Rambling Club

by Tom Leonard

On Saturday, September 10, club members visited the south lakes area of Cumbria.

After leaving the rain behind on the journey from Warrington, the walkers started from the village of Staveley in clear, sunny weather which was to last all day. Crossing the River Kent at Bagley Bridge the party made the steady climb over Spy Crag and on to Littlewood Farm, Birk Fold and Frost Hole.

Further climbing on to Potter Fell led the group to the strangely named tarn called Gurnal Dubs passing Potter Tarn on the way. Lunch was enjoyed here with fine views of the surrounding hills and valleys in the fine, clear weather. Suitably refreshed the walk continued in an easterly direction to Birk Rigg via Low Taggleshaw then turned south to decsend to Larchbank and Hill Fold. Field paths were followed to Sprint Mill by the River Sprint, so called due to the speed of the water flow, here to join the Dales Way and continue alongside the River Kent, to Bowston.

A visit to the partly ruined Berneside Hall was made on the way. After a short break the riverside walkers crossed the river at Hagg Foot to join woodland footpaths and then on into Staveley Park. The party walked through the large park area back into Staveley to complete the 10-mile walk. Future walks include: September 17, Clwydian Hills, N.Wales; September 21, Broadbottom, Derbys; Ashford-in- the-Water, Derbys. Call Tom Leonard on 762287.