Today’s Walks
Strenuous Leader: Selwyn Williams Distance: 9 miles
During a recession, everybody could do with a raise, and that’s what you can have today. Up one valley, past the old mine workings, and to the top of Raise from where you can see down through St John in the Vale to Blencathra in the distance; looking the other way and Helvellyn looms in front of you with views of Swirral Edge. Back down to Glenridding through another valley and there you have it. About nine miles long and up there and back in height!
Moderate Leader: Peter Denton Distance : 7 miles
A quite long steady climb out of Glenridding to reach Red Tarn which nestles in the shadow of Helvellyn, from where we can watch the brave and foolhardy on the ridges of Striding Edge and Swirral Edge. A short ascent from here to reach ‘Hole in the Wall’ , our highest point today. Descending back to Glenridding via Birkhouse Moor and possibly Lanty’s Tarn. Wonderful views if the weather is kind.
Leisurely Leader: Philomena Walker Distance: 6.5 miles
A rocky road to Howtown followed by a leisurely sail back to Glenridding on one of the Ullswaters steamers (ticket £5.60).
Level walking with some uphill sections. We head down the lane towards Side Farm and enter through the gate to follow the track signed Howtown and Sandwick. We follow alongside a wall until it drops away where a short climb will give us a view of Norfolk Island – the best view of the day. We will continue along a path to silver Point where we will stop for lunch before continuing through woods. Descending from the woods to Scalehow Beck and crossing wooden footbridge to arrive at the tiny hamlet of Sandwick, via the lakeshore and Hallinghad Wood, we arrive at Howtown and make our way to the pier and the steamer back to Glenridding.
Easy Leader: Hazel Anderton & Cynthia Prescott Distance: 4 miles.
From the car park we go up through the village and make a slow steady climb beside the brook to the mine workings. We cross the bridge and walk back along the other side of the valley above the stream with lovely views across the lake and down the valley. We then make our way across fields and past woods to Lanty’s Tarn, to return downhill back to Glenridding.