3 Tarns (Harrop, Blea, Watenlath) These three lovely tarns in the vicinity of Thirlmere are just sufficiently adjacent to provide a good day's walk.

Allerdale Ramble   This is a well-graded walk, mostly easy going, set down on an existing network of footpaths and bridleways in the area. The whole walk is too much for one outing and Ian has divided it into two interesting outings.  

Angle, Sprinkling, Styhead Tarns  High up above Borrowdale are a number of attractive stretches of water, large, medium and tiny. These three are arguably the most well-known, Angle Tarn, the furthest away, lies above Langdale while the other two are quite close to each other, at the foot of great End.

Ard Crags and Knott Rigg  Deep in the Newlands Valley, tucked between the soaring heights of Robinson and Sail are the more modest yet sharply steep peaks of Ard Crags and Knott Rigg. Approached via the imfamous 'Purple House', you will venture on to footpaths you never knew existed.

Back O' Skidda  The huge tract of land behind the masifs of Skiddaw and Blencathra is known locally as the 'Back O' Skidda'. It is said that this lonely, undulating area is the last part of Lakeland where you can walk all day and not see another soul - that has certainly been my experience on occasion. In the past it was extensively mined for lead, tungsten and other minerals.

Bakestall/Skiddaw  In the wid, Northern extremities of the Lake District there are a number of mountains that few seem to bother about. One such is Bakestall, the northerly outrider of the Skiddaw range. A truly exhilarating ascent is made up Birkett Edge and Dead Crags before one joins the main approach to Skiddaw.

Bannerdale/Blencathra   As you drive westwards towards Keswick along the A66, The Blencathra range comes into view on the left as you reach the highest point on the road, Troutbeck. Bannerdale lies out of sight behind the crags of Blencathra and White Horse Bent. When you approach the top, ask the leader to show you the white stone cross laid down by a Threlkeld man about sixty years ago.

Barf and Lord's Seat   Rising above Thornthwaite to the north of Whinlatter is the sharp summit of Barf with its famous white Bishop's Stone (your leader will enlighten you on this.) Higher ground to the west leads to Lord's Seat almost a mile away.

Bassenthwaite Village and Whitewater Dash  Taking advantage of a series of little-used footpaths from Bassenthwaite to Peter House, the walk then joins the Cumbria Way leading to Dash Falls and Skiddaw House before returning to Keswick.

Black Sail Hut   Black Sail Pass links the valleys of Wasdale and Ennerdale. A wonderful scenic walk takes us to the Black Sail Hut, now a youth hostel, nestling in Ennerdale just below the pass.  

Bleaberry Fell and High Seat  This Fell, like Skiddaw, Grisedale Pike, Latrigg etc. can be seen from most parts of Keswick but for some reason is not as popular or well known as the aforementioned. From Keswick, it lies beyond Walla Crag and is some 600 feet higher. Happily, the rough, eroded path to the summit is under repair, which will make it easier on the knees.

Beneath Blencathra  The massif of Blencathra consists of five huge fells, Blease, Gategill, Halls Fell, Doddick and Scales, spreading from north to south like the fingers of a great hand. Several paths explore the lower reaches of these fells where one is high enough to take in the lovely views. One can also observe the evidence of mining operations of a bygone era.

Blencathra via Doddick Fell  The mountain of Blencathra consits of five main fells, or 'fingers', Blease, Gategill, Halls, Doddick and Scales fells. The three middle fells all rise from south to north to the summit ridge.

Bog House  Generally in the area between Derwentwater and Bassenthwaite, this is another of Ian's entertaining low-level walks making good use of his fine knowledge of the network of footpaths in the Lake District

Bowfell and Esk Pike  Looking from the north towards the Scafell Massif, you will see what appears to be a smaller hump just to the left of the cluster. This is Esk Pike, a giant in its own right but dwarfed somewhat by the highest grond in England. To the left of Esk Pike is the shapely pyramid of Bowfell, a fine day's walk.

Bowscale and Blencathra   Towering above the village of Threlkeld, mighty Blencathra or 'Saddleback' as it is known locally is a firm favourite of visitors to Lakeland. Approached in this instance from the back, so to speak, the walk takes in the great upland plateau of Bowscale.  

Brandreth and Grey Knotts  On the top of Honister Pass walkers bound for Ennerdale and Great Gable first ascend the line of the old gravity railway, what Wainwright called 'the straightest mile in lakeland.'  Instead of following the paths to the aforementioned destinations, a faint path rises in an easterly direction leading eventually to todays objectives.

Brothers Parting Stone   It's all to do with a family once famous in the area and where the brothers ----- but I'll let the leader tell you the interesting story.

Burnt Horse. There are lots of places in Lakeland bearing strange names - and this fell back o' Skiddaw is one of them. There are also many conflicting stories as to how these names came about, many are corruptions of Viking words, but lets not bother with all that, this is an excellent walk with sweeping views.

Buttermere Crag Hill   Of the three main mountains overlooking Buttermere, Crag Hill is the nearer to the Mines and quarries of Honister, to the left of High Stile as you look at the across the lake. On the summit you will be treated to superb views of Ennerdale, Pillar and beyond.

Buttermere Red Pike   A lake of immense charm that has inspired many a poet and writer, Buttermere is equally famous for the range of three 2000ft+ mountains rising on its south-western shores. The most northerly in the range is Red Pike, the middle one High stile and at the other end, Crag Hill. The views on a clear day are spectacular - don't forget the camera.  

Carrock to Keswick  Carrock Fell lies is one of the last fells on the eastern perimeter of the lakeland Mountains. Thereafter the  Eden plain stretches somewhat flatly for 20 or so miles before the uplands of the Penines rises from the peat bogs. The remains of a British fort are still very much a feature of the summit of Carrock.

Castle Crag and Millican Dalton's Cave.  Formerly a walling stone quarry, Castle Crag is now a silent reminder of a once thriving industry. The summit is a war memorial and a plaque bears the names of the local men killed in the Great War. Between the wars, an eccentric, Millican Dalton, self appointed 'Professor of Adventure' set up home in a couple of the more remote caves. One of his carved slogans can still be seen. Your guide will give you the full story.

Castle Crag  Situated in the jaws of Borrowdale beyond the end of Derwentwater this little summit offers splendid views for a minimum of effort. Some years ago a bearded eccentric (not one of the leaders) who styled himself 'Professor of Adventure' lived in a cave on this crag.  

Catbells  This romantically named fell attracts visitors in their droves, some of whom baulk at the steep rise to gain its summit. Modest in height, it is nonetheless a superb viewpoint as the focal point of a day-long lakeside ramble.

Causey Pike  A familiar sight to the Keswick visitor, but not so many can put a name to it. Across the other side of Derwentwater, eyes are drawn to a mountain, the peak of which comprises, from this angle, three nobbly bits. Well, this is Causey Pike, a fine, airy walk with lovely views in good weather.

Clough Head  To the south of the village of Threlkeld, Clough Head rises well above 2000ft. On approach, the sheer cliff below the summit seems unbreachable until a narrow but perfectly safe trod suddenly becomes apparent.

Coast to Coast Day 3 (NE)  Popularised by the late A. Wainwright, the Coast to Coast walk is more popular than ever and has spawned on or two small business ventures, ie, you can get your days planned, accommodation booked and your backpack and luggage carried between stops. This walk explores the route normally covered during the third day.

Cockup  I don't know how some of the Lakeland Fells acquired their names, I suppose they are corruptions of long-forgotten Viking names. This fell, once a grouse shoot, lies to the north of Skiddaw, not too far from Dash Falls.  

Coledale  The area surrounding the old Force Crag mine workings is known as Coledale. There are numerous tracks and paths, formed and frequented in the past by shepherds and miners, all long gone. An interesting walk along these interconnected tracks makes for a good day out.

Coledale Horseshoe   Two and a half miles west of Keswick, above the valley of Newlands, there rises what A. Wainwright termed the 'North-Western fells'. Viewed from the air, the mountains of Grisedale Pike, Crag Hill, Sail, Scar Crags and Causey Pike take the shape of a great switchback horseshoe - hence the name of this longer walk.

Crummock   Crummock Water is separated from Buttermere by a few hundred metres of pasture land and stretches in a north-westerly direction. The walk is equally enjoyable in a clockwise or anti-clockwise direction.

Dale Head Tarn   At the top of the hause between Dale head and High Spy, the footpaths converge on Dale Head Tarn with its fine view of Newlands. Look for the plentiful evidence of mining activity of yesteryear around this area.

Dale Head   As the name suggests, this mountain is at the head of the dale, in fact Newlands, where it stands like a sentinal guarding this beautiful enclosed valley. There are several attractive ascents and that used depends upon conditions and the whim of the leader.

Darling How and Broom Fell  Beyond the now shrinking forest of Whinlatter lies the remote Aitken Valley and the quiet fells where green and grassy paths, seldom trodden by walkers boots, criss-cross the sheep pastures. Eventually, we leave the sheep and rejoin the human race at Whinlatter.

Dash Falls and Skiddaw House  Leaving the village of Bassenthwaite, a gentle rise over three miles brings us on to the Cumbria Way above Dash Farm and shortly afterwards the falls come into view. After a break we go on to lunch at Skiddaw House, a shepherd's bothy when I was a lad but now a Youth Hostel.

Derwentwater scenic and high route There are numerous ways to explore the area surrounding  Derwentwater and  many special points from which to observe the breathtaking beauty of the 'Queen of Lakes'. No-one knows them better than your leader - don't forget the camera.

Derwentwater Terraces  Overlooking Derwentwater on the western side are a series of footpaths and bridleways, no great height so not a great deal of hard work.

Dock Tarn   Above the village of Stonethwaite a zig-zag path leads to the bracken clad heights and the summit of High Crag. Nestling below is the secluded little Dock Tarn. A fine walk off the beaten track.

Eagle Crag  A bus ride into Borrowdale is followed by a stroll to the hamlet of Stonethwaite, passing the tiny but still alive Borrowdale School on the way. Rising sharply almost a mile away, Eagle Crag sits astride the valleys of Greenup and Langstrath.

Fairfield/Horseshoe The mountain of Fairfield gives its name to the famous Horseshoe which begins and ends at Rydal, taking in eight separate peaks. The total horseshoe is around 11 miles and offers wonderful views. The highest point, Fairfield, is often climbed as a separate outing, approached from Dunmail Raise near the old Cumberland/Westmoreland boundary.

Fleetwith Pike  At the top of the pass, where the Honister quarry burrows into the fells on each side of the road, the defuct rail track on the southerly side provides a way of ascent to a meeting of paths and access to the summit of Fleetwith Pike overlooking Buttermere and Crummock.  

Floutern Tarn and Great Bourne  There are no less than five Mosedales in the Lake District and one of them lies to the south west of Crummock Water and which is touched upon in reaching our objectives for today.

Gasgale   Gasgale Gill drains the water from high Coledale Hause, running between the mountains of Grasmoor and Whiteside down to Lanthwaite Green. A path runs the length of the gill, taking the walker to its source on Coledale.

Gategill and the Lead Mines   Up past the kennels of the Blencathra Foxhounds, the slopes of Saddleback were a hive of mining activity in times past, and much of it around Gategill, the middle of the 'five fingers. of Blencathra.

Gillercombe Horseshoe Deep into Borrowdale, at the end of the bus line at Seatoller, the walk either begins by walking the mile or so to the hamlet of Seathwaite and following Sourmilk Gill upwards to the hanging valley of Gillercombe and taking in the mountains that enclose it to return by Honister or, of course, going round the other way.

Glaramara  Rising steeply above Seatoller in Borrowdale is the ridge comprising Bessyboot (love that name) Glaramara and Allan Crags before leading off on to Esk Hause at the far end. Whichever approach is taken, a good walk is assured.

Glenderamakin and Greta  Below the the towering height of Clough Head, between Threlkeld village and the quarry, the waters of The Glenderamakin and the Greta meet. The lod railway line accompanies the Greta to Keswick from thereon, where it flows into the Derwent and on to Bassenthwaite Lake.  

Glenderaterra Valley and Lonscale  A deep gully runs between Blease Fell, the westermost 'finger' of Blencathra and Lonscale Fell, the easterly outrider of the Skiddaw massif. This gully takes its name from the beck which flows through it, the Glenderaterra Beck. The valley still displays much evidence of the mining activity of yesteryear.

Gowbarrow, Little Mell and Aira Force  Spreading further afield from our usual territory we venture into the vicinity of Ullswater. Gowbarrow Fell is probably most famous for Glencoyne Park at its eastern foot where one can see the decendants of Wordsworth's "Dancing daffodils." Little Mell is an easy stroll and Aira Force is a famous beauty spot,

Grange, Brown Dodd and Lodore  A hundred or so years ago, the village of Grange, in Borrowdale was a centre of Cumbrian Methodism. he only evidence left today are the three churches (one of which has closed) and the lack of a pub! Across the pretty bridge over the river Derwent and a steady rise brings us to Brown Dodd. Thereafter an undulating stroll over the higher ground precedes  the descent close to Lodore Falls.

Grasmoor   The highest of what is termed the 'Western Fells', the western flank of Grasmoor rises steeply from Lanthwaite Green on the Lorton-Buttermere road. The eastern approach from Coledale Hause is more gentle. Views on a clear day are extensive in all directions.  

Great Calva    Tucked away  in the vast wilderness 'Back o' Skidda' are several mountains in excess of 2000 feet. One of these is Great Calva. Savour the peace and solitude of this quiet backwater, away from the bustle and congestion of the central Lakes.

Great Gable   A great favourite, this internationally known mountain affords the walker a wonderful feeling of achievement once the summit has been reached. Some routes now suffer from advanced erosion, Gable being a victim of its own popularity, but rely upon your leader to take you up and down the best routes.

Grisedale Pike Soaring to more than 2500 ft, Grisedale Pike is a feature of the skyline beyond the village of Braithwaite to the west of Keswick. Such is its popularity that the tourist paths are very worn and eroded. Believe it or not, your leader takes you up a well-graded green trod with stunning retrospective views. (If it's a fine day there's the chance of a pint towards the end of the walk)

Hawes End to Grange  A pleasant trip on the Derwentwater launch is a prelude to the walk today. The route to Dale Head tarn depends upon the whim of the leader - all are equally enjoyable. The descent path to the old pony route leading to Grange passes the defunct workings of one of the many lead mines worked hereabouts in times past.

Haystacks  Tagging on the end of the Buttermere fells is the rugged, if modest, Haystacks. Within easy reach of Honister, it was the undoubted favourite of the late Alfred Wainwright, the legendary guidebook writer. It has three tarns at various heights and following his death in 1991 it was beside the middle one, Inominate Tarn that his ashes were placed in accordance with his wishes.

Helvellyn  This is the most visited mountain in Lakeland and really needs no introduction. Our leaders ascend via a variety of routes and, whatever the weather, you can be sure of plenty company when you get to the cross shelter on the summit.

Hidden Valley of Shoulthwaite Ian McQueen, with his encyclopedic knowledge of the area, has devised some walks in areas off the beaten track. His valley walks take in charming old footways and places where feet seldom tread. 

Hidden Valley of Wythop   On the westerly side of Bassenthwaite Lake the forest of Whinlatter gives way to the Wythop forest and Barf rises steeply opposite the White Swan hotel. A little further on a well-graded forest path gives access to the secluded Wythop Valley.

High Coledale and Barrow      Behind the village of Braithwaite the Western Fells rise around the valley of Coledale wherein lies the redundant Force Crag mine. To the south, the fell of Barrow slopes almost to the edge of the village.  

High Rigg and Stone Circle  A stroll along the old line of the railway track brings us almost to Threlkeld before cutting off across the fields to St. John's in the Vale. A roundabout route taking in the minor fell of High Rigg takes us on to High Nest farm and then the Neolithic stone circle on our way back to Keswick.

High Rigg and Tewet Tarn  As you approach Keswick from Threlkeld on the A66, just past Clough Head and the old quarries on your left, you will catch a glimpse of a tarn set amid the the rugged, undulating little tors of Low and High Rigg, this is the area covered by the walk.  

High Spy and Maiden Moor  A bus journey into Borrowdale takes us to the village of Grange and on through Hollows Farm to below Narrow Moor. It is here that the tough, unremitting slog begins but we pause quite often and have the comforting thought that all the hard work will be completed in the next 90 minutes. Thereafter is a long, level ridge walk with stunning views before we drop into Newlands passing the old Yewthwaite mine.

High Street and Thornthwaite Crag   Down below Ullswater brings us into the midst of what Wainwright called 'the eastern fells'. High Street is a former Roman highway, the original path of which can still be traced. A century or so ago it was known as 'Racecourse Hill' and jolly festivals and racing events took place. A mile away stands the famous eleven foot beacon marking the summit of Thornthwaite Crag.

High Tove, Watendlath, Rosthwaite   Moving in a southerly direction from Bleaberry Fell and High Seat, the walker reaches the slightest of rises which couldn't possibly be a seperate peak - but it is, this is High Tove. A short descent leads to the hamlet of Watendlath and then over the col to Rosthwaite.

Hindscarth  The middle one of the three main tops in the longer walk 'The Newlands Horseshoe' , Hindscarth is perhaps the most noticable from the valley. Although a steep ascent, the views are excellent and you have the satisfaction of knowing that you have earned your evening pint.  

Honister to Lakeshore  A nice easy stroll from the working Quarry of Honister through the Borrowdale Valley and the Lakeside path makes for a pleasant day out.

Johnny's Wood and Borrowdale   A beautiful little corner of Lakeland much beloved of the late Alfred Wainwright. Little paths criss-cross the landscape and your leader is familiar with every one of them.

Keskadale Yaks   Again, one of Ian McQueen's 'off the beaten track' walks. A delightful ramble in the vicinity of the Newlands Valley.

Kings How, Jopplety, Brown Dodd As you enter Borrowdale, the fine rock-climbing faces of Falcon Crag and Shepherds Crag are passed to your right. Further on, as the Village of Grange is approached, King's How (called locally Grange Fell) rises on the right, the other two objectives being quite close.

Kirk Fell  Above the Ennerdale Valley a long, high ridge of a mountain rises between Great Gable and Pillar. Lovely and contrasting views are to be had in all directions, particularly the steep western aspect of Great Gable. Your leader will approach from Honister, making use of an old smugglers path known as the 'Moses Trod'  

Ladyside Pike and Hobcarton Pike   Roughly midway on the narrow country road that links Whinlatter and Lorton, the path on Swinside rises, initially steeply through a chicane of stone walls and then a gentle sloping grassy path to a ridge. The ridge continues on to first, Ladyside Pike and then Hobcarton Crag (Often better known as Hopegill head)

Langstrath  Beyond the hamlet of Stonethwaite the walker is confronted by the huge bulk of Eagle Crag. To either side lies a lovely valley, to the right is Greenup and to the left is Langstrath, beloved of walker making for the Langdales or perhaps Bowfell. The valley itself offers a superb low-level walk.

Little Dale   In the valley of Newlands there are several little nooks and cannies tucked away in some quiet byway and seldom visited by walkers. Such a place is Little Dale, nestling between the mighty Robinson and Hindscarth and deserted since the cessation of mining activity over a century ago.  

Little Dale and Hindscarth   This walk proceeds up the mighty flanks of Hindscarth from the environs of the above walk in Little Dale. A strenuous but superb route takes you to the roof of Newlands and you can certainly feel you will have earned your evening drink. On this very route I was once lifted bodily several feet in the air by a freak blast of wind and deposited in the heather a few yards further up the fell! I trust you won't encounter any such experience. 

Lonscale Fell Largely ignored and unnoticed by walkers intent on conquering mighty Skiddaw, the former upland grouse moor to the east of the giant rises slightly and terminates in a sheer precipice, Lonscale Fell, offering stunning views of the Glenderaterra valley and St. John's in the Vale down to Thirlmere  

Melbreak   In the Buttermere valley lie the lakes of Buttermere and Crummockwater. The main Crummockwater fell is Melbreak. Not as high as the Buttermere mountains it nevertheless is of considerable stature, rather like an upturned boat in appearance. The views from the summit are well worth the effort of ascending it.

Mungrisdale Common and Blencathra  Midway between Skiddaw House and Blencathra - 'Back o' Skidda' - rises a large flat-topped plateau, atop which any one of a hundred clumps of turf could claim to be the actual summit. It is rarely visited except as a means of passage from on valley to another but is a fine approach to Blencathra.

Nethermost Pike, Dollywagon Pike   Living in the shadow of mighty Helvellyn, these two peaks are nonetheless giants in their own right, affording fine easterly views across Grisedale and beyond and over Thirlmere in the other direction.  

Nitting Haws  Above Hollows farm,just beyond the village of grange in Borrowdale, a huge fell rises steeply to a prominent rocky outcrop, Nitting Haws. At first glance, there appears to be no path but closer inspection reveals a narrow trod. Exhilarating stuff.

Old Fort on Bleaberry Fell   In times of yore, the ancient Britons who lived hereabouts had to be wary of marauding Picts and Scots and wisely chose to build there abodes on high ground so any attackers would be under the distinct disadvantage of having to fight their way uphill. Some traces of these old forts remain but if, like me, you haven't got a trained eye then you have to look very closely.

Outerside, Stile End and Barrow  Almost 150 years ago, near the Sail Pass above Stoneycroft in Newlands a mine was opened to extract Wolfram, the ore which bears Cobalt. At one stage a small amount of Silver was discovered and the owners invested muc money in building a finely engineered track all the way from the Newlands road. The mine has long been silent but the old track now serves walkers, some of whom are bound for the three mentioned above.

Pillar to Seathwaite   Standing at just short of 3000 feet, Pillar is arguably the King of Ennerdale. A mecca for walkers and climbers alike, this noble peak, when conquered, affords one a great sense of achievement and the satisfaction that you have earned your evening pint.   

Ravenstone to St. Begs  On the old Carlisle road, about 3 miles out of Keswick is the general area of Ravenstone. A series of footpaths taking in St. Begs (or Bega's) meanders around this locality offering a stroll in an unfrequented backwater.

Rosthwaite to Keswick   A bus journey into Borrowdale takes us the to village of Rosthwaite from where we join an old packhorse route up and over the ridge into the next valley and the hamlet of Watendlath. Proceeding north, we eventually reach the viewpoint of Surprise View. From there we rise to Walla Crag and on via the woods  and lakeside back to Keswick.

Rydal and Grasmere   These are two of the prettiest stretches of water in Lakeland - possibly in England. Much photographed and famous for having had some of the famous Lakeland poets living nearby. There is much to see and explore around the shorelines of these adjacent small lakes

Sail Pass  On the westerly side of Newlands the Coledale fells begin to rise. This area was the scene of much mining activity in the past and many of the former mine tracks have been taken over by walkers. Between Causey Pike and Sail is the high, airy Sail Pass, approached by a finely graded old track. 

Scafell Pike   The highest point in England, this is a must for anyone who has not 'been there, done it etc'. The approaches from Seathwaite are normally the Corridor Route and the Esk Hause route. The leader will take you up on and down 'tother. One of our longer summer classics, this involves a late return, see the leader. To save over a mile of dreary road-walking and waiting around for a bus back, we will use cars and park at Seathwaite. Meet at the Moot Hall as normal.  

Seat How, Lords Seat and Barf.  High up above the main part of Whinlatter forest stands the prominent but small hillock of Seat How. Approached by a 'hidden' footpath through the deer forest, it is a remarkably fine viewpoint. A series of woodland paths leads to the higher viewpoint of Lord's Seat and just over a mile away stands the super viewpoint of Barf, home of the 'Bishop', your leader will recount his tale for you when he comes into view.

Seat Sandal   Over the top of Dunmail Raise the road drops towards Grasmere in the former shire of Westmoreland. Looking up Raise Beck, the Helvellyn range rises steeply towards the north, in the other diresction, rising almost as steeply is Seat Sandal.

Seathwaite fell and Great End   The massive, soaring height of Great End is well  known and quite recognisable , being almost perpetually in view from the Borrowdale valley. The lesser height of Seathwaite Fell however, seldom features in any walking itinery, which is a pity as it has a great deal to offer in the way of views and rock scenery. Approach is made from Borrowdale .  

Seathwaite Yews  Deep into Borrowdale we find the village and general area of Seathwaite. As the walk suggests, some of the route takes in woodland and the opportunity to observe the flora and fauna therein.

Seatoller to Keswick   Following the old pony route from Seatoller at an easy stroll almost to the village of Grange, we have some fine views en route of what the late A. Wainwright called 'The most attractive square mile in Lakeland'. Thereafter we follow mainly a lakeside route back to Keswick with some diversions on the way.

Sergeant Man  Entering the valley from the little hamlet of Stonethwaite, one is immediately aware of the towering Eagle Crag that separates the valleys of Greenup and Langstrath. If you carry on up either valley it becomes apparent that there is another mountain of almost equal stature behind Eagle Crag, this is Sergeant Man.

Silver How and Easedale Tarn   In my opinion, Easedale Tarn is the most beautifully situated tarn in Lakeland, lying in a secluded upland not over far from Grasmere. A few miles in a southerly direction, Silver How offers stunning views for surprisingly little hard work.

Skiddaw House and River Caldew   A good, surfaced  lane leads off from the Mungrisedale - Caldbeck road. Originally constructed to service the mine, it is still in good condition. Past the defunct Carrock Mine, the road becomes a track with the River Caldew on the left (look for slabs of Skiddaw granite in the river bed) Eventually, Skiddaw House and the Cumbria Way is reached.

Skiddaw  There are quite a few ways up Skiddaw but I think that this is the best.  For the most part, it is well away from the tourist routes. I can never understand why there are so many detractors of this grand old mountain (mainly climbers). The late A Wainwright said - "Fortunately, most detractors of Skiddaw are now dead, or soon will be- "  Not quite true perhaps, but I understand the sentiment.

Souther Fell to Latrigg  Souther Fell is the most easterly summit on the northern side of the A66, attached to the Blencathra Massif by the ridge of Mousethwaite Combe. In 1745, many people, including local dignitaries, attested to seeing a phantom army up there on midsummers night. I went up there one Midsummer's night and stayed until after 1 am. Unfortunately I saw nowt, had i taken a six-pack with me I would possibly have had a more positive report for you. The probable return route offers a delightful walk back to Latrigg and Keswick. 

Southerndale and Barkbethdale   Nestling between the Skiddaw range and the Ullock Pike/Longside ridge are the enclosed, hidden valleys of Southerndale and Barkbethdale. Seldom visited by walkers, these valleys offer peace and relative seclusion that is all too rare in Lakeland these days.

Sprinkling Tarn and Styhead Tarn  Ascending from the hamlet of Seathwaite, the first half mile or so is virtually flat until Stockley Bridge is reached. Here, the leader will make a choice whether to ascend to the right or left, determining which of the tarns will be visited first.  

Sprinkling & Styhead Tarns and Great End This walk differs from the one above in that it becomes an A walk by the inclusion of Great End, the 4th highest peak in Lakeland after Scafell Pike, Scafell, Helvellyn and Skiddaw (a good quiz question!). In the proximity of Styhead the leader will ascend a steep, grassy slope known as The band to reach a shelf and thereafter a scramble up to the summit of Great End.

St John's in the Vale  Just beyond the Castlerigg Stone Circle is the little valley of St. John's with its church and its scattered communities, such as the quaintly named 'Naddle' and of isolated farms and cottages nestling on and around the rugged little tors of Low and High Rigg.  

Steel Fell to Grasmere  The top of Dunmail Raise was once the border of the old counties of Westmoreland and Cumberland and, in folk lore, is the last resting place of King Dunmail. On the other side of the road to Raise Beck, a fence rises steeply up the side of Steel Fell. It is not as bad as it looks and height is soon gained. Once on top, it is an undulating stroll to Far Easedale and on to Grasmere.

Stonethwaite, Grange Fell    The tiny hamlet of Stonethwaite has, believe it or not, those two essential establishments of learning, enlightenment and philosophy - a school and a pub! It is well worth a visit. Not far away, Grange Fell is thickly wooded, not by man's hand but by nature, which is infinitely more attractive. A visit to the falls at Lodore makes this a grand day out.  

Stonethwaite to Grasmere  Passing through the hamlet of Stonethwaite the walker is confronted with the looming bulk of Eagle Crag, to either side of which is a valley. The left fork is taken to follow Greenup Gill up past Lining crag to Greenup Edge. Climbing is now done for the day as the route descends through Far Easedale to Grasmere.

Stonethwaite to Seathwaite   Passing through the hamlet of Stonethwaite along the banks of the beck the walker encounters the bulk of Eagle Crag with a valley to either side. A lovely stroll can be had by going out through one valley and returning (on to Seathaite) via the other.

Tarn at Leaves   This rustically named tarn is istuated in the borrowdale Valley - but you have to do some work to get there because it isn't at ground level. It is to be found near the summit of Rosthwaite Fell or, to give it it's local name, Bessyboot.

The Ancient Byways    There are many old footpaths and bridleways in Lakeland, the routes of the old miners, quarrymen and shepherds. Not all are used extensively and some hidden away after falling into disuse and are hard to find.

The Dodd   A good, long flat walk from Keswick brings one to the foot of Dodd at one of the many access paths and thereon to the summit. It has a rather sad tale to tell but I won't steal the leaders thunder by telling you here. A nice walk back through pretty villages completes the ramble.

The Dods   At the northerly part of the Helvellyn range are a series of high mountains, Stybarrow Dod, Watsons Dod and Great Dod, linked by an ancient drovers path. The original line of this old path, which can still be traced, skirts between the summits - drovers had no interest in peak-bagging, but, of course, generations of walkers have laid down distinct diversions to the tops. The spelling is correct, by the way.

The Langdale Pikes   A long, flat walk from Stonethwaite up the Langstrath Valley takes us past the lofty Eagle and Sergeants Crags to the old zig-zags at the end of the valley taking us steeply up to the ever boggy Martcrag Moor. Having negotiated the mire, we visit the internationally famous Pike o' Stickle, Loft Crag, Harrison Stickle and High Raise before setting off on the long downhill descent back to Stonethwaite and a well-earned pint.

The valley of Newlands was a hotbed of industrial activity in times past, a fact belied by the present rural scenario. There is still ample evidence of the many mines and quarries of centuries past, some of the latter operating until comparatively recently. 

Troutdale   Entering  Borrowdale, shortly before the village of Grange, one passes, on the left, those places beloved of the rock climbing fraternity, Shepherds Crag and Falcon Crag. A bridle way leading in the same direction offers access to Troutdale.  

Ullscarf    At the top of Greenup Edge, walkers bound for, or coming from, the Langdale Pikes and High Raise usually turn off. The homeward bound will bear east for Thirlmere/Grasmere or west for Stonethwaite/Borrowdale. Not many carry on northwards on the rise to the barren summit of Ullscarf, which is a pity because the journey to Stonethwaite on this route takes in High Saddle, Low Saddle and lovely Dock Tarn.

Ullock Pike, Longside, Carlside  The ridge to the west of Skiddaw and seperated from that mountain by the valleys of Barkbethdale and Southerndale is the ridge that comprises these three peaks. Beginning from High Side, so picturesque in summer but often cut off in winter, this walk, as with most conducted by this leader, sees all of the hard work done in the first couple of hours.

Walla Crag and Bleaberry Fell  (High Tove)  Of modest height, Walla Crag offers a fine view of the vale of Keswick and both Derwentwater and Bassenthwaite. The natural progression upwards from Walla Crag is Bleaberry Fell and from there we either carry on to High Tove or turn back and visit the quaint and ancient  Ashness Bridge.  

Watendlath and Surprise View  The hamlet of Watendlath is approached from Rosthwaite on the Borrowdale road via an ancient packhorse route. From there we progress along the valley in the company of the gill until we reach Surprise View with it's breathtaking vista. An easy rise to Walla Crag offers another fine view over Keswick on our way back.

Whinlatter Top  Most people associate Whinlatter with the Forestry visitors centre or as a starting point for a stroll along the forest tracks. Whinlatter, however, is the name of a felltop with delightful views over the Lorton valley. Of no great height, the summit has a remarkably sturdy shelter which shelters the visitor from the wind sweeping in from the West Cumbrian coast some 17 miles away.

White Stones on Carlside   A leisurely flat stroll along old footpaths and bridleways brings you to a well-graded ascent to the well-known stopping place at the white stones, with it's truly magnificent views over Keswick, Derwentwater and Borrowdale.

Whiteside and Hopegill Head   From Lanthwaite Green, near Buttermere, Whiteside is approached across Gasgale Gill and the subsidiary height of Whin Ben. The mile of narrow, airy ridge leading to Hopegill Head is an exhilarating experience.

Wolf Crags and the old coach road.  South of the A66 opposite the the village of Threlkeld, Clough Head marks the northern end of the Helvellyn range. Lying below the summit of Clough Head is the tor of Wolf Crags and below this is found the old coach road, an ancient thoroughfare that was once the major passage in the area.

Wonders of Newlands  There is much to see in this lovely valley, including evidence of former industry, pretty secluded cottages and, of course, the flora and fauna.