Wednesday 19th August 2026
Ravenstonedale
8 miles, grade 3
Leader: Ian Rowley
Photos by Ian, Malcolm and Mike
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.
