Despite an adverse weather forecast for rain, 32 Aycliffe Fell Waking Club members joined the coach for AFWC’s first of four outings this year to the Lake District. The Helvellyn Range was their target, with walks between Legburthwaite and Grasmere. However, there was no rain, but most chose to avoid the highest peaks like Helvellyn and Dollywagon Pike since the cloud level would have obscured any views from the top. Many chose to climb the slightly lower peaks of Greenup Edge and High Raise, to the west, whilst others stuck to more lowland paths with a potential lunch stop of climbing to Grisedale Tarn and the scenic views from there. For myself, I got to Middletow on the way up to Greenup Edge, but felt very dizzy. I was very grateful to Colin who accompanied me, cutting across the fell to the well-made path coming from Greenup Edge. On our way down to Grasmere we encountered a huge flock of sheep being ushered up the lane by two dogs and a whistling farmer! We caused him a few problems as the sheep shot into an open-gated field to avoid us. He managed to recover them all and it was fascinating to see the dogs working to his commands. The sheep carried on their way whilst all walkers arrived safely in Grasmere for the usual refreshments and engaging chatter.
The next walk on Saturday 13th June is in the North Yorkshire Moors, with a selection of walks between Sutton Bank, Helmsley and Osmotherley, taking in sections of the Cleveland Way with other options across the moorland and Cleveland Hills.
Aycliffe Fell Walking Club is a very friendly walking club. Please look at the website: aycliffefellwalkingclub.com for further details or if you are interested in joining us. Annual membership of £10 runs from January to December with each walk outing costing £15 to cover the cost of the coach. Feel free to join us on the next walk. We look forward to your interest.