Sunday 26th October 2025
Birks and Arnison Crag
Leader: Christine Milton
Photos: Astrid Carss & Christine Milton
Due to a less than ideal weather forecast & consequently low numbers, it was decided to reschedule the Helvellyn ‘A’ walk to Springtime. I was delighted to welcome all on board, for the Birks & Arnison Crag route as planned for the ‘B’ walk. On arrival at Glenridding it was obvious the weather wasn’t going to be kind, so waterproofs were donned by the fifteen gathered. Light rain meant that we were still able to enjoy the Autumn colours, views over Ullswater and wonder at “What might have been” seeing Helvellyn buried in cloud. On reaching Birks’ summit we did not linger as both rain & wind seemed to be gathering strength, but soon dropped down to Trough Head for the quickest lunch break on record. On to Arnison Crag where the wind was strong enough to blow away the rain and we were rewarded with beautiful clear views over Ullswater. Refreshments were enjoyed by all in Glenridding before heading for home. A massive thank you to everyone who braved the conditions and joined me today. Glad there were two new Wainwrights for three of you. Thanks for the great company, with the weather forecast, I wasn’t expecting anyone hahaha
Christine
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Wednesday 22nd October 2025
Watch Hill, Cockermouth
Leader: Ian Rowley
Photos: Pete Rutland & Martina
Today's walk from Cockermouth town centre to Watch Hill (Sethmurthy Common), which is also a Wainwright outlying fell. Good weather, except for a couple of showers of drizzle. Paths were better than expected after yesterday's rain. Great views. 🙂
Tuesday 21st October 2025
Appleby to Colby
Leader: Sharron Murray
Photos: Sharron Murray & Christine Wood
Four of enjoyed the walk from Appleby to Colby and back despite the couple of ascents. The weather was fair although we caught a couple of short showers and the Autumn colours were at their best. We found apple trees dispensing fruit near Colby Beck and the hedgerows were bursting with hips and haws. We returned laden down with nature's bounty. A lovely walk. Now, I'll start cooking the apples and making sloe gin!
Sunday 19th October Coach Walks
A Walk: Fairfield, Great Rigg & Stone Arthur
Leader: Pete Rutland
Photos: Pete Rutland
A very poor weather forecast but eleven took on the challenge of getting up Fairfield. The walk up Raise Beck held out some promise that the weather men had got it wrong, but on reaching Grisedale Tarn the summit of Fairfield was not to be seen. We headed up through the clag with a bit of a breeze in the air. Reaching the top we managed a very quick lunch in the shelter before it started to rain.
Still in heavy cloud we set off down the ridge to Great Rigg, the rain was varying degrees of heavy to light and made it tough going. Taking the path off toward Stone Arthur the views did brighten up a bit and the rain eased off. After the summit of Stone Arthur it was then down to Grasmere for a welcome cuppa and some cake. We got around in good time but at no point was it worth hanging about. Thanks to the group who took it on. It appears Fairfield is a bit of a problem hill for us with regard the weather, better luck next time.
B Walk: Helm Crag
Leader: Ian Rowley
Photos: Sarah McLaughlin
C Walk: Easedale Tarn
Leader: Janet Nicholson
Photos: Carol
Totally unplanned: Stepped in as walk leader on the bus. We came, we saw, we conquered. 3 went up 3 came down.
Wednesday 15th October 2025
Calebreck Common and Fellside
Leader: David Elsworth
Photos: Mike Coates & David Elsworth
Once we had all gathered at the parking area, we had a very brief discussion as to the location of the cattle grid as it had caused quite some confusion. Anyway enough of that and on a bone dry track with hardly a breath of wind we headed up towards Sandbed mine spoils. Time for a short break and a goodie or two and grab the milling crowds attention as I rattled through snippets of history and geology of this seemingly baren land. We are off again holding onto visibility which gave a super panoramic view of the Hamlet's below. Soon we were dropping down the tufted grass onto the track at Fellside where it was our lunch stop. Just to keep the girls sweet I had Aldi's finest digestives at the ready so we were all smiles as we headed onto wetter ground. Passing Potts Gill then through Nether Row without even a hitch at the stile we were onto open ground and heading towards Hudscales. Underfoot it was reedy ground but we were making good time as we got into fields which took us past Wood Hall. After a bit of a scramble over some tricky Beck's we were still keen as mustard as we reached Calebreck and our transport. We were in Caldbeck in a jiffy, diving into the Muddy Duck and a warm atmosphere. This watering hole never disappoints and with the gardens giving such a stunning backdrop it ticks all the boxes.
Thanks to everyone especially Ken as you all made it so easy for me ...Dave.
Sunday 12th October 2025
A Walk: Deer Rut Walk
Leader: Pete Rutland
Photos: Pete Rutland
Eleven set off in thick fog down the M6 heading for Martindale. On arrival at the start point visibility was still not that good. As we headed up the valley the sun did its best to burn off the clag but it very much hampered seeing the deer. Having said that I can't remember the stags making such a lot of noise, must have been feeling frisky. We eventually saw plenty of deer, even if it was at a good distance. It was debatable that my plan of heading up the scree at the start of the walk in an attempt to make things easier than coming down it at the end of the day was a good one but everyone made it to Angle Tarn for lunch.
The rest of the day was like the middle of summer. At various view points there were cloud inversions and cracking clear views in other directions. Two new members, Ingrid who has now joined the club, so welcome, and Ann for who it was her first time out with club. I hope we will be seeing her again as a regular member. An enjoyable day in glorious sunshine, thanks to all who pitched up.
Sunday 12th October 2025
B Walk: Tarn Hows
Leader: Stephen Parker
Photos: Astrid Carss & Mike Coates
Wednesday 8th October 2025
Temple Sowerby
Leader: Joan Little
Photos by David Elsworth and Mike Coates
Under a breaking sky all nineteen of us gathered in front of St James church, and with a quick chin wag about the Knights Templar we were off across the green and through the houses of this very picturesque village.Passing hedgerows still covered in fruit and a very autumnal sky,we really had caught a gem of a day for this walk.Many goodies later we were across the fields and after a short stint on tarmac we headed to Acorn Bank...the seat of many heads of the hamlet and now a National trust property.Dropping behind the house we follow the Crowdundle beck passing by the very placid cattle and on towards the road to Newbiggin.Walking up the road to Scar Top we even managed a banana break before again hitting the green stuff then a track leading into Culgaith which was our lunch stop.Having forewarned the Millyard Cafe that Moreland was soon to be invaded we set off once more on a tricky stint on tarmac which got us to the bridge crossing the River Eden.Sharp left onto the footpath and along the river,but we also had company...young frisky calves but the girls held their nerves as they got amongst us.Lucky for us we had our man of steel at the rear ....Ken passed through the cattle like Moses and the Red Sea , nothing would stop us now.Still following the river we then turn for the old railway bridge leading us into Skygarth farm and our route through the underpass on the A66 and only a short distance back to the cars.Four twisty road miles later we were in Moreland and it was Flapjack heaven for the girls....don't get much better. Super walk super company thanks everyone..... Joan
Tuesday 7th October 2025
RIBBLEHEAD REPORT
Leader: Geoff Entwistle
Photo: Christine Wood
Four members caught the Carlisle - Settle train to Ribblehead and enjoyed an exploration of the Ribblehead Viaduct area. A persistent drizzle and low cloud covering the Three Peaks summits only slightly dampened the spirits as we went under the impressive viaduct and did a clockwise circuit on minor roads, tracks and paths to the west, through Gummerfleet, Broadrake and Winterscales. Returning to Ribblehead we then had a convivial session by the fire in the Station Inn before catching the train home.
Geoff Entwistle
Sunday 5th October
A walk
Leader: Ann McIntosh
Photos: Ann McIntosh, Astrid Carss
What a great day. This route was new to most people. After an initial climb Birkett’s and Wainwright’s were bagged with very little effort. The first deer were spotted as we approached High Raise. They then seemed to appear from every direction. As we walked off The Knott we heard the first stags calling. Heading down Bannerdale the stags were in fine voice as they shepherded their does and chased off rivals males.
Thanks for the great company and craic.
Ann
Sunday 5 October 2025
Glenridding and Ullswater
Leader: Roger Eves.
Five of us set off in windy but dry conditions which was good, after bad storms on Fri/Sat. The views over Ullswater and the surrounding fells were spectacular.
A lovely day in great company. Thanks to all who came along.
Wednesday 1st October 2025
Sale Fell and Ling Fell
Leader: David Bulman
Eleven walkers completed Ling Fell and Sale Fell as per the walk description including two potential new club members. We started off in light drizzle and low cloud so Ling Fell top was a brief stop for a photo then down and on towards Sale Fell, in more sheltered conditions where we had an early lunch at the ruins of the Chapel. By then the rain had cleared and the skies brightened but the wind strengthened so again the stop on Sale Fell was brief even though the views opened out. Refreshments were enjoyed at the Craggs. Many thanks for your company and good craic as ever.
David.
