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GRASMERE WALKING HOLIDAY 21st JUNE 2010 TO THURSDAY 23rd JUNE 2011 Greater Manchester SPA Walking Group visit to Grasmere (June 2007) Once again walkers from both of our walking groups spent three days walking in the Lake District We rented the same hostel in Grasmere and again everyone pitched in to provide the breakfasts on the Wednesday and Thursday mornings. On the first day Bryan Clarke led a 6 mile walk from Ellterwater through Skelwith Bridge, Colwith Force, Slaters Bridge and Little Langdale. While not too exacting it set everyone up nicely for the challenges ahead. We ended with an excellent cream tea at the Ellterwater Hotel with a fine view over the water. The second day's walk (8ml and 1500ft climb) led by John Weightman took us from the hostel to the top of Silver How an imposing hill overlooking Grasmere Lake and Rydal Water. Despite the threat of rain the views were magnificent as also were the ones from the lunch spot overlooking the Langdale valley with the Pikes in the background. The return into Easdale was somewhat drizzly but by then thoughts were on the forthcoming pub or teashop. The evening was spent in the nearby Traveller's Rest Inn where we were joined by several non-walking members. The opportunity was taken to offer Sue Marlborough a small but perfectly fitting present in appreciation of all the hard work she had put into the domestic arrangements. Our departure day started with a drive to Glenridding on Ullswater Lake then a half hour ferry trip up the Lake to Howtown on the opposite bank. From here we walked back to Glenridding along the undulating lake-side path. Excellent lake and mountain views were had at every turn along this popular 7ml track made more enjoyable by being blessed with sunny spells for almost all of the walk. Greater Manchester SPA Walking Group visit to Grasmere (July 2008)
The group met at the Three Shires Inn and after a snack lunch John Weightman lead a short walk through Little Langdale. Following dinner at The Dale Lodge the group enjoyed a Tim Vine video and then were entertained by the resdient comedy duo. Breakfast the next morning was a communal affair and then John lead us on a walk up Helm Crag which overlooks the hostel. Otherwise known as The Lion and The Lamb this crag had featured in 'Wainwright's Walks' by Julia Bradbury and we enjoyed a viewing of the program back at the hostel. On Thursday we took a circular tour of Grasmere and Rydal Water.There was a dramatic finale to the walk when we witnessed a real life helipcopter rescue. After enjoying and ice cream we set off for home and arrived before the rush hour. For a video of the 2008 trip click here (Broadband users only) Greater Manchester SPA Walking Group visit to Grasmere (June/July 2009) This year’s trip started at the Watermill Inn at Ings just North of Kendal. Bryan Clarke led 14 members of the group on a 6 mile warm up walk, initially in good weather. This was short lived as we were soon donning waterproof clothing. After a small crisis when the leader left his glasses (thanks Pete for rescuing them) he was able to see well enough to lead us astray for a short distance. Examination of the map resolved the little difficulty and we were soon on the right track, The weather brightened up and the walk was completed without further alarm. We made our way to the Hostel, some via Grasmere to sample the first cream tea of the trip. In the evening we were joined by our Motor Cycle section to increase our numbers to 16. The evening was spent at the Travellers Rest where the staff served up a great meal followed by entertainment from Sid Jones and his phone out in the garden. On Wednesday John Weightman led us in a walk from the hostel, through Grasmere and up onto Loughrigg Terrace and then on to Rydall Cave. We then climbed to meet the path from Langdale and descended into Ambleside arriving into the town through Rothay Park. Quite a strenuous 8 mile walk in hot sunny weather was followed by a cool beer in the local pubs before we took advantage of our free bus passes to return to Grasmere in style. The evening meal was once again held at The Dale Lodge in Grasmere, where a great time was had in very nice surroundings, before we headed back to have a laugh at a comedy CD recalling the great days of Music Hall comedians The Thursday walk, led by John Weightman, started from Ambleside with somewhat depleted number of walkers due mainly to the roasting temperatures already established by 10:30 n the morning. We climbed up through the cool of the woods to Jenkins crag for views over Windermere Lake and then on a contouring path to Low End village just south of Troutbeck. Here we stopped for lunch with tea and ice cream from the friendly local Post Office. Henrietta the local hen who knew a good meal ticket when she saw one joined us here. On the re-start we checked out the facilities of Town End the famous N.T 17th century mansion/farmhouse before finding another contouring path eastwards with more glorious views along the length of Windermere .We dropped down through the woods again to reach Ambleside. In all a walk of about 9 miles. We completed the day with a highly rated cream tea (assessed by Dave our cream tea specialist) on the sun soaked terrace of the Langdale Chase hotel just south of Ambleside. The hotel Management had thoughtfully provided us with a glittering society wedding reception for our entertainment over tea at no extra charge. At 5 pounds per head and cabaret thrown in for free we felt we had had a good deal and a splendid end to a fine few days walking in God's Own Country.
Once again we need to give thanks to Sue Marlbrough, head of catering, for her magnificent efforts in supplying all the breakfast needs and in marshalling her resources in the kitchen to ensure a smooth operation each morning. Thanks also to those who helped in the kitchen, either as cooks, waiters or in washing up. Greater Manchester SPA Walking Group Visit to Grasmere June 2010 Click for pictures of 2003-2009
This is work in progress - other years will be added shortly
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