Ramblers roam in Ruskin country
WALKING enthusiasts from Halton travelled to the south of the Lake District National Park on one of the warmest weekends of the year.
The Halton Ramblers Coniston.
The village lies at the northern end of Coniston Water, the third longest lake in the Lake District.
The area was historically associated with ore and slate mining but now farming and its popularity as a tourist and walking destination are prevalent.
The writer John Ruskin lived at Brantwood on the eastern side of Coniston Water from 1871.
He rejected burial in Westminster Abbey in favour of being laid to rest in the churchyard of St Andrew’s in Coniston.
Also buried in Coniston is Donald visited Campbell, who died in 1967 attempting to break the World Water Speed Record for the eighth time in his jet boat Bluebird K7.
He crashed at 290mph on Coniston Water, having previously set the record for the seventh time in Western Australia in 1964.
His body was not recovered until 2001.
The 77 walkers had a choice of four walks of varying length and difficulty.
Allan Roberts led the D party on a five mile walk from the village along the lake shore towards Coniston Hall and back through woodland.
The C party was led by John Cormack. They traversed a nine mile linear walk from Torver to join the Cumbria Way and followed the edge of Coniston Water into Coniston.
The B walk – led by Grahame Reid – walked to Tarn Hows and then joined the Cumbria Way to eventually arrive at Tilberthwaite Gill. They then climbed over Hole Rake Pass back to the village of Coniston.
Ian Hilditch took the A group on a walk of 14 miles and a 3,500m ascent. They too climbed Hole Rake Pass before heading to shoulder of Wetherlam.
From here the walkers moved up on to the face of Holme Fell where they could see the full length of Coniston Water. They finally ascended Black Crag before returning on the Cumbria Way.
A Ramblers spokeswoman said: “We were all able to appreciate some wonderful scenery, have the pleasure of hearing yellow hammers and stonechats, and enjoy a beautiful clear Lakeland day. Everyone was very grateful to the walk leaders and coach organisers for their efforts.”
The group’s next trip is to Hope in Derbyshire on Sunday, July 23.
Anyone wishing to join can contact Barbara Ward on 07842 160 944 or visit nmc-ramblers.org.uk