From the Chair,
Well, that’s spring packed away then — muddy gaiters rinsed off, blisters celebrated, and at least three “definitely not the wrong turn” moments behind us. What a season it’s been across the Lakes: from those crisp April mornings on the fells where you could actually see Helvellyn without squinting through drizzle, to the slightly optimistic shorts-in-May decisions we’ve all made and quietly regretted by lunchtime. If you joined us for any of the spring walks, you’ll know the drill — great company, questionable weather, and a pub at the end that always seems popular.
Now, though, the long evenings are here, the bracken is coming in green and gorgeous, and summer in the Lake District is doing its thing. We’ve got a cracking schedule of walks lined up — longer days mean longer routes, and we’re leaning into it. Whether you’re after a steady lakeside amble or something that’ll properly test your legs (and your optimism about that last energy bar), there’s something in the programme for you. Dust off the boots, charge your phone, tell someone where you’re going — and let’s get out there.
New Events Secretary
We welcome our events coordinator, Elisha, who will helping organize our non-walking social meets and be a point of contact for walk leaders needing cafe or pub suggestions after a walk.
WhatsApp Community
We have a new WhatsApp community. Why the change? Communities allow us to have separate channels for different topics and announcements. You can follow only the channels you need to, have once single place in WhatsApp for notices and the important stuff. Admin tools are also improved, making it easier for us to manage membership as SuMMit grows.
The existing chatterbox group will be retired mid-July. Please join the new community:
Our primary form of communicating events remains email, however the WhatsApp group will continue to be a great means of keeping in-touch.
Walk Leaders Wanted
Here’s the thing — our walks don’t lead themselves (we checked). As SuMMit grows and the route ideas keep rolling in, we genuinely need more people willing to step up and take the front of the pack. Leading a walk isn’t about being an expert navigator or knowing the name of every fell in a ten-mile radius; it’s about picking a route you love, sharing it with a good bunch of people, and accepting that someone may ask “How much further?” at the worst possible moment. If you’ve walked with us more than a handful of times, you already have what it takes. The training is straightforward, the support is there, choosing the lunch spot is entirely yours. So — fancy it? Drop us a message and we’ll point you in the right direction. Literally.
‘Tis the Season
For events, festivals and… Roadworks. Please check before you travel and leave enough time to arrive for the event meet. Lists are a short summary of some of the works and events.
- M6/A66 junction – Roadworks 26th June to 7th August
- Kirkstone Pass remains closed from Troutbeck to Windermere for the foreseeable future
- Low Lane near Brigsteer is closed for the foreseeable future
- A591 Bothel To A66t At Keswick – Diversion 13th to 24th July
- From The A69t At Brampton To Junction To Airport At Watch Cross – Resurfacing 13th to 24th July
- Waverbridge Village – Waverbridge Village, Waverbridge – Road closure 13th to 27th July
- From A595 At Lillyhall Industrial Estate To Branthwaite 29th June to 31st August
- Penrith Show 18th July
- Coniston Fair 19th July
- Ambleside Sports 30th July
- Kendal Calling 31st July to 2nd August
- August – Numerous Agricultural Shows
- Grasmere Sports and show 30th August
Summer Walk Precautions
A Few Things Worth Knowing This Summer:
- Ticks The bracken and long grass that makes the Lakes look so lush in summer is also prime tick territory. Check yourself after every walk, especially ankles, backs of knees, and waistbands. If you find one, remove it with a tick tool (not your fingers) and keep an eye on the bite site for a few weeks. Lyme disease is rare but real.
- Water crossings — summer rain in the fells can turn a gentle beck into something much more serious very quickly. Never cross moving water above knee height, and if in doubt, find another way round. The route will still be there next time.
- Heat and sun — yes, even in Cumbria. High fells offer little shade, and sunburn at altitude catches people out more than you’d expect. Sun cream, a hat, and more water than you think you need.
- Adders — Britain’s only venomous snake loves sunny rocky spots. They’re shy and will move if given the chance. Watch where you put your hands when scrambling. And remember, because you see one it may mean there’s another nearby.
- Navigation complacency — long days tempt longer routes. Always carry a map and compass and don’t rely solely on phone signal, which remains patchy across much of the Lakes.
- Dehydration — carry at least two litres on any full-day walk. More if it’s warm.
Open Roles
Many hands – in our case – do make light work:
Digital Content Manager keeps SuMMit visible and active — updating our Facebook page with, news, and upcoming events, and keeping the WhatsApp group ticking along so everyone stays in the loop. It’s a flexible, behind-the-scenes role involving collaboration with the walk coordinator and events secretary that you can do entirely from home, and you don’t need to own a pair of walking boots to do it brilliantly. If you’re comfortable with social media, and fancy supporting a friendly group doing great things in the Lakes — we’d love to hear from you.
Secretary, arranging the odd committee meeting, checking email, and acting as the point of contact between the group and the wider Ramblers network. It’s a flexible role that fits comfortably around normal life, requiring just a few hours a month from your phone or laptop. You don’t need to be a walker — just someone reasonably organised.
Regards,
Ben J (2026 Chair)
Upcoming Walks
Remember please register via the site to help the walk leader gauge numbers and allow the walk leader to contact you if there are any issues or changes.
Saturday 4th July — Dales Way Burneside to Bowness (from Windermere)
Sunday 12th July — Skiddaw, from Dodd Wood to Keswick (details soon)
Thursday 16th July (Evening Walk) — Keldas (details soon)
Saturday 18th July — Sca Fell and Slight Side
Sunday 16th August — Glyder Fach and Glyder Fawr
Saturday 22 August — TBC
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