KESWICK VIA THE A66 - 2nd August 2026

 Photo: by Darren

The days outing began fine as usual with the promise of a great sunny day ahead. But things started to go awry on leaving the motorway and heading west on the A66, when poor Gerry our gallant driver, began experiencing engine problems with the coach unable to exceed 30 mph.

The fault appeared to be engine / gearbox management related. So the tried and tested method of stopping the coach, switching everything off and starting it up again, seemed to rectify the problem, only for it to then recur.

The first two drop offs, near Mungrisdale and at Threlkeld took place, the coach rejoining the A66 to continue to Keswick, where it completely stopped!

Gerry, consulting with Howard Fraser, nursed the coach into Keswick. A replacement coach was driven up by Howard himself, luggage swapped over whilst we were all enjoying our walks, and the vehicle limped to one of Howard's fellow coach operators in Penrith.

Howard, bless him then opted to get a train back home!

Brilliant service from Don Fraser Coaches, as mechanical problems can happen to any vehicle.

The walks beginning in Keswick were affected somewhat by the later than expected arrival, but leaders adapted with their usual skill, to adjust their walks.

Geoff’s group managed a decent paced walk from the A66 junction with the turnoff for Mungrisedale. It saw the 6 of them ascend Bannerdale Crags, Bowscale Fell, Mungrisedale Common & finally merge a little into Garry's group for the summit of Latrigg, about 13 miles 2650ft in the end. Weatherspoons offered refreshments, conversation & chips (the special offer offered £4.19 for one bowl - £14.99 for 3) to round out the day??

Paul's group left the coach at Threlkeld and initially followed Garry's group before turning west on a higher level path to the Blencathra Centre. A pleasant lunch by a stream then the Cumbria Way along the side of Lonscale Fell. Things went awry on the ascent of Latrigg as they had to climb a barbed wire fence after cajoling a ewe that was comfortably sitting in the way. The rest of the roundabout route into Keswick was very pleasant with no problems and time for refreshments before getting on the coach home.

Alan’s walk was adapted as a result of the coach delay, and he and Edwina had to rethink their plans. In the end, they left Keswick via the Cumbria Way, went over the Stormwater Bridge to Portinscale, then through Fawe Park and on to Hawse End. They started up Cat Bells, amidst the thronging crowds of people heading up the hill! Edwina's knee became a problem, and they realised they wouldn't have time to complete the ascent, so retraced their steps back to Keswick.

Stu’s little private party of Ele John and himself, set off from Threlkeld climbing the lovely Kilnhow Beck waterfall, thrashing through some bracken paths to pass the Blencathra Centre and contour round the Glenderaterra valley crossing at the Guide stone to the opposite side where the Cumbria Way path is joined. This exceptional 'mid-level' terrace path winds below Lonscale Crags, with fantastic views all round.

At the car park area near Mallen Dodd, they did the short sharp climb to the top of Latrigg, a minor 'Wainwright' which affords panoramic views down to Keswick town and Derwent Water.

Descending via the East ridge, a gentle grassy route, they stopped at an ice cream van near Brundholme, beside the old Penrith to Cockermouth railway.

Boosted by the ice cream, they followed the old railway path west into Keswick nicely in time to 'unboot' at their replacement coach, before going into the town centre for well-earned refreshments.

Another great and dry walking day.

Mike B’s group with Edwina and Alan, were last off the coach in Keswick -  after as many as 8/9 stops in various lay-bys along the A66. They entered a maelstrom of tourists, cars, coaches, double-deckers etc. They went for the double decker down to Grange! With many other different groups, they followed a leisurely route back to Keswick along the lakeside and all ended up in the usual venue. A brilliant day's walking in great company.

Ian’s walk with Pippa started from Threlkeld and after some lane walking reached the popular Castlerigg Stone Circle. Onwards to Rakefoot, then a steady climb up towards Walla Crag. They stopped for lunch just before the summit at a lovely spot with delightful views over Keswick towards Bassenthwaite and Skiddaw. Continuing in sunshine towards Ashness Bridge with more lovely views and then to Lodore Falls (which were not surprisingly less spectacular than usual). By the time they reached the B5289 and then over the River Derwent they were a little behind schedule, so the west side of Derwentwater was completed at a good pace in order to get back to Keswick in time for much appreciated refreshment. A lovely day!

Mike J and Gerry left the coach at Threlkeld, having missed the 2 breakdowns on the way into Keswick. They climbed Low Rigg passed Tewet Tarn. They then took the path through St Johns in the Vale to Rakefoot. From there they climbed up onto Walla Cragg, descended to Ashness Bridge and picked up the lakeside path into Keswick arriving in time for a couple of pints in Weatherspoons.

Garry’s group got off the coach in Threlkeld with the route for the 2 miles to the top of Blencathra fully visible. After a short cross country walk they got to the bottom of Halls Fell and said goodbye to Paul’s group while declining their gracious invitation to join them.  Climbing the steep section of Halls Fell to the ridge they met several people doing the same as well as a dog who wouldn't deviate from her path no matter who's legs or body were in the way. The ridge itself was quiet where they were and so they could all take our own paths through the scramble sections, even if they could see some quite long queues further up the ridge, they never caught up to them.

Stopping for lunch on the top of Blencathra was a popular choice with the top looking more like a picnic site than the top of a hill with at least a dozen groups all there having lunch. Their descent from Blencathra took in Atkinson Pike and the almost flat Mungrisdale Common. Along the Cumbrian Way they met several groups doing the full route, many looking very tired, and along here Geoff's group caught up with them. They climbed to the top of Latrigg together where a paraglider was taking off. With Geoff's group going ahead, the steep (unofficial) descent down Latrigg gave a final test of the legs before heading to Wetherspoons in Keswick for a well-earned drink. A hard first 2 miles followed by 8 easier ones for a total 10 miles 2700ft walk enjoyed by all.

Keith's group made a quick change of plan and jumped off the coach in a layby on the A66 whilst the driver was busy trying to reset the acceleration issue. From here they were able to complete the planned route but in reverse, so they set off to make their way up Latrigg.  With the sun shining brightly and barely any breeze, the views from the top made the group pause a little bit longer than normal to take it all in. What a stunning day! From here, they made their way along the Cumbria Way up to Skiddaw House where it was decided they couldn't risk spending time making a brew in the hostel as they hadn't started the big climb yet and were unsure how long it would take. Instead they opted to sit outside to enjoy lunch until the midges began eating them alive. From here, the group ascended Skiddaw via Hare Crag. It felt very different ascending this way rather than descending. They all decided reversing the route had been a blessing in disguise. Once reaching the summit of Skiddaw they descended down to Carl Side before making their way to the rarely visited peak of Carsleddam. The none existent path left the group battling through knee high heather to reach the peak but the views from the top were worth it. We all agreed, more people should make the effort to visit it. With plenty of time to spare, the group headed down into Keswick where they were very happy to find a different coach waiting to take them home. Overall 14 miles and 3500ft ascent completed.

Steph and Pat enjoyed a peaceful walk in ideal conditions, pleasantly warm with a light breeze. They enjoyed good views over the Glenderaterra valley, including two paraglider pilots flying in the Skiddaw area.

Thanks as ever go to the leaders this week - all 10 of them - Garry, Keith, Paul C, Geoff, Ian, Mike B, Steph, Stu, Mike & Alan. And to Steph, Garry, Monika, Pam T, Howie, Neil O, Mike J, John G, Geoff, Darren, Ian, Mike B, Stu & Alan for taking some stunning photos on yet another glorious day.

Click HERE to open the album.

Click HERE to see Darren's video of Geoff's walk.

Click HERE to see Dawn's video of Keith's walk.

Next Walks: 

Sunday 16^th August 2026 - Langdale

5.30 p.m. departure 

Northbound to Preston, M6 north to junction 36, A590/A591 through Windermere to Ambleside, A593 to Skelwith Bridge, B5343 to Langdale.  Park near the New Dungeon Ghyll hotel.  Morning coffee stop at Burton services. 

Sunday 30^th August 2026 – Horton in Ribblesdale to Hawes

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 Gisburn, A682/A65/B6480/B6479 to Settle, B6479 through Horton in Ribblesdale to the B6255, B6255 to Hawes. The coach will park by the craft centre in Hawes, a wide area off the A684 in the eastern end of the village, beside the disused railway station. Morning coffee stop at Darwen services, M65. 

Sunday 13^th September 2026 – Coniston via Ambleside

5.30 p.m. departure 

Northbound to Preston, M6 north to junction 36, A590/A591 past Windermere to Ambleside, A593 to Coniston. Park in Coniston.  Morning coffee stop at Burton services.