Keswick 5-7 October 2018

Friday 5 October

My first holiday with CHA this year and another visit to the YHA in Keswick that is in a lovely position next to the river. It is so near the river that it was badly flooded in the Boxing Day floods of 2015 and has been extensively refurbished since then.

The weather on the way up was low cloud and drizzle but fortunately it had cleared by the time we arrived in the Lake District. There were four walks on offer and a climb up Blencathra was a popular choice.

I decided to do the 'C' walk, led by Frank and Rita, which took in a riverside walk, an old railway track and a stone circle and of course tea and cake at the climbing centre!

Castlerigg Stone Circle

There was still plenty of time in Keswick for refreshments (fish and chips in my case) before being picked up by Steve and transported to the hostel with our luggage.

The hostel was busy and quite noisy and we had to show some I.D. to get our keys which took us by surprise. The new self catering kitchen was  very smart but still only had two kettles! The dining area, bar and lounge were all in one large space which made it difficult to find a quiet corner. 

I was in a room with 5 people altogether overlooking the river which was quite noisy but also quite restful in a way once you got used to it.

Saturday 6 October

The weather today turned out to be beautiful after a cloudy start. There were three walks on offer today but I decided to do my own walk around Derwentwater. This is a 10 mile waymarked path and the National Trust have produced a leaflet highlighting various things to look out for. I saw them all except for the red squirrels but I was assured by a National Trust person in a car park that they definitely inhabit the woods near Brandelhow Bay. They must have been having a nap!

My first task was to actually find my way to the lake! It was market day in Keswick and it got very busy later on.

I have no idea why Keswick has a giraffe statue!

On the way to the lake you pass through a beautiful subway that puts Bradford to shame.

Anyway I got there eventually and there were some magnificent views, especially when the sun came out later on.

The Jaws of Borrowdale

National Trust Hundred Year Stone

Friar's Crag the Ruskin Memorial

I took a small diversion to see Lodore Falls while I was in the area and there must have been some flooding damage there as the footbridge around the rear of the hotel has disappeared and there was a path diversion down to the road.

At the head of the lake you can cross to the other side by way of the board walk and the Chinese Bridge.

The path on the far side  follows the shore more closely and there are a few places to sit near the water and admire the views. You can also catch a launch back to Keswick at various landing stages around the lake.

Cat Bells

By this time I was ready for a break and was pleasantly surprised to find the Lingholm Kitchen and walled garden that has only been open a couple of years.

Apparently Beatrix Potter visited the Lingholm Estate and this may have been the inspiration for Mr McGregor's garden. Anyway it was extremely busy and I shared a table with a couple of walkers from Oxford and we exchanged tales of climbing Ben Nevis!

I was a bit tempted to take a launch back to Keswick but the sun was still shining so I did the whole walk and then sat in the park for a while before returning to the hostel. Everyone had a lovely day and the 'A' party went up Skiddaw.

Sunday 7 October

The weather was still fine on Sunday first thing but there was a cool wind and rain towards the end of the walk. The walks today were in an area that we hadn't been to before and all finished in Caldbeck. I did the 'C' walk again that started in Uldale and was partly on the Cumbria Way before descending via Howk Gorge to Caldbeck.

Somewhere over the Rainbow!

Howk Gorge

Only a few of us went to the gorge as it was raining and tea and cake were calling but it was well worth it. The photos don't really do it justice.

Everyone met up in the pub before departing for home at 5.30.

Thanks to all the walks leaders and organisers of the weekend in particular Jean Galthen who had everything under control! Also thanks to Steve the driver who managed to get close to the YHA and all the pick up points.

Grasmere 6-8 October 2017

Friday 6 October

The final weekend of the year took us to Grasmere in the Lake District. Most of the party stayed in the YHA with a few staying in rather expensive B&Bs.

Butharlyp Howe

On the way up there were three walks on offer all finishing at the New Dungeon Ghyll Hotel. I opted for the C walk led by Jayne from Skelworth Bridge about 7 miles. Some of these photos were taken by Jayne.

lunch stop at Colwith Force

Colwith Force

Naughty Girls!

It was a lovely walk and the weather was fine. What more could you ask for. We finished with five minutes to spare and then had to wait an hour for a missing person from the A party that had become separated from the two halves of the party. All was well that ended well but a bit worrying at the time. Always remember to carry a whistle so that you can alert the leader if you get too far behind.
We were a bit late arriving in Grasmere but fortunately the meal wasn't till 7.30 so that wasn't a problem.

Saturday 7 October

The forecast for today was for rain and several people decided not to do the official walks which all finished at Buttermere. The A walk was particularly strenuous with 4000ft of climbing so well done to the four people who completed it, David, Ron, Ben and Kirsten.

I decided to walk with Jean in the Grasmere area and we had a lovely day walking around two lakes and doing touristy things!

Grasmere

It was a bit grey with very light drizzle as we walked around Grasmere and Rydal Water.

Rydal Water

Now for the touristy bit. 

We visited St Mary's Church, Dora's Field and Rydal Hall where the smell of food drew us towards the cafe so we had a nice sit down before visiting the gardens. Rydal Hall is a Christian conference centre and retreat. You can stay there in the Hall or on the campsite in a tent or Yurt. The gardens are free to visit at any time.

Dora was Wordsworth's daughter

Wordsworth used to worship at St Mary's Church but is buried in the village church in Grasmere.

Rydal Hall

The Grot

 The Grot:(a summerhouse designed for viewing a waterfall) became a major attraction for a succession of visiting artists and writers in the 18th and 19th century.

Next stop Dove cottage where Wordsworth lived with his sister Dorothy and also his wife Mary. Three of their five children were born here.

Dove Cottage

Dove Cottage garden

Next stop Grasmere village, after a walk along the Riverside Walk from the car park I arrived at the Daffodil Garden. Wrong time of year of course but I was rewarded by seeing one of these!

Not this particular one but one like it. It was far too quick to have its picture taken!

River Rothay in Grasmere

Pretty in springtime

It was quite busy in Grasmere with queues of people waiting to buy gingerbread.

Yum, yum

After a wander round the shops it was time to return to the hostel for a cup of tea but not before seeing a beautiful rainbow. I don't think the walkers believed the sun had shone briefly in Grasmere, but here is the proof.

The walkers did get a bit wet but I think eveyrbody enjoyed themselves. Here's a few photos from the B walk taken by Jayne. Braithwaite to Buttermere

Sunday 8 October

All luggage loaded by 9.30, A and B walks set off walking from Grasmere to Patterdale. With a change of plan B walk went by coach to Patterdale and it was a beautiful journey in the sunshine which we all enjoyed. Then a circular walk around Brotherswater led by Frank.

C Party by Sheila

Brotherswater

On the way back into Patterdale Jean and I called at the Wool farm shop which was hidden away near where we had seen goats earlier in the day. What a find that was and very interesting. They have a website and have featured on Countryfile, www.crookabeck.co.uk well worth a look. They breed Herdwick sheep and Angora goats and send all the fleece away to be spun and made into garments. We both treated ourselves to some mohair socks made from the fleece of the goats on the farm.

Connie had got us all excited by the prospect of a farmhouse cream tea but unfortunately it was shut so we had to make do with the pub or the hotel to finish.

These are some of Jayne's photos from the B party that had a really good walk finishing with St Sunday Crag.

The end of another good weekend away with CHA. Thanks to all involved with the organisation especially Jean Galthan and all the walks leaders, not to mention Steve of course who got us there and back without too much grumbling about mud in the coach!