Hikes in Cumbrian countryside

HALTON Ramblers travelled to Sedbergh, Cumbria on Sunday, October 13.

A large group of walking enthusiasts from Halton travelled northwards to Cumbria to the historic market town of Sedbergh.

A town full of character, retaining an old world atmosphere with its cobbled streets and historic houses.

It is not only set in the magnificent western dales of the North Yorkshire Dales National Park but is also close to the rugged eastern fells of the Lake District.

The town is dwarfed by the mighty Howgills, some of Alfred Wainwrights favourite fells, developing around the confluence of four rivers where ancient trade routes merged.

In some of the houses, open to the public, you will still see the hallmarks of the ancient knitting and woollen trades which thrived in the community.

The town is often referred to as the ‘Book Town’ as after the outbreak of foot and mouth in 2001 residents looked for ways to entice visitors back to the area.

The company ‘Sedbergh Book Town’ was set up in 2003 to develop a community of businesses involved in selling, writing, publishing, designing books and other publications.

For many years after the outbreak of foot and mouth the town promoted itself as a destination for walkers and ramblers, in 2015 it was accepted as a ‘Walkers Welcome Town’.

The area was an ideal place for the walking group to start their walks.

The first group to leave the coaches were the A walkers, led by Eric Fenney whose planned route was 14 miles with a total height of 3,200ft.

Starting from Lincoln Inn Bridge they joined the Dales Way along the River Lune heading for the start of their climbs onto the Howgills, firstly skirting Brown Moor and Whin’s End with a steep climb up to Fell Head.

Keeping on high ground the walkers headed to Breaks Head, Bush Howe, White Fell Head and finally the Calf.

The Calf is the highest of the seven recognised 2,000ft summits in the Howgill Fells.

Their return journey took them to Force Gill Beck which they followed to Cautley Spout Waterfall, this is a spectacular broken cascade of waterfalls that drop almost 200 metres from the rim of Cautley Crags to Cautley Holme Beck.

They then joined The Pennine Journey walking this until they reached the River Rawthey which they followed back into Sedbergh.

Ray Brown had planned an 11.5 mile high level walk up to the Calf but due to the weather conditions he chose to change this keeping lower in the valley’s making his way along the Dales High Way to the small picturesque hamlet of Dent.

His return journey followed the Dales Way along the River Dee and back into Sedbergh. Ray had a large group of walkers plus Milo the dog a fostered dog having a good day out.

A 10 mile C walk was led by John Cormack who stepped in at short notice to lead the group, heading out of the town to join paths along the River Rawthey and onto Frostrow Fells, walking over the fells before turning south east to join the Dales Way. Following this path alongside the River Dee to Sedbergh.

Jodie Coulhurst led a six mile D walk, taking field paths and tracks to Fairfield Mill Cafe, the centre is a former Victorian woollen mill now dedicating four floors of arts and crafts to its visitors.

After some refreshment the walkers took alternative paths back to Sedbergh.

Sadly it was a wet day and the ground was sodden due to all the recent rain, but looking on the bright side all the groups completed their walks and had good views of the valley’s with the gushing rivers in all their glory.

After a change of clothing the walkers headed for the local hostelries for a welcome drink, ending the day on a high note.

To join the group contact the booking secretary on 07842 160 944, visit the website at www.nmc-ramblers.org.uk or look them up on Facebook.