Metropolitan Walkers forum

[bencraig]

Here's some slightly updated details re a walking weekend in the Lake District from Friday 15 (eve) - Monday 18 October. All the walks will be challenging outings in mountain terrain, suitable for the fit and active. Please be aware that the autumn weather in this part of the country tends to involve a fair bit of rain, so you'll need good quality equipment.

We'll stay in Grasmere which is easily accessible by bus from Windermere railway station. At the time of writing train tickets from London can be had for around £70 return on www.virgintrains.co.uk. The standard off-peak fare (not restricting you to specific trains) is £83 return.

Rough plan is as follows:

Friday 15 October: Most people will be coming by public transport from London, with at least one change of train to reach Windermere station. From there buses to Grasmere leave reasonably frequently in the day but much less often in the evening (1709, 1812, 1856, 2000 & 2227). Taxis are available at Windermere station.
We meet up from around 8pm in a pub [TBA] in Grasmere village.

Saturday 16 October: We'll walk steeply upwards from Grasmere, completing much of the dramatic Fairfield horseshoe. We'll pass over Red Screes for a quick stop at the Kirkstone Pass Inn, then descend to Ambleside where we'll probably spend most of the evening. 11 miles with 1300m ascent.

Sunday 17 October: We'll walk from Grasmere towards Elterwater, then a couple of miles further through beautiful low level scenery before we begin climbing. We'll then head upwards for great views at the top of Wetherlam and onwards onto the Old Man of Coniston before descending through Coppermines Valley to Coniston where good pubs await us. 11 miles with 1400m ascent. Taxis back to Grasmere at the end of the evening. Please note that it won't be practical to return to London today if you want to do this walk.

Monday 18 October: Lots to do in Grasmere, Ambleside or Windermere. I'll be going on a mountain bike ride in the dramatic Troutbeck valley, please feel free to join me (bike hire is available at Windermere station, conveniently located for the journey home).

Please email bencraig72@hotmail.co.uk to book a place on this trip.
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Ben Craig
Weekends Away Co-ordinator
Metropolitan Walkers