Sunday 30th August 2026
Loadpot Hill, Bonscale Pike
Leader: Pete Rutland
Photos: A selection from Pete Rutland and Mandy Gilpin
We all got parked easily enough. A warm welcome to Suzy, hopefully another new member. From the foot of Hallin Fell we quickly made it around to the Fusedale valley. We had a long walk up the valley before heading up the steep climb to the ridge. After a quick chat we added on Wether Hill as there were a few in the group hadn’t done it and it was only a short detour. It was then to Loadpot Hill and lunch just off the top. A nice easy walk of the downhill variety to take in Bonscale Pike where we had great views across Ullswater. A long steep path took us back to the valley floor and then back to the cars. After-walk tea and cakes in the Howtown Cafe. Good weather all day. A tough B walk well done all and thanks for coming. Pete
Wednesday 26rd August 2026.
Lazonby, Daleraven Bridge
Balsam bashing by the river Eden.
Leader: Ian Rowley
This year the Eden Rivers Trust set a target to uproot one million balsam plants and this has been so successful that the target was reached by July. They are now aiming to remove two million plants by the end of the year and Carlisle Ramblers pitched in to help.
As an alternative to our monthly litter pick walks, we met up with Jenni from Eden River Trust to pull up some of the invasive Himalayan Balsam that chokes the river banks and crowds out native plant species.
Tuesday 25th August 2026
Camera Obscura, Dumfries Museum
Leader: Sharron Murray
Photos: Sharron Murray and Christine Milton
It was a fine day if dull, when twelve of us took the train from Carlisle to Dumfries. It was a nice walk from the station to Devorgilla's Bridge where some of us were lucky enough to see a kingfisher, but not me unfortunately. At the other end of the bridge, the Bridge House Museum was open and I asked if anyone wanted to visit but no-one did until a lady, Joanna Mackay popped out and told us all about its history. Then interest peaked everyone changed their minds and we had a lovely visit. I still struggle with what it must have been like to bring up six children in two tiny rooms! From there we walked up the hill to the camera obscura which is in Dumfries Museum, in what was once a windmill. Some of us struggled with the hill and the steps. It was fairly steep and a long way up, but it was managed and we all enjoyed the presentation. Luckily it was all downhill on the way back and we took refreshments in 'The Usual Place' a charity run café, where we were made very welcome. A bit of a late finish for us as we caught the 4pm train back to Carlisle. Thank you to all for a lovely day in good company.
Sunday 2rd August 2026
A Walk Helvellyn, Nethermost Pike and Dollywagon Pike
Leader: Astrid Carss
Photos: A selection from Astrid Carss and Malcolm Iredale
Seven of us made our way steeply up towards Helvellyn. It was a long slog, and though the day started cool, it soon warmed up with beautiful sunshine all day. The views were great all around. We could see Thirlmere far below looking a little dry at the moment.
The top of Helvellyn was busy, as well as Striding and Swirrel Edges that had lines of ant-sized people making slow progress. As it was still early we headed to Nethermost Pike to have lunch. The warm day with lack of wind brought out the midges but it was glorious anyway.
After lunch we went on to Dollywaggon. After that it was mostly downhill!
A bit boggy as we got nearer Grizedale Tarn and a bit scrambly down the path following the stream and waterfalls. We had a very easy river crossing and then a flattish 😉 walk back along and through the woods to the car.
Afterwards we had refreshments at the Kings Head.
Lovely day, great company and banter. Thankyou for coming along ☺️
Sunday 23rd August 2026
B walk Sallows and Sour Hows
Leader: Pete Rutland
Photos: Pete Rutland and Ann Tye
As anticipated parking was a bit tricky but we did manage to get sorted. Eight of us set out through Limefitt Holiday Park and headed for the Garburn Road. A nice steady stroll to the top of the track in perfect weather. We crossed the style and were soon on the summit of Sallows. Lunch on the top in glorious weather with equally glorious views. We then headed down to Sour How’s for our second summit. The steeper track took us back down to the Garburn Road with great views across the whole of Windermere. Back through the holiday park where we stopped for teas, cold drinks and the favourite of the day Magnum ice creams. A restful period on the patio in the sunshine was a perfect end to a perfect day. Thanks to the group who came out and hope you enjoyed it.
Wednesday 19th August 2026
Ravenstonedale
8 miles, grade 3
Leader: Ian Rowley
Photos by Ian Rowley, Malcolm Iredale and Mike Coates
Sixteen headed down the M6 driving through heavy showers along the way to rendezvous at the Fat Lamb Inn, Ravenstonedale.
It was waterproofs on but the clouds lifted as we made our way to Bowber Head farm passing the vintage buses garaged nearby.
Another heavy shower proved to be the last one of the day and the sun began to win through. We made a prickly way through gorse bushes and tackled a couple of serious wall stiles before reaching Smardale and its 300 year old packhorse bridge.
The return leg was more straightforward and we made good time back to the Inn and welcome refreshments.
Ian
Sunday 16th August 2026
A Walk
Criffel
Leader: Jean Murray and Mark Graham
Photos: A selection from Mark Graham and Malcolm Iredale
Nine walkers set off from Sweetheart Abbey through fields and woodland, to reach the shoreline of Loch Kinder where we took in the views, and saw a large flock of Canadian geese. Then it was a steady climb through Loch Wood. We took a banana break at the foot of Craigrokall Burn, where the views of the Solway started to open up. It was then a steep pull up to the top of Criffel. Once out of the woods and into the open we had a much welcome breeze to keep us cool. We took lunch at the top of Criffel, albeit felt a bit cold. The views of the Solway Firth and the southern uplands were fantastic and you could just make out the Isle of Man. Then it was down to Knockendoch at 429m, where we got good views of the Waterloo monument. Then we dropped back through the woods again to reach New Abbey where we took refreshments at the Abbey cafe and Abbey Arms.
Jean and I would like to thank everyone who joined us. Mark
Sunday 16th August 2026
B Walk
Colvend Coast
Leaders: Carol Telford and Lynda Parker
Photos: Carol Telford and Joan Walsh
Twenty-three walkers alighted the bus at Sandhills. It was great to see three new faces joining us for their first walk.
Due to the tide being out we were able to walk the first mile along the beach where we could see the remains of the WW2 bombing platform and the old stake nets previously used for catching salmon. This stretch of beach has many caves and two amazing natural stone arches which really are quite
spectacular.
We left the beach at Portling and began our ascent onto the rough cliffs offering panoramic views along the coast and back across to Cumbria. We had lunch at the site of the Elba ship memorial providing more stunning coastal vistas. Looking down towards Castlehill we could see our C walkers relaxing next to the toposcope viewing point. Reaching Rockcliffe some enjoyed ice creams from the ice cream van. Taking the high path back from Rockcliffe we made it back to Kippford just before the C group on the lower path.
We split into smaller groups for refreshments, some in the Ark café and some in the Anchor. Thankyou to everyone who joined us and made the day one to remember.
For those who missed out – We will be back.
Carol and Lynda
Sunday 16th August 2026
C Walk
Kippford Circular
Leader: Ian Rowley
Photos: Ian Rowley
Six of us enjoyed an easy paced ramble from Kippford to Castle hill headland and back.
We made a short climb out of the village and a detour to the vantage point with extensive views. We descended into Rockcliffe to follow the coastal path, passing the grave of a drowned sailor from Whitehaven and on to Castle Hill; site of a prehistoric fort and settlement, and the turning point for the walks
With the B party hot on our heels it was a race to get to the Mr Whippy ice cream van at Rockcliffe. After a brief rest we continued along the coastal path past several small beaches comprised entirely of shells and then past some interesting sculptures on the way back to Kippford and more ice cream!
Thanks to Janet, Neil, Evelyn and Sandra for joining us.
Christine and Ian
Wednesday 12th August 2026
Newcastleton
Leader: Ken Halliday
Photos: Dave Elsworth
Tuesday 11th August 2026
Lanercost, Banks, Lanercost
3.5 miles, grade 3/4
Leader: Judy Cherrie
First off. Welcome to new member Mary. Lovely to have you with us.
The Reay HW1 bus was spot on time at the Market Hall, where five of us boarded go to Lanercost, where we met up with Sandra and Dave? (Not Elwood ).
Climbed the Wall at The Abbey Bridge - hardest obstacle of the walk. Headed towards Burtholme (pronunced Burthum). Upon reaching the summit we turned right, turned right again and ended up back at Lanercost Priory Tea Rooms. Leisurely lunch. Caught an earlier bus back at 13.14.
Judy Cherry
Sunday 9th August 2026
A walk
Place Fell
8 miles, grade 2
Leader: Christine Milton
Photos by Pete, Astrid and Christine
Nine of us congregated at Patterdale Cricket Club where some donned waterproofs though soon to discover not really necessary, as the drizzle ceased. As we progressed along the route, the mist came and went adding a touch of atmosphere or luck to the views. We reached the summit of Place Fell after the short scrambly bit & earlier than expected, so lunch was taken at the sheepfold further on where we all enjoyed much craik & laughter. Descending to the Ullswater Way we were lucky with super views over the lake. After a few comments of uncertainty, haha, it was agreed that the final pull up was worth it for the views. Cuppas, cake & ice creams were enjoyed at Side Farm before heading for home. Many thanks to everyone who came along and made leading this walk so easy and such fun
Christine
Wednesday 5th August 2026
Carleton Hill- Cumwhinton - Cotehill
7.75 miles, grade 3/4
Leader: David Elsworth
Photos: David Elsworth
All seventeen of us gathered at the pull in area at Wragmire Bank under a changing sky. Off up the bank and through Carelton Hill Farm we headed. There was a stiff breeze blowing behind us as we passed barns full of calves being fed as there is little food in the fields at moment. It was on into a small wood then a short walk through Cocklakes before we were down the road and into Myrie Lonning, this twists and turns for over a mile before reaching the outskirts of Cumwhinton. Once through the village, it was over the railway and along yet another lonning before we passed the Animal Refuge on our way to lunch. All refreshed it was over fields and past Lonsdale Park before we got to the outskirts of Cotehill on tarmac before turning towards Gale Cottage and our route to the cars. Yet another ace day's walking with the group which was topped off with a stop at NJ's coffee house. Many thanks to all and especially Ken my back person it was just a real treat for me.
Sunday 2nd August 2026
Seatallan from Greendale
Leader: Pete Rutland
Photos: Pete Rutland, Astrid Carss, Barbara and Jean Murray
Fifteen took the long drive to Greendale near Wastwater to find the usual spacious parking area chock a block. This was probably due to the Mountain Rescue Team rescue dogs doing an exercise so we couldn’t complain as their needs are greater than ours. Anyway after some shuffling about we all got parked up. It was nice as we got the opportunity to meet one of the dogs we help support every year.
After a good pull up Middle Fell we were rewarded by some great panoramic views of many of the largest hills in England. There was then a descent and a long walk up the valley where we took lunch in a remote place not often visited. This was followed by a steep climb to the summit of Seat Allen at over 2300ft. By this time there was a bit of cloud cover which made the slog a bit more bearable if no easier. A good rest at the top to take in the views and then it was down all the way to Buckbarrow. A tricky path down to get us back to the road for the fifteen minutes road walking back to the cars. Then it was off to the pub for a well earned cold drink.
Thank you to all who got out. It was a tough B walk so well done to All.
Regards Pete.
