Meet Time/Location: 09:45, Moot Hall, Keswick Information Centre, Market Place CA12 5JR
Start Time: 10:00
Finish Time: 15:00
Parking/Public Transport: Plenty of pay and display. Bus Services from Penrith/Workington and Ambleside/Windermere. Check Winter Timetable
Miles: 8 approx
Ascent: 1850 ft approx
Terrain: Mix of roadside walking, bridleways, open fellside paths – grassy and rocky
Grading: Moderate – no technical difficulties, one or two steep sections, notably on descent from Walla Crag
Walk Description:
An outing to the lofty summits of Bleaberry Fell and Walla Crag, offering great views of Derwent Water and surrounding fells.
Leaving the Market Place, we head to Rakefoot via roadside walking at first, and a bridleway along Springs Road. The route takes us through Springs Wood. From Rakefoot we strike up Bleaberry Fell gradually alongside Brockle Beck. The path is boggy in places. Leaving the summit we head NW to Walla Crag and then descend steeply by Cat Gill which is rocky, careful footing is needed and reach the Borrowdale Road B5289. Our route back to Keswick takes us alongside the many inlets/bays of Derwent Water.
Health and Safety:
Please dress for the weather conditions. Sturdy footwear and waterproofs/windproof/warm clothing essential including hat and gloves. A spare pair of clothes/extra layers may come in handy if needed. If icy/snowy – microspikes / walking poles may assist. The walk may be varied should circumstances dictate such as on account of poor weather – a lower level alternative may be chosen.
Food and Drink:
Please bring plenty of food and drink – a hot drink is advisable. We will stop for lunch on either the summit of Bleaberry Fell or where there is better shelter if needed. The walk will end with a refreshment in one of Keswick’s cafes/pubs.
Contact:
If you wish to join this walk please contact the walk leader Damian on 07796 654 031 by no later than Friday 4 February 10pm.
If you want to ask any questions about the walk in advance, please contact the walk leader. Car sharing may be available – if you want to car share please contact the walk leader in good time.
The bus may also be a viable / suitable option – there are good services from Workington/Cockermouth/Penrith as well as Kendal/Windermere and Ambleside.