the 2 viaducts. Great day with about 14 miles or so walked. With his mate John absent, Stuart chose to 'w...