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By l.white590@btinternet.com
11 June 2009 16:55
I love walking with my border collie but I lack confidence. We always go out alone and although we walk for miles I tend to always re-trace my steps/route for fear of getting lost. Recently my father passed away and it has been a huge wake up call for me. I have enrolled myself onto a beginners' navigation course but my walks tend to always be in the valleys. Can anyone suggest some low level hills in the Lake District that I could try to gain some confidence.
By Country Walking magazine
Getting lost is a worry for all walkers, and even flinty-eyed explorers can experience ‘Where am I?’ panic. A course is the perfect start, as compass and map are far easier to understand when there’s someone to show you. You can also build confidence by going on a few group walks – study the navigation, rather than just following the leader, to improve your skills without the worry of being in charge. Then grab a friend and head out with a full route description (map plus directions) like the ones in this magazine. Try to follow it using just the map, discuss any queries with your mate, and use the written directions as backup when you’re unsure. Then plan a route (see p86) of your own and hit the hills. You might find busier routes a reassuring start – try Grasmere to Ambleside via Loughrigg Terrace, or the path up over Cat Bells. And the higher stuff may seem intimidating, but navigation can be simpler as there are fewer paths to confuse things – just make sure you pick a clear day. The Fairfield Horseshoe is a Lakes’ classic, taking a clear path round the peaks above Rydal – download the full route here. Finally, if you’re walking alone, let someone know where you’re going so they can call help if you’re back late. You’ll probably never need it, but it’s reassuring anyway.
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Can someone suggest low-level hillwalks in the Lake District?
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09bennettl says
RE: I love walking with my border collie but I lack confidence. We always go out alone and although we walk for miles I tend to always re-trace my steps/route for fear of getting lost. Recently my father passed away and it has been a huge wake up call for me. I have enrolled myself onto a beginners' navigation course but my walks tend to always be in the valleys. Can anyone suggest some low level hills in the Lake District that I could try to gain some confidence.
Loughrigg.. so easily accessible from Ambleside, alot quicker than Catbells too.
10 September 2010 16:22
gejpalmer says
Silver How from Grasmere, its an easy loop to the summit and back down. The path itself requires little navigation, but the summit gives a you a chance to practice as its a big wide plateau
01 January 2010 09:49
Meanderthal says
Cat Bells, Loughrigg and Haystacks are all great options, but to really get in there head up the Wrynose Pass to the Three Shires Stone and just wander about there. You will be high up, remote and just a few miles from the road.... Take a map n try Pike O Blisco or The Tarns Col..... Also, try going to your library and looking through the Wainwright books, he's got the right idea, mapping out the fells with easy to folllow drawings and descriptions. All in All. Just have fun, the Lakes are a wonderful place to be, enjoy it!
Cat Bells, Loughrigg and Haystacks are all great options, but to really get in there head up the Wrynose Pass to the Three Shires Stone and just wander about there. You will be high up, remote and just a few miles from the road.... Take a map n try Pike O Blisco or The Tarns Col..... Also, try going to your library and looking through the Wainwright books, he's got the right idea, mapping out the fells with easy to folllow drawings and descriptions.
All in All. Just have fun, the Lakes are a wonderful place to be, enjoy it!
15 November 2009 16:47
paul_brelsford says
Re: Can someone suggest low-level hillwalks in the Lake District?
No-one mentioned Cats Bells yet. The popularity of this route is a bonus: There will always be people around to ask directions The route is actually fairly clear due to erosion
No-one mentioned Cats Bells yet. The popularity of this route is a bonus:
26 September 2009 20:18
owainrice19 says
mickdeakin said: A nice little walk, not too strenuous but fantastic scenery. Start at Seathwaite Farm Borrowdale, walk up to Styhead then Over to Sprinkling Tarn and back down to Seathwaite via Grains Gill. Mostly well marked paths and not over about 600mtrs. Don't forget your camera. I did find this route very hard going on the knees on the decent as its mainly step staircase, i admit its a brilliant walk but that decent was just the pits My suggestion is to start in Seatoller and walk up to the high level path that goes along the base of high spy follow all the way to Grange, where just as you come out into the village there is an awesome cafe that does an excellent selection of cakes, but has a covered outdoor area so you can sit with your dog :)
mickdeakin said: A nice little walk, not too strenuous but fantastic scenery. Start at Seathwaite Farm Borrowdale, walk up to Styhead then Over to Sprinkling Tarn and back down to Seathwaite via Grains Gill. Mostly well marked paths and not over about 600mtrs. Don't forget your camera.
A nice little walk, not too strenuous but fantastic scenery. Start at Seathwaite Farm Borrowdale, walk up to Styhead then Over to Sprinkling Tarn and back down to Seathwaite via Grains Gill. Mostly well marked paths and not over about 600mtrs. Don't forget your camera.
I did find this route very hard going on the knees on the decent as its mainly step staircase, i admit its a brilliant walk but that decent was just the pits
My suggestion is to start in Seatoller and walk up to the high level path that goes along the base of high spy follow all the way to Grange, where just as you come out into the village there is an awesome cafe that does an excellent selection of cakes, but has a covered outdoor area so you can sit with your dog :)
06 September 2009 01:29
andyyouart
31 December 2009
20:15
I''m looking for a decent flask. I've tried several but they're not keeping warm for long even after pre-warming. I'm going om MT winter skills course in 5 weeks so need to get something good for then.
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