Town inspires Halton hikers
HALTON Ramblers travelled to Ambleside, Cumbria last month.
It was northward bound for the Halton walkers as they travelled to visit the Lake District National Park, a designated UNESCO World Heritage site since 2017.
The group travelled to the bustling town of Ambleside, one of the jewels in the crown of the Lakes, the town is set in the centre of the Lake District at the head of Windermere, blessed with beautiful scenery the market town provides everything a visitor could want.
The area has inspired many a writer, artist and poet, notably the Poet Laureate of 1842 William Wordsworth, who worked in Ambleside in the Government position of Distributor Of Stamps giving Wordsworth the financial stability to pursue his poetry until he was made Poet Laureate.
With a plethora of wondrous routes the walkers were spoiled for choice, starting with the longest and most difficult walk the leader Eric Fenney took the opportunity to investigate many peaks around the area.
Starting at Troutbeck Bridge the group made their way up to Garburn pass and onto the Kentmere Horse Shoe, covering the tops of Yoke, Illbell, Froswick and Thornthwaite Beacon before descending to Threshwaite Mouth.
Another climb to Stoney Cove Pike and a gradual descent to St Ravens Edge which overlooks the Kirkstone Pass.
Their return to Ambleside was down ‘The Struggle’ a 13.5 mile walk with a 4,000ft ascent.
John Cormack kept to the same side of the valley leading his B group up to Wansfell, continuing along the ridge until they met the main road on the Kirkstone Pass, following the pass until they came to ‘The Struggle’ joining the valley paths back into Ambleside.
Stuart Leyland led a quite hard nine mile walk on the other side of the valley, climbing to Loughrigg Fell, then descending to the picturesque Loughrigg tarn.
Following paths around the tarn to walk through Intake Woods and on to the terraces above Grasmere and Rydal waters, a classic walk and one of the most beautiful routes in the area.
Their return was through Rydal Park and onto Ambleside.
A 6.5 mile walk led by Diane Hornby started by walking through Rothay Park, following country lanes to Rydal Park and Hall, then onto the place where Wordsworth did his writing.
Crossing the A591 the group passed ‘Dora’s Field’ which Wordsworth planted in memory of his daughter.
The walk continued through woods until they came to the banks of Rydal Water, a short climb then up to the caves above Rydal Water, then finding paths to a country lane by the side of the River Rothay which they followed back into Ambleside.
A most popular place to visit and worth the journey, the walkers had a splendid days walking taking in the awe inspiring countryside.
To join the Ramblers contact the booking secretary on 07842 160 944.
Alternatively, for more information visit the group’s Facebook page or the website at www.nmcramblers.org.uk