Wednesday 11th February
Slaggyford and South Tyne Trail
8 miles. Grade 4
Leader: Ian Rowley
14 hardy souls, including first timer Paul, defied the weather forecast and enjoyed a moist outing although the rain clouds lifted a little in the early afternoon. An easy paced ramble of about 8 miles crossing and recrossing the river South Tyne with lots of snowdrops and catkins along the way.
We weren’t too soggy by the end of the walk and refreshments were enjoyed at the splendid Hallbankgate community hub .
Thanks to every who came along.
Ian
Tuesday 10th February 2026
A6 Litter Pick
Leader: Sharron Murray
Photos: Pete Rutland & Judy Cherrie
Fifteen members turned out for February's litter pick, thank you. We were lucky with the weather which stayed dry and fairly warm for the time of year. We worked our way up and down the A6 from the Golden Fleece for a half mile before moving on to the roundabout. We found some strange stuff including three petrol caps, a gum shield, several pieces of unidentifiable metal and road signs amongst other more usual litter. I forgot to count the bags but I reckon it was around twenty five for the council to pick up. We called for refreshments at the Beefeater before tackling more of the rubbish. Some of it was quite disgusting, thanks to men that can't be bothered to get out of their vehicles. We left Ian still tackling the roundabout when we left at 2pm to take the bus back to town. I hope you got back OK, Ian. Please support the clubs next litter pick on 4th March; this is a good way to give something back to our community.
Sunday 8th February 2026
Fellbarrow and Low Fell
Leader: Astrid Carss
Photos: A selection from Pete Rutland, Martina and Astrid Carss
Good walk today with the group. Sixteen of us completed the walk today of Loweswater Fell, Low Fell and Fellbarrow. Even though there was a poor forecast, the weather held out. We took it slow today with a lovely mixed ability group. Good craic and lots of laughs. There were beautiful clear views, we could see patches of snow remaining on the higher fells and views over the West coast.
Bit muddy underfoot, but at least we stayed dry.
Well done to one of our new members Albert for achieving his first couple of Wainwright's, and to all other members achieving new Wainwright's on their journey. We went to the Kirkstile Inn for drinks afterwards.
Thankyou all for coming along. Lovely day and lovely company. Astrid
Wednesday 4th February 2026
Canonbie
Leaders: Ann & Ken Halliday
Photos: A selection from Mandy Gilpin and David Elsworth
First of all, an apology. The advertised 7 miles turned out to be nearer nine. We hope all legs have now recovered. Twenty-two brave souls set off on a murky, drizzly day, firstly venturing down the Esk towards the border, (scaling Canonbie's 39 Steps en route!), before turning to follow the Lidde along the Scottish side to the old railway viaduct and following the line (muddy in parts!) to Rowanburn and a welcome lunch stop in the shadow of Lang Sandy. Returning to Canonbie was by way of two of the area's soggier fields, the Fairy Loup path; (no fairies in evidence, but plenty of water going over the waterfall!), before reaching the old A7 road.
Very welcome refreshments were taken at the Community Café in Canonbie Kirk. They coped magnificently with such an influx of bodies and still offer extraordinarily good value!
Thank you all for being such an appreciative (and forgiving) group. Special thanks to Anne for able co-leading and for her hard work in organising the teas.
Haste ye back.
Ken
Tuesday 3rd February 2026
Birdoswald circular
Leader: Sharron Murray
Photos: Sharron Murray and Christine Wood
Five of us set off from the market on the new Hadrian's Wall bus, very excited to see the route. We were not so excited when we alighted at Birdoswald into what felt like a howling gale. Of course the wind was blowing straight into our faces stinging our cheeks with the light rain. By the time we had reached Willowford Bridge the rain had gone and we were more sheltered from the biting wind, giving us the opportunity to enjoy looking at the remains of the Roman bridge. It couldn't last and when we reached the top again the wind tore into us once more. Luckily it was only another mile to Gilsland where we stopped for coffee at Meg's. We decided to get the bus back, but due to a timetable mix up we missed it. That gave us the opportunity to visit Poltross Burn Milecastle before walking back and along the road towards Birdoswald. We were almost at the top of the hill when the bus came up behind us so we flagged it down, and we were delivered back to Carlisle in the warmth. It wasn't quite to plan but it was good to try out the new bus service. I can see more walks along the wall in the better weather.
Sunday 1st February 2026.
Harter Fell and Kentmere Pike from Mardale Head.
Grade 1, nearly 7 miles.
Leader: Pete Rutland
Photos: A selection from Astrid Carss, Anne Tye & Pete Rutland
Only eight set off for Mardale on a day that pretty much looked like we would get some sort of soaking, according to the weather man. A bit cold with the tops covered in clag as we set off. I think everyone had warmed up by the time we hit the top of Gatescarth Pass. We made great time onto Harter Fell without any rushing. There were only bits of snow remaining and just a light wind. We headed off to Kentmere Pike where we had lunch. After lunch it was back to Harter Fell, there was no wind at all on this side of the valley and we were soon down at the shelter at Nan Bield. A short break was taken before going down to Smallwater Tarn. The clag cleared and as ever there were great views down over the tarn and onto Haweswater far below. The becks were full and looking spectacular. The rain we were dreading never materialised and we had a completely dry day. It was then to Haweswater Hotel where we had cups of various beverages apart from Roger who appeared to only have half a glass of Hot chocolate, must have run out of milk Roger. Apart from that all in all a good days walking. Thanks to the gang who came out.
Regards Pete.
