Today’s Walks
Strenuous Leader: Jimmy Need Distance: about 11 miles
Catbells.
We leave Keswick and make our way to the small village of Portinscale. From here we make our way to today’s objective – Catbells, a gradual climb of about 1241 ft 5 ins. We then descend from here and pass through Manesty Wood and cross the marshes to Lodore Falls. From here we head for Great Wood from which we descend back to the lake path and Keswick.
Moderate Leader: Chris Cox Distance: 8 miles
Derwent Water car park – Cockshot Wood – Castlehead Wood – Castlerigg Farm – High Nest – Stone Circle – A66! – Brundholme – Brundholme Woods – Rams Beck – Brigham – Fitz Parks – Keswick.
A low level walk to the east of Keswick, giving some nice views of Derwentwater as we climb up to Castlerigg Farm, 225 m. We stay down in the valley, walking through farm land to reach the Castlerigg Stone Circle. After lunch, we head under the A66 and cross the River Greta, before ascending to join a path through Brundholme Wood, and then drop down to join the old railway track back into Keswick. There are some short stretches of walking on minor roads, and some noise from the A66 on the return leg.
Leisurely Leader: Cynthia Prescott & Hazel Anderton Distance : 7 miles
After leaving town we walk along the disused railway line in an elevated position crossing the River Greta several times. We then walk uphill. Although we will be climbing for quite a while it is a moderate rise with just one steepish bit just at the beginning. The views are well worth the climb with good views over the valley, Keswick and the hills beyond. We then skirt around Latrigg Fell with Skiddaw rising up to the right. We then go down the other side back to Keswick and, at one point, we can see Derwentwater and a glimpse of Bassenthwaite at the same time. No stiles!
Easy Leader: Norma Carmichael & Joan McGlinchey Distance: 5 Miles
Approximately 5 miles, starting off after a cuppa from Moot Hall then on to Hope Gardens. Heading towards the lake we follow the path alongside the lake towards Friar’s Crag and on to Calf Close Bay and Great Wood. There is a short incline which will take us to Castle Head which gives some clear views of the lake and surrounding area. I only managed to recce part of the walk due to bad weather but the route is well documented.