This Weeks Walks

It would be very much appreciated if all walk leaders submitted a description of their walk. Preferably by the Monday preceding the walk. Descriptions can be emailed to 

ramblingclubjohn@aol.com or telephone: 530306

Wednesday 27th December 2017

Jockey Shield

6.3 Miles Grade 3

Leader: Mike Coates

Sunday 31st December 2017

A Walk

Ladyside Pike

7 Miles Grade 1

Leader: Lauren Sarasini

From Castle carrock follow the Geltsdale road up the hill to reach the bend in the road at jockey shield(NY 558  556) where some verge parking is available..The track descends to Hyman Bridge,originally construicted to carry horse drawn wagons of coal from the upper valley.We begin the steady ascent of the bridleway along an incline with tangibly industrial origins.This part of the valley has been  touched by mining and quarriying.The track drifts naturally towards the Gairs, a derelict dwelling,frequently in shadow which was built as a home for the principal game keeper.This should take aproximatrely 50 mins from the start.Folklore tells that the final version of George Stephensons Roicket ended its working life here plying coal on the railway.The coal colliery was closed in 1938.We make our way along the side of Tarmonath fell. After an hour walking from Gairs we make our way to the bridge for lunch.After lunch bearing right we head to the water works and to a ford where where old and new water meet.We cross the bridge and make our way to Geltsdale house.20 min later we reach our destination and well deserved refreshments in Castle Carrock.

TOTAL DISTANCE 6.3 MILES

TOTAL TIME 3 HRS

MIKE

Sands 9.15am

Sunday 31st December 2017 Car Walk: Sands: 9.00am

Sunday 31st December 2017

B Walk

Gelt Woods - Castle Carrock Reservoir

8/9 Miles Grade 3

Leader: John McKay

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Park about a mile past the top of Whinlatter at the edge of the forest (near the two cottages).  The walk starts by heading in a westerly direction through the woods for about a mile on a gradually rising path till we reach the open fellside.  From here we have a much steeper, though thankfully not too long,  ascent onto the ridge.  No rush,  take your time here, the pain does not last for long. From here it is a steady climb up to Ladyside Pike itself,  then down for a short distance and climb up what can in certain circumstances be quite a steep section up to Hopegill Head.  This is usually the stop for lunch and from there a lovely straightforward path along the top of Hobcarton Crags,  overlooking the valley below and onto the highest point in the walk,  Grisedale Pike, 2593ft.   The route down can be either the more direct  one to Revelin Moss or the more interesting,  but potentially very muddy one via Hobcarton End and Black Crag – depending on the weather.  From there it is a pleasant walk through the woods to the car park.  

This is not a difficult walk under normal circumstances,  though there is a bit of a scramble onto Hopegill Head which in ice or snow can require the use of crampons. If the weather is very bad, ie wet and windy, as the forecast currently suggests (4 days prior to the walk), there are plenty of alternatives in the area which we can decide on the day.

Please note – dogs are welcome.

Lauren    

We will see the year out in style with a lovely walk through Gelt Woods. Starting off from the car park at Low Gelt we make our way south along the side of the river. I suspect the path will be rather muddy at times and I suspect it will muddy on every part of the walk except for a short stretch on a  minor road. Following a short refreshment stop at Mid Gelt we carry on south through Greenwell and on to Castle Carrock. We turn east for a short distance then south again following the path overlooking the reservoir. We turn north at Nixon Head and come back to Castle Carrock alongside the reservoir. We take a different path at Castle Carrock which will take us back to Greenwell and we carry on north, crossing the railway line, through Long Wood and past the sand quarries and arrive back at Low Gelt.

It’s then off to Hayton Farm Shop for refreshments.

Somewhere along the way, at a suitable spot, we will stop for lunch.

The walk is 8/9 miles with no hills to speak of but some lovely views, weather permitting. If the weather is bad there are several points along the way where we could cut the walk short if necessary.

John

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