Kirkby Lonsdale, Cumbria Sunday 28th February 2010

Today’s Walks

Strenuous Leader: Dag Griffiths     Distance: 12 miles

First we go through the town centre to take in ‘Ruskin’s View’ and then we walk back along the Lune to Devil’s Bridge, from where we begin a figure of eight walk. After passing through the village of High Casterton we cross a dismantled railway and the site of a Roman road en route to Bindloss Farm. We then make our way to Casterton Fell, getting the ‘climb’ out of the way before lunch – highest point just over 400 metres. On our return a combination of lane, paths and bridleway will take us via Langthwaite to the village of Casterton. From there we skirt Casterton Hall before taking footpaths back to Devil’s Bridge.

Moderate Leader: Peter Denton     Distance: 8 miles

Our walk today, if the weather holds out, starts with an uphill climb that gets gentler as we get into the ramble and out to ‘Cragg House Farm’. Under the disused railway, then over the Roman road, out to Bindloss Farm and on to the ridge, Fellfoot Road. Here we will take our lunch break. We then head down into and around Casterton, the Hall, Marigold Well?, Casterton Park, round the golf course and down into Kirkby Lonsdale for a well earned cup of tea and look around the town, or maybe a pint!

Leisurely Leader: Norma Carmichael & Joan McGlinchey     Distance : Approx. 6.5 miles

We start with this popular walk from Kirkby Lonsdale. After crossing the main road we will enter a field. Look out for the creature in the garden shed. The first part of the walk takes us up a short but not too steep hill but once completed there is little climbing after that. We will continue the walk via Bigging, Sellet Mill to Whittington. One part of the walk takes us down a shallow stone beck which can be slippy, the rest of the walk is okay. There are quite a few stiles to get over and parts of the walk, although not too steep, is muddy and sticks would be helpful for some. Once we reach Whittington we take a short break in the village pub or sit outside before we continue. We return walking along the banks of the Lune river. Apart from muddy bits, it’s a very enjoyable walk. (we will meet by the toilets).

Easy Leader: Cynthia Prescott & Margaret Black     Distance: 5 miles

Today’s walk includes a pleasant variety of landscape, from meadow to quiet hedgerowed lanes, taking us out to the village of Whittington and returning alongside the River Lune. It is quite undulating at first, but pausing to admire the views across to Yorkshire and down the Lune valley will help in passing over the hilly parts. There are stiles throughout the walk, and care will be needed along one short but stony footpath which partially follows a small beck (this can be avoided if weather dictates). Upon reaching Whittington it is then a gradual downhill walk to the River Lune for a lunch stop. Then footpath and meadow back to Kirkby Lonsdale.