Today’s Walks
Strenuous Leader: Jimmy Need Distance:
This walk is a circuit of fells. What this walk lacks in miles, it makes us for in strenuous – the Old Man has still got a good kick. Make sure you bring plenty of water with you if weather is hot.
We make our way out of the village past the Sun Hotel – could this be a good omen for us? Church Beck is our next port of call followed by grassy and heather slopes which bring us up to Low Water and the old copper mines. From here we have a rather pleasant walk up to meet the old man and hopefully get some stunning all round views. After lunch, a nice ridge to Swirl How awaits us, followed by a descent to the gap between Swirl How and Wetherlam. We then make our way up to the summit of Wetherlam then have a ridge walk descending back to Coniston.
Moderate Leader: Peter Denton: Distance: About 7 miles
From Coniston we have a steady climb along the road to Heathwaite where we take a path bringing us to New Intake and Little Arrow Intake to reach waterfalls at Torver Beck. Mostly climbing up to this point where we will find a nice spot for lunch. We then follow Torver Beck into Little Arrow where we cross the main road and through Heathwaite Farm and down to the shores of Coniston Water. The final two miles or so are a pleasant walk along the lake back into town. Note that the walk is mostly uphill during the morning, followed by an afternoon of downhill and level walking.
Leisurely Leader: Norma Carmichael Distance: Approx 6.8 miles
The walk will start shortly after the toilet break and will walk up towards Shepherds Bridge. This leads on to the Cumbria Way towards an old building. There is a slight incline as we go towards Tarn Cottages. The walk is on grassy paths and tracks, and part road. There are a few stiles. Highest point 270 metres, and there are excellent views on Tarn Hows, weather permitting.
Easy Leader: Hazel Anderton & Ruth Melling Distance: 5 miles
The walk takes us round the top of the lake and through part of Grizedale Forest. We gradually climb up into the forest with one or two short steeper bits, but nothing too strenuous, where we have some lovely views across the lake. We walk along forest tracks, then down footpaths through the trees until we meet the lane leading to Brantwood and the ferry back to Coniston. The fare is just over £3. There is only one stile, and it is generally good underfoot.
There will not be time for a coffee break before the walk today, sorry! It is more important to get to Brantwood and the ferry to make sure that we get back to Coniston in plenty of time.