REMINDER
It has been drawn to my attention that a number of members when car sharing will ask the driver how much they want for petrol. The amount payable is £8. This is what should be offered. If the driver then says a lesser amount is OK, then this is fine. This is to save any embarrassment. It’s not just about petrol; there is general use of the vehicle and all that goes with the cost of using a vehicle for the benefit of others. I feel sure all will appreciate this.
Pete Rutland
Chairman
Walk Descriptions.
Having previously agreed your walk date with Ian, please send the walk description to Carlisleramblers@gmail.com and iannrow1@gmail.com as soon as you can.
Afterwards, your walk report and photos should then go to: carlisleramblers@gmail.com
Coach Walks:
Sunday August 24th 2025
A Walk
Pavey Ark via Jack's Rake
6 miles Grade 2 Scr
Leader: Brendon Carss
Parking at New Dungeon Ghyll (National Trust car park), we will head up along Stickle Ghyll and towards Stickle Tarn where we will have a break. We will then walk to the other side of the tarn where Jack's Rake starts. Facing Pavey Ark from the tarn it’s hard to see a route but from the bottom of the rake the way becomes clear. For anyone who hasn’t done this route it is as challenging as the more famous Striding Edge but different in character, feeling less exposed with most of the scrambling in the rake itself apart from one short section along the edge.
If you have a reasonable head for heights and are happy to use hands, feet or even knees, it’s a great route.
Once at the top we will head down in between Harrison stickle and Pavey Ark, then back the same way to the car park.
PAWS FOR THOUGHT. Please read the club rules on bringing dogs on walks.
Sunday
A Walk
Great Gable from Honister
6 Miles Grade 1
Leader: Ian Rowley
Sands 09:00
Parking in the National Trust car park (I’ve got a spare pass) or in the mine car park
Starting from the pass with the advantage of already being at 1200 ft we’ll take the old tramway and then on to Moses Trod, an historic packhorse route linking Honister and Wasdale. We'll climb more steeply onto Windy Gap then head for the summit of Gable. After lunch on the top we retrace our steps into Windy Gap then over Green Gable and Brandreth
The direct way down to Honister is via Grey Knotts but it's a steep and loose descent and slippery in the wet so we may opt to miss out the top and descend from Brandreth to the tramway for an easier descent. Not a long walk but over 2500 ft of ascent and some steep sections but mostly on good paths.
Ian
07949 621168
Wednesday 3rd June 2026
Stonybeck to Penrith
Leader: David Elsworth
7.5 miles. Grade 4
Starts from bus station catching 104 bus to Penrith. Car drivers can park on the verge on Bowscar road.
We catch the 104 bus at 9.37am so please be at the station at least 10 mins earlier. Car drivers be at Bowscar road for 10.15. Leaving the bus stop at Stonybeck we head up the road to Bowscar, where we take the T junction towards Forest Hill. Through the farm we head up past Bowscar quarry and then into the wood, from there it's downhill and back onto tarmac heading towards Inglewood. Through the estate we follow a track which leads us to Inglewood Cottages and on towards Maiden Hill. Then it's on to our last farm, Green Hill, before heading on towards the golf course and through it. After passing the cemetery, we are on to Beacon Edge and our route into Penrith. Downhill all the way to the coffee house and our coffee and cake.
Refreshments at Daffodils Café opposite St. Andrews church.
PS. Everyone will get the bus back to Stonybeck, where car drivers can get back to their vehicles.
Thursday 4th June, evening walk.
Raven Crag and Castle crag (Birkett).
2-3 miles. Grade 2.
Meet at Sands 5pm.
Dog friendly
We will park at either The dam triangle car park on steel road (What3words //politics.carefully.interval) £5 for up to 5 hours, chargeable up to 9pm.
Or for free in the layby before it (what3words //squeaking.declares.fully) space for 5 cars.
Depending on the weather and how fit people are feeling, this walk can be made easier in places.
We can make our way up from the layby steeply, on loose scree path, through the trees, there is an alternate less steep path further along the road.
We can take our time on the steep ups with little breaks at view points.
Once we reach a gate we go off to the right and head up Castle Crag, a Birkett that looks harder to get up than it is. Sticks are a good idea on the walk if usually used, the paths are uneven and worn away in places. Castle crag has lovely views, it used to be an iron age hill fort and is perched on a steep rocky outcrop below raven crag.
We come down from here and then advance towards the wooden steps of Raven crag (461m). Steep steps but worth it for the views at the top of Thirlmere reservoir are wonderful. We can stop for a break and admire the views.
We come down the same way and then we will decide whether we have time and energy, to complete the Benn (446m)(Birkett) also known as Slipping crag. If we go for it there will be more up, but worth it for the views. You can see Thirlmere reservoir and surrounding fells of High seat and the Dodds. There's a good path to the base of the Benn, but the last bit is a bit steep, muddy and rough through the woods.
There is a nice circular route down from here with good views of Thirlmere.
Afterwards we can visit Keswick and hopefully park on a free residential street and visit a local chippy. The lakes fish and chips is open until 8pm and the Kingfisher is open until 8:30pm.
Come along, depending on weather we can make this as long or short as we want. I'll bring a couple of torches just in case 🙂
Astrid
;
Sunday 7th June
A Walk
Great Gable from Honister
6 Miles Grade 1
Leader: Ian Rowley
Sands 09:00
Parking in the National Trust car park (I’ve got a spare pass) or in the mine car park
Starting from the pass with the advantage of already being at 1200 ft we’ll take the old tramway and then on to Moses Trod, an historic packhorse route linking Honister and Wasdale. We'll climb more steeply onto Windy Gap then head for the summit of Gable. After lunch on the top we retrace our steps into Windy Gap then over Green Gable and Brandreth
The direct way down to Honister is via Grey Knotts but it's a steep and loose descent and slippery in the wet so we may opt to miss out the top and descend from Brandreth to the tramway for an easier descent. Not a long walk but over 2500 ft of ascent and some steep sections but mostly on good paths.
Ian
07949 621168
Sunday 14th June
A / B Walk
Haystacks/ black sail hut
6 Miles. Grade 2
Leader: Mark Graham
Sands 08:30
Dog Friendly
Parking at Honister slate mine car park £5.
We head west along the dismantled tramway path to dubs hut, innominate tarn. Then on to Haystacks. We take the southerly path down which involves walking down some scree for a short distance before heading to blacksail hut. then we pick up the path that takes us alongside loft beck and back to the car park. We are on good paths for most of the day. This is a walk that will suit A and B walkers.
Happy days mark
Wednesday July 8th 2026 (change of walk)
Threlkeld Circular
7 Miles. Grade 3
Leader: Ian Rowley
Starting from Threlkeld Cricket club car park (charge) on the A66 opposite the turn into Threlkeld village
We cross the River Glenderaterra then follow the railway track and the old Penrith to Keswick road on to Tewitt Tarn. We can make a diversion to the top of Low Rigg or head directly to St. Johns in the Vale church depending on the weather. We'll then drop back down to the head of St Johns in the Vale and climb steadily up the old coach road for about half a mile. At the highest point of the track we drop down to the site of a bronze age settlement below Threlkeld Knotts and then descend to return to the cars. Some climbing and the likelihood of wet ground but nothing too difficult
Tuesday 14th July 2026
Eskrigg Reserve, Lockerbie
3 miles or 4.5 miles, grade 5
Leader: Sharron Murray
Meet at the train station at 10am to take the 10:16am train to Lockerbie. There are toilets both in Carlisle station, at Lockerbie and in the reserve.
From the station we will cross the main road at the town hall to walk through the park before emerging on to the A709 to walk to the turning for the reserve. A track takes us to the path for the reserve. For the shorter walk we will leave those walkers at the bird hide and re-join them after a further mile and a half strolling through the woods. As we know there are no cafés open in Lockerbie on a Tuesday, so I suggest you bring refreshments that we can have in the reserve before walking back to the station.
Sharron
Tuesday 28th July 2026
Rickerby Park
3 miles, grade 4
Leader: Sharron Murray
Starting from the market at 10:30am, we will walk past the Civic Centre and take the underpass towards The Sands. From there we will take the footpath on to the Swifts and follow the river as far as the footbridge over the Eden. After crossing the river we will follow the other bank back towards town leaving the park at the Chinese Garden before crossing Eden Bridge and taking the underpass back to our starting point.
Sunday 23rd August 2026
B walk
Sallows and Sour Howes
8.5 miles, grade 2
Leader: Pete Rutland
Again I have put this down as an 08.30AM start because of the limited parking at the Troutbeck end of Kirkstone Pass, opposite Limefitt Holiday Park. The Pass is due to reopen on the 17th July after repairs due to a landslide.
We walk through the holiday park to get access to the Garburn Road (track). We follow the track heading NE to Garburn Nook where we go over the stile and take a short pull onto Sallows. We then head down and around (SW) to Sour Howes. We then pick our way back down to the Garburn Road. Prevoiusly from here I have headed back through the holiday park. This makes the walk just shy of 6 miles so I have decided to go south to Dubbs Reservoir and on till we reach the Moorhowe Road. We go down the road and pick up Longmire track on our right which will take us all the way back to the holiday park and the cars. This makes the walk 8.5 miles. Should there be any problems with the weather or such we can revert to the old route.
No scrambling and all on good paths but some up and downs to negotiate. Two small Wainwrights, again on most days in one of the less frequented areas.
Be there or be Square.
Pete.078534358550.
Wednesday 3rd June 2026
Stonybeck to Penrith
Leader: David Elsworth
7.5 miles. Grade 4
Starts from bus station catching 104 bus to Penrith. Car drivers can park on the verge on Bowscar road.
We catch the 104 bus at 9.37am so please be at the station at least 10 mins earlier. Car drivers be at Bowscar road for 10.15. Leaving the bus stop at Stonybeck we head up the road to Bowscar, where we take the T junction towards Forest Hill. Through the farm we head up past Bowscar quarry and then into the wood, from there it's downhill and back onto tarmac heading towards Inglewood. Through the estate we follow a track which leads us to Inglewood Cottages and on towards Maiden Hill. Then it's on to our last farm, Green Hill, before heading on towards the golf course and through it. After passing the cemetery, we are on to Beacon Edge and our route into Penrith. Downhill all the way to the coffee house and our coffee and cake.
Refreshments at Daffodils Café opposite St. Andrews church.
PS. Everyone will get the bus back to Stonybeck, where car drivers can get back to their vehicles.
Wednesday 4th November 2026
Lowther Estate circuit
7.5 miles, grade 4
Leader: Ian Rowley
A return to Lowther Castle for an easy ramble around the Estate.
From the castle car park we’ll drop down to cross the bridge to Askham, then take a path by the hall looking out for their herd of friendly pigs.
We then enter woodland to join the wide drive through the caravan park to emerge at the main road near Eamont Bridge.
We will cross the road and head for Brougham Castle which, during WW2 was home to one of Churchill’s top secret projects. This will be the lunch stop and afterwards we will walk up to Clifton village the site of the last battle on English soil. We will visit Clifton Hall pele tower, which is usually open to the public, before crossing the M6 and west coast mainline (by bridge) to re- enter the Lowther estate and return to the cars.
Ian 07849 621168
Sunday 8th November 2026
Coach walk Pick up- Rosehill 8:30, The Sands 8:40, Rheged approx. 9:10.
A Walk
Maiden Moor and Catbells
7 miles, grade 1
Leader: Pete Rutland
We will be dropped off at Grange by the coach. We walk up the road to pick up the Cumbria Way heading South to get on to the path taking us around via Nitting Haws. There is then a good pull up onto the summit ridge where we will head North to Maiden Moor. We carry on due North for a good distance to Cat Bells. Probably one of the most hiked hills in the Lakes with great views. It's a tricky path in places going down from Cat Bells so care and a bit of time is required.
At the foot of Cat Bells we again pick up the Cumbria Way all the way back to Portinscale. Hopefully the excellent café there will be open at this time of year. No actual scrambling, good paths but a bit of care needed coming down from Cat Bells. We will be picked up by the coach in Portinscale.
You will have noticed there is no plan on this walk to attend the Service on Castle Crag. Wherever we are at 11am we will take 2 minutes out to remember those who have died in service. We are trying this out as in the past we have been hard pushed to do even an average A walk, attend the service and get back in good time. If you wish to attend the service on Castle Crag there will be alternative walks. We will see how this goes and how members feel about this alternative arrangement.
Pete Rutland 07534358550.
B Walk
Castle crag & return to Portinscale via Cumbria way
7.9 Miles. Grade 2/3
Leader: Bruce McMillan
Starting from Grange, we head along the usual path to Castle Crag beside, in parts, Derwent Water.
The group now have a choice here. If everyone wants to climb Castle Crag to the Remembrance, after, we descend half way down to a path which takes us down to the Cumbrian Way alongside Derwent Water. If there are any who want to wait at the bottom, they can take a break here and wait for those up top to come back down. We then follow a slightly longer path to get to the Cumbrian Way. We then follow the Way alongside the river to reach the lake, Derwent Water and follow the bank to Portinscale and refreshments and the coach.
Bruce McMillan. 07908245494
C Walk
Remembrance Service & Portinscale
6 miles, grade 4
Leader: Sharron Murray
We will stay in Keswick for the remembrance service at the cenotaph before starting the walk. We will then walk through the town, stopping for a breal at Rawson Park where there are picnic tables. I think it will be lunch time by the time we reach the park. After our break we turn off just after crossing the river to join the Cumbria Way towards Portinscale. Before reaching the village the path takes us over the river Derwent. We take local footpaths through Portinscale to Ullock were we are under Swinside. Then we make a half circuit of Swinside before rejoining the Cumbria Way back to Portinscale. Please note the change to distance.
Sharron 07894075782
Wednesday 11th November 2026
Dalston Gaitsgill & Bridge End
7.5 miles, grade 3/4
Leader: David Elsworth
Parking at Dalston square opposite the church.
Leaving the parking area we head over the White bridge and head up the road towards Buckabank. Crossing the road we head towards Raughton before taking the bridleway to Gaitsgill. This can be heavy underfoot in places but passable in good boots or wellies. Once in Gaitsgill we get back on tarmac and head for Hall Hills where we again take a bridleway towards Raughton Head Hill Farm. From here another track takes us through a plantation and past Lime House School before we are over fields following the Cumbrian Way into Bridge End. We now cross the road bridge and follow the mill race back towards the White bridge and back into Dalston.
Refreshments in Dobbies
Sunday 15th November 2026
A walk
Ullock Pike, Longside, Carlside, Skiddaw & Bakestall
7.5 miles. Grade 1. Strenuous
Leaders: Astrid Carss and Bruce McMillan
Dog friendly.
Meet at The Sands 8:00am.
We start at a lay-by parking area for 6/7 cars just off A591 (Bassenthwaite) up country lane at Highside Farm, near Ravenstone Lodge. Orthwaite turn off. What3words ///recruiter.clashes.rungs
We head through a farmer's gate that warns of cows and bull in field, but none seen on recki day. It’s uphill from the off, over “watches” fell, then steeper up towards Ullock pike. This becomes a very scenic and varied terrain (some rocky bits) ridge walk, continuing over Longside and Carlside. We can have brief stops as we head over the ridge and a banana break at Carlside.
With three Wainwright's under our belt, we then face the steep scree slope towards Skiddaw. This starts OK and is a good path but does get very steep nearer the top with a of bit loose scree, but manageable without hands. We will take it slow and steady, once at Skiddaw (931m) top that’s the hard work over ☺️
We will have lunch at the top, hopefully with views. It will be cold this time of year and so be prepared for the weather.
We then head down good tracks towards Bakestall, our 5th and last Wainwright of the day.
Most of the way down from there is grassy and good paths, moderate decline. A bit boggier down from Bakestall and around a couple of small stream crossings. We end the walk passing a farm and heading a short way down a country lane back to the cars.
Lovely varied big hike, different approach to these fells, five Wainwright's for the baggers!
Divin’t miss oot!
Astrid and Bruce.
Sunday 15th November 2026
B Walk
7 miles, grade 2
Leader: Pete Rutland
Parking at Maggies Bridge. We were here in May and we just about all got parked, hopefully it's not so busy in November. We take the same route up to Gavel Fell via High Nook Farm as we did in May so a bit of repetition. Once we have got to the summit we will turn North, this takes us to Blake Fell, 573 m, the highest point of the day. (Last time we went South East taking in Hen Comb so now a different route). From Blake Fell we carry on to Burnbank Fell our third Wainwright of the day. Dropping down and heading back South East on the path above Loweswater, gives us some great views of the lake. We cut off through Holme Wood and back to the cars.
No scrambling, all on good grass paths or forestry type tracks. We last did this walk four years ago so I would think there are some members more recently joined who wouldn’t have done it with the club. A really nice walk which should get us away from any possible crowds, though the little car park is sometimes a squeeze.
Regards Pete 07534358550.
Wednesday 18th November 2026
Litter Pick
Meet 10 am Sheepmount Sports Ground Car Park
3 - 4 miles walk
Leader: Ian Rowley
Note- slightly later start to the day
We will meet at Sheepmount car park and litter pick along the section of the Hadrian’s Wall path up to the railway viaduct.
I’ll ask if we can leave the bags at Sheepmount and then we’ll follow the HW path up to Engine Lonning which has recently had a makeover revealing more of the site’s industrial heritage and creating a pleasant picnic site for lunch.
We will be joined there by Tania from the Eden Rivers Trust who will give us a tour of the site in return for some more litter picking (although the site is looking pretty spick and span.)
We will retrace our route and head for the Sands Café for refreshments. This the penultimate litter pick of the year.
The Tuesday group is holding the final pick in December- everyone is welcome!
Ian
Sunday 22nd November 2026
B walk
Newlands Valley
8.5 miles. Grade 3
Leader: Ian Rowley
Parking is alongside the Newlands Valley road in a large layby between Uzzicar Farm and Stoneycroft Farm: GR. NY232 216
We've done several variations of this walk on Wednesdays and Sundays, so it should be familiar to a lot of regular walkers but also a good introduction to the scenic Newlands Valley for any newbies.
From the fellside road we drop down to take a minor road into the valley to Stair, then a short climb to Skelgill farm. From here we follow a good track passing old mine workings to Littletown. A little further along we cross Newlands beck past Goldscope Mine and round Scope End following Scope beck as far as the reservoir. This is a scenic spot surrounded by high crags
We return along the other side of Scope beck and drop down past Newlands church to Littletown where we pick up a field path back to Skelgill and return to the cars.
Mostly on good tracks and paths with a couple of miles on minor roads.
Ian
Sunday 29th November 2026
B walk
Black crag
5 miles, grade 3
Leader: Pete Rutland
08:30 start
I would hope to park alongside Yew Tree Tarn or a bit further down the road on the left in the car park. If these are full it will be the Tarn Hows car park. (hopefully not this one, as it will shorten the walk).
This is a lovely easy walk heading along the west side of Tarn Hows. We go through Iron Keld Plantation to get access to the path up to Black Crag. A great little hill with some good views. We come down and take a different path that heads around the other side of the tarn and back to where we have been able to park.
It's a bit of a drive and a relatively short walk but taking into account the shortening days, it still means we can take our time on the walk. This walk is very much about the scenery and not flogging our guts out. All on good paths with gradual ups and easy downs taking in one Wainwright. Because of the area's beauty it is generally busy place but hopefully at this time of year it won’t be too bad. On the plus side Chesters Cafe at Skelwith Bridge is possibly one of the best there is so you will be spoilt for choice at the cake counter.
Pete
07534358550.
Sunday 6th December 2026
Stybarrow Dodd, Watsons Dodd (Raise)
Grade 1; 6.5 miles
Leader: Pete Rutland
This walk is aimed at B walkers who want a bit of a challenge, (but anyone else is welcome) I've been trying hard to offer you some different fells without a great long circular walk. Consequently this walk follows the same route up and down to keep the mileage low for this time of year. Some might not appreciate this but it's a different view on the way back. We park at the road junction South of Legberthwaite which is free, more parking available with an honesty box.
The first part of the walk is a steep pull up by Stanah Gill, this section is less than half a mile. After which the rest of the walk has easy gradients on good paths. We head up to to the junction at the top of Sticks Pass where we go left (North). We will soon be on Stybarrow Dodd. 843m. It's a similar distance again to Watsons Dodd 789m. (I could be wrong but I don’t think the club has been here in some time.) We will then retrace our steps to the crossroads (path) at Sticks Pass but avoid the short pull up to Stybarrow on the way back. From here it is half a mile South to Raise. 883m. We should have plenty of time to take in this 3rd Wainwright but if not, or the weather is bad, we can cut our losses and head back. Whatever we do its the same way down via Stanah Gill.
The walk is all on good paths with no scrambling. We do get a good height on this walk but dont let the Grade 1 put you off. I have only graded it a 1 due to the height not the difficulty. (Would I lie to you?) Remember, you're out there at your own risk. Read more of the club's safety rules and advice on our brilliant website.
Regards Pete
07534358550.
Wednesday 9th December 2026
The Wednesday Christmas Lunch will be held at The Greenhill Hotel, Red Dial, near Wigton on Wednesday, 9th December 2026.
The lunch will be preceded by a short morning walk in the area.
The cost of the meal is £30 for two courses and £37 for three courses. Payment in full is required by Monday, 9th November, 2026 and can be made by bank transfer quoting reference Greenhill Xmas or by cheque made payable to Carlisle and District Rambling Club and sent to me at-
66, Moorhouse Road,
Carlisle CA2 7LU.
Would you also please let me know your menu choice?
Graham
Sunday 13th December 2026
The Sunday Xmas lunch will be at the Craggs Bothel
A short walk or walks in the morning with lunch at the Craggs 2pm
Maximum no. of places 35
Price for the lunch £ 21.50 two courses £25.50 three courses
Deposit of £10pp payable to the club by BACS with Ref: CraggsXmas or by cheque passed on to any of the committee.
Balance to be paid on the day by cash only
Email or message Ian Rowley iannrow1@gmail.com with (click here for) menu choices and any specific dietary requirements or allergies
(Non-returnable) deposit needs to be paid and menu choices sent in by December 4th
Sunday 13th December
Christmas A walk 🤶
Dodd Fell/Wood circular
4.5 miles. Grade 2.
Leader: Astrid Carss
We could either park at the Dodd Wood car park which is £2.10 per hour with ANPR cameras or free if you have Forestry Commission pass (not National Trust). Or park in free lay-by just before it at what3words ///refusals.golf.managers.
We head up the bit steeper way clockwise up though the woods. Dodd is a fairly small Wainwright at 502m but it is enough of a slog to work up a sweat/shortness of breath and an appetite for Xmas lunch afterwards.
The top rewards us with a nice cairn and lovely panoramic views across Bassenthwaite and Derwentwater. We can have a nice break up here.
We return down initially the same way but head around to the right and descend the gentler path. Taking in the surrounding high views of Keswick and neighbouring lakes and fells. We pass the osprey viewing hut but it’s closed this time of year.
There are toilets in the official car park free to use.
Hopefully now we have worked up an appetite and head to our cars to travel back up the road to the Craggs for our Christmas 🎄 lunch.
Astrid. 07871790861.
Christmas B walk
Stair and Swinside
5 miles
Leader: Pete Rutland
Free parking on the old road just outside Braithwaite. (Usual place). We go through the village and up to Braithwaite Lodge taking the path that skirts around Barrow. This will take us out to the Newlands road and onto Stair. From there it is across to Swinside and back via Ullock. I do not think we will be, but if pushed for time we can take a slightly shorter route and likewise if going well we can go down to the lake at Nichol End.
A flat walk on good paths or out of the way country roads. All being well back into Braithwaite for a pre-xmas dinner drink in the Royal Oak or the Coledale Inn. It's then a 10 minute drive to the Crags. One you will have done before but always a nice Sunday stroll in the Newlands valley.