The forecast was grim and a serious wet weather and strong winds warning was read out on the coach but it didn’t deter Aycliffe Fell Walking Club from visiting the Lake District for their last trip of the year to these fells.
Hartsop to Ambleside would have entailed some serious climbs but for the weather and most heeded the warning and chose lower routes to Ambleside or the previously planned circular from Ambleside. One group chose to walk up to Threshthwaite Mouth (600m) and, fortunately for them, the weather was not as we had feared. They descended down the side of Park Fell and down into Troutbeck before ascending Wansfell Pike and into Ambleside.
The ‘Hike Planner’ had found a lower route from Hartsop which stayed well below the cloud base. The route went down the west side of Brothers Water and in front of High Hartsop Dodd, skirting Middle Dodd and reaching the halfway point at the Kirkstone Inn. There had been one tricky crossing of a stream that had become a raging torrent but we all got across somehow with varying degrees of success! Unfortunately, the Inn was closed for refurbishment so we agreed to carry on down into Ambleside. There was a good atmosphere in the town as walkers came down earlier than expected. Some chose to go shopping, some relaxed in the many bars available whilst some went on leisurely strolls down to Windermere lakeside and peaceful wooded areas towards Rothay Park.
It turned out that we had all found the crossing of the torrent somewhat arduous with some sporting photos of one who just made it across to the opposite bank looking wet but relieved.
Our next walk is in the Forest of Bowland to Lancaster on Saturday 9th September. It should be another exciting day, whatever the weather, more details are on the website.
It should be noted that AFWC outings involve enough choice so, if you are new to walking, you can choose a shorter walk whilst braver and more experienced walkers may choose the longer and more demanding routes. The walks are not ‘led’ as such, but there are enough walk suggestions for everyone’s needs at a cost (to cover the coach) of only £15 per person per outing. Annual club membership is only £10/ person. The coach picks up walkers in Darlington, Aycliffe Village, Newton Aycliffe, Middridge, Shildon, South Church and Bishop Auckland and frequently Barnard Castle and the Premier Inn at Stockton if on route. If you are interested in joining us on one or more of our walks, visit our website:
www.aycliffefellwalkingclub.com and book a seat on the coach using the online form.