Walks ending at Grasmere 9th June 2024
Thirlmere is a man made reservoir but will provide a photo opportunity for both the A and B walks who are starting their walks from there.
Andy is leading the A walk which is approximately 10 miles and 3000 feet.
Helvellyn is England's 3rd highest mountain at 3116 feet (950 m) so this walk will certainly live up to is A rating. It begins by ascending Sticks Pass which at 2400 feet is one of the highest passes in the Lake District. Whilst this route is hard work with 1800 feet of ascent, it is a nice grassy path and should take about 90 minutes. At this point expansive views in all directions will open up. The walk then goes over Raise and White Side where the giant pyramidal Catstycam begins to dominate the eastwards view. Helvellyn lower man is next which brings us to the summit of Helvellyn with its bird eyes views of Swirral Edge, Red Tarn and Striding Edge (which we usefully avoid!). The walk then proceeds to Nethermost Pike with its alternative views of Striding Edge, Dollywaggon Pike with its crag scenery, then to Grisedale Tarn and Tongue Gill which brings us out close to the Travellers Rest hostelry on the Dunmail Raise road. This is also the place where the coach will pick the group up thereby saving us the extra mile walk into Grasmere.
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Dom is leading the B walk which is approximately 8.5 miles and 1700 ft (principal ascent is 1100 ft) and 2200ft descent.
We begin at the north end of Thirlmere at the car park (toilet facilities available) and follow a lovely forest trail with occasional glimpses of Thirlmere below to our right, and potentially also of red squirrel! Several gills cross our path and we finish our forest walk beside Birkside Gill falls - we will get another view of these later from a different perspective.Crossing the A591 we begin the ascent of Steel Fell - steep but we will take it very slowly and it is shorter than it looks. There are great views north up Thirlmere and back to the Helvellyn range and Birkside Gill. The summit gives good views east, and to our destination: Grasmere. We will take the long route down with views of the Helm and Greenburn valley. Gentle country lanes guide us back to Grasmere village. Poles will be useful in ascent and descent (note there is more descent than ascent) so please bring them if you have them.
Hilda is leading the C walk which is approximately 7 miles and undulating.
It will commence at Kelsick Road, Ambleside and will proceed via Rothay Park, Stony Lane and Nook Lane to Low Sweden Bridge. Next through Rydal Park to Rydal Hall and Dora's Field. Crossing the main road to the shores of Rydal Water, it heads towards White Moss Woods. Then over the River Rothay into Penny Rock Woods before re-crossing the river to follow Loughrigg Beach into Deerbolts Wood. Next comes a gradual climb to the top of Red Bank. The walk is rounded off by a descent through Huntingstile Woods and a final section along the road into Grasmere. This route has been chosen as an alternative to the Coffin Route.