Sunday

The forecast today was for the possibility of rain so we all awoke expecting grey clouds. There were a few, but patches of blue sky here and there looked promising.

Yesterday I did mountains and so today I decided to do lakes and I make no excuses for doing the 'C' walk around Derwentwater. The reflections in the water and the backdrop of mountains on every side of the lake made splendid viewing. Some of these photos are mine and some are Peter's.

We had sunshine for our coffee stop and for the lunch stop and there was even time for a quick paddle. Then another stop at Nichol End for a cup of tea or an ice cream before making our way back to Keswick for last minute shopping or a walk in the park before setting off to pick up the 'A' walkers at New Dungeon Ghyll.

A very enjoyable weekend and many thanks to all the volunteer organisers and walks leaders without whom all this would not be possible. Next March we are going to Llanberis, see you all there!

Keswick Weekend 15th - 17th October

We are so lucky with the weather on our CHA holidays and this weekend in Keswick was no exception. It was cold but dry with warm sunny periods, the only exception to this was for the people on the Sunday A party who had a little rain towards the end of their walk.

Once again I stayed in the youth hostel which is situated right next to the river and overlooking the park.

Keswick YHA is a popular busy hostel but there is plenty of room to make yourself comfortable with a quiet reading room and a communal lounge with riverside balcony.

The breakfasts were excellent and the evening meal on Saturday was very good value for money.

There was a bewildering choice of walks arranged for the first day with everyone catered for from the fittest 'A' walkers to the not quite as fit 'C' walkers. Poor William got off to a bad start when he missed his footing getting out of the coach and badly grazed his head. However he pronounced himself fit after being bandaged up and off we set for Buttermere. 'Not my favourite place to drive to' said William and we soon saw why when he had to reverse a considerable distance on the narrow road and then did a 10 point turn in the car park! Poor William, not his day, but he remained cheerful throughout with true CHA spirit.

I chose the 'B' walk to Ard Crags then back to Keswick via the Newlands Valley. It was a splendid walk led jointly by Jean and Keith. A steep climb up and a steep descent but a fine ridge walk with mountain ranges on both sides of us.

A smaller party of 'B+' walkers tackled Skiddaw led by Stuart Blaylock, and Peter Newby has supplied some photos taken on this walk.

Everyone had a great day and the colours of the fells and the trees in the autumn sunshine were wonderful.

Susan and Sandra joined the youth hostel party for the evening meal and then we took over the lounge and with the help of a few bottles of wine and some amusing games led by Jackie and Jean, a pleasant evening was had by all.