Thursday 9 June 2011

Keswick Rambles 30th Birthday

Keswick Rambles has been leading visitors up the fells around Keswick for 30 years and today 20 of us enjoyed a celebratory hike up Helvellyn.  The forecast wasn't brilliant but in fact we managed to avoid the showers and fantastically clear views made up for the chilly wind and temperatures that made it feel more like February!

up the path beside Raise Beck
We took the bus to Dunmail Raise and climbed the path east up beside Raise Beck.  As we climbed we turned round every now and again to see increasing numbers of fells appearing above Steel Fell. Peaks such as Bowfell catching the sun looked no distance away.  As you reach the top of the beck Fairfield comes in to view and in time we could see Grisedale Tarn below us.  Time for coffee and a short break before a level stretch of grass and peat before climbing the path to Dollywagon Pike.  This path used to be a loose scree horror but has now been beautifully constructed in stone and the scree has become grass again -  Well done Fix the Fells!
path to Dollywagon Pike
Two hours to the top of Dollywagon where we enjoyed the extensive views in all directions

on Dollywagon with view down to Ullswater
views in the opposite direction to Great Gable and Scafells
A steady walk across Nethermost Pike to Helvellyn in a strong SW wind. Quite a relief to take shelter for lunch in the cross shelter on Helvellyn before a celebratory glass (only elderflower I'm afraid) and photos by Tom on the summit.  Across to Lower Man, down the ridge and up again to the top of Whiteside Bank.  Here we could see Alison who had been at work this morning and Dusk toiling up Whiteside.  A welcome sight because she was bearing the birthday cake which we enjoyed on the summit.

Downhill for the rest of the way to catch the bus back from Thirlspot to Keswick where we all enjoyed a drink at Bank Tavern.  A great day was had by all - here is to another 30 years of Keswick Rambles or KR Guided Walks

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