Walk Reports


Sun 10th Mar 2024
Walk report to follow More pictures on the Facebook page  
Led by Allan Seven members of Cumbria LDWA met at the layby near Millrigg Bridge, (NY608281) beside Crowdundle Beck at 08 30. The bridge used to be the old county border between Cumberland and Westmorland and a largestone in the South side wall has C and W carved into it, East side being Cumberland…
Led by Clare Seven LDWA members (six from the Cumbria group and one from the Northumbria group) met at The Sands, Brampton on a cool morning with heavy showers forecast for later on and into the afternoon when the wind would increase. Leaving at 08:30 we walked the route in a clockwise direction so…
Sun 19th Nov 2023
Led by Andy This was the walk and AGM that was postponed from October 15th unlike that day when it was a bright sunny winters day the weather forecast for this day was RAIN two spots most of the day! Undeterred nine of us assembled in the car park adjacent to the venue for the AGM later, that being…
Sun 10th Sep 2023
Led by Barbara Eight Cumbria members and two Northumbrian members met at Birtley church and departed at 08-36 into a foggy section of field paths heading towards Tone Hall by which time the sun had appeared and it was now on the hot side. After crossing the A68 at the now closed Tone Inn pub we…
Walk report to follow
Sun 23rd Jul 2023
Led by Una, a lovely walk by the Galloway coast from Kippford on a wet but enjoyable day
Led by Paul Five LDWA members (one from Northumbria and four from Cumbria) met for an 8am start at Caldbeck village car park for a 50k (30 mile) social stroll along the fringe of the northern fells. The forecast was for a strong westerly breeze with intermittent but possibly heavy showers. The…
Sun 18th Jun 2023
Led by Jim   Seven members of Cumbria LDWA met by the Lowgill viaduct, relic of a once busy branch line to Ingleton.Heavy rain showers were forecast for the afternoon, but the sun was shining and the temperature rising as we followed the Dales Way to the Crook of Lune Bridge and a view of the…
Led by Andy A group of seven met up  at Litts Garth house near North Stainmore on the old A66 for a 08-30 start on a sunny morning.   After leaving the road and crossing a few fields we came to Argill nature reserve where we were treated to a display of Bluebells as we walked down to and alongside…
Sun 16th Apr 2023
Led by Trish On Sunday 16th April five of us set off on this walk. Although it was cloudy, there was little wind and no rain in the forecast. Leaving Scotby we headed towards Wetheral and then took the footpath over the first golf-course of the day. Through Warwick-on-Eden and along the A69 to…
Mon 6th Mar 2023
6th March 2023 Led by Allan Six members of Cumbria LDWA met at Bowscale on a cool, overcast but dry day, with the objective of circumnavigating Saddleback aka Blencathra. Taking an easterly track to Moss Dyke then south on a minor road soon saw us in Mungrisdale.The fallen tree was still resting on…
Led by Paul. On a cold and windy February morning ten walkers met at the Caldbeck village car park. With winds on the fell tops predicted to exceed 40mph with poor visibility all day the decision was taken to follow the Plan-B route which would keep to lower paths. This took us south out of the…
Led by Pat. After a very wet and muddy recce hopes were high that following a week of severe frosts firming up the ground, today's walk would be easier, albeit the thaw had set in the previous day. 10 hopefuls gathered at Cliburn Moss car park on this calm dry January morning. A short climb took us…
Led by Pat A hardy bunch of eight Cumbrian LDWA faithfuls met at the Portinscale bridge for what turned out to be a sometimes icy experience on a gloriously sunny December morning. With a film of frost covering the road we carefully made our way to Nichol End. A stretch of less precarious walking…
Sun 6th Nov 2022
Led by Allan Eleven members of Cumbria LDWA including new members Phil & Gill met on a wet morning in the lane outside the Rheged centre. After passing through the village of Stainton the route undulated across farmland and woodland to Dacre and its Norman Church where it continued to rain. Here…
Sun 16th Oct 2022
Led by Clare Nine walkers met in Mungrisdale on a very blustery day. As it was so windy the decision was taken to avoid the high ground of Bowscale Fell (604 metres) and so the walk followed the minor road north to Mosedale where the original route was rejoined. A footpath led across fields and…
Sun 11th Sep 2022
Led by Paul Seven members of Cumbria LDWA met just off the A66 on the road to Wythop Mill, then walked up through the village towards our first hill of the day, Ling Fell. Taking the old Corpse Road up, the top was soon reached and views opened out towards the Solway Firth and the Scottish hills…
Tue 23rd Aug 2022
Led by Andy On the one good day between two wet ones nine members (one guest) we started at 08-30 and descended to cross Lambley Viaduct, once across it we turned South and followed the East side of the South Tyne river. An hour later we passed through Eals followed by the Bog farm, into more open…
Led by Jim Eight members of Cumbria LDWA braved an uncertain forecast to meet in the car park next to Appleby Swimming Pool. Intitial showery weather soon changed into very pleasant walking conditions as we undulated our way along the Dales High Way out of Appleby, before following the Hoff and…
Sat 18th Jun 2022
Led by Trish This long walk was deferred from 2020 due to the Covid pandemic. It took place on 18th June 2022 as part of the "big walk" weekend celebrating 50 years of the LDWA Trish's report can be found at the link below. Midsummer_Meander_walk_report.pdf A selection of Louise's photos from the…
Sun 15th May 2022
On May 15th 2022 six members gathered at Ravenstonedale for this walk led by Martyn Smith. Leaving at 08-32 we were quickly onto field paths and lots of stiles but waymarking was good so these presented no problem. After what seemed many stiles we came onto the Pennine Bridleway and followed this…
Sun 24th Apr 2022
Led by Clare. Eight walkers from Cumbria LDWA assembled outside Staveley Village Institute for a 19 mile walk which followed the route of the fisrt loop of Lakeland LDWA's Lakeland 50 challenge event. The weather was good - clear and dry but with a cold wind on the tops. The Dales Way was followed…
Sun 20th Mar 2022
On above date eight members met up at Tyne Green Country Park at Hexham for an 18.5 mile walk being led by Barbara Young which started promptly at 08-30. After ascending from the riverside up to the Duke's House we then dropped down to Devil's Water and followed it to it's confluence with the River…
Led by Louise A gloomy forecast for Sunday loomed ominously for most of the preceding week and certainly lived up to expectations! Seven group members met at Sunbiggin Tarn in persistent rain. The route headed north-west to the hamlet of Sunbiggin via boggy paths and continued across fields to…
Led by Trish We arrived behind Rheged just as the sun was rising above the fells, bright red and beautiful. Ten of us set off down hill towards RedHills and the field track and paths to the footbridge over the River Eamont. Keeping to the left hand path we headed towards Yanwath Hall, a 14th…
Led by Paul A cold day with a moderate breeze from the North-West, but prospects for panoramic views were good as seven members of the group set out from Castle Carrock. A footpath led us up past Garth Head farm onto open-access land where an intermittent path and some heather-bashing (aided by two…
Led by Alan   It was a crisp morning and nearly all of Cumbria's active social walkers met up together in High Hesket.   We followed lanes and tracks and headed towards Blaze Fell, we took advantage of a new permissive path that is marked with several tall round fence posts across stocked fields to…
Sun 13th Dec 2020
  On the morning of 13/12/20 a small group of 4 walkers met at the village car park in Dalston and started the walk at 08:30. Leaving the village we crossed a few fields to the road near Buckabank and then along farm tracks to Gaitsgill. Leaving Gaitsgill on another farm track to field paths to…
Leader, Andy writes: On the morning of 25/10/20 due to Covid, a restricted group of six met at Wetheral and started the walk at 08-30, it was figure of eight walk and we would do the Western loop first. After approx half a mile we made the first crossing of the Newcastle to Carlisle railway, we…
Sun 6th Sep 2020
Current Covid regulations prevented celebratory tea and cakes at the end of the walk; despite this, six of us – Andy, Louise, Clare, Trish, Pat and Steve – gathered in Hallbankgate, with rain much in evidence. After a brisk walk up through the village we turned right along park lane…
    We're back . . .It was decided that August would be our first group walk post- lockdown. The six available places were quickly reserved but rather like the restaurants, on the day, there were only four of us available. The weather was overcast and stayed that way for the majority of the time,…
Sun 12th Jan 2020
Seven Cumbria LDWA regulars (Allan, Andy, Barbara, Helen, Louise, Neil and Martyn) met up next to the bus shelter at Crosby Ravensworth (Grid Reference NY 620147) for an excellent walk in the historic county of Westmorland in good sunny relatively dry conditions. Westmorland formed an…
Sun 1st Dec 2019
      Ten group members set off from Lamonby on a frosty dry morning. Initially the route was on the road through the village before turning off on a farm track and field paths to Parish Church of St Kentigern Sowerby. The route then continued across field paths and road to pass through the garden…
  Leader, Trish writes:  We met up in the High Stand car park to a very mild morning. Thirteen of us started a gentle ramble through the woods, using some of the smaller tracks. One path was inaccessible as the forest was being thinned to allow better tree growth. Alan who was nurturing a damaged…
Ten group members set out from Mae's Tearooms in Uldale, the base for this year's Annual General Meeting and meal.  After a gentle start, following field paths, we were suitably warmed up for the main climbing of the day at the 'Back 'O' Skiddaw'. The first objective Longlands Fell, afforded…
Sat 21st Sep 2019
Five Cumbria LDWA regulars (Allan, Helen, Louise, Neil and Trish) met up in the parking area at Burnbanks (Grid Reference NY 508161) for an excellent walk around Haweswater in good sunny dry conditions.   Haweswater is a reservoir. Work to raise the height of the original natural lake was started…
Sat 10th Aug 2019
A poor forecast dictated the day's dress code and eight members set out from Aira Force car park in full waterproof kit. With Jim leading, the group began the Ullswater Way in an anti-clockwise direction. The extent of water on the road approaching Glenridding gave rise to memories of the…
On a fine July morning twelve members, including three from Northumbria, gathered in Hallbankgate. The walk started along a disused railway track, part of the legacy of mining in the area. We soon abandoned the railway though and headed to Coal Fell, really just a couple of terraces so named as the…
Sun 9th Jun 2019
Six eager walkers gathered at the Gatehouse of Fleet car park for the Gatehouse Gambol – including four who travelled from Cumbria and one all the way from York! We were rewarded with a very pleasant day, with some sunshine to enjoy the views, and enough shade and wind to keep us cool as we…
Sun 5th May 2019
On a fabulous sunny Sunday, 12 Cumbria LDWA members Jim, Steve, Claire, Louise, Trish, Andy, Chris, Barbara, Alan, Helen, Dave and Pat plus Northumbria member Li Wang and guest Mark from Penrith headed east from Appleby County School on a quiet road running parallel to the A66 Appleby bypass. After…
Sun 7th Apr 2019
Nine Cumbria LDWA regulars (Allan, Andy, Chris, Helen, Louise, Martyn, Neil, Pat and Trish) turned up in the parking area opposite High Row (Grid Reference NY 380219) for a pleasant walk around Matterdale in good dry conditions. The route was interesting in that it did not include any summits!  …
A dire weather forecast for the day did not deter twelve people turning up at Rheged, and once again the male members of the group were outnumbered, five males being Andy (Leader), Neil, Dave, Alan & Chris. The seven females were Louise, Clare, Pat, Angela, Helen, Barbara & Vera. Leaving at 09-02…
Nine walkers started the walk at Armathwaite Bridge as it set off along the banks of the River Eden passing through Coombs Wood and farmland to Ruckcroft. Between Ruckcroft and Kirkoswald we passed the Cross House Incised Stone a restored  monument near Cross House and the country houses of…
We all gathered in Kirkbampton village hall car park on a dry, but dank Sunday morning. There were nine regulars and a member (Jeanette) who had recently moved to Cumbria from the South of England. Clare introduced a visitor (Allan Ousby) who walks with Penrith Ramblers and is well known to a few…
Sun 2nd Dec 2018
The relatively pleasant weather for early December resulted in 12 (8 Cumbria LDWA and 4 visitors) on the walk, which started at Aira Force National Trust Car Park (Grid Reference NY 400200).  This was very much a mixed terrain route - incorporating two Wainwright summits (Gowbarrow Fell and Little…
        With clear skies and no wind we all gathered in the quiet carpark of Stoneyholme Golf Course. Having kitted up the nine of us set off over the Memorial Bridge and into Rickerby Park. First stop The County Memorial, well adorned with many poppy wreaths in commemoration of the ending of the…
               An excellent turnout for our 2018 AGM walk, which included guests, Chris and Jude.  It was also good to welcome Debbie who has been out with the group before.  In total, 13 people and two dogs made up the party outside the Oddfellows Arms in Caldbeck, all ready to explore 'the back…
On Sunday 19th August as we approached New Abbey the rain stopped and we never saw it again all day. Unfortunately it left Criffel shrouded in low cloud. Seven Cumbrian members were joined by Una Courtney who very kindly helped Clare to lead the walk. Una was a Cumbrian group member until she…
Sat 2nd Jun 2018
Five Cumbria LDWA members and leader, Martyn, were joined at Allenheads by visitor, Anne, from the Northumbria group, on a warm and bright morning.  A hasty reshuffle of cars took place, due to the setting up of a plant sale and market, before the group headed out of the village in an easterly…
Sun 13th May 2018
Early morning rain had cleared in good time and as a “lucky seven” gathered in Hallbankgate the sun was beginning to break through. By mid-morning the clouds had gone and we enjoyed sunshine throughout the day. Before setting off though, a visit to Hallbankgate Hub community shop…
Sun 22nd Apr 2018
A walk in County Durham for a change, nine members met at Bowes village car park opposite the village hall. Six lady members Clare, Helen, Louise, Pat, Trish, (new member) and Wendy. The males were myself, Dave and Neil, once again we were outnumbered! Departing promptly at 08-30 we proceeded…
Seven souls braved the wintry forecast and convened on the bridge at Armathwaite.  Guest, Diane had made a supreme effort in travelling from the wilds of West Cumbria.  Snow was falling gently and after a chilly start, the initial climb through Coombs Wood brought some warmth.  On leaving Coombs…
Sun 25th Feb 2018
13 walkers turned up at Ravenstonedale on a cold but pleasant day. Jim, Andy, Neil, Helen, Dave , Pat, Dennis, Martin, Louise, Steve and our new members Paul, Kate and Jamie. Leaving Ravenstonedale the walk crossed the main Tebay to Kirkby Stephen Road and farmland to Smardale Bridge before…
Sun 28th Jan 2018
  LDWA members Dave, Pat, Andy, Clare, Steve and Margaret welcomed guests Jane, Paul, Anne, Kate and youngsters Martha and Jamie plus two dogs and left Askham on a reasonably calm morning with expectation of some wind on higher land. On reaching the fell we headed south to join and follow the…
  The Weather Gods looked down kindly on the second staging of the circumnavigation of Blencathra, which took place on Sunday 3 December 2017.  When the walk was first held in January 2016 snow and ice meant travelling to the start was particularly hazardous and only two hardy souls ventured out. …
  Our November walk consisted of five hardy Cumbria members plus one visitor,Trish Dunant. We met on the edge of Kershope Forest in bright sunshine and clear skies which stayed with us all day. Clare Edgar led the walk assisted by Andy Armstrong who wanted to "bag" the Marilyn - Sighty Crag. We set…
Sun 5th Nov 2017
  A glorious autumn morning greeted the band of 12 setting out from Fellside on this year's AGM 'Mystery Tour' of the Back 'o' Skiddaw.  With Tony leading, High Pike was the first objective, via a route up Hay Gill, which made for a chilly start.  Feeling warmer from the exertion of the climb, we…
    Mardale Magic is Cumbria LDWA's successor to the Three Rings Of Shap and takes place on Saturday 30 September 2017.  The Marshal's Walk on Sunday 27 August 2017 provided an opportunity to check the participants' route description and associated .gpx file.  Fourteen LDWA aficionados, including…
Sat 15th Jul 2017
  A fine drizzle greeted nine hardy souls assembling in Hallbankgate; it kept us company most of the day but no spirits were dampened. Heading North we skirted the now extensive Silver Top quarry and once the busy A69 had been crossed we were set fair for our first objective, Hadrian's wall.  The…
Sun 4th Jun 2017
  On a bright sunny but windy morning six members gathered at Garrigill for the 08.30 start. Andy Armstrong lead the walk with Pat and Dave Evans, Clare, Martyn and Angela in attendance. Walking anti clockwise we arrived at Greg's hut after 6.5 miles where a break was taken and the visitors' book…
Sun 14th May 2017
Nine LDWA members including two from the East Yorkshire group and three guests met at Askham on a pleasant sunny morning to enjoy an amble over local fells with the added bonus of bagging a couple of Wainwrights.   Thanks to a recent spell of dry weather, and we benefited from this throughout the…
  The Walk started at Newbiggin on Lune and followed the former railway line from Tebay to Kirkby Stephen East Railway Station passing over the now restored Smardale Viaduct and staying on the railway until reaching Waitby where the  track was no longer accessible. Leaving the railway we passed…
Sat 11th Mar 2017
  This walk could be defined by one word, MUD!  An encouraging ten walkers arrived at Cawfields Quarry car park, including one guest, Alison, from Cleveland LDWA. The route left Cawfields Quarry in a north easterly direction, passing Cawfields Farm and the three settlements at Close a Burns, where…
  A select group of five members arrived in Allendale Town for our first Northumbrian foray of 2017.  The morning was bright and leader, Martyn, got us off to a prompt start with the prospect of a good days walking ahead.  Leaving the town square, our route headed up Shilburn Road for just over a…
There was a good attendance of ten members and two visitors who were welcomed by leader, Clare, at Castle Carrock in the pouring rain.The start was up a very muddy lonnen, a good induction to the very wet terrain that was to follow! We went up through heather and bog to the first cairn which was…
    The Weather Gods were in benevolent mood for the third Tour de Derwent Water.  Bright blue skies greeted twelve LDWA aficionados in the car park at Portinscale (Grid Reference NY 252230).  The twelve glided via Nichol End and Hawse End to Catbells Terrace where they paused to admire the view…
  A bad weather forecast for the day but this didn't deter eleven “hardy” members turning up at Haydon Bridge where waterproofs were donned as the forecast was living up to what had been predicted. The walk comprised of two loops of 3 and 12 miles visiting places associated with John…
Sun 23rd Oct 2016
For the second year in a row this fixture enjoyed good weather with long views and occasional sunshine. When out of the fresh north-easterly wind it was almost balmy though the latter adjective was often applied to the leader as he headed from the start at Fellside, gateway to the Northern Fells,…
Sun 18th Sep 2016
  The Sun was much in evidence as eight of us assembled at Hallbankgate Car Park for this gentle meander over the North Pennine hills.  After a walk up Crossgates road we soon lost the tarmac and began the ascent across boggy terrain for a view of Tindale tarn, resplendent in the sunshine.  Then it…
The walk started at the main car park in Kirkby Stephen with eight walkers of whom two were visitors from the east Lancashire Group. After leaving the village we crossed the river at Frank's Bridge and joined the former Penrith to Darlington railway east of Stankrith Bridge. We then proceeded along…
  Five LDWA members and one guest, Pete, convened at the Hareshaw Linn car park in Bellingham on a fine Sunday morning.  An initial short section of road walking took us above the town on the Pennine Way route, which we were to follow for the first part of the walk.  At a right-hand bend in the…
Sun 15th May 2016
  A bright dry sunny morning greeted the eight walkers who had opted to be led by Martyn Smith on this 21 mile circuit.   Departing promptly at 08.30 from Nenthead mines car park we headed West over Black Moss to old mine workings at Bentyfield. After crossing the B6277 a path to Bleagate was taken…
A blustery rendezvous above Knock village, saw our group of seven donning full bad weather kit, as a hail shower swept through.  Six members and guest, Wendy, formerly of Kent LDWA, set off up the service road to the 'golf ball' on Great Dun Fell.  The golf ball and indeed our target, Cross Fell,…
Sun 13th Mar 2016
Spring arrived at last in Cumbria and greeted the annual perambulation of one of the Three Rings Of Shap.  This year it was Ring 3 and there was an excellent turnout of 19 (10 ladies and 9 gentlemen) to romp round the 20 mile circuit on Sunday 13 March.  The route follows Wainwright's…
  Contrary to the previous evening's forecast, there was an absence of rain on the morning of the walk, which made for a promising start.  Six members appeared at Kingmoor Nature Reserve car park in the north of Carlisle, ready to revisit (in the most part) the route of a Mince Pie walk of yore. …
     The weather forecast for Sunday 17 January was good; clear but cold.  Many LDWA aficionados were looking forward to the walk.  The only problem was there had been snow the previous day which meant that travelling by car was a significant challenge.  The journey from the A66 to the start of the…
Storm Desmond had ravaged Cumbria on Saturday 5 December.  A reconnaisance of Borrowdale on Thursday indicated the area had recovered sufficiently well to cope with an influx of LDWA aficionados on Sunday 13 December.  The Weather Gods then sent a snow storm to the A66 between Penrith and Threlkeld…
Sun 29th Nov 2015
    A dire forecast, containing that pleasant partnership of gale force winds and rain, did not deter the twelve hardy members who arrived at Roehead above Pooley Bridge, all kitted out and prepared to face the elements.  A short, sharp ascent took us from our parked cars onto the flanks of…
Sun 25th Oct 2015
  Some four years had elapsed since this annual fixture enjoyed good weather but hopes were high as twelve of us, 50:50 members and visitors, set out from Patterdale on a fine morning with the autumn colours adding a touch of magic to the day. After an easy start along the valley floor the village…
Sun 13th Sep 2015
    Leader Andy reports - Ten members departed Alston at the appointed time (0900) heading South along the Pennine Way to Garrigill from where the South Tyne trail was followed to Ashgill Force. A short break enabled the behind the waterfall experience to be had before all ten scrambled through…
Sun 23rd Aug 2015
Six enjoyed a walk round the Coledale Horshoe on a fine day with strong winds
    10 members congregated in Bardon Mill on a bright and sunny morning, anticipating a fine walk with some history thrown in!  We proceeded north from Bardon Mill, passing under the A69 on a minor road, eventually picking up a track above Chainley Beck, which headed to the first Roman Fort on our…
Nine members and two visitors from East Lancs LDWA set out from Carlingill Bridge on the back road to Sedbergh, a former Roman road and somewhat quieter prospect than the nearby M6.  With Clare leading, the route initially followed Carlingill Beck up the valley, which narrowed dramatically towards…
Venture to the Great Water of Fleet Viaduct – Dumfries and Galloway Leader Una reports - Walking in Scotland is different. We do have the right to roam, but there is not a dense network of footpaths, and the terrain can be testing – boggy and uneven, with tufty grass and gorse. As a…
  The annual perambulation round one of the Rings was led this year by new boss of the Rings, Neil. It was a cool start at Shap with a drying easterly breeze giving excellent walking conditions enlivened by a smidgen of sunshine later in the afternoon. The underfoot conditions were muddy to muddier…
The group of 14 walkers left the Kilngreen car park at 9.00. We walked south through Langholm town up to the Round House, where Stuart told us a little about the historic building. Vearing left up Whita Hill we stopped at Whita Well, where some of up took a sip of the lovely fresh spring water.…
Sun 11th Jan 2015
  Seven group members and guest, Jane, assembled at Sainsbury's car park in Haltwhistle; the conversation turning inevitably to the weather forecast, which hadn't made for good reading!   The route left Haltwhistle close to the railway station, quickly crossing the South Tyne River, which appeared…
Dawn broke over Derwent Water on a dreich, dark, dank December day.  In the car park at Portinscale (Grid Reference NY 252230) eight brave Cumbrian warriors (aka walkers) left the safe, comfy environment of their chariots (cars to the non-LDWA fraternity) and started a six and half hour walk in…
Sat 22nd Nov 2014
Leader Roger reports - GLARAMARA WITH A GREAT END   Starting from Stonethwaite we climbed via Stanger Gill up to Bessyboot and had some views down Borrowdale before wandering over towards Glaramara. Wainwright describes this as being much marshy,  trackless and confusing ground thus dangerous…
Sun 19th Oct 2014
Tradition has it that the Weather Gods do not look kindly on the walk that precedes the AGM of the Cumbria LDWA.  Early on Sunday 19 October 2014 six Cumbrian warriors (aka walkers) donned their swords and shields (well at least boots and waterproofs) and met at the Youth Hostel car park just…
  Hard though it is to believe, this was the 10th annual Brampton Circuit, better known as the Cream Tea Walk, the reward awaiting 8 walkers who completed some 20 miles of a circular walk round Brampton. Points along the walk included Lower Gelt Bridge, Hayton Town Head and Greenwell village,…
Sun 20th Jul 2014
The Old Crown Round is always a challenge and was made even more so this time for those who had cycled 70 miles the previous day to celebrate the Secretary's 70th birthday! Initial numbers were eight including guest Ingrid from faraway Bellingham who had left home with Barbara at 6.30am. Meeting at…
Sat 17th May 2014
Ian explained the day's route to the assembled group of ten, comprising 5 members and 5 visitors; saying we would decide at the top of Bow Fell whether to continue on to Scafell Pike. We then set off from Old Dungeon Ghyll in glorious weather. On the way up to Pike of Blisco leader, Ian, nominated…
Sun 13th Apr 2014
Leader Andy reports: The weather was forecast to be dry but windy until 4 pm so there was a good incentive for the field of ten to get going. The route went firstly down to Lambley viaduct then a slight route change as the access under the viaduct had been fenced off. We were quickly back on track…
Sun 23rd Mar 2014
With a record nineteen starters it was almost as if the Three Rings had come early. Two new members, Ann and Alan, joined nine veterans and eight visitors as we left Shap on an encouraging morning with a covering of snow on the high fells. The first obstacle, however, was the stepping stones over…
Leader Clare writes - I lead the group of nine, including 5 members, with Misty the dog, who welcomed our four guests; Morven, Paul, Jane and Allan. The walk was a figure of eight so we did the shortest loop first, as I thought the weather would be better in the morning and it meant we could leave…
Fifteen brave souls arrived at the Blue Gate crossroads above Caldbeck for Cumbria LDWA group's first walk of 2014; which represented a great start to the year!  The gathering included 11 group members; new member, Angela and three guests, Gill, Ann and Jane.  Clare was leading in Louise's stead…
Sun 15th Dec 2013
This year's mince pie walk explored the country south and east of Carlisle and was well attended with ten members plus the Treasurer's daughter at the starting gate. The weather remained fine and cool all day with good visibility and virtually zero precipitation. Initially the delights of Morrisons…
Sat 16th Nov 2013
Four group members were joined at the start, Burnbanks, by five visitors, Pat, David, Julie, Jim and Paul, where the weather looked promising for a circuit of the fell tops.  Leader, Clare, set a good pace past Naddle Farm and out on to the moorland to the east of Haweswater, with Selside summit in…
Sun 27th Oct 2013
The usual tradition of bad weather, both forecast and real time, held good again for this annual fixture. Back in Braithwaite at the Coledale Inn after a gap of some years gave ample scope for a day of exhilarating high level walking over the North Western fells. Sadly only one Group member…
It's hard to believe that there have already been eight of Paul's 'T4T' walks and even harder to imagine that he could lead the way into new territory. But this is just what he did on a pleasantly warm but overcast day as eight members and three visitors left Brampton at the usual time of just…
Sun 18th Aug 2013
Only three members plus two guests joined leader Martyn on this 20 mile stroll round the northern outposts of the National Park. Early showers soon abated to leave a dry and warm day with distant views to the inviting fells. Starting at Roehead a course was set initially northward to pass the…
Sun 21st Jul 2013
Warm sunshine accompanied the seven who left White Moss quarry under the guidance of leader Tony who had looked at most of the route the previous day. The humid conditions required lots of water though a welcoming cooling breeze on the ridge gave some relief.   Alcock Tarn was the first objective…
Sun 21st Apr 2013
Leader Andy writes:   A bad weather forecast for most of the day maybe influenced the turnout, but six hardy souls turned up at Fellside. Apart from Derek and myself there were Dave & Pat, two potential new members from Penrith, Chris from Bolton and Lorraine from Wigan. The rain started before we…
Sun 17th Mar 2013
Six guys and six gals plus leader Tony gave a pleasing symmetry to this walk and avoided the problem of an unlucky 13 starters! It was also good to welcome five visitors including David and Merrian from BBN who amazingly have walked with nearly every group in the LDWA. An early fall of snow proved…
Sun 24th Feb 2013
All eight starters on this walk were indebted to Leader Roger giving up time on his big birthday to guide us round an interesting winter tour of these wonderful hills with long views in all directions on offer all day. It was also good to welcome two visitors on the day and to find that one was…
A New Year, A refreshed Group!    15 started Louise's Riparian Ramble - a number not seen for nearly five years when 18 started up Fusedale. Twelve members were accompanied by three welcome guests as we started along the River Eden at Wetheral. Conditions were dull but frosty which helped alleviate…
Sun 16th Dec 2012
We were fortunate to enjoy a great winter's day with long periods of sunshine as leader Derek left Newfield Park closely followed by seven members. We soon reached the River Eden at Rickerby Park to join the Hadrian's Wall Path for several miles passing through Crosby on Eden then alongside Blea…
Sun 11th Nov 2012
Leader Derek reports - The weather forecast promised a dry and bright day for the walk and so it turned out.  Jim, Andy, Louise and myself made up the small select group which started out from Felldike car park promptly at 8.35. We soon skirted Cogra Moss reservoir, climbing steadily up through…
Sun 28th Oct 2012
It was a glorious sunny day with frost firming the ground, ice encrusted puddles and a thin wind that soon abated making for memorable walking conditions. Unfortunately the AGM walk was the following day when continuous rain, high winds and lowering skies made the planned walk over Helvellyn and…
Sun 9th Sep 2012
Leader Andy chose a good day for this rare foray for the Group into Scotland. It was sunny and warm as seven of us left the Dykecrofts visitor centre car park near Newcastleton to walk the mainly well way-marked Cross Border route. Billed at 18 miles we initially climbed gradually alongside the…
Sun 19th Aug 2012
  If you 'Google' Yomp the result is something like – 'a long distance march carrying heavy equipment over difficult terrain'. Perhaps that, and the weather forecast, put people off as only three of us joined leader Martyn at this somewhat desolate eastern outpost of Cumbria. Conditions were…
                                                                                                             Leader Paul reports The promise of sunshine and showers brought the prospect of a good day's walking and so it turned out with two short periods of mizzle before lunch. One heavier shower…
Sun 27th May 2012
                                                                              Leader Martyn reports –   A beautiful morning greeted nine of us, including myself as walk leader, at the start. We set off at 8.35am to tackle Harter Fell - the first climb of the day. As one of the group…
Leader Derek reports -   The day started off beautifully sunny but with a cold wind from the north. This augured well for the high level walk - at least the tops were cloud free which was not the case when I had done the recce. It was a pity then that there were only four of us to enjoy the good…
Sun 19th Feb 2012
Dennis lead a group of seven from Hartsop on a cold but clear day with sun and blue skies. The route took in Thornthwaite Beacon and the High Street ridge descending into Martindale via Fusedale. Return was over Beda Fell and Boredale Hause
Sun 15th Jan 2012
                                                                                     Leader Louise reports -      Eleven walkers set out on this glorious Sunday morning.  Nine members and two guests, Sally and Mick, a Northumbria LDWA member, made for a strong turnout. The walk began at…
Sun 11th Dec 2011
Only four members plus two guests arrived chez Derek & Stella for the start of this year's mince pie walk. A mild and dry but cloudy day was welcomed after the recent tempests though underfoot conditions were decidedly 'clarty'! The semi-urban nature of the walk did, however, help to minimise the…
Sun 6th Nov 2011
Unfortunately planned leader Derek had to withdraw at short notice due to injury but luckily Tony was available to step in and undertake the awesome responsibility of escorting Dennis and visitor Eddie round the route. Perhaps the disappointing turnout was related to the proximity of the AGM walk…
Sun 30th Oct 2011
A fine though breezy and cloudy day greeted the starters for this year's walk prior to the AGM. Nine members were joined by four guests as we walked up the track to Bowscale Tarn and thence up the steep path onto Bowscale Fell. After regrouping we traversed across to Bannerdale Crags enjoying fine…
Leader Roger reports –   There was only Ian and myself from the Group plus four members from Vermuyden (North Lincs) when we met at Keld at 9.45. The latter looked likely to run us off our feet. We followed field footpaths to reach the start of the Pennine Way path and managed nearly two…
Sun 21st Aug 2011
As this was an inaugural combined walk with Kendal Fellwalkers numbers were swollen to an impressive 14 with honours approximately even give or take a couple of guests who were on neither side. Thankfully the weather was kind though cool and navigation straightforward thus avoiding any possibility…
    Low pressure but not low spirits meant a wet start on a Sunday more fit for autumn than high summer. Undeterred ten set off on Paul's seventh odyssey and included old chums Rob & Theresa and soon-to-be new member Maureen. At least the rain was warm so layers were soon shed on reaching the…
Sun 22nd May 2011
Once again Haltwhistle expert Frank lead us out of this small town which is situated deep in Roman wall country and sometimes billed as the centre of Britain. The party numbered nine and encouragingly four old timers were balanced by four new members plus one guest – Kon from Newcastle. Sadly…
Sun 10th Apr 2011
It was 8.30 on a calm, warm sunny morning when six of us left the South Tynedale Railway Station car park. We were going to explore the Northumbrian/Cumbrian border land above Alston, England's highest market town. Leader, Barrie, had been joined by group members Jim, Frank and Roger and we…
Sun 13th Mar 2011
With Spring rapidly approaching will the Three Rings be far behind! With this in mind a highly adequate quorum of nine plus sole visitor Graham set off from Shap to do the annual recce prior to the Event. This is usually a useful exercise and as often happens changes occur with a new fence in one…
Sun 13th Feb 2011
Leader Louise reports - Despite an unfavourable forecast, the weather remained dry on the whole for our foray into the northern and southern hinterlands of the Roman Wall. Mud was certainly the order of the day as eight group members and new member Judy left Cawfields Quarry car park and headed in…
Sun 9th Jan 2011
More like New Year Whites as seven group members left leader Derek's house on another bright wintry morning with fresh snow on the ground. Fifteen miles were promised though twenty were eventually covered. Civilisation was soon left as we revisited the Kingmoor Nature Reserve en route to the Eden's…
The first mystery was easily solved as stand in leader, Derek, was unmasked. He proved an able deputy for Paul who is currently swelling Cumbria's overloaded sick list. Happily Frank was out and about again after several months' absence bringing the start line total to a barely adequate five. The…
Leader Derek reports Only three set out on what turned out to be a very enjoyable walk. Louise, Barrie, and Leader Derek were the select band of C.L.D.W.A. members (for once outnumbering guest and visitors) who ventured forth. Having just endured a hefty shower (in the car) it was deemed advisable…
Sun 31st Oct 2010
Fifteen starters for this prestigious walk was certainly a record for some time and nobody was concerned that this number included ten guests with a welcome contingent from the ever reliable Scarboro' gals who were over the border for the weekend. Fifteen miles was the distance and fifteen degrees…
Rain, rain and more rain. So it was surprising that three of us rose early to join Roger and journey to Keld. Even more surprising that new boy Gary turned up as promised to sample the delights of Swaledale. As usual it's never quite so bad when you get going and the first leg along the Pennine Way…
Sun 15th Aug 2010
Leader Derek reports - We were blessed with brilliant weather for our walk up Easedale - one of those picture post card days which occur so rarely in the Lakes. It was a shame that more people could not have enjoyed it as only four started out and three completed the walk. Rosemary could only do…
It was nice to welcome Ron & Theresa back on their return to the area as they joined the six members lead by Paul on this sixth 'Cream Tea' walk. The 20 mile route started eastwards and soon became wet and windy as Quarry Beck was reached and followed to join the River Irthing. Wind and rain on our…
Leader Jim reports: The walk started with six members and four guests from Newbiggin-on-Lune and soon joined the disused Tebay to Darlington railway, now a well known nature trail. Apart from two small diversions the railway was followed to Kirkby Stephen where the C2C was crossed at Greenriggs…
Sun 25th Apr 2010
Sadly the brilliant weather of the previous few days broke just in time for the start of Joan's fine walk. Notwithstanding this a laudable fourteen left the Station inn above Oxenholme in rain to climb the Helm. The numbers were largely due to our nine visitors who were from as far apart as…
Sun 21st Mar 2010
This was another area largely unknown to most apart from leader Frank. We left Haltwhistle on a fine clear and fresh morning with visitors outnumbering members by five to four. Initially the River South Tyne was followed in a southwest direction to be rejoined after a short diversion before passing…
Sun 21st Feb 2010
Leader Barrie reports: Ten of us, including Mike Deane, a guest from Northampton, gathered beside Ravenstonedale School. Contrary to the forecast it was snowing already although it had not been expected until afternoon. Well weather-proofed we set off to explore this quiet area tucked away under…
Seven of us left the top of Martindale Hause on a cold dullish but clear day of little or no wind. The snows had retreated to the higher fells so we were able to enjoy easy walking for the most part with fine prospects of the wintry summits. After traversing the fine little top of Hallin Fell and…
Sun 13th Dec 2009
Fifteen miles approx was on the tin but we should have known better than to take serial leader Derek at his word! Still the day was fine if on the cool side as six of us left his house with the promise of mulled wine and mince pies later courtesy of Stella. The day started with an interesting loop…
Leader Derek writes - Hey ho the dark November mornings are with us once again. As with the previous Eden walk earlier this year we started off at 8.30 in gloomy drizzle. We expected the ground to be waterlogged because it had rained so much the day before and so it turned out but at least the day…
Sun 25th Oct 2009
Despite an ominous start to the day with high winds and driving rain twelve brave souls left Fellside near Caldbeck with leader Tony.Seven Group members were valiantly supported by the usual suspects from Northumbria and North Yorkshire plus support from two local ladies coming back for more…
Sun 13th Sep 2009
Not many days can be described as perfect but this mid-September offering was as near as dammit especially after the succession of wet dismal weeks that we called summer this year. Only six plus able leader Barrie took advantage of the superb conditions in this interesting traverse of three lowly…
Seven was again the magic number of members leaving Jim's mansion in Broomfallen Road. Heading northeast initially the Eden was crossed at Warwick Bridge after traversing Carlisle Golf Club's verdant fairways, fortunately before too many golfers were about. Company was then kept with the swollen…
Only seven started this 20+ miler from Brampton and that included leader Paul, potential new member Louise and guest John from Tyneside. Perhaps the rest of the Group were still full after last year's cream tea! Amazingly Paul was able to treat us to another new walk in and out of Brampton for the…
Leader Frank reports as follows – After leaving Cumbria's blue skies we arrived at Northumberland's Greenhead to be met with light mist, low cloud and a chill in the air. This quickly dispersed as six members and three visitors set away at 8.30am, soon warming up on the first section through…
Sun 22nd Mar 2009
Unfortunately Rosemary was unable to lead as planned but Derek proved an able understudy once all eleven starters eventually passed the initial test of finding the start – alright only Tony and Barrie failed! The first objective on a cloudy and windy morning was Loughrigg with its fine…
Sun 22nd Feb 2009
Curiosity may have been the key that persuaded all sixteen of us to foregather at Dufton for February's walk. Few had any idea what DAB was and even fewer what was Digital about it! Nine members were joined by augmented bands of our usual friends from Scarborough and Northumbria. Dufton is a…
Sat 10th Jan 2009
Leader Derek reports as follows – Only Frank and I braved the elements of wind and rain for this low-level walk. We set off from Little Salkeld in spitting rain and a good following wind. The riverside path was quite firm but treacherous in places, the innocent looking surface underlain by…
The day started frosty with icy roads and footpaths combining with frozen fields to make for tentative going early on. Sadly there were no visitors this month as the group left the little hamlet of Bewaldeth beside the A591.The snows had retreated to the high fells but a lack of sunshine and a…
Sun 9th Nov 2008
Beefy showers from the outset ensured that all ten starters left Caldbeck wearing full weather protection. Guests included regulars Dennis and Martyn and we were also joined by newbie Katie from Whitehaven who reduced the average age by a goodly amount! It was also good to see the return of Ian,…
Sun 26th Oct 2008
As last year this was billed as a mystery tour of the North Western fells probably because leader, Tony, had no fixed route plan – we'll just see what the day brings! As it happened the day brought 8 members and 4 guests on a day of heavy but infrequent showers with an uncomfortably strong…
Sun 21st Sep 2008
Although the promised sunshine did not materialise the six members and two guests who left Mungrisdale were more than happy to enjoy a clear, if cloudy, and pleasantly mild day for this circuit of the Northern fells. Souther Fell was first up followed by a traverse round to Scales Tarn where the…
The prospect of another of Mary's cream teas enticed seven members and three guests to join Paul at the start of another of his Brampton perambulations. We left town in the company of heavy rain though this soon settled and after enduring a couple or so more heavy showers the remainder of the day…
Sun 6th Jul 2008
This walk saw a small but elite group of four, including leader Barrie, leave Blencarn en route to circumnavigate Cross Fell. The forecast was for heavy and prolonged showers but initially the going was pleasant and balmy as we travelled North past Blencarn's artificial fishing lake to bypass…
A group of five members lead by Roger, and joined temporarily by a visitor and his dog, set off from Jockey Shield at 8.45am to climb Cold Fell – this being the first top on the long Pennine ridge. This was reached at 10.15 when a short break was had and some photos were taken for future…
Sun 20th Apr 2008
Numbers were reduced for this walk possibly due to trepidation at the thought of another of Frank's fearsome classics. Only eight, including visitor,Bernard, from South Wales, left Martindale. Apart from the daunting route the main enemy of the day was a viciously cold and strong east wind that…
The Lake District National Park Helvellyn Fell Top report on Saturday evening forecasted freezing of old snow and recommended ice axe and crampons, so leader Rosemary abandoned ideas of traversing the Helvellyn ridge. To make up for any disappointment the "low level" Passes walk was longer and…
Sun 17th Feb 2008
Minus seven plus eighteen was the maths to conjure with at the start of a magical February day as we met at the western end of sleepy Askham in the lee of the Far Eastern fells. The first figure relates to the starting temperature, which was soon belied by the sunny and windless conditions. The…
Sun 13th Jan 2008
Those revisiting Dalston on a damp and dull morning included regular guests Rob and Theresa plus new member Mike, transferring in from the Deep South. Group members swelled the party to nine as we left northwards along the east bank of the Caldew under Jim's able and confident leadership. Initially…
Despite the tempting offer of mince pies only six members, and sadly no guests, joined leader Derek as we left his house before sunrise. Initially Carlisle was traversed via an ingenious selection of footpaths giving little hint of the adjacent metropolis. After leaving city limits the River…
A magnificent 11 souls, including local guests Malcolm and Anne plus Beryl from Hull, left Maryport early (if not bright) in an attempt to complete leader Derek's unfinished business from last year. Dry and mild conditions overhead were complemented with reasonable walking terrain, which was not,…
Sun 28th Oct 2007
Undeterred by heavy overnight rain and the promise of high winds and showers, a record 15 walkers set out on Tony's mystery tour from the Coledale Inn at Braithwaite. Our stalwart guests were regulars Dennis & Martyn from Geordieland and Eileen & Wendy from Scarborough. As we traversed Barrow and…
Sun 16th Sep 2007
Heavy rain and high winds made both the proposed route over the Helvellyn massif and Rosemary's bad weather alternative impractical. Not to be put off five of us circumnavigated Place Fell in an attempt to salvage something from the day. The route north on the lakeside path was just about bearable…
Sun 12th Aug 2007
As is often the case Brampton was favoured by better weather than adjoining areas so nine of us, ably lead by Paul, were able to set off on the Mark 3 walk in relatively settled conditions compared with the wet misery of Keswick and the Lakes. We headed South initially past Talkin Tarn and the…
Sun 15th Jul 2007
Six stalwarts, ably lead by Frank, made a swift cross border foray to visit Langholm – the Muckle Toon. Unusually for this summer the weather remained dry and fine though the humid muggy air encouraged a surfeit of flies probably attracted by our sweaty bodies. Any thoughts of an easy amble over…
Sun 20th May 2007
At 8.30 am on a bright and sunny morning nine of us gathered at the foot of Catbells. We welcomed two new guests, Dave and Julia Duggan, plus Dennis and Martyn, our regular friends from Northumberland, and Trish from Bassenthwaite. Jan led us across Newlands Valley to Rigg Back and up the valley…
Sun 15th Apr 2007
  6 club members and 3 guests started the walk from High Side Farm - just off the A591 near Bassenthwaite Lake - Trish having cycled from home! It was a pleasant spring morning with hill walking on little used routes, contouring under Great Knott, Broad End & Dead Crags before joining the Cumbria…
Sun 25th Mar 2007
A strong cool easterly wind was the main weather feature at the start of this demanding walk. Luckily this brought fine dry and sunny conditions with good visibility and no navigation problems.12 started, with a 2:1 preponderance of visitors, though sadly Martyn had to withdraw because of sickness…
Sun 25th Feb 2007
There were 9 of us including our new member Julie Davidson and Eileen Greenwood, a welcome guest from sunny Scarborough, who left Tebay at 9.45 on a bright Sunday morning. The cloud was well above the fells as promised by our Northern Weatherman. We followed the ridge high above the Lune Gorge with…
Mon 22nd Jan 2007
21.1.07              A JAUNT WITH JIM  17 miles was the target but leader Jim neglected to tell us until we finished as night fell that these were Irish miles, which equated to 22 of our 'normal' ones. This came as something of a shock to, Anne, our unsuspecting guest though she took it - and the…
Sun 10th Dec 2006
10.12.06                                                MARYPORT RAMBLE We can't say there was no warning. For days the weather forecast had promised high winds and driving rain – it wasn't wrong! Even so five of us set off in the pre-dawn gloom with local boy, Ron, to see us off (I'd love to come…
Sat 18th Nov 2006
12.11.06                                   BASSENTHWAITE AND BEYOND Four hardy souls joined leader Derek at the head of Bassenthwaite Lake for this energetic expedition both up and around Skiddaw. Luckily the weather was kinder than the previous day with its severe gales and hail showers. Even so…
Tue 31st Oct 2006
29.10.06                                                 COMMITTEE WALK A beautiful day of warm autumn sunshine greeted 9 members as we left Wet Sleddale dam at 9.15 am having enjoyed the extra hour in bed. Our esteemed Chairman soon dispelled any hopes of cushy walking as he set a cracking pace…
Mon 18th Sep 2006
17.9.06                     MORE FROM MORLAND A small group of the usual suspects was on hand to welcome back Leader and new father John after his fractured ankle. He did us proud with an excellently devised walk of 17 miles on a fine warm day (don't mention the nettles). His knowledge of the…
13.8.06                                                                TIME FOR TEA – MARK 2 This was another of Paul's excellent excursions from Brampton taking ten of us some 20 miles through largely unfamiliar country either side of Hadrian's wall. Conditions were good for walking - a fine…