Keswick a great base for walks of inspiration

ON Sunday, July 8, 66 Halton Ramblers travelled to The Lake District National Park and to the pretty market town of Keswick.

The town is situated between the huge hulk of Skiddaw mountain and the gentle beauty of Derwent water.

Keswick was granted its market charter in 1276 which continues today.

In the centre of the market square is Moot Hall, built in 1813,and which has an unusual one-handed clock. The building is now the Tourist Information Centre.

The beauty of the Lake District has inspired many artists, writers, poets and photographers over the years and is famed for the magnificent scenery the area offers.

The landscape also offers adventure to all, Keswick now being the main centre for outdoor activities in the UK with an extensive selection of activity companies, guides and instructors for all abilities based around the area.

The original settlement was at Crosthwaite where Canon Rawnsley served as a vicar from 1883-1917 became one of the cofounders of the National Trust.

The rural economy was transformed in the reign of Elizabeth I when minerals, copper in particular, were discovered in Newlands and Borrowdale.

The discovery of black lead at Seathwaite in the 16th Century triggered off pencil making which is still the town’s major industry.

The prominent social thinker and art critic John Ruskin, who had many associations with Keswick once, said ‘The town was a place almost too beautiful to live in’ but the walkers always look forward to their visits here and the challenging walks on offer.

The coaches travelled to the small village of Thelkeld where the leisurely walkers got off to start their walk.

Thelkeld lies east of Keswick in the shadow of Blencathra.

The group followed lowlevel paths using the old railway line and then riverside paths along the River Greta

Some deviations to the route were made due to a bridge being impassable, and this lengthened the walk but the group completed it arriving back into Keswick safely. The coaches continued to Braithwaite, west of Keswick, where two groups left the coaches to start their walks.

Eric Fenney led a strenuous 12-mile classic ridge walk, starting the long climb up Grisdale Pike soon after leaving the coaches, continuing on to Hopegill Head, Sand Hill, Eel Crag, Crag Hill, Sail and Causey Pike, these forming the famous Coledale Horseshoe.

The total height was 4,100ft and the walkers were exposed to the sun for most of the day, so although hot and sweaty they returned exuberant on the completion of the challenge.

The next level of walk was led by John Cormack whose 11-mile B walk took them to Newlands Beck and Swinside before climbing the beautiful lakeland fell of Cat Bells, majestically poised above Derwent Water.

A short scramble at the top before descending to the Cumbrian Way which follows the shores of Derwent Water back to Keswick.

The final more moderate C Walk of eight miles was led by Ray McIntosh whose walk started in Keswick. The group followed country lanes and leafy woodland paths heading for Walla Crag.

A steep climb up the crag brings you to a magnificent viewpoint of the surrounding lakes and mountains.

It is a steep descent to Ashness Bridge, which is perhaps the most photographed packhorse bridge in the Lake District due to its stunning location.

The group descended to the lakeside and followed paths to its western shore where the walkers completed their walk not on foot, but by boat on the beautiful Derwent Water affording them a refreshing spray from the lake, before returning to Keswick.

It was a wonderful day, enjoying the summer sun with the stunning views of the area. The Ramblers’ next trip is to Hathersage in Derbyshire, another stunning location. ● To join them call the booking secretary on 07842 160 944 any day except Sunday or visit the website www.nmc-ramblers.org.uk g