Keswick Rambles Lake District Guided Walks

Winter Walks and some Welcome News

2012-02-01T11:34:00.020Z

Last Thursday Alan Lindsay, Pete and Bella took a walk from Mosedale up Carrock Fell 2174' and along onto High Pike 2157' . The wind driven snow stung our faces as we battled along the broad ridge ridge westwards towards distant High Pike. Yet despite the cold there was little ice and underfoot it was surprisingly wet with much boggy ground to avoid.

The view north west from Carrock Fell towards High Pike with the sun making a welcome though brief appearance.

Bleaberry Tarn above Buttermere on Saturday with a snow cloaked Red Pike 2479' above.

This is where Lyn was standing in the picture she posted last night.

Pete shares his cheese 'n tomato sandwich with Bella... we put our Kahtoola minispikes on here, anticipating an icy ascent from the tarn.

A wintery view from the shoulder of Red Pike towards Scafell Pike and the prominent notch of Mickledore which separates it from Scafell in the far centre distance. On the left the ridge rises towards High Stile and High Crag beyond.

Lyn's face lights up and Alan is all ears as Pete, just out of camera shot, tells them his latest good idea..."Why don't we do something to please our regular clients?" asks Pete. "We should let them use their KR Loyalty Cards during the Keswick Mountain Festival, it may encourage them to book more walks with us." They nodded eagerly in agreement and Pete, in generous mode continued..." and KR should hold the price of walks this year at the same level as last year, it could be a tough season." We were in happy accord; the wind dropped and sun came out to welcome our benevolence as we strode out for the summit of Red Pike.

The still depths of Crummock Water are far below us; a dusting of snow caps Melbreak in the centre beyond snowy Lingcomb Edge which leads north, offering an easy passage towards the path along Scale Beck, our descent route.

Heading west on the descent from Red Pike towards Lingcombe Edge, on the right, with snow capped Starling Dodd beyond Lyn and Great Bourne far in the distance. Note the ice axe carried on Lyn's rucksack which, although it proved unnecessary in the conditions, was a worthwhile precaution in case it had turned out to be icy on the tops.

You'll be pleased to hear that the KR leaders agreed with Pete and decided that our loyalty cards will be valid during the KMF and the price per walk this year will remain at £15.

Guess where I am

2012-01-31T23:18:00.000Z

Taking my ice axe because the top was steep and you never know......

Well I thought you might like to know what we have been up to, so I asked Pete to do a blog posting as he has been out on two outings now to my one. But he is still doing other stuff, so maybe tomorrow you will have the details, meanwhile, can you figure out where I am?

Dedicated followers of fashion

2012-01-17T21:11:00.002Z

The gales seem to have left us now but there have been a lot of frosty mornings to replace them. So if you are heading for the hills don't forget to wrap up warm.

"Ooh look Fred, its Eskimo Nell"

Like the fringe fellas!

Seriously, do come prepared for winter and don't forget to bring some crampons just in case. We have often taken private guided walks out in winter and it's surprising how often once on the tops you need all the gear you can carry and sometimes more.

Soon we will be posting up the walks programme for next year and there will be some deliberate gaps in it so that we can provide private guiding during the year.

p.s. the twitter link works now too...........

Christmas day was a tad windy......

2011-12-31T10:00:00.000Z

Windy Walla

Here's yours truly trying to stay upright and not lose me cap...... This was just on the path on Walla Crag near the summit cairn, I was trying to stay on my feet and reach the cairn too. We only met one other person whilst up there. Usually we go much further on Christmas Day but not this year the wind was gusting across the lake and it was a struggle, reminded me of the mountain festival up on the Hindscarth ridge where Jane and I could not stay on our feet back in May....

So its been a windy December so far and I wonder what is in store for the next few weeks. Meanwhile, we want to wish you all A Happy New Year from the KR team and hope you all have a prosperous and peaceful year and your very good health; cheers!

Christmas Walks 2011 - Bookings now being taken £20 per person

2011-12-12T21:06:00.002Z

6th December 2011 Carrock Fell back of Blencathra, snow drifts were 3 feet deep on the top

These Christmas walks need to be booked so you must contact the leader by phone or email to confirm if you are going and leave a mobile phone number.

Wednesday 28th December
Catbells at Christmas

Time for a walk today? Come and join experienced and knowledgeable local leaders Alison and Halle, walk off some of those Christmas calories whilst discovering the history of the landscape.

Meet at 1000hrs at the Moot Hall, Keswick (Tourist Information Centre). If the launch is running ( weather dependant) we'll go across the lake to start this classic walk up Catbells.

Enjoy the beautiful views over Derwentwater and the Newlands Valley. Returning along the lakeshore, this walk encapsulates the best the Lake District has to offer.

Distance 8km/ 5 miles

Ascent 460m / 1510 ft

Thursday 29th December

Blencathra with Pete and Lyn Armstrong and Bella the Border Terrier.

Phone for details as the route and length of the walk depend on the conditions on the day.

Friday 30th December

Barrow above Braithwaite
Meet at 10am in the car park of the Swinside Inn for a walk up Barrow to burn off all that Christmas indulgence! Join Cathy and Skye for a winter walk up one of the best of Lakeland's lower fells. The exact route will depend on the weather. A glorious sunny day may tempt us up Barrow's ridge and over to Outerside as well but a wet and windy morning might lead to a dash for the summit and back to sit by the fire in the Swinside's cosy bar. Families are welcome (children half price) Ring or email Cathy to book. Let her know if you need a lift from Keswick or would like to share a taxi

Keswick Mountain Festival 2012

2011-11-17T23:08:00.000Z

2012 dates are 16th - 20th May

The Keswick Mountain Festival website has started highlighting all the walks we are doing next year but for some reason they have not included any dates......Now that is a problem for some of you who have started to ring us up and email us asking when our hikes are on. So ever obliging yours truly will now put the record straight as the KMF site does not......

Wednesday 16th May

Alison and Halle    Skiddaw 6 Wainwrights
Pete and Lyn          Cam Crag Ridge and Glaramara
Cath Colam           Buttermere Bluebells

Thursday 17th May

AH                          2 lakes, 3 tarns, and 2 cafes
PL                           Crinkle Crags and Bow Fell
CC                          Great End, wilderness way

Friday 18th May

AH                         Blencathra, scenic way
PL                          Catstycam, Swirral Edge to Helvellyn
CC                          Footloose on the fells (part of a 3 day event)

Saturday 19th May

AH                        Catbells and lakeshore
PL                         Borrowdale to Grasmere over the tops
CC                         Footloose

Sunday 20th May

AH                         Honister to Keswick over the tops
PL                           Buttermere to Keswick over 7 Wainwrights
CC                          Footloose

What more can you all want? Any queries just give us a bell or email, you can book early too, by just giving us a ring and we will sort it out, we always do.

For complete descriptions of all these hikes just go to the KMF site here http://www.keswickmountainfestival.co.uk/programme/hike/

Wonderful Japanese Views and Hana the Border Terrier

2011-11-07T18:33:00.000Z

Hi fans,
If you want to see some stunning photography, check out the blog list for the latest update from Julian about his running adventures with Hana, enjoy!

2011-11-03T22:44:00.004Z

KR's guided walks are over for another season, it's our quiet time now and on Tuesday Pete, Lyn and Bella went off for the day on their own for a change and what a great day it was. We took one of Stagecoach's new buses over to Ambleside and walked over Loughrigg Fell to Grasmere. It's not very far and it's not difficult either or particularly high, but the views are tremendous...here from near the top of Loughrigg you can see the vista opening out down Langdale with the Pikes in the distance.

Final posting - coast to coast

2011-11-02T23:25:00.000Z

Photo by Tracy Testin

Phew, at last I finished this posting, it seemed like a marathon, rather like the walk itself. There were so many excellent photos from the group + the ones we took, so I was musing over which ones to put in the blog for ages. Anyway, here it is finally done.

I have now finished day 12 c2c

2011-10-28T20:01:00.003+01:00

Signpost at St. Bees

We have reached The Lion Inn at Blakey in my posting and there are just two days left to record. I will be completing the posting sometime over the weekend, with any luck tomorrow.

The weather was lovely and sunny in Keswick today but fairly cool and no one turned up for my last guided walk of the year, which was sad. It seems to me that sometimes when you look around, that Keswick is just full of people for half term but they do not look like walkers; more like daytrippers. One local shopkeeper came up to me and said 'why don't they go to Blackpool?' he then added that trade had been ok last weekend but since then it had been bad. So its not just me then I thought, its all of us who don't seem to get customers at this time of year. Well I shall be taking a small break myself next week, Pete, Bella and I will be walking over to Wasdale and returning the next day.

Morning folks, just to let you know I have not forgotten

2011-10-26T08:36:00.000+01:00

What, another field to cross!

This is for you readers who are following my C2C posting, I am going to be out today at Cumbria Patchworkers, (my other hobbie is making quilts) so I hope to get back to this posting later today. It might be much later as we fancy going to see the Jane Eyre film and it starts at 5.45pm, then we will need to eat.....So keep watching for an update.

Another day done on the C2C

2011-10-23T21:18:00.000+01:00

I think this is a Swaledale

I have now done the posting for day ten which was Richmond to Danby Wiske, and I am getting there, like I said I will be posting this over a few days as I have to keep sifting through photos.

Bella and I went on the Round of Aiken Beck today with 4 adults and 2 teenagers and had a good day out. The weather changed for the better and it stopped raining almost to order as we disembarked from the 77 bus at Scawgill Bridge and then we had to plod up the steep fellside. Once up though we had a splendid high level walk across towards Lord's Seat and then down to Whinlatter before going to the visitor centre for a welcome cuppa whilst we waited for the bus home. I think at this time of year its always a good idea to have a cafe at the end of the walk. Sadly, I forgot the camera and so did all the others.

Getting back to the C2C posting

2011-10-21T20:56:00.000+01:00

I hope to be able to re do the posting I lost tomorrow and I have some more photos too because I have been given some more to share.

This is just a taster for you who have been so patient waiting for me to get on with it. I do have an excuse as I have just finished Hunter Davies biography on Alfred Wainwright, so I now know a little bit more about him. I suppose my curiosity about his life started when I was on the Coast to Coast wondering how it was he came to think it up and why. I also used to live in Kendal and taught for many years at the college so he would have been living there when I was, gosh I might even have passed him on the street.

Lost the lot

2011-10-17T22:59:00.000+01:00

I have just spent over an hour doing the next part of the coast to coast and then I just switched pages and blogger lost the lot, to say I am not pleased is an understatement........why doesn't this programme save drafts properly?

OK its too late now to do it all again, so maybe tomorrow I can do Reeth to Richmond.

Wild Boar Fell 11th October

2011-10-15T13:25:00.000+01:00

We went up Wild Boar Fell last week on a very miserable day, when it had stopped raining but the ground was sodden. Pete had the compass out most of the way as it was a p soup as usual. This was a row of cairns we saw looming up in the mist, they were obviously placed as a warning because beyond them was a cliff. We crossed at the stile you see at the top of the fence and then continued with our direction on the compass for the summit cairn.

Warning Cairns

This was it. A quick nibble and swig of tea and we were off again.

Summit

We had to get the right line for our descent because more cliffs were around but just as we approached the area the mist cleared suddenly as it often does on mountains. So our descent was made easier. This is me coming down through the rough grass with the ridge in the background which we had taken down.

Descent

It may take some time

2011-10-04T22:29:00.001+01:00

The Shepherds Arms Hotel

I will be adding more to the coast to coast page as and when I have time, so keep a look out as I cannot write this journey up in one go. Someone commented the other day that they liked to see the hotels and pubs where we stayed, so I am trying to include these as well. As I did not put in the Ennerdale Bridge pub I show it above.

Coast to Coast

2011-09-28T22:19:00.000+01:00

Lyn and Pete set off on the coast to coast walk with a group of clients on Monday 12th September just as the winds hyped up and the sea turned into a white foamy rage.

Hurrican Katia hits the UK

Leaving St Bees up the rocky path which winds its way along the Cumbrian clifftops we were finding it difficult to keep going in the extremely strong winds.

This is why I have not posted anything to this blog for over 2 weeks because we only reached Robin Hood's Bay on Sunday 25th September and came home on Monday. If you would like to know more about this walk I will be doing a separate page about it over the next few days, its going to take me that long to recount this extreme journey which certainly proved to be strenuous.

Programme Changes to September Walks - Final Version

2011-09-05T21:06:00.000+01:00

Please note that some of the September walks have been changed today.

So go and check out the programme again if you intend to come on some of them.

Out and about today

2011-09-04T21:39:00.000+01:00

Sometimes its just great to snap away at odd things on the KR guided walks, things that you sometimes take for granted. So today just for a change I thought I would show you some of the things we saw. This for instance was a wonderful, full, bubbling beck, gurgling and splashing down over its stones and we stopped beside it to admire its course. We followed it for some time before taking off up a gentle hillside on an old track just discernable in the grass.

It wasn't long before we came across this very ancient cairn. It must have been here for a very long time and what a view as we stood around and admired its stones. The conversation turned to where they might have come from and I ventured the theory that each time someone passed by in the area they had to find a stone and carry it to the spot, others thought they might have been taken from a Roman road nearby.

We soon came upon another odd structure in our changing landscape, and someone said if they had been a child they would have wanted to stand on top of it.... Well it was inviting and it was shaped just like a giant loaf, completely on its own in all its glory with the Pennines for company behind it.

Lastly, you have a view of nature shaped by man in the form of a great dam across a reservoir which makes it look very square and sort of cut off at the end. You can see that autumn is on its way too as the bracken is starting to change colour, but what a glorious day it was.

September Walks

2011-08-29T21:45:00.000+01:00

There have been a few changes to the September programme so please take a look if you were planning to join us in September as there are one or two days when walks are not available.

Pete's Coast to Coast Adventure

2011-08-23T20:26:00.033+01:00

Between August 7 and 20 Pete helped guide a group of nine very determined Americans on Wainwright's coast to coast walk...14 consecutive days of walking. Here's Pete and Bella taking some shots of the group at the starting point at St Bees with 190 miles to go. Wainwright chose the route for the richness and diversity of its landscape and I've selected a few pictures that I hope will illustrate this.

The walk begins with a high level traverse of the dramatic sandstone cliffs of St Bees Head then heads east across the West Cumbrian plain towards the Lake District National Park.

The rough path along the south shore of Ennerdale Water leads towards the head of Ennerdale where we stopped for a welcome lunch break at Black Sail YHA.

The path from Rosthwaite alongside Greenup Gill leads past Eagle Crag towards Lining Crag and Greenup Edge in the distance. This was day three of the C2C and the sun smiled on the group that day.

High above Far Easdale, the ridge leading from Calf Crag over Gibson Knott towards distant Helm Crag and the village of Grasmere is enlivened by the shadows thrown by the afternoon sun. There followed two very wet Lake District days as we made our way from Grasmere to Glenridding and on towards the village of Shap.

We had a late lunch high above the river in Swaledale in the Yorkshire Dales National Park before descending towards Richmond, a very attractive and historic town, and the only one of any consequence on our route.

Between the Yorkshire Dales and the North York Moors lie the flat farmlands of the Vale of Mowbray. It took us two days to traverse the plain with the Cleveland Hills ahead beckoning us ever eastward.

High above the Cleveland plain the C2C route follows that of the well engineered Cleveland Way which makes for good progress across the heather clad moors. The 19 miles we covered between Osmotherley and the Lion Inn at Blakey Howe made for a long hard day.

From the 1317 ft point on Cold Moor the dark rocks of the Wain Stones appear to block the path ahead over Hasty Bank.

The Wain Stones were easily negotiated to reach the top of Hasty Bank. We ate a late lunch on Carr Ridge a mile or so beyond before setting out on the last eight miles to the Lion Inn.

At Bloworth Crossing our route joined the track bed of the old Rosedale Ironstone Railway which eased our progress over the last five miles of the long day.

Remarkably the whole group made it to Robin Hood's Bay; unsurprisingly, fourteen days walking took its toll on our feet many of which were much the worse for wear by the time we arrived, yet high morale and sheer determination overcame all adversity. Here's the "Team Awesome" on Ness Point with Robin Hood's Bay beyond.

Outside the Bay Hotel in Robin Hood's Bay after we'd dipped our feet in the North Sea. It's a very quaint and jolly little town with a great atmosphere, the boots are off now and we felt we'd earned a pint or two .

This is the Lion Inn at Blakey

2011-08-18T21:44:00.000+01:00

Pete and his intrepid Americans have reached this point on the C2C, it was a long hard 19 mile walk.

Only 2 more days to go now and it is much easier tomorrow through Danby High Moor and Glaisdale Moor then onto Grosmont. The last day into Robin Hood's Bay should be all downhill too. I can't wait to see the photos he has been taking en route.

Programme changes

2011-08-13T11:44:00.000+01:00

Please note that the following changes have been made to the programme

19th August Glaramara will now be lead by Cathy Colam
20th August Castle Crag is CANCELLED
21st August Scafell Pike will now be Cathy's walk too

Ravenstonedale for Pete tonight

2011-08-12T22:30:00.000+01:00

This is where they are tonight on the C2C except its not sunny but raining again. However, they are all in good spirits and had a hearty dinner.

Shap - Coast to Coast

2011-08-12T08:18:00.000+01:00

Some of you know that Pete is doing the coast to coast with a group of Americans. I was with them for the legs from Rosthwaite to Grasmere and then on to Patterdale. They are a determined group and lovely company. They all managed to reach Shap yesterday evening, rather wet but still going strong. This is the very welcoming hotel which has put them up for the night and is drying all their boots ready for today's leg.

The weather has been so bad this last few days that Pete has not been able to take any photos at all. I am hoping that the camera gets out today.

Last Wednesday the weather was kind

2011-08-06T22:43:00.000+01:00

Top of Fairfield

The walk on 3rd August was St. Sunday Crag and Fairfield and for some reason no photos were taken until we reached Fairfield when suddenly a very good SLR was whipped out of a rucksack. Not surprisingly it was used for some serious photography, Lyn amused by the antics of the would be 'David Bailey's' took her own shots. Well says Bella, wots all the fuss aboot?

P.S. since Bella has been given access to Twitter we have discovered her education in the spelling of the English language has been sadly neglected. Wot R we 2 du?

Programme change

2011-08-04T23:54:00.002+01:00

Please note the walk on 9th August has changed to Stonethwaite to Grasmere (A) starting at 9am

Lurg Mhor

2011-08-01T15:35:00.010+01:00

The shapely peaks of Bidein a'Choire Sheasgaich 945m and Lurg Mhor 986m grace the skyline high above Loch Monar in NW Scotland. This view was taken from the steep southern slopes of Sail Riabhach above Creag Dubh at about 700m. These remote Munros are best approached from Attadale from where it is a two hour bike ride to the foot of the mountains.

The summit of Bidein a'Choire Sheasgaich reflected in one of the numerous lochans scattered along the ridge between the Munro and Sail Riabhach.

The summit cairn on Bidein a'Choire Sheasgaich with Sail Riabhach beyond and below a glimpse of Loch Calavie which lies between Bidein and the Corbett, Beinn Dronaig 797m.

To the east of Bidein beyond the 740m bealach which seperates the two mountains is one of the most remote of all Munros; Lurg Mhor.

The bothy at Bendronaig Lodge, where our bikes were left, is in sight half a mile away and so are the hills in the background over which we still have to ride on our return to Attadale.

View from the top of the pass on our ride out. Beyond Pete are the two Munros that we've just climbed. The weather's glorious now...only an hour more to ride to Attadale and all downhill!

Reminder

2011-07-28T22:41:00.000+01:00

We resume our guided walks on Monday August 1st with Cathy Colam off up Scafell Pike.

Helm Crag to Stonethwaite July 13th 2011

2011-07-14T11:56:00.000+01:00

Helm Crag's rocky, summit not for the feint hearted

It was a perfect day yesterday as we boarded the 555 bus at Keswick Bus Station to make our journey over Dunmail Raise to Grasmere. Once there we set off up Easedale Road towards Helm Crag.

I seem to recall that Wainwright never actually climbed this little bit of rock, tempting though it is. There is a very sharp drop off the top if you make a mistake so we did not encourage our group to climb it. Instead we suggested posing for a photo.

Once we set off again the ridge began to be sprinkled with odd Coast to Coast walkers who were burdened with heavy loads. We saw a few all day and chatted to the odd ones on the way. It's surprising how they like to keep stopping and nattering to folk, maybe the large rucksacks they carry are their excuse for constant respite. It was certainly hot at times but windy and fresh on the summits. We continued along our ridge until we eventually came up over Greenup Edge and changed valleys into Borrowdale.

We then started the descent down past Lining Crag where we met a couple of delightful chaps who were again resting from their endeavours and who were eventually going to camp wild somewhere before Grasmere. Our path took us down past Eagle Crag which is magnificent viewed from this angle and eventually it gave us a splendid photo opportunity as we neared Stonethwaite, because there is a lovely view past a sheep shelter back up the valley.

A distant Eagle Crag

All we had to do was wait for the bus after this and have an open top ride back to Keswick, it was delightful.

Robinson, Hindscarth and Dalehead Hike today

2011-07-10T22:53:00.000+01:00

We started from Buttermere where we were dropped off by the 77 bus and walked up the road out of the village before starting to climb up the fellside towards High Snockrigg. The views were stunning. This is looking back towards Rannerdale Knotts with Crummock Water beyond and Loweswater way at the back. We pressed on and crossed Buttermere Moss which lived upto its name as it was very boggy. Pete joked to a couple of passing walkers that someone had just fallen in 'up to their neck'. Not sure if they knew how to take his comment. Anyway, we arrived at the top of Robinson and had a lunch break before pressing on to Hindscarth.

A couple of rough fell sheep were poised on the rocks very near the summit and they looked so photogenic. Bella took a lot of interest in them and had a bit of a bark and pulled on the lead as she is wont to do......But these stalwarts did not give in to her intimidation, and carried on standing their ground. Bella had other sheep on her mind though later.

This was taken on the top of Hindscarth and shows Pete keeping a good grip on her as she surveyed the possibility of making off after the sheep seen far right. She has been known to chase off even though she is firmly attached to Pete's rucksack as an anchor. Once notably scattering its contents all over the top of Blencathra with Pete in hot pursuit. Today though, she was kept in check.

Now this is a boring photo but it has a point, because I wanted to show those of you who have not ventured up a fell yet what the going is like. You see we are often asked to explain the obvious so this photo does it for us, this is mixed rocky ground and fairly flat as its the top of Hindscarth but is fairly typical of the type of terrain we go out in. Sometimes mind it is much rockier. I hope this clarifies the situation.

Next up we have a photo of the view you are rewarded with if you climb Dalehead and it is one of the very best in the Lakes, today it was very slightly misty but nevertheless still took your breath away. It is easy to become complacent when you live in the area but even we thought it looked magnificent today.

The view towards Skiddaw from the top of Dalehead

The top of Dalehead is graced by a fine cairn, its one of the very best and makes a wonderful photo opportunity to show that you have bagged it. This is Sarah from Cornwall who came up especially all this way because she is lured by the beauty of our landscape. It was the perfect end to the day.

Dalehead Cairn

Hana an amazing Border Terrier and the mountains she climbs

2011-07-04T21:59:00.000+01:00

Just found another amazing Border Terrier, go check out this blog for some inspiration.

http://hana2009.wordpress.com/

Stop Press Walk change of date

2011-07-03T10:51:00.000+01:00

The walk Cath was doing tomorrow has been re scheduled for Thursday with a different start time.

Mon 4th July CC 1/2 Day Whinlatter (C) Start 1.30pm Masmill Woods This is cancelled .

This walk will now take place on Thursday 7th July starting at 10am and is all day now. See the July programme for details.

Crinkle Crags, Bow Fell & Esk Pike

2011-06-28T20:44:00.018+01:00

The walk over Crinkle Crags, Bow Fell and Esk Pike into Borrowdale on Thursday 23 June was probably the toughest walk on KR's programme this year. The total distance from the Old Dungeon Gill Hotel in Langdale to Seathwaite Farm was 14.5 kilometers or 9 miles including 1,155 metres of ascent. The group of 10 walkers and a dog, including leaders Pete and Lyn, left the ODG at about 10am and arrived at Seathwaite at 5.30pm. Here we all are outside the ODG ready for the off.

Crinkle Crags 860m or 2816ft loomed above us as we walked towards Stool End farm in Oxendale. It was overcast at first though the sun came out as we began our climb out of the valley towards the first of the five crinkles high above.

This view was taken by Judith our photographer from Great Knott above Oxendale, looking down Browney Gill back towards Pike of Blisco.

The first crinkle of Crinkle Crags comesinto sight as the contours ease off above Great Knott at about 700m.

Looking towards the second crinkle as we approach from the south; this is the summit of Crinkle Crags. There are two paths towards the summit in view, that on the right leads towards the formidable Bad Step which Wainwright refers to as..."the most difficult obstacle met on any of the regular walkers paths in Lakeland." No wonder some of the group opted to walk round it.

Three Tarns 720m. The 3 tarns nestle on the flat col between Crinkle Crags and Bow Fell, a good place for lunch. The weather had changed; it was cool, windy and there was rain in the air.

Looking from the jumbled mass of boulders on the summit of Bow Fell 903m or 2960ft, the highest point on our walk, t0wards the Ore Gap 112m below with Esk Pike 885m or 2903ft beyond. Great End can be seen in the distance behind Esk Pike lit by the sun that smiled on us for the rest of the afternoon, all the way to Seathwaite.

We took a few minutes break at the Ore Gap after descending from Bow Fell to peel off a layer or two of clothing and chat.

The descent into Borrowdale from Esk Hause; here we are above Sprinkling Tarn.

Crossing the bridge over Ruddy Gill just before it joins Allen Gill to become Grains Gill which we followed to Stockley Bridge and Seathwaite. It had been a long day but a most rewarding one.

Bella after a hard day

2011-06-26T12:49:00.000+01:00

Cute pose Bella

She was so funny the other day after she came in with Pete from the 'Dodds' walk. She was pretty wet so I dried her with a towel and then she jumped on the sofa and made herself a nest and in doing so scratched up the pillow so she could rest her head on it. She opened her eye when I took the photo because she does not like being disturbed. I keep the stripey cover on my sofa for these sorties of hers and then shake it out the door later.

The next posting is all about the walks last week so keep an eye out...........

Yesterday

2011-06-24T10:35:00.003+01:00

We had a superb walk over Crinkle Crags, down and up again onto Bow Fell and then onto Esk Pike, before descending via Esk Hause off down to Stockley Bridge. Photos are coming soon as we had an enthusiastic photographer amongst us as well as our efforts. So hopefully all will be revealed in a special report here soon, of a very exceptional and hard day.

A few slight changes

2011-06-21T10:15:00.000+01:00

I have changed the time of the 17th August walk so it now starts at 10am not 1pm as previously stated.

Also I have added a new link to another great outdoors shop http://www.headtothehills.co.uk/

30th Year Celebrations

2011-06-17T12:35:00.001+01:00

It was one week ago yesterday that we went up Helvellyn via Raise Beck, Dollywagon and Nethermost Pike onto the summit for our photo shoot before descending down over Whiteside and arriving at the bus stop opposite the Kings Head pub at Thirlspot. I know some of you wanted to come along but could not get away from work so these photos are for you.

Well I had better start showing you some of the photos, but those amongst you who are sharp eyed will have noticed that KR is now on Facebook where if you take a look, you will see the official photo shoot taken by Tom our photographer enlisted for the day. The following photos were taken by Pete and are perhaps more random.....

First up we have the view after we had left Grisedale Tarn and started to go up the stone pathway towards the top of Dollywagon. But who is this chap making his sporty way up the steps; hands in pockets tells you he is super fit........

Carlisle United Football Club hiker

If you take a close look at all the photos posted here and on Facebook you might discover who this mystery Carlisle player is..............mmm

Next, a photo taken on the top of Dollywagon of a hiker who came all the way from Wales to celebrate and join us for our very special day, but a Welsh accent? hmm

Some more of our walkers enjoying the wonderful views and generally standing around and having a rest after that climb up from Grisedale Tarn. We did not hang around for too long though as the wind was cold and more than one person began to wish they had brought along a spare pair of gloves, luckily for them I had 3 pairs with me as I have been caught out in the past with cold fingers on a summer's day.

The view back towards Dollywagon from the ridge leading to Nethermost

Pete and Bella on the summit of Helvellyn

Of course we finally arrived at the summit and had a bite before taking yet more photos. The cold wind was still with us but the sun did pop out as you can see by the shadows.

Posing for the photographer

On the summit I was glad of those warm gloves.

We enjoyed some Elderflower cordial before we set off back down the ridge where we were due to meet up with Alison who had been delayed all morning. She was important because she was carrying up the celebratory carrot cake and lemon drizzle cake which was our thanks to our loyal customers.

Alison turned up just before we reached the summit of Whiteside and we all enjoyed our cake before descending down to the bus stop. I think the bus driver was not too amused at seeing 20 people waiting for his packed bus though..........

If you want to see more photos of this memorable day, go and click on the new facebook button.

Fisherfield in May

2011-05-28T16:00:00.021+01:00

Early in May Pete was in NW Scotland to walk the Fisherfield Six, some of the remotest of all the Munros. Fortunately the weather cleared as the summit of A'Mhaighdean 967m was reached, revealing the astonishing view towards the Western Isles.

Rhuad Stac Mor 918m was the second Munro of the day; seen here from the slopes of A'Mhaighdean on the descent towards the bealach separating the two mountains.

And here's A'Mhaighdean again this time seen from the summit of Rhuad Stac Mor, with rain threatening from the west.

This view was taken on the descent from Rhuad Stac Mor, just before a heavy downpour came in from the west. The return route lay between the two lochans below, then left down the valley to rejoin the path taken when approaching the two Munros in the morning. On the distant skyline is mighty An Teallach.

Shenaval bothy shelters below the SW slopes of Sail Liath beyond which lies An Teallach, there's room for a few tents beside the bothy too. The evening sun lights up the bothy, it's a welcome sight at the end of a long day on the hill.

As the shadows lengthen the bothy dwellers and the campers chat in the last of the sunlight outside the bothy. In the early days of May, before the midges hatch, and when the weather's kind, Sheneval is an idylic place.

Keswick Mountain Festival 18-22 May 2011

2011-05-27T10:19:00.010+01:00

The KMF this year was memorable for high winds, and though there was some rain and mist, particularly on the Friday walk over Sheffield Pike and Helvellyn, it was chiefly the strength of the wind, sometimes gusting to over 50mph that characterised the festival. Thursday however was an exception; it was a perfect day, with no wind and a good deal of sunshine. Here's Pete's group taking a break in Langstrath at the foot of Stake Pass on their way to the Langdale Pikes. There were fourteen walkers as well as Pete and Tim, his assistant, and now a qualified Mountain Leader in his own right.

This view was taken just after lunch from Pike o'Stickle 2323ft looking towards our next objectives, Loft Crag 2271ft, and Harrison Stickle 2403ft, in the background.

Here's Bella, the tame Border Terrier, on Harrison Stickle; she's thinking what a long way it looks to Thunacar Knot 2351ft in the distance. The next summit, High Raise 2500ft, was the highest point of the walk and even further away, though the going after the Pikes was easy and made for quick progress. We dropped off High Raise past Long Crag and skirted Sergeant's Crag to drop down to Greenup Gill below Eagle Crag, where we met the footpath to return to Stonethwaite; a long day, but enjoyed by all. Thanks to Trevor Coucil for the photos.

Eagle Crag and Sergeant's Crag

2011-04-21T20:39:00.015+01:00

Pete and Bella took a small group up Eagle Crag today, it was warm and sunny though, as you can see, very muggy all day. Eagle Crag (1650') is in the haze beyond the old sheepfold, guarding the entrance to Langstrath.

It was warm work climbing up the steep fellside to the stile over the fence on Bleak How. Here we're taking a breather and looking back down to Greenup Gill. We took a few breathers and had elevenses on the sharp ascent before we got to the stile which leads onto more exciting ground towards the top of Eagle Crag.

Sergeant's Crag from the stile over the wall that runs between Eagle Crag and Sergeant's Crag. There's less than a kilometer between the two tops and very little height is lost before ascending the slightly higher Sergeant's Crag 1873' or 571m.

The top of Sergeant's Crag... the haze has increased, though Pike o'Stickle can just be made out in the distance as a bump on the horizon to the left of the summit cairn. There's no safe way off into Langstrath so we made our way down towards Greenup Gill, joining the path there which leads back to Stonethwaite.

Keswick Mountain Festival & programme time changes

2011-04-13T11:46:00.000+01:00

I just thought I would let you know that Cathy's walk up Great Gable for the KMF on Thursday the 19th May has no places left, in other words it is a sell out.

But there are still places on all the other walks as far as I know so if you are thinking of booking any please remember to do so soon because some of the walks are filling up, for instance the Langdale Pikes is proving popular but is not full yet.

Also the following walks have had to have time start changes due to the bus timetable being altered

6th May 9am
7th Aug 9.30am
4th Sept 9.30am
11th Sept 9.30am
27th Sept 9am

Seatoller to Castle Crag and Millican Dalton's Cave KMF

2011-03-27T18:20:00.000+01:00

This is a lovely walk for anyone wishing to wind down on the last day of the Mountain Festival. Alison and Halle will be leading it with their two lovely pooches Dusk and Amber.

http://www.keswickmountainfestival.co.uk/programme/hike/seatoller-to-keswick-via-castle-crag-and-caves/

The walk starts at Seatoller village and takes part of the Allerdale Ramble track on its way to Castle Crag which is a rocky volcanic plug in the middle of Borrowdale. Then after taking in the spectacular views from the top of the crag and visiting the quarry the leaders take you into the depths of the woods to locate the cave. Once there you will see the primitive conditions favoured by the 'professor of adventure'.

In one spot he carved a famous saying of his which starts with 'Don't waste words' etc..I will leave Alison and Halle to show you the rest of his saying.

KR Leaders and dogs

Derwentwater yesterday

2011-03-20T22:27:00.000Z

The boathouse on Derwent Island

Yesterday Bella and I had a day out together, quality time they call it..... Actually I rather like it when Pete lets me have a chance to take her out myself because it gives me time to do some more training......... So off we went to catch the 9.45 launch across to Hawes End, but it was not to be as I had only last years timetable to go by and the first launch was not until 10.30. Not to worry thought I, with the camera at the ready and a lovely morning we strolled along to Friars Crag and spent half an hour mooching about and taking photos. This was without doubt the best one. I love the reflections in the lake and the Scots Pines with Causey Pike majestically showing its craggy top on the left.....

On the launch Bella is thinking, but what?

Well she always plays games on boats and trains and buses and taxis.....what was going through her mind? As it happened she just wanted a seat beside me, but the launch soon filled up with loads of people and before long I had to take her on my knee so someone could have her seat.

Looking forward to more walkies.......why is she taking so long.....

Well this was my tea break actually Bella. You see we had walked around the back of Catbells to avoid the crowds going up the tourist route and were sitting in my favourite place for viewing Derwentwater and especially the action across the water on Shepherds Crag, a climbers haven which I used to frequent. I did not really see anyone on Brown Slabs or Little Chamonix but then I hadn't brought along the binoculars....

The view down Derwentwater

This was the view the other way. No boats sailing either today, what a shame, but it's not the season yet as the cruiser and dinghy sailors are all still holed up snug inside; what go sailing in March?? I once went in February and I can tell you that is cold, mind you I once sailed on Windermere in January and that was even worse.

We strode off together up Maiden Moor and yes we did the summit unlike all the rest of the people we met apart from one couple who had got it right and did stand on the true summit of Maiden Moor. It never ceases to amaze me how many people don't know where the top of Maiden Moor is; they stand on a bit of rock and think its the summit when it isn't............Well after Bella and I smugly left the summit, we continued on our way toward High Spy. Now most people do manage to find this one but it does have a huge cairn.....

My idea was to head for Rosthwaite and take the open top bus back to Keswick but we called into the Yew Tree Cafe on the way to the bus stop because it was such a lovely sunny afternoon, and a cup of tea in the garden beckoned. The tea was excellent and the garden was empty so we settled down and watched the sparrows playing in the shrubbery. The open top bus came up the road and we knew we had 10 minutes to stroll to the bus stop.

The delightful garden view courtesy of the Yew Tree Cafe, Rosthwaite

Keswick Rambles showing how to enjoy a day out on the hills

2011-03-11T21:24:00.000Z

When you've been walking for a while its good to take a wee rest.

Well not exactly today's outing which was a quick hours walk with Bella as it was starting to sleet. But this was a fabulous day we enjoyed when we walked from Grasmere to Keswick and this is me and Bella encouraging everyone to take a wee break on the top of the coll on Greenup Edge. This was during the Keswick Mountain Festival last year on the 23rd May when the weather was glorious. If you fancy good company and plenty of magnificent views then there are some good walks planned this year during the festival including St. Sunday Crag and Fairfield. This is on the first day and promises to be a good hike with an exhilerating high level traverse across St. Sunday Crag and then a little scramble before going up Fairfield. Lets just cross our fingers for good weather.

6 Wainwrights in a day

2011-02-28T22:14:00.000Z

Skiddaw taken from Latrigg with thick winter snow

For those of you who are Wainwright baggers, then the full traverse of the Skiddaw tops is a must. You can walk over all 6 Wainwright's in a day and back to Keswick. These include Ullock Pike, Longside, Carlside, Skiddaw, Little Man and Latrigg. During the Keswick Mountain Festival, Alison and Halle will be leading this walk on the starting day which is Wednesday 18th May. This walk is a Grade A meaning it is strenuous and is about 13 miles in length. For those of you who don't know Skiddaw the views from the summit are stupendous and you can clearly see Derwentwater and Keswick along with Bassenthwaite Lake. The descent is particularly delightful as you see familiar sights coming closer and closer until you are back down in town again.

Thoughts of Spring - KMF Langdale Pikes

2011-02-22T12:34:00.000Z

Yes, the weather is improving and my garden is showing snowdrops and hellebores and the greenhouse auto vents have even opened on the odd day! Today is a lovely cold but watery sunny day here in Keswick and the higher fells have a wintry snowy dusting on the top. Mind you Skiddaw has its usual layer of cloud on the summit so you can't see the very top from my house today. I have even seen sparrows in the garden starting to gather feathers for lining their nests would you believe.... So now is the time to start thinking about holidays up here and a good time to come is when the Keswick Mountain Festival is on because we have some interesting walks on that week including one of my favourites, the Langdale Pikes. This is a walk for the connoisseur.

A well earned Mars Bar on the rocky summit of Pike of Stickle

Forget about just ticking off the Wainwrights because this walk is not about that, its one to savour. It has vast landscapes and panoramic views yes, but it also has a scramble which is exhilerating and not for the feint hearted. This walk requires a bit of guts and a camera. Its a walk to enjoy with good companions too because when you do stand on the top of Pike of Stickle you'll want to share the experience of the splendid view across to Langdale where you will see Coniston Old Man on a good day. Once safely down from the top you will walk across to Loft Crag and Harrison Stickle before heading back to Borrowdale over the tops of Thunacar Knott and High Raise a lovely plateau to traverse.

New logo for Keswick Rambles Lake District Guided Walks

2011-02-12T22:36:00.000Z

Introducing our new logo

I have just added this new logo to the Keswick Rambles website and I thought that those of you who follow the KR blog might like to see it too. You will be seeing more of this logo as it will be on our loyalty cards and also on our programme when it is printed and put on display at the Moot Hall. Anyway, I wondered how many of you can guess which mountain it is? You will also see all the leaders sporting this new logo outside the Moot Hall when the walks start in April, gosh who knows you might even see it on the odd dog's collar.......Speaking of dogs, you can see Alison and Halle's dogs on the website now as I have added a new page about the leaders. Just click on the names under the leader's photos on the Home Page to go to their page.

Keswick Rambles Website reminder

2011-02-05T13:30:00.000Z

Keswick Rambles website now has the programme on it so go to http://www.keswickrambles.org.uk/ if you want to find some exciting lakes guided walks to go on this year in the company of other liked minded souls. We have a very diverse clientele, anyone from ex coal miners to barristers, we have many folks from the medical profession who enjoy our walks too, including a radiologist, an optometrist and even a cardiologist! not to mention a dentist. Gosh try saying that lot without getting tongue tied, but what does it all mean I hear you saying, well basically we have a good day out on the hills but the conversation is scintillating. Mind you I try not to ask dentists too many deep questions, I know some of them don't like probing......

Seriously, we take all sorts of wonderful people out and they have such interesting life stories, for instance I once had a wonderful conversation with an ex fireman, I learnt a lot about explosive gases that day.........

Then there was the day I had the top history professor coming out with me up Bleaberry Fell, well my degree in history was only a BA so I was worried about putting my foot in it, but I needn't have been he was a charming man and another person on the walk that day was a taxman....so you see, there is never a dull conversation to be had when you are out with Keswick Rambles you never know who will turn up next. It could be YOU!

To change or not to change...

2011-02-02T15:57:00.004Z

There's more to changing a name than we thought. We've realised that "Keswick Rambles" is so firmly embedded in the Internet, as well as in the minds of our regular clients, who are after all the mainstay of our business, that consequently it's just not worth the bother of changing; so "Keswick Rambles" we'll remain. However we'll tack on the words "Guided Walks" which we think helps avoid confusion with the "Ramblers". The loyalty card scheme however we feel is a good idea and that will be implemented this year.

Name Change and Loyalty Cards

2011-01-18T09:16:00.000Z

After much discussion amongst our team we decided to change our name to KR Guided Walks as this was seen as a more snappy modern title which could not be confused with the Ramblers Association which of course we are nothing to do with.

We have also decided to introduce Loyalty Cards which will benefit our regular customers. The idea is simple, come on 4 walks and have them recorded on the card and your 5th walk is free. The cards will be available from the leaders who will sign them to prove you have done the walks.

The programme will be typed into this blog today so come back later and all will be revealed. The website will be updated soon but it does take a bit longer to do so usually the blog is the first place any changes appear.

Tomorrow we finalise the programme

2011-01-12T22:16:00.002Z

We have not forgotton you, so I just wanted to let you know that we are near to publishing the programme, thanks so much for your patience. There should be something for everyone as usual and we will have some half day walks too because you asked for them.

Bleaberry Fell Shelter

2011-01-02T11:45:00.000Z

This photo is for Paul who was impressed with our Christmas Day walk up Bleaberry Fell. So here are the intrepid duo shunning the shelter for lunch, actually it was too cold, so we had it down below at the sheep shelter. What does Bella eat on Christmas Day I hear you ask? My Brussels Pate sandwich was the answer...... Muggins here had to have the other half. Pete always does us proud on these occasions so he had brought along a new flask full of chicken and leek cuppa soup, mmmm and get this, Champagne Truffles from Ye Olde Friars of Keswick. So now you know how the Keswick Rambles leaders manage to inspire the punters.................Next time you come out with us, ask Pete for his gastronomic tips!

The Viewpoint on Bleaberry Fell - Christmas Day 2010

2010-12-31T09:51:00.000Z

We just want to wish all of you the very best for 2011 and many happy hours on the hills.
From all of us at Keswick Rambles, have a good one. Lyn, Pete, Bella, Halle, Alison, Cathy and Skye.

Merry Christmas and don't forget to stay safe on the mountains

2010-12-23T12:58:00.000Z

As it's that time of year again we just want to wish you all Seasons Greetings and thanks for coming out with us last year. This is also a time to remember others and by that we mean the excellent Mountain Rescue Team we have in Keswick. We just want to thank them all for their devoted service which is completely voluntary and keeps people safe on the fells.

Pete and I have just made a donation to them as we know that all contributions help keep them going. If you want to make a donation please follow this link and thanks from us if you do.

http://www.keswickmrt.org.uk/

I also wanted to remind you that we have a series of walks scheduled over the period between Christmas and New Year click the Christmas Walks label above for details.

Snowed again in Keswick

2010-12-19T22:00:00.000Z

Yes it snowed again on Saturday morning, but only about an inch this time, but it has been very cold at night, about minus 8 last night... Tonight it feels about the same. Many people have taken to wearing their crampons around the town and even in the parks. Some have tried to enter the local shops in them, so signs are up saying take them off, I should think so too.

Meanwhile, Bella, Pete and I went for a stroll delivering our Christmas cards today and we thought no crampons were needed but did put Bella's warm coat on, that's after Pete caught her of course....She sulked and ran away, and hid under the kitchen table, then ran into my den and tried to get under my coffee table. Pete is used to these games and does not let her get away with it, the coat went on. Next she had to wait tied up to the gate whilst I took a photo in the garden, so I thought why not take one of Bella too. I think her expression is saying 'come on - hurry up'.

Latrigg last Sunday

2010-12-09T22:59:00.001Z

The snow kept coming last weekend so we made the most of it and went out on Saturday and Sunday. The weather was at it's best on Sunday though and we took some splendid photographs on route to the top of Latrigg. This first one was a view of Skiddaw with a brilliant blue sky shining against the snow and ice.

We took our crampons with us and once on the top put them on because we wanted to descend quickly down the steep woods towards Spooney Green Lane, so the crampons were essential for a good grip. Quite a few of these Kahtoola's have been sold by Needle Sports this year because they claimed to have run out of them within days of the snow arriving and they had ordered 100 pairs.......

The trees on the side of Latrigg were completely devoid of leaves because it does not take long for them to disappear once an early winter sets in. We did not see any people on this descent because most had stuck to the tourist paths and did not know the way down through the woods like us locals do, so it was good to have them to ourselves!

We eventually walked down towards the town through the park and as we crossed by the Cricket Pavilion we had a very low lying mist all around us, it was very pretty and atmospheric. Then we went into town to the noise and bustle of the Traditional Christmas Fair which was just about staggering to a halt...... We didn't stay long as it wasn't really our scene after the tranquility of the hills it all seemed rather contrived.

Derwentwater today with gently falling snowflakes

2010-12-02T21:08:00.000Z

This was the scene down by the lake as we passed by the boat house and you can see that already parts of Derwentwater are frozen, not as badly as last winter but even so it is starting again. We had planned to go off on a jolly tomorrow until we saw the updated MWIS forcast which gives a bleak outlook. Somehow our day out was not supposed to take in 'upland gales' and hail and snow. So we will sit it out and do some work instead. This next shot shows Pete and Bella strolling along the icy path by the boat landings and gives an idea of conditions in town at the moment. It looks like Keswick is in for more snow tomorrow too.

Lastly, a shot of distant Catbells from the Launch booking office. What a change from the scene in the summer? Not many ducks and geese to be seen either, I think they have all taken off somewhere out of sight because its probably not a good idea to be a goose in December......

I think the weather might be a little kinder on Sunday if the forecasts are correct, so we may be out on the hills then. I have plenty to do at home anyway and Pete's new crampons can wait for their first ice trials.

Crampons weather

2010-11-29T10:33:00.000Z

If you are thinking of venturing onto the hills then you should take crampons with you at the moment as the snow is laying ontop of ice. We went up onto Scafell Pike on Saturday and the ice was on the footpath going up the Corridor Route so we needed to use our Kahtoola's. These, by the way are very good walkers crampons which are quick to fit and stay snugly in place. You can find them in most of the Keswick outdoors shops. They are ok for walking on the fells and if you are not contemplating any ice climbing then they are adequate. We even used ours in town last winter as our road had a thick sheet of ice on the pavements where the snow quickly compacted into a skating area. Don't forget a head torch too as we passed a group going up towards the top at a time of day when we were coming down knowing we had left ourselves plenty of time before dusk. They would almost certainly have to use head torches on their descent and it really is the case that getting onto the hills early rather than later is what you should plan for. Mind you on Saturday our biggest problem was getting the car to Seathwaite and then hoping we would be able to get back again! No photos on this trip folks as we did not have time to indulge given the goal and the conditions.

Christmas Walks Programme - Bookings Essential

2010-11-15T11:50:00.000Z

Please book them either by email or telephone if you want to participate. Note you do not have to pay until the day of the walk and all walks are £15 & half price for children under 16. Transport to be arranged.

Monday 27th December Blencathra (10am start at the Moot Hall) P & L

Tuesday 28th December Grisedale Pike (10am start at Braithwaite) CC

Wednesday 29th December Skiddaw & Ullock Pike (10am start at the Moot Hall) A & H

Thursday 30th December Helvellyn (10am start at the Moot Hall) P & L

Friday 31st December Catbells, Maiden Moor & High Spy (10.15 start at the Theatre By the Lake) CC

Keswick Guided Walks - The Moot Hall Rambles

2010-11-08T20:32:00.000Z

Just joking, coz no, we are not changing our name, it's too famous; when you need a Keswick walking guide it has to be Keswick Rambles. Shall I tell you why? Well actually, I don't have to because you do that for us, you our clients keep telling us that we are the best guides. So I want to thank you all for being such sports and coming out with us this past season. Our walkers were sometimes singles and some of you were couples and many of you were groups but we all mixed well together and the chatter flowed. Yes that is the secret of a good walk, not just the scenery but the conversations and the friendships to be made. We love talking to you all and it shows. I also need to remind you that our Christmas guided walks from Keswick Moot Hall will be appearing soon, so keep a watch out but meanwhile, if the weather is getting you down, here is a shot of me and Bella on Scafell Pike in blissful sun, bye for now.

Stone Arthur to Fairfield - 25th October

2010-10-31T20:52:00.000Z

Anne sent Pete and Bella a big thank you for this walk and included some photos of it on her website.

She says "Back at my hotel tonight, my limbs are tingling, my head is full of beautiful lake images and I keep laughing about some of the things that you said, the "hats with fruit salads atop", "I would have drunk my tea out of a brown mug..." brilliant, local, anecdotal superb........I hope to visit again soon, well perhaps not too soon but when the snowy winter is behind us."

"See http://www.rufusrambles.com/ not a great site and no magical words but a reflection of a great day had thanks to you."

Anne

Take a look at her link if you want a flavour of what Keswick Rambles can offer you!

12 October 2010. Above Glen Kingie... NW Highlands.

2010-10-20T13:51:00.000+01:00

We did climb out of the mist which you saw in my last post photo and came across a really good man made stalker's path which took us up onto a ridge towards Sgurr Beag and then down again a few hundred feet to a coll before rising once more towards the Munro Sgurr Mor. It was quite a slog up the second time!

Lyn descending from Sgurr Beag 890m, a minor top, with the Munro Sgurr Mor 1003m beyond, and in the distance the Corbett Sgurr an Fhuarain 901m.

Remote Scotland

2010-10-16T22:37:00.000+01:00

Once again our Munro Bashing intrepid trio from Keswick Rambles (Pete, Lyn n Bella) ventured forth to conquer another one. But where? Ah you might well wonder, not many are left........Well I am not one for verbosity ah hmm, so without further ado......and just to keep you in suspense......here is a clue.

I am sure you will recognise many features which will be familiar...

Grass perhaps? A stream, or could it be a Scottish bog? The odd rock to fall over..Ah but what is that on the skyline? Scotch Mist. No it is not the name of a whisky, at least I do not think so. But look further, there is blue sky....Yes could it be a temperature inversion? All might be revealed soon.

Meanwhile, we have posted up a programme of walks on the Keswick Mountain Festival site and you might like to go there and see what we are offering in May 2011. Not all of our leaders have finalised the walks yet so keep returning, you might find more walks to your liking soon. Bookings are starting to come in so don't be the last to make your mind up. I have a feeling that 2011 KMF is going to be a scorcher! Here's the link.

http://www.keswickmountainfestival.co.uk/programme/hike/

What a windy day

2010-10-05T23:40:00.000+01:00

We went up Robinson, Hindscarth and Dale Head today in awful driving rain and wind. The rain did become sporadic later, so much so that my overtrousers were on and off all day....But the wind never gave up; anyway it is good for the complexion to have that stinging effect and red rosy cheeks. We noted that the weather had put off many a would be hero on the fells. Only passed about 3 men all day, no other women to be seen at all except me...

Back in the cosy environs of the cafe at Honister, Robert bought me a very welcome cuppa, so thank you Robert, you are a gentleman. Pete and Bella came on the walk too because she always wants 'walkies' and he was trying out a new pair of Aku Vertigo boots he had just bought to replace his old Vertigo's which had not really been in fine fettle since leaving Skye in June. Anyway, it was not a photography day but I did receive a wonderful photo of Bella from Judith recently which is the real reason for this post: ok I admit it, I just want to share a photo of my doggie again.....

But she is cute and turns heads all the time.

Walla Crag yesterday

2010-10-01T15:18:00.000+01:00

This is the cairn on the top of Walla Crag with a view looking towards Bassenthwaite Lake and just the tip of Derwentwater showing. It is one of my favourite places to go and have a quick walk with Bella and then stay awhile on the top and admire the view whilst maybe having a spot of lunch. Yesterday though my group of walkers and I were on our way up Bleaberry Fell as well so we only had time to take a few shots with our cameras. It was windy on top as it usually is and so we did not stay very long. We had a good walk though and Hazel brought along her camcorder and took a video which she said she would post on her Youtube account. So when that happens I will give you a link and you can share our day out too.

Keswick Mountain Festival 2011 - 18th to 22nd May

2010-09-28T21:35:00.000+01:00

Yes they are already getting ready for this festival and we are thinking about the walks we will offer next year. So I thought it might be a good idea to ask you if you have any requests for particular walks during the festival. I can't promise we will incorporate them, but if you don't tell us what you want we all lose out. So if you would like to comment on the bottom of this posting you never know you may get your heart's desire!

Remember we always try to use public transport or local taxi firms (8 to a minibus) so that the costs are kept well down. But we can be flexible too and sometimes arrange car transport providing we don't clog up the car parking spaces near well known hills. It is usually our policy to try and give walks which appeal to people trying to tick off a few Wainwrights too. So there you are, but you will need to be fairly quick because we don't intend to hang about waiting for too long before we decide.

Our Leaders like to be complemented

2010-09-16T16:49:00.000+01:00

Well it stands to reason after all we are only human and when we make your day out a truly memorable experience many of you tell us. Infact this morning Judith who is one of our regulars even sent us a postcard all the way from Montana. So thank you Judith that was very kind. She had bad weather, sleet and snow, well it has not been wonderful here for the last few days. Blowing a gale and pouring down on Monday I seem to remember. She climbed 2500 feet and did 5 miles on her way up towards Crypt Lake, Waterton Lakes National Park, Alberta, Canada. She said it had all the "ingredients", well yes so it seems because the last walk I did with Judith was Esk Pike and I remember her feet got wet crossing the stream at the top of Langstrath. She was going to drive south to Idaho next and then on to Wyoming, what a gad about Judith, I hope you remember to bring the photo album next time your in Keswick.

Meanwhile, I have received some photos from Gaz and Nay who came up Haystacks with me, here they are clearly looking pleased on the top.

Wonderful views that day despite it being a bit murky. We saw hardly any other walkers until we descended Scarth Gap then they all seemed to be coming up that way. We arrived in Buttermere just in time for a quick slurp (tea) before the bus came to pick us up

Publishing the October walks programme

2010-09-09T22:39:00.000+01:00

I am in the process of putting the finishing touches to the October programme before I post it here and on the website. So it is imminent and I know some of you have been waiting patiently to see it. Remember you can also pick up a printed copy of the programme from the Tourist Information Centre at the Moot Hall when you are in Keswick. These will be up to date inclusive of the October walks and available from the Moot Hall sometime this weekend.

Because I usually put things on this blog first (it is the quickest method of communicating), I advise looking here if you are in a hurry. I update the website next and lastly print the programmes. So now you know....

Meanwhile, the sun has been beaming on us for the last few days, and we have had many satisfied customers and returning clients on our walks this week. We also bought a new camera which has been taken out on a couple of walks but has proved to be more difficult to master than the previous one. However, we did manage to take a few shots on a recent Catbells foray and I include a shot or 2 for your amusement.

The idyllic scene as we disembark from the Keswick Launch at Hawse End.

The walk underway and ensuring we go up by the old mine workings so I can give my Beatrix Potter patter about Mrs Tiggy Winkle. (You must have read the tale of the hedgehog.)

A summit shot, all of us being blown to kingdom come by the wind......and just before we descended and saw the Keswick Mountain Rescue Team and the Air Ambulance in action that day 29th August.

Stob na Broige

2010-08-22T22:51:00.000+01:00

Last Sunday was a warm sunny day, a summers day in fact and we've not had many of these this summer. We were camping in Glencoe for the weekend and started off down the Lairig Gartain just after 9am, heading for Stob na Broige 956m, which you can just see peeping out behind the conical peak of Stob Coire Altruim, one of the tops of Buchaille Etive Mor in the distance. The path up the Lairig Gartain used to be a very boggy but the NTS have recently improved it so we made good progress towards the Coire Altruim where the ascent began.

Phew! It was warm work toiling up the steep path up the Coire Altruim, there was no respite as to stop was to invite the attention of the midges, they were out in force and voracious.

Here's Lyn on the ridge leading from Stob Coire Altruim to Stob na Broige beyond, we semed to have left the midges behind, there were non on Stob na Broige

Pete and Lyn on the top of Stob na Broige, Bella doesn't seem much interested in posing. Behind us are the tops of Buchaille Etive Mor, the most prominent one is Stob na Doire, and just glimpsed behind is Stob Dearg 1022m, the Munro at the northern end of Buchaille Etive Mor and the highest point on the ridge.

Stob Dearg again here behind Pete who's heading back towards the cairn on Stob Coire Altruim, returning the same way as we came.

The view from the cairn on Stob Coire Altruim looking west over the hills on the south side of Glencoe; nearest is the ridge of Buchaille Etive Beag beyond which rises Bidean nam Bian and the peaks of Beinn a Bheithir above Ballachulish.

Comments Moderation

2010-08-21T16:01:00.000+01:00

We love to receive your comments but someone sent some spam recently so I have been forced to set up comment moderation. So in future please still send them in and I will just read them first to make sure no one tries to take advantage of the blog. Meanwhile I have had to repost the last posting to get rid of the spam so Tess if you are out there, sorry I lost your valid comments.

We will post again soon but I just wanted to say what a good company Blacks are because I recently had trouble with my new SatMap GPS and they had it repaired in a flash and were extremely courteous, so well done Blacks and thanks to SatMap for fixing the problem too.

More interesting transport last week

2010-08-21T15:54:00.000+01:00

The peaceful scene at Loch Mullardoch where the locals leave their transport. Our conveyance last Thursday up the loch to the start of a long hard day climbing 3 Munros was the white boat on the top left. This is the end of the day when the sun came out and we returned to our car after 9 hours on the hills.

When we arrived at our venue in the morning at 9am, our skipper was there along with his young aid all ready to launch the boat, and this next photo shows how it was done.

Yes Karl used a large red tractor to move the boat into position and then once it was afloat the wheels at the back retracted onto the decking at the back of the boat. Even cleverer was the way the lid hinged up so that I did not have to get my feet wet as I boarded. Once on board though the motor refused to engage into gear, it started ok and ticked over but as soon as Karl tried to use the throttle it would not go. So we all jumped off again and just as Pete and I were looking at the map for another route up the hillside, Karl managed to meddle with some wires and got it going. Well that was lucky and so we boarded again and set off up the loch.
It took nearly an hour to reach the beginning of the walk but on the way Karl gave us loads of information about his days hunting the red deer and the local goats. He and his companion had a pair of powerful rifles with them and they were going to drop us off and then try and bag a deer or a goat for the freezer. The goats had apparently swum ashore from the stricken Spanish vessels of the Armada in Elizabeth 1's reign and they had taken up residence on the hills one of which was our last Munro of the day called Carn nan Gobhar (Hill of the Goats) at 992 metres. I will not go into detail about the day here as Pete will be posting about our excursion soon.
I will show you one last photo though as this was our first trial of a new tent we purchased at Ultimate Outdoors in Keswick. We had bought the tent so that when we camped for longer than a couple of days we could do so with more room for our kit etc. It's all very well camping wild with small tents but when you want to stay longer it does mean you soon become exasperated with the lack of space for all the clothes and food you need to take. Hence the need to admit that our camping was a little too uncomfortable sometimes and that Bella needed more space and a play area for when it was wet. She is two and a half years old now but still insists on playing ball games and tug of war whenever she can enlist one of us to comply with her wishes ;-) Of course the funniest thing about the new tent was the way she stuck her head out of the side door and kept a watch for anything which moved......Well she was in luck because at Tyndrum there were rabbits.......We had to make sure she was well tied up or there would have been a heck of a disruption on site if she set off after them.....She did watch one for quite a long time whilst we broke camp and lay there quivering with excitement to be at the chase.
This last photo shows Bella at the side door looking for trouble. Note I have her on a tight lead.

The photo was taken at Cannich where we stayed for the first 3 nights and then we had 2 at Tyndrum.

Bella loves to chase

2010-07-24T23:40:00.000+01:00

This photo on Blencathra shows Bella and 'handler' Jane with Liz and a chap clearly enjoying his butty just after Bella (who looks very furtive) hurtled across the fellside with Pete's rucksack as an anchor!

This incident happened way back during the mountain festival when Bella decided to chase a sheep or two. Her lead was attached with a karabiner to Pete's rucksack and she sped off with it in tow, closely followed by Pete who was trying to save the rucksack's contents from scattering to the four winds..... Well tonight in the garden I was reminded how naughty she can be because our resident hedgehog has appeared again and she is trying everything she knows to get out and chase it.

In the middle of last night Bella barked her head off in protest at this intruder to her domain and woke us both up. Tonight we have a sulky dog at the back door mewing to be out.....The beastie does not seem perturbed which is ok for it but not for us. We are sure it is the same one which we evicted long ago up to a local farm on Springs Road but it keeps coming back (attracted by my slugs and snails perhaps?) and setting up residence under the shed at the top of the garden. Does anyone know how to re home a hedgehog? All ideas will be treated in confidence........

Meanwhile we have received a rather amusing photo of a motorhome from Michael and this is it; a sort of elevated mobile chicken shed on a Land Rover. I prefer to 'wild camp' on the ground myself because you can't fall out of bed........

Judith's photos

2010-07-15T09:58:00.000+01:00

Well it has been a busy summer so far and I thought it was high time I posted some photos here. Usually I use photos of hills relevant to the actual walks, but today is different, I thought I would use dogs and transport as a sort of theme to give you a flavour of how Keswick Rambles operates. Afterall, we do try very hard to make sure we are environmentally friendly which means we avoid asking everyone to come in their own car as this only adds to traffic congestion etc. Also, we are very dog friendly both on the walks and in the town pubs and guest houses and our canine friends love it here. So thanks to our star photographer, Judith, I shall attempt to enlighten you in all these matters.

We are fortunate in having a number of regular customers who come every year on the guided walks and this year we welcomed back a couple of these in the shape of Hamish and Angus, who I mentioned in the last post if you remember. Well here they are with their owner.

Next we have a photo of Hamish (black Tibetan terrier) and angelic Angus (golden) in action crossing a stile in style ha ha!

Our next doggy delicious photo shows our dear little Bella stepping out smartly and demonstrating the fine art of crossing a beck with Pete who also shows how it should be done.....

Of course we not only cross becks and climb over stiles but we also jump onto the Keswick Launch when we set off on our rambles. Here is yours truly boarding the boaty.....

Easy does it and don't fall off the step or there might be a loud splosh.....

We also use the open topped bus when we return from Seatoller and this shows the view as it goes down the Borrowdale valley, note it is a good idea to sit well in from the side or you end up festooned with leaves etc in your hair.......

We had to use the cars a couple of times because we needed to start in more remote areas so just look at this for transport......very stylish ha

We don't have a set of wheels quite like that :-) but this little number does help us to wiz clients from Seathwaite to Seatoller for the bus sometimes, and it does save a 25 minute walk....

Judith stayed with Pat and Linda Dent in their lovely guest house called Rivendell on Helvellyn Street and of course it is dog friendly..

Her guide for these particular walks was Pete Armstrong.

It only remains to thank Judith very much for sending in so many photos on a cd, they were all wonderful.
Now you know how we organise a typical day out with Keswick Rambles. Of course there were loads of fells climbed too!

Fairfield Horseshoe

2010-07-01T23:11:00.000+01:00

We went up Fairfield via the Horseshoe route today in the awful soggy rain. Everything was wet through by the time we landed back home, but we had good company and enjoyed it. So our thanks to all the lovely people who came with us and sorry not a single photo opportunity and I don't think anyone had more than 2 bites of their sandwich either it was so windy and wet.

The three doggies who came too were entertaining to say the least; Bella was very naughty and kept barking at any sheep she saw looming out of the mist, Hamish, who noted Bella's antics decided to pull and would have liked to join in, but, 'angelic' Angus just strolled along without a care in the world and no sound at all.

On arriving home I emptied out my rucksack and discovered a partly dissolved 'gravy bone' biscuit stuck to my compass........and a very wet £10 note which luckily escaped the gravy bone. I think it's time I looked for a rucksack cover, don't you?

Pete's Broadcast on 'Little Cumbria'

2010-06-29T22:26:00.000+01:00

For those of you who want to hear this you need to either tune into the Ian Timms show at 5pm Wed to Fri and if you want to hear the two already broadcast then go to iplayer and use this link for Monday http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p008gjsh/Ian_Timms_28_06_2010/ and this one for Tuesday http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p008h734/Ian_Timms_29_06_2010/
The actual bit with them speaking is on at about 5.40pm so if you move the slider to approx on the left shoulder of the piccie of Ian Timms that should be about the right amount into the proggy.

Radio Broadcast next week

2010-06-26T23:46:00.000+01:00

The Radio Cumbria broadcast featuring Pete will be on the Ian Timms show and is called 'Little Cumbria' if you remember. It is usually featured on the show at approximately 5.45pm. So next week Pete will be on at about that time for all 5 days. I feature the following week. I will put links onto the sidebar of this blog so you can click on them if you want to listen to BBC iplayer after the live broadcast.

Rest in Peace my old boots..............

Meanwhile, I could not resist putting on a shot of my boots after the Skye trip and just prior to placing them in the dustbin.............I was in two minds to keep them, Tom our Skye guide said "hang onto them for your next Skye excursion": Alan an expert in the retail of outdoor gear said "throw them across the carpark" this was at the National Trust Carpark at the Old Dungeon Ghyll. Sadly fellas I decided the dustbin it had to be.

Me enjoying a cuppa on Skye

2010-06-22T22:42:00.000+01:00

This was a photograph of me on the Skye ridge leaning against the summit cairn of Sgurr nan Eag our first Munro. The rather bewildered guy behind me kept popping up out of nowhere and asking our guide for directions. He was told the way but seemed either not to move very fast or to be taking in the scenery and just ambling along. I am partaking of a well earned cuppa from my flask because we had been scrambling along some pretty rough stuff for about 4 hours by then and still had 2 more summits to do that day.

The weather was simply glorious and it stayed like this for the entire day with no wind and wall to wall sunshine; it was magic. Pete and I will be putting some more photos of the Skye adventures on the blog in the future as soon as we have sufficient spare time to make a good job of it.

We were back in the Keswick recording studio today as we had both been asked to write and record another 5 day diary for 'Little Cumbria'. Some of you may recall that we did a similar recording back in November. Anyway, all went well and Pete's is being broadcast next week with mine the week after. As before I will place a link to each session once it is broadcast on this blog. So if you want to hear us talking about our recent forays into the wilds of Scotland, then watch this blog for the links. Failing that you could tune into Radio Cumbria and listen to the live show, again I will give you details as soon as I have them.
They must like us on Radio Cumbria because they have asked us if we will both be willing to do another one soon, and of course we said yes.

I have also put Alison and Halle's walks all on this blog now under the relevant months so they should be up to date. David Ferguson has said he wants to offer some more walks too in some of the gap days, so as soon as I have updated the main website and had feedback from David I will put them on the blog too.

Meanwhile, Hamish and Angus (Tibetan terriers) are here for a fortnight so Bella is very pleased. She was out with them yesterday and came back very tired indeed. Pete came back with 2 magnificent trout from John so thanks so much we had one for dinner tonight and it was superb.

A plug for Janis

2010-06-15T18:50:00.000+01:00

Yes this is a recommendation for Janis Whyte and her business at http://www.glenandmountainguides.co.uk/programme.html

For our Skye trip she provided us with a first class service and wonderful guide (Tom Colquhoun) and if you too want to be in a safe pair of hands then we can only say, don't hesitate, use Janis.

The thing is that you will go further and do much more if you use a guide, this is something which I constantly tell our own clients for a trusted guide always makes it a better experience and is well worth the money.

CPD or Continual Professional Development

2010-06-14T23:17:00.000+01:00

Well it was time to dust off the harness and do some climbing again and what better place than Sgurr Dearg on Skye? The exposure was tremendous and although the climb was about a Mod/Diff it was thrilling all the same because there is a long way down if you care to look....I decided it was best to concentrate on the holds and they were there in plenty. There was a heart stopping moment though when my harness velcro decided to rip apart on the crux move but luckily this is not what keeps it together as it has a webbing strap too. None the less it did give me a fright hearing that tearing sound on the one place I needed to feel safe!

Ok the piccie does not do the climb justice I know because we did not have a camera with us, but this is after I have abseiled off the short end and come back down to the beginning for a nice rewarding cuppa. The guy in green is just setting off on the climb and I am standing with Tom the leader.

A brief glimpse at Keswick Mountain Festival 2010

2010-05-27T23:49:00.000+01:00

It was certainly a festival to remember. The mist was well down for the first day and the walk was undertaken with great care by our leaders. The first photo shows us on Haystacks when the misty conditions all the way to the top suddenly dispersed to give good views and visibility so the cameras could come out at last.

Day 2 and the mist was worse so I gave out instructions that no one was to drop out for 'comfort stops' without telling us and with good reason especially on the Helvellyn massif. You can judge for yourself if you would have felt comfortable in the mist on your own by looking at the photo.

Day 4 was brilliant sunshine all the way from Grasmere to Keswick, infact we had to take along the suncream and plenty of liquids because it was so hot on Heron Crag. Once we dropped over Greenup Edge to join the path down past Lining Crag the breeze kicked in and it was a huge relief.

The last day was Haystacks again and it was a complete contrast to the Wednesday when we did not see a thing on the way up because this time the views were outstanding. The photo shows us approaching Haystacks after passing the Brandreth fence corner: in the distance is Scafell with it's distinctive nodged ridge whilst in the left middle distance is Great Gable.

A Scottish Adventure

2010-05-15T13:41:00.000+01:00

Monday May 10 at o900, the Fort William bound sleeper drops Pete, Lyn and Bella at Corrour Halt on Rannock Moor. The railway provides the only access to the station, which stands about a kilometer from the West end of Loch Ossian; there's no motor road...it's a lonely spot.

It was a seven kilometre walk along the track beside Loch Ossian to Corrour Lodge at the far end of the loch. In the far distance on the right, still patched with snow, you can see the hills towards which we're bound. The walk out and back over the two Munros to the south of the loch was twenty kilometres in all and we knew we had to be back at the station for the return train before half past six...It was a cold crisp morning and there was no time for dawdling, it was a good track so we stepped out and reached the foot of the far hills in an hour and a half.
Six hundred metres above Loch Ossian; Lyn approaches the crest of the ridge of Meall Nathrach Mor which means "hill of the big adder"; she didn't dawdle when I told her that!
From the cairn on Meall Nathrach Mor the ground rises towards Sgor Choinnich 929, in the background, this is a top rather than the Munro itself which lies beyond.

Looking SW towards Carn Dearg 941m from the upper slopes of Sgor Choinnich.
View from the summit cairn of Sgor Choinnich with Schiehallion in the distance to the SE, beyond Loch Ericht.

From Sgor Choinnich we descended to the 800m Bealach nan Sgor before climbing to the summit of the first Munro of the day...Sgor Ghaibhre 955m "Peak of the goats".

View NE from the upper slopes of Carn Dearg with Ben Alder seen beyond between the twin peaks of Sgor Choinnich and Sgor Gaibhre.

We descend the W ridge of Carn Dearg through the snow flurries towards Loch Ossian far below.

We're in plenty of time for the train and the sun has returned to warm us as we stroll along the old track that leads west towards Corrour beyond the head of the loch in the distance.
The "Corbett" Leum Uilleim 906m forms a backdrop to the last mile of the walk...Corrour station is just out of sight round the last bend in the road.
Corrour Station 5pm. The Scottish Youth Hostel Association have recently re opened the Station House at Corrour; this is on the left out of the picture but don't expect a cup of tea there on a Monday, as we did, it will be closed all afternoon!

Keswick Mountain Festival Latest News!

2010-05-06T14:10:00.000+01:00

Haystacks, Helvellyn, Gable Girdle, & Helm Crag to Stonethwaite WalksGood news for anyone who has booked the above walks with us during the Keswick Mountain Festival. We have been trying hard to find some sponsorship for the walks this year ourselves and we have been offered the following from Blacks.

A Blacks representative will be coming on Pete and Lyn's Keswick Mountain Festival walks and will be giving a 25% discount card to those participating to use against any purchases over £50. He will also be available to discuss or to answer any questions in relation to outdoor gear.

Layout improvements

2010-05-02T20:43:00.000+01:00

If you look under the title photo you will notice I now have a couple of headings for the August and September walks. Just click on the writing and up comes a new page with the walks for that month. To return to the main page click on Home. Please note that Alison and Halle have yet to add their walks to the list, so some more will appear to fill in the gaps and once again I will post these in grey so you know which they are.

Keswick Mountain Festival our walks are filling up!

2010-04-29T20:38:00.000+01:00

Yes, we have taken more orders over the last few days and now the Helm Crag to Stonethwaite walk is fully booked. So a big thank you to all of you for supporting us and we hope to see all 20 of you on the day.

More of you have been turning up at the Moot Hall after reading about us for the first time on the new website and you have been most complimentary about it to me. Also I know that you all say you will be back, so we look forward to that too. We had a couple of lovely ladies all the way from Florida and a Norwegian lass + Mary from Kent and Neil up Catbells last Tuesday so if you have any photos you want to send in please don't hesitate as I have not been carrying a camera on the last few walks I have taken out. I know that yesterday's walk up Skiddaw with Alison and Halle was thoroughly enjoyed by all and I was told the visibility and views were superb.

Keswick Mountain Festival again

2010-04-26T10:59:00.000+01:00

The Helm Crag to Stonethwaite walk has now only 1 place left. There are still places available on the following walks:-

Haystacks Wed 19th May, High Seat & Bleaberry Fell Wed 19th May, Helvellyn Thurs 20th May, Newlands Round Thurs 20th May, Gable Girdle Fri 21st May, Glaramara Fri 21st May, and Haystacks Sun 23rd May.

George Fishers shop is going to be offering trials of Salomon boots again this year during the festival and last year quite a number of my walkers on the Haystacks walk took a pair out on trial. As far as I am aware, there will be the Leki rep with us on some of the walks too and he lets your try out the poles for free.

Helm Crag to Stonethwaite - Keswick Mountain Festival Sat 22 May

2010-04-24T12:01:00.000+01:00

Just a quick posting to tell you that there are only 3 places left on this very popular walk. So if you are thinking about booking it I would advise you to do so soon, as once it reaches 20 people we will not be taking anymore. The minibuses have been booked by Pete so we are ready to roll. He will advise on the day how much extra you will need but it will be approx £4 each for transport to Grasmere.

The best guided mountain walks in the English Lake District

2010-04-21T23:15:00.000+01:00

This blog was developed by me to showcase Keswick Rambles' commitment to offering the best guided mountain walks in the English Lake District. Given that aim, I intend to develop the blog over the next few days or even weeks to reflect some of the comments which you have kindly given us on our walks. Some of you follow this blog avidly and it is a real compliment to know how much you appreciate my efforts. I cannot promise that the changes will all happen tomorrow but I have taken on board some ideas and other inspiration comes from Blogger who now offer a much better product than they did when I first started using them.

Your comments are very welcome and in the next few weeks I hope to improve the system whereby you can send in your photos and descriptions of our wonderful walks together. The whole idea is to build up a significant number of walks descriptions so that anyone who has not been out with us before can see for themselves what the walks are like.

So keep an eye out, you may be surprised at the result, I have taken the first step which is to significantly increase our Broadband usage so that we can now show far more photographs than our previous allowance gave us. Also, if you like what we do, please tell others. Word of mouth is the best compliment of all but we are not immune to putting links onto this blog with you reciprocating on yours ;-)

Keswick Mountain Festival 2010

2010-04-16T14:21:00.000+01:00

Last year the Keswick Mountain Festival was in its 3rd year and was the most successful yet. This photo shows my Haystacks walk on the Wednesday kick off day when we had the chance to try on and walk in Salomon boots for the day courtesy of George Fishers staff and the Salomon Company. This photo was taken by top photographer Steve Razetti who came on the walk along with the Salomon reps Rich, Cat, and Mat. The day was superb and the photo shows Tim, my assistant for the day, trekking up the path of the C2C soon after leaving the Drum House on the Tramway from Honister Slate Mine. It was a very popular walk with over 20 participants (hence the need for a trainee Mountain Leader) and we had to arrange taxis up to Honister for the start. This year I have put this walk on again on the first Wednesday of the Mountain Festival so if you want to walk up Haystacks via Wainwright's favourite route, then this is the walk for you. It takes in stunning views of Great Gable, Scafell Pike, Scafell and Ennerdale on the way. There is also the famous view down Buttermere and Crummock Water which Ken Russell used in the film 'Tommy' starring Roger Daltry of the Who. Check out their website for more Keswick Rambles Walks. http://www.keswickmountainfestival.co.uk/

kira from Germany sent in this description of a recent walk.

2010-04-08T21:03:00.000+01:00

Alison is one of the two new Keswick Rambles' leaders. She started her first walk on Easter Sunday. Though the weather wasn't very promising on Saturday, Sunday started dry and improved steadily to a sunny spring afternoon! There were three of us participating the walk. Andy from York, Rosy from Australia and myself, over from Germany for the Easter weekend. Now there is another Keswick Rambles' dog, Dusk, who accompanied us. We started at the Moot Hall, walked through Fitz Park, crossed Briar Rigg and followed Spooney Green Lane up Latrigg. Soon we passed the gate to the right into the woods and followed the path until we reached a comfortable staircase. We climbed it and walked on through Brundhome woods. The first photo shows Alison and Rosy on this path. Eventually we reached a fence and climbed the stile. Snow!

The second photo shows Dusk there. How much she enjoyed the snow! We reached the top of Latrigg from the back. It was a bit chilly on the top, so the tea from the Bassenthwaite Rotary Club was very welcome. We've had a little break at their stall on top of Latrigg. Onwards to Skiddaw car park, and then we followed the path to the right into Glenderaterra valley.

The next photo shows Glenderaterra beck at the head of the valley. The bridge wasn't there when I was there last time, it's rather new. We followed the muddy path along the fellside of Lonscale fell until we descended into the valley to walk across two bridges over to the other side of the valley.

The next photo shows shows clearly how impressive Lonscale fell looks like from this side, quite different from its smooth surface showing to Keswick. We enjoyed our lunch here before we climbed on to the path leading alongside Blease fell.

The next photo shows Rosy, Andy and Alison looking across the valley to High Rigg.

We passed this impressive waterfall by following the path on to the Blencathra centre, passed it and walked down, across Derwent Folds, into Brundholme woods where we followed the path along River Greta to the hamlet of Forge. We crossed the bridge, followed the road for some time and climbed up to the old railway path which lead us back to Keswick. It was a very enjoyable walk for all of us including Dusk who couldn't get enough walking and playing with sticks. Thank you, Alison, for this wonderful day and good luck for your coming walks!

Grisedale in March

2010-03-20T21:18:00.000Z

Grisedale was surely at its very best in early March when Lyn, Rita and I set out from Glenridding to walk over by Lanty's Tarn and up the valley to the Brothers' Parting Stone near Grisedale Tarn. The snow clad ridge beyond the walkers is part of the Helvellyn Range with Nethermost Pike on the right and the shapely peak of Dollywagon on the left. Grisedale Tarn, 540m, nestles on the snow line below her SE ridge, far in the background, masked by the dark shoulder of St. Sunday Crag on the left.

A Wild Camping Weekend

2010-03-09T23:37:00.000Z

Pete and Lyn intend to organise a camping weekend from Friday 18th June to Sunday 20th. We are still at the planning stage regarding the route and camping locations but we would like to ascertain who might be interested in taking part. So please contact us if you would like to participate because good companions are the key to a successful camp.

Halle and Alison's walks added

2010-03-07T10:01:00.000Z

Check out the walks list again as I have added our two new leaders walks into the programme now. I wish them plenty of success and am really pleased they have joined our team.

A couple of changes to the programme below.
3rd April, Blencathra, Pete cannot do this walk now, we are seeing if someone else in the team can do a walk that day, so check it out later.

Also note the 30th March walk up Helvellyn is now Pete Armstrong not David Ferguson.

Next Tuesday 9th March

2010-03-03T16:44:00.000Z

Pete and Lyn are taking a walk out up Grisedale to the Brothers' Parting Stone on the 9th March. If you'd like to come with us then contact us please as we will need to arrange transport as we're starting from Glenridding. Sorry we've no photos of this walk, but we intend to take some on the day. The weather forecast is still cold and fairly clear, and when Pete was up at Grisedale Tarn last week he said it was very icy, so it would be a good idea to pack crampons, ("Kahtoolas" are best) even though this is a fairly low level walk, in case the conditions are the same next week.

Blencathra 1st March 2010

2010-03-02T21:15:00.000Z

March 1st; and the upper slopes of Blencathra are still a winter wonderland. We took the X5 bus from Keswick to Scales and walked over into the valley of the Glenderamakin from Mousthwaite Comb, following the old mine track above the river up to the 600m col between Blencathra and Bannerdale Crags. I took this picture at about 500m, well above the snow line, as Katie, Jeff and Simon climbed towards the col above.

From the col we climbed up towards the top of Foule Crag 845m with a fine view of Sharp Edge to our left, there were few walkers out and the Edge was left in peace for a change. Here you can see the col below and the peak of Bowscale Fell rising behind Simon in all its winter glory.

Hallsfell Top; the summit of Blencathra, 868m/2847ft. There was a breeze blowing now and it was freezing on the top, we piled on more gear, ate a hasty lunch and took some photos. Behind Katie is the shapely top of Gategill Fell 851m, one of the subsidiary peaks of Blencathra. We traversed the whole Blencathra ridge from Atkinson Pike to Blease Fell, which is hidden behind Gategill Fell here.

As we descend Blease Fell a fine prospect of the snow covered Helvellyn range opens up before us; Clough Head rises on the left, Helvellyn itself is in the distance. We're below the snow line here at about 500m and have just picked up an old sheep trod that leads easily down towards the Blencathra Centre from where we'll walk down to the old road that leads back through the Brundholm Woods to Keswick.

New Website - New Leaders

2010-02-25T10:52:00.000Z

The website is now showing all of the walks and more information for the season up until the Keswick Convention in July. I will put the second half of the programme on once I have liased with our new leaders. Yes folks if you did not know it then this is breaking news, we have two new leaders who are raring to go.
I will be adding their early walks to the site as soon as I can and yes they will be taking groups out starting around Easter time. I am just waiting for them to decide on the dates and routes. So we hope to introduce you to Alison and Halle very soon, meanwhile you can see photos of all the leaders on the new site's Home Page.

Helvellyn 18th February

2010-02-23T16:16:00.000Z

Pete took this shot from near the top of Raise Gill, looking over Dunmail Raise to Steel Fell when he and Bella were on the way up to Grisedale Tarn last Thursday. From there they climbed the zig-zag path up to Dollywagon Pike; there's still a lot of snow on the hills and it was really hard going. It misted in just beyond the tarn, and with visibility reduced to a few yards, they struggled to follow the path. It cleared a little once and Pete got a glimpse of Nethermost Pike ahead so he knew they were going in the right direction. The mist thickened as the pair walked over Nethermost Pike and they saw practically nothing until they heard voices ahead and saw the shelter on top of Helvellyn emerging from the murk. And there were people... lots of them, who'd come up from Wythburn and Swirls. The intrepid duo dropped off Helvellyn by the main tourist path to Swirls though this was practically obliterated by the snow; Pete's Kahtoola mini-crampons really came into their own on the steep sections of what was a rapid descent and they had time for coffee at the King's Head while they waited for the 3 o'clock bus back to Keswick.

Here's Bella in her warm jacket, on the descent from Helvellyn, just below Brown Cove Crags.

St George's Day last year outside the Moot Hall

2010-02-16T09:42:00.000Z

This is an old sailing chum from Nichol End who also likes to parade about in his medals and why not for heaven's sake. When do our ex servicemen get a chance to show off the brass? He looks very dapper too, so thanks Jim for letting me take your photo last year.

I just wanted to remind you all that in the not too distant future the KR team will be doing the standing outside the Moot Hall with our A Board and hoping that some of you will be turning up for the guided walks.

I am still working on the KR website, (all day yesterday) and probably most of today, but it's taking shape folks. As soon as I give it the ok I will update it as most of you know the one I did last year was a 'quicky' because Terry Lowe left us and left doing the site too with just a static dog sat there.......People were ringing us up saying the site was not working ...... Anyway, that's all in the past and we managed to get the site back from Terry. So it will be newer and fresher and I hope you like it when you see it. But do please keep following this blog too as it is always a thrill to read your comments and it is so much better to know you are out there reading this.

Changed two walks already - sorry

2010-02-13T16:55:00.000Z

I have had to change the April timetable because Pete and I could not do 4th and 6th as first thought. So please make a note of the changes. I will put the actual destinations on later because I still need Pete to carefully check the walks against the available buses, which as I explained earlier is important in terms of when the walks start. Those of you who are familiar with us will know that we do everything possible to use public transport for all our walks and failing that we use the local taxi services. Sometimes on very rare occasions we use cars but we do not condone it. You will also know that as some of the bus routes are very popular, it puts pressure on us trying to get a seat too. That means we try to put some walks on at 9 am so we have a chance of getting on the bus!