| Lake District - June | ||
(photos Joan Gubbin) |
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| The Lake
District was this year’s walking holiday destination
for 20 Taunton Deane Ramblers. The group had a range of
different walking abilities; for some it was a return to
a favourite walking destination and for others it was
their first trip to what has been voted the most popular
area for ramblers in England. Most of the group had met
up before the holiday and a rough outline plan was made
for a high level walk for each of the days and these were
complemented by suggestions for medium and low level
walks to be agreed day by day. All but two (who had
rented a nearby holiday cottage where they could take
their dog) stayed at the Ouse Bridge Hotel at the top of
Bassenthwaite Lake, taking over almost the whole hotel.
Owners Katie and Stephen Barrie gave the group a very
warm welcome on their arrival on a sunny Sunday afternoon
in September and the first evening meal set the very high
standard for the rest of the week. We realised that
we would have to do some serious walking if we were to
justify a full cooked breakfast and the freshly cooked
three courses at dinner! The walks were self-guided using
published walks from books, magazines and, of course,
Wainwright! Each evening everyone met up in the lounge
before dinner, drinks were ordered and plans for the next
day’s walking were suggested and agreed, sharing out
the cars and the driving amongst the group. The first day we all set out for Blencathra, one of the nearest peaks and took an oblique route to the summit. It was quite a long climb and halfway up four members decided they would prefer to explore the lower slopes and having fixed a rendezvous time for the cars the rest continued up to the summit and then crossed over to the top of Scale Edge for lunch watching other walkers attempt this difficult climb. Two members who relish a challenge took the Edge route down while the return for the majority was a ridgeway and then a path through bracken down to the foot followed by a pleasant sunny walk back to the start and a very welcome pint before driving home. Day two saw the party divide into two with those wishing to take things at a more leisurely pace opting for a circular walk along the east side of Bassenthwaite and the rest heading for Honister Pass for a walk leading to Great Gable. A light mist at the start hid this well-known peak from view and maps, compasses and GPS came into their own! At the base of the final climb to the top the group divided into two – some opting for the shorter route up to Green Gable via Windy Gap and the rest girding their loins for a stiff scramble over boulders to the top. They were rewarded by the mist lifting and spectacular views while they lunched in the sunshine before descending via a slightly easier route to rejoin the others for the return to the cars. Day three was all change again with five heading off for Helvellyn via Dollywagon Pike where they were joined by a lone walker uncertain whether to tackle the ascent alone in the mist. He felt quite safe however in the company of a group whose home territory is mostly on the levels! Nine opted for a walk setting off from Buttermere via Scale Force and into the empty valley of Mosedale. The day was warm and sunny and finding a pub that brewed its own beer at lunch time was too good to miss before the return along Crummock Water with a few opting for a final challenge over Rannerdale Knotts. Just to remind us of how changeable the weather can be in the Lake District day four started misty and damp. Some opted for a rest day exploring the tourist attractions of the area but seven decided on a shorter walk from Rossthwaite up to the delightful village of Watendlath where a cosy farmhouse kitchen offered warming drinks and flapjacks that tasted out of this world. Continuing on to Dock tarn the fine mist turned to rain and it was agreed that a late lunch at the pub in Stonethwaite was preferable to a watery picnic. As with most hostelries in the Lakes wet coats and boots are well catered for and on emerging half an hour or so later the rain had stopped for the final mile or so to the cars. Others chose a boat trip across Derwentwater before climbing Catbells, with ethereal, monochromatic views through the mist. Having returned, the leader read that in one recent year there had been seven accidents on Catbells, none fatal! Katie and Barrie had agreed to serve an early supper that evening and, showered and spruced up the group left for the Theatre by the Lake in Keswick for a performance of Rattigan’s The Deep Blue Sea. Day five dawned dry and sunny, perfect for a boat trip on Ullswater combined with a walk along the lakeside and some also included Aira Force. The rest set off to tackle the Newlands Horseshoe, a spectacular walk on a fine day with a climb up and along one ridge, over a couple of peaks and a return along another ridge and down Scope End. For the sixth and last walking day the group divided into three with some opting for a walk round Buttermer with time to enjoy the home made ice-cream before visiting Scale Force, others taking the route up to Angle Tarn and walking over to Hayeswater, and those still looking for a challenge attempting Scafell from Wasdale Head. A dislodged boulder warning of problems ahead diverted them to Scafell Pike, the satisfaction of climbing the highest Lakeland peak making up for any disappointment over the change of plan. Once again the weather was perfect for all the groups out walking – sunny with a slight breeze. The day of departure came and with it grateful thanks to the Barries and their welcoming staff for making our holiday so memorable. We were not the only ones to be leaving – Katie, Stephen and their son had decided they too needed a holiday after looking after the TDRG for a week! And what were the highlights? Excellent food, good company, inimitable walking and only one day of rain! Captions to pics top left:- The whole group (plus dog and minus photographer) before setting out for Blencathera top right:- View from the high point of the Newlands Horseshoe
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