Meet time: 9.15am
Start time: 9.30am
Estimated finish time: 1pm to 1.30pm.
Distance: About 7.2 miles (11.59 kilometres).
Ascent: About 1325 feet (404 meters).
Ramblers walk grading: B (Moderate).
Start point: Latrigg Car Park
Postcode: CA12 4PH
Car parking: The road ends close to the summit of Latrigg where there is a car park, a hedge row on one side and a fence on the other. Please ask the walk leader for directions if you are not sure. IMPORTANT: Probably best to get there for 9am as the car park can fill up fast.
It is the responsibility of each walker to make sure they understand where to park. If you are not sure where the car parking/meeting point is, you must contact the walk leader at the latest the day before the walk. You should not rely on mobile phones or postcodes. There is often no mobile reception near walk meeting points and postcodes are for the nearest place nearby but should only serve as a guideline. Please allow plenty of time to find a parking space so that walks can start promptly.
Description: The first stage of the walk is crossing Glenderaterra Beck which means descending from Latrigg crossing the little bridge in the woods across the beck and then ascending about 400 feet to reach the Blencathra Field Centre. From there we reach the car park and follow the track which goes around Blease Fell and enters into the short but pretty valley of Glenderaterra. The best part of the valley is the craggy and steep eastern of Lonscale Fell (an off-shoot of Skiddaw) seeing it from a distance and then up close as we swing around the valley.
The track degenerates into a trod as it crosses the Glenderaterra Beck but the path is somewhat better once we reach the Cumbria Way. This is where the valley appears at its most desolate surrounded by grassy fells. Only a sliver of the classic Lake District can be seen towards the south with the Helvellyn Range standing tall. As we head southwards along the Cumbria Way we come close to Lonscale Fell and looming up is Lonscale Pike with its crags. A few parts of this path have a tiny bit of scrambling and the rocks are slippery so some care is required.
When the Cumbria Way bends around to the right, aiming for the Skiddaw tourist trail, we leave behind the Glenderaterra Valley and return to the Latrigg car park. But the walk is not quite done as there Latrigg to complete. This is an easy walk following a path that bends around the top of the summit before with one final turn to the left the majesty of Latrigg reveals itself when Keswick and Derwent Water appear. Latrigg is only 368 meters high but it is one of those small hills with mighty views and always worth a visit.
After this it’s a quick return to the car park. Now, after the walk there is Christmas Dinner at the Piri Fresco in Keswick at 5pm. I have booked a table for 12 and if you want to attend the Christmas Dinner please contact me and I will add your name to the list.
Please contact Miles on 07842 783319 by 10pm on Friday 19 December if you are coming on this walk (text or phone, WhatsApp, or message on Facebook (Miles Saunders-Priem)).
Please check the weather and bring appropriate clothing (waterproofs and spare warm clothing), footwear and enough food and water. The leader reserves the right to turn away any walker not suitably equipped. The leader may cancel the walk or modify the route dependent on conditions.
Car sharing may be possible – please contact the walk leader to arrange.
New members: please note the walk leader may ask for more information about your walking experience. This is to ensure you have the fitness required to complete the walk that is planned safely.