Today’s Walks
Strenuous Leader: Selwyn Williams Distance: 10 miles (2750 ft)
Exelsior (for the benefit of those fortunate enough not to have suffered Latin at school, it means Uppards) and there’s a lot of that today – Helvellyn the target and Striding Edge the route. Over to Wainwright: “Striding Edge is the finest ridge there is in Lakeland for walkers – its traverse is always an exhilarating adventure in fair weather or foul, and it can be made easy or difficult according to choice. The danger of accident is present only when a high wind is blowing or when the rocks are iced. In a mist on a calm day, the edge is a really fascinating place”. So there you have it. Just how much more fun can you have standing up?
Moderate Leader: Jim Eaton Distance : 8 miles
From the car park we make our way towards Ullswater and stroll for half a mile along the beautiful banks. Sad to say we have to leave the lake behind us and cross the busy main road, so great care is needed. Once safely across we start a long, steady climb, up to a hill known as “Sheffield Pike”. We plan to do this ascent in nice easy stages with plenty of rest stops, so we can get our breath back and enjoy the views of Ullswater below us. At the top it can be quite windy, even on good days – so be warned! Windy or not we make our way towards an old open quarrying area where we may do lunch. From here we get onto a rugged and stony part of the famous Wainwright Way to begin our descent back to Glenridding and its cafes and pub.
Alternative ‘Easier’ Moderate Leader: Derek Lee Distance: 7 miles
Today’s walk takes us on a circuit of Grisedale valley. After a sharp 150 ft climb on the road out of Glenridding, we follow a gently climbing path along the south side of the valley close to the river for two miles, before facing up to a rocky 300 ft ascent to the head of the valley – worth it for the views although the village and lake are hidden by the curve of the valley. The return path on the north side stays higher up the hillside and gives a completely different view of the valley. Before returning to the village, we have another 150 ft climb up to the pretty Lanty’s Tarn and a stunning view of the lake and village from the hilltop towering 400 ft right above the village. The last lap is the descent to Rattlebeck Bridge and a sheltered riverside walk back to Glenridding.
Easy Leader: Ruth Melling & Hazel Anderton Distance: 4 – 5 miles
From the car park, up through the village. Slow steady climb beside the brook to the mine workings. Crossing the bridge, then walking along the aqueduct above the stream. Georgous views across the lake and down the valley. Following the path round Lanty’s Tarn, down through the wood, and back to Glenridding.