Wednesday 28th January 2026
Narnia Walk
Leader: David Elsworth
Photos: A selection from Mandy Gilpin, David Elsworth and Gilly
Yet again we are blessed with good weather, it was wall to wall sunshine as we gathered below Wragmire bank. Through the gate and past Gale cottage, then an easy stile before heading towards the farm buildings on the edge of Cotehill. At the crossroads a quick break so out with the goodies and smiles all round. Down the road and on towards Knott Hill, quite a bit of tarmac but the treats are working; not a word of dissent. A quick chat at the farm about its macabre past which sort of set the tone for the route into the plantation- sorry Narnia. We skirted around a couple of the ponds which turned out to be quite enchanting for the memebers as quite a number didn't know this place existed. It was on up into the thick of the plantation towards the third of the ponds before we turned back for our lunch break at the seating area. Keeping everyone smiling was easy when you have choccy digestives on board, so with nibbles scoffed we headed for the lonning and the route back to Cotehill. Over the crossroads and back through the farm on a warming afternoon; it doesn't get any better. We crossed field after field yet again before we were back at the cars and ready for liquid refreshment. On to the Animal Refuge and our watering hole. Where we found a warm reception and it never disappoints. Many thanks to everyone and especially Ken, who you never hear but keeps everything together. Until the next time cheers. David
Tuesday 27th January 2026
Christmas meal
Unfortunately four members had to drop out from the lovely lunch we enjoyed at Adriano's Restaurant on Rickergate, but fourteen members enjoyed the craic. There were plenty of laughs and no complaints about the food. Thanks to Ros for suggesting the restaurant. I would like to thank all the Tuesday walkers who support this little group and extend a warm welcome to any who would like to join us. We seldom go far, but every walk is a social event. Likewise coffee mornings at Tullie House; we are always glad to see any member. We have our own table. Table 5. Just check on the walks programme for the date. Sorry, there were no photos taken at the Christmas meal. We were too busy having a good time.
25.1.26 Coach Walk
A Walk
Housesteads to Greenhead
Leader: Jean Murray
Photos: Jean Murray and Astrid Carss
Great turn out for the coach walk today. Sixteen set off for the A walk from Housesteads, expecting a fairly wet day. Fortunately the weather gods were on our side and it stayed dry all day. Although a little breezy the wind was coming from an easterly direction which again worked in our favour as we weren't walking into it. Plenty of breaks along the way but it wasn't the day for lingering around too long. Some good views of the wall with great company and good craic made it all a very enjoyable day. Thank you all for coming along.
Jean
25.1.26 B Walk
Twice Brewed to Haltwhistle
Leader: Ian Rowley
Photos: Pete Rutland and Ian Rowley
Great turnout for the first coach walk of 2026. Welcome to some new faces - hope you enjoyed the day whichever walk you joined and hope to see you again soon.
The weather was kinder than forecast and the B walk paid a visit to the Sycamore Gap Tree memorial, a bit of a sad sight it has to be said. The rest of the walk followed the most scenic section of the wall before descending into Haltwhistle by the picturesque Haltwhistle Burn.
Big round of applause for the Water Tower café on Haltwhistle station for making us welcome and squeezing all nineteen of us inside.
25.1.26 C Walk
Birdoswald to Greenhead
Leader: Sharron Murray
Photos: Sharron Murray
The six of us started our walk with a quick visit to the loos at Birdoswald! We got underway. The wind was strong and bitterly cold, with the wind chill factor it was well below freezing. It was a bit wet underfoot but not too bad and we took it easy with plenty of time to examine the Roman remains at the mile castles and Willowford before taking a banana break at Gilsland. Two of our members took the opportunity to cosy up in front of the fire in Meg's café whilst the rest of us braved the elements. My fingers had gone completely numb by then. We took a detour off the wall walk to visit the fort at Poltross Burn. Well worth the extra effort and steps, before continuing along the path to Thirlwall Castle where we had a latish lunch. It gave us a brief respite from the howling wind. We finished the walk by following the river into Greenhead, where the pub had a wonderful fire blasting out to warm our chilled bones.
Wednesday 21st January 2026
Caldbeck
7 miles, grade 3
Leader: Ian Rowley
Photos by Pete, Ian, Mandy, Malcom & David.
Great turnout again for today’s walk.
A walk with a bit of everything; industrial archaeological sites, waterfalls, a bit of limbo dancing, open fellsides and ancient mine workings. The weather also did its worst but we weren’t deterred.
Big thank you to the Bridge End Inn, Dalston for refreshments and a warm welcome after a cold wet and windy walk.
Ian
Sunday 18th January 2026
Patterdale and Brotherswater loop.
Leader: Ian Rowley
Photos: A selection from Pete Rutland, Astrid Carss, Bruce, Mandy Gilpin, Ian and Malcolm Iredale
Plenty of walkers out for this low level circuit at the southern end of Ullswater. After a brightish start to the morning the clouds descended over the high fells but there was still plenty of views across the lake. It was noticeably quiet and we met only one or two dog walkers as the light rain set in. A short climb alongside Angle Tarn beck led to a fine high level path passing by a magnificent (Sycamore?) tree close to Hartsop before we made the circuit of Brotherswater. Returning to Glenridding most of the regular tea rooms were closed though most of us were pretty wet and ready to head home.
Thanks to everyone who came along. Ian
Wednesday 14th January
Litter pick walk- Carlisle
Leader Pete Rutland.
Today we started our monthly litter pick walks to celebrate our 80th year. A brilliant turn out of over 30 ( I can’t count any higher), a massive thank you to everyone who supported this event. The walk started as planned heading up the Eden from the Sands to Stony Holme. There was a lot of bags of rubbish collected in this stretch, the picture showing only a fraction. Stony Holme Golf Club kindly allowing us to deposit all the rubbish we had collected in their large bins. So, as we left there, heading into Rickerby Park we were free from carrying full bags.
We headed through the park to the Chinese Garden using the waste bins to deposit what we had collected in the park. It was then into the Sands for an early but welcome lunch. After lunch it was back at it heading for the Sheepmount then following the Eden again. The plan was to get to Engine Lonning then head back to the Sands. We got about three quarters of the way there and found we had filled every bag we had with nowhere to deposit the rubbish and we couldn’t carry anymore. We cut across the playing fields back to the Sheepmount where the Groundsmen not only let us use their waste bins but were very grateful for all the rubbish we had collected on route. During the walk there were many members of the public that thanked us for our efforts which was very nice. I can safely say that we collected a minimum of 40 bags plus other odds and ends such as inflatable swimming pools, socks a pair of football boots and a spade. This being the first litter pick walk it was a bit of a learning curve. There was so much rubbish and perhaps the walk was a little too long but I think we did very well and a great effort by All. The next one is on the 10.2.2026 which is a Tuesday. Eyes on the website for details. Once again thanks to All.
Regards Pete
Tuesday 13th January 2026
Annandale Way
Leader: Sharron Murray
Photos: Sharron Murray and Christine Wood
Five walkers set off from Carlisle Railway Station in the rain full of optimism as the forecast was good. As we got into Annan the rain stopped and although it was a little wet on the river bank it was nowhere near as muddy as expected. We were lucky to see two great herons, cormorant, mallards and mergansers as we walked. The river was high and running very fast. Luckily no-one fell in, we'd have had to pick them up in Silloth! We turned up through the woods, seeing signs of spring in the new shoots of bulbs coming through the leaf litter, before we turned on to a lane that led us to Annan Cemetery where we stopped for lunch sitting in the sunshine. A leisurely stroll through Violet Bank took us back to our starting point and into the Queensbury Hotel for some light refreshments. Thank you to those who joined me. Sharron
Wednesday 6th January 2026
Gelt Woods
Leader: Ian Rowley
Photos: Mandy Gilpin, David Elsworth, Gill & Ian Rowley
First Weds walk for 2026 an 8 mile ramble following the Gelt river through the pretty hamlet of Greenwell to Castle Carrock and return. 16 walkers enjoyed a fine dry day with the frozen ground making for a largely mud free walk. A few icy spots on the way round and several walkers benefited from having ice spikes - a really useful bit of safety equipment .
Thanks to everyone who came along.
Ian
Sunday 4th January 2026
A Walk: Latrigg from Keswick
Grade 3, 7 miles (just)
Leader: Pete Rutland
Photos: Mandy Gilpin, Myna Biscocho, Pete Rutland & Malcolm Iredale
Twenty-one out for this first of the year outing, so thank you for turning up. Meeting at the start of the old railway walk we headed off following the path of the River Greta. We left the railway path at Brundholme taking the road getting us to the track up to the summit of Latrigg. Some splendid views over Keswick and Derwent Water from the top where we stopped for lunch with a warming shot of Ginger wine. It was then down picking up the Cumbria Way to get us back into Keswick. Not a long walk but enough to kick start the New Year.
Regards and a Happy New Year to All. Pete
Sunday 4th January 2026
Skiddaw Little Man and Lonscale Fell
Grade 2, 9-11 miles
Leader: Astrid Carss
Photos: Astrid Carss
Today’s alternate walk adventure.
Eight of us and Bella the dog enjoyed a winter walk of 9-11 miles. As Robin was willing to chance the Underscar car park, he kindly agreed to head back to a group members house for her forgotten boots. The other half of us started on Brundholme Road and so completed an extra mile or so. We all met up and ventured up the very steep slope towards Skiddaw. Once half way we decided as a group to just go up Skiddaw Little Man and Lonscale Fell and Pike today. It was bitingly cold but not windy, there was lots of ice and thick frost/snow on the tops. Skiddaw itself was covered by cloud and so we gave that one a miss today. We decided to take on Bruce’s idea of heading over Burnt Horse Ridge for an extended way down. He didn’t mention the very steep hill descent. But we ventured carefully down the frozen grass/mud holding the fence and we were fine. We circled down and round past frozen paths and waterfalls, and past Lonscale Crags.
Thankyou all for coming along. Well done everyone, 2 Wainwrights today. Thanks Bruce for your alternate route down. A beautiful winter walk.
Astrid
