CARTMEL, CUMBRIA

SUNDAY, 31ST OCTOBER 2010

Coach Leader: Peter Denton

Coach Leaves at 5.00 pm

Please read these coach notes carefully - they will help you to decide which walk will be the most suitable for you. If you have any doubts, do not hesitate to ask the leader for advice. For the safety and enjoyment of yourself and others, please try not to join a walk which is beyond your capabilities.
Please respect the wishes of the walks leader and remain with the walk until the end. If you are struggling - inform the walk leader so that he/she can make a decision to shorten the walk, have more rest, etc.

TODAY'S WALKS

Strenuous Leader: Rowland Nock Distance: 11 miles

From Cartmel we head out east past the Priory on the Cistercian Way climbing Hampsfell (220 m) with its wonderful observation tower giving panoramic views, including the Kent Estuary, Morecambe Bay, and beyond. We then wend our way round Cartmel near Allithwaite heading on past Birkby Hall and eventually picking up the Cumbrian Coastal Way.
We then head up gently onto How Barrow (170m) again giving spectacular views this time including Cartmel Sands to which the waters of Lake Windermere flow via the River Leven. We will carry on along the Cumbrian Coastal Path a little way eventually returning back to Cartmel via Speel Bank, Tram Wood and Park Wood. Finally, exiting Park Wood back to the car park via the race course. Hopefully, there will time for some well earned tea and tiffin or even a pint!

Moderate Leader: Peter Denton Distance: 9 miles

Today we start this walk crossing over the racecourse into the Park Wood. Up to Well Knowe then on to Wall Nook and Over Ridge. Then head for Burns Farm where we join the Cumbria Coastal Way up to Speel Bank then we head down Ellerside. Then back on to the Cumbria Coastal Way and back to Cartmel.

Leisurely Leader: Margaret Black & Stephen Balenski Distance: 7 miles

We start with a level walk across the racecourse following the Cistercian Way, turning off at Low Bank farm to continue over mainly gentle rolling fields and pasture land. There are a few stiles stepped into the boundary walls along the way. After a short stretch of road there is a very gradual climb along the side and over the crest of Hampsfield Fell, with good views of the Kent Estuary and Morecambe Bay. However, before rejoining the Cistercian Way to walk downhill back to Cartmel, if weather conditions allow, a very short diversion to an observation tower known as the Hospice on top of the fell gives a wonderful panoramic view of the area.

Easy Leader: Sue Daniels Distance : About 6.5 miles

This walk is generally easy walking and has gentle climbs and descents with wonderful views of Coniston Fells and the Leven Estuary. The walk leaves from Cartmel's racecourse and climbs steadily through woodland and over pastures. It continues to Speel Bank, a sylvan, isolated area, where there is a deer farm. The route goes on below Mount Barnard and along the Cistercian Way to finish back at Cartmel for some well deserved refreshments.

NOTES ON THE AREA

Cartmel is on the southern fringes of the Lake District, between the mountains and the sea. The village huddles around a massive priory church, which was part of a monastery founded in 1188 by William Marshall, Earl of Pembroke. When the monasteries were dissolved by Henry VIII in 1536-1540 the priory was saved because it doubled as the parish church.

The rest of the monastery fell into ruins, except for the gatehouse which now forms an attractive entrance to the village square. It was built at about 1330 as a fortified tower for the priory. At the dissolution it was being used as a courthouse; from 1625 to 1790 it was used as a school, and is now a craft shop. The nearby obelisk is 18th century.

There are second hand bookshops and craft galleries around and near the square, several village pubs and a couple of cafes and speciality food shops. Cartmel Racecourse holds meetings at spring and summer bank holidays.

The priory's most unusual feature is the tower. For some reason, when the tower was heightened in the 15th century, it was built on a diagonal, giving the church a distinctive appearance. Inside there are intricate carvings dating from 1450 on the tip-up seats of the choir stalls. In 1618 the church was re-roofed and the screen carved. The archway of the north door has elaborate dog-toothed moulding.

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

NEXT RAMBLE;

Sunday, 28th November 2010. Delamere Forest, Cheshire..

Leaders: Strenuous: Linda Williams, Moderate: Sue Daniels, Leisurely: Hazel Anderton & Joan McGlinchey, Easy: Norma Carmichael.

Bookings Derek Lee. Coach pick-up times: Ormskirk bus station 8.40 am, Railway Road, Skelmersdale 8.50 am, Skelmersdale Baths car park 9.00 am.

Will walk leaders please let Jackie have details of their walks as far before the walk as possible. At least a week would be nice. Thanks. Those who have the technology can e-mail your notes - please use the address on the Contacts page.

SKELMERSDALE CHURCHES RAMBLING CLUB

Saturday, 13th November 2010. Ramsbottom, Lancashire.

Please note that, although I am including this for information, this ramble is presently booked up with a substantial waiting list!

Coach leaves Ormskirk Bus Station 8.30 am, Railway Road Bus Stop 8.40 am, Skelmersdale Baths Car Park 8.50 am, Upholland Labour Club 9.00 am. Bookings: Jackie Gudgeon. Coach Fare £9 (non-members £10).

RAMBLERS ASSOCIATION WEST LANCS GROUP

Saturday, 6th November 2010. 10.30 am. Delamere Forest from Visitor Centre by Delamere Station. 8 miles.

Wednesday, 17th November 2010. 1.00 pm. Downholland from St Michaels Church, Aughton. 5 miles.

Sunday, 21st November 2010. 11.00 am. Mawdesley Circular from Hurst Green car park. 8 miles.

Sunday, 5th December 2010. 10.30 am. Rivington from Great House Barn. 8 miles.

SEFTON & DISTRICT FOOTPATH GROUP

Sunday, 14th November 2010. Crosby Station, Linear walk to Hightown.

Walks are between 5 & 6 miles. Tel: Carol or Clare for more details.

CLUB NOTES

COACH BOOKING

Please ensure that, before boarding your coach on the return journey, you complete your booking for the next ramble. It would be helpful if you could tell the coach booking officer if you do not intend to book for the next coach.

PLEASE TRY TO BE BACK FROM YOUR CUP OF TEA OR PINT IN PLENTY OF TIME TO BOOK THE NEXT RAMBLE BEFORE BOARDING THE COACH. YOU WILL APPRECIATE THAT IT IS NOT FAIR TO THE OTHER PASSENGERS OR TO THE COACH DRIVER IF THE COACH IS LATE IN LEAVING.

LOST PROPERTY

Left on the Ingleton coach, walking pole - red - no make on it. Please ring Jackie to arrange collection.

Please make every effort to ensure that, when you leave the bus, you take all your possessions with you. Please check the luggage rack, under the seat, etc, not to mention the boot. Please try not to take anyone else's stuff. Thanks.

If anything is left behind on the bus when we get to Ormskirk, I usually take it home with me (being last to get off) so please ring me as soon as you notice if you are missing anything - Jackie.

Return to Top of Page

SKELMERSDALE RAMBLING CLUB