Jonathan’s Blog
10 Lakeland Classics
Last week was entertaining! A navigation course was curtailed by the simple difficulty of holding on to the damned map (one and possibly only advantage of GPS’s!) whilst later in the week plans were again altered by the wind as Striding Edge was abandoned in favour of the Coledale Round above Braithwaite. Frankly I did not fancy Striding Edge myself, let alone with a party of albeit reasonably experienced friends.
The main problem with a strong wind is not so much its debilitating and energy sapping effect but the genuine danger of gusts knocking you over and in particular blowing your feet at the last moment and instead of sound rock the foot is waiving erratically over a gaping chasm. On Striding Edge (and more so Sharp Edge) this is a real 
possibility so better to play safe and take one of the many other Classic Circuits that are the essence of walks in the Lake District, in this case Grisedale Pike and , at least part, of the Coledale Round.
There are 25 Classic Circuits on Where2walk, all particularly worthy (or they would not be here) but being a chap who likes Lists I spent a happy hour deciding on my own particular favourites – not easy and the likes of the Langdale Pikes and Blencathra (despite being my favourite mountain) do not make the list. There is a whole range of ‘things to do before you die’ or in a walker’s case more likely ‘before the knees pack up’ but forget the Maldives and the Great Pyramids, simply try the walks below
Pillar from Wasdale HeadIt is impossible to list them one to ten but my favourite 3 are Great Gable via Napes Needle (not literally), Dow Crag via Seathwaite Tarn and Pillar from Wasdale Head.
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Previous Posts:
Walking Holidays. Choose a walking holiday in the Lakes or the Dales, many choices.
Buses & Trains . Save on cost and hassle by looking at the Buses and Train options
Why go walking? Many good reasons to get off your backside and get out and about
Fell Top Assessors. What do they do and how are they funded
Windfarms – simply no need. As wind farms continue to be built why are we doing it?
Inspired by Autumn Watch? Some photography of animals in the countryside and the pleasures of limestone walking
Extending the National Parks. Views and news on the decision to extend the national parks of the Lakes & Dales
Using a map to navigate. Why using a map and compass adds so much to a good walk.
Walks for the family. How to educate your children to enjoy the great outdoors.
Away from the Crowds. Some tips and suggestions on where to still find peace and solitude when many walks are crowded out.
My favourite villages in the Dales. The villages in the Yorkshire Dales which are extra special.
Delighting in photos. Why it is so easy to enjoy photography these days.
More than just a walking heaven. Different reasons why people take to the fells and dales.
Watch out for the little blighters. Sheep ticks continue to be a growing menace.
Map Reading Skills on the decline. Impact of new technology on traditional navigation.
Hidden Yorkshire Dales. The joys of walking in my favourite lesser known dales.
Walking Holidays
Without wishing to sound too much like a representative from Visit England there is surely not a better time to visit the English countryside and enjoy a walking holiday. Holidays abroad are still expensive (more so for what the Euro has done to local prices than getting there) and is also a right hassle to get there, particularly if you have a family. Yes the weather may be more reliable but if you are nor someone who simply worships the sun a bit of variable weather does not matter and in many ways adds to the enjoyment.
What a walking holiday does offer is a good price and a choice to suit most people. Petrol may be becoming prohibitive and environmentally damaging but if you are out walking this really does not matter. Better still is to take the increasingly popular option of walking between places, taking your time and staying in different villages each night. Throw in Bed and Breakfast for anything from £30 per night and the holiday starts to tick all the boxes; it is good value, interesting, healthy and incredibly satisfying. Don’t ignore the opportunities to take a bus or the train rather than drive to a walk start – it is not always possible but in many cases it is.
I mentioned choice. A stay can either be in a typical comfortable B & B, one of the burgeoning number of splendid Country Houses of consistently high quality, country inns or take the self catering option, save more money and stay in a cottage, a campsite, lodge or even a caravan. Cottages for example are not what they were when I grew up, many are now of extremely high quality and and a lovely place to rest those weary limbs in the evening. I have taken a motorhome out and about in Scotland on a few occasions and the family loved it.
The options are endless, if you are less keen on walking every day just pick and choose your day; if the weather is poor there is now plenty to see and do in the Yorkshire Dales and Lake District, much more than there used to be. However holidays in the countryside are all about being out and about, walking and the satisfaction of taking and completing a good walk. I have spent all my life taking holidays in the UK; whether with my own family, my mates or in the past when my parents used to take a cottage in the Lake District for a week or two.
Have a look at the holiday options that we haveat Where2walk; weekend breaks, longer holidays or even just hiring a guide for a day or two so that you can walk somewhere you may not confidently do on your own.
Click Here for Where2walk Holiday Options
I just hope the wonderful spring weather we are enjoying at the moment will encourage many more people to consider a walking holiday or even a short break in our glorious countryside.
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Previous Posts:
Buses & Trains . Save on cost and hassle by looking at the Buses and Train options
Why go walking? Many good reasons to get off your backside and get out and about
Fell Top Assessors. What do they do and how are they funded
Windfarms – simply no need. As wind farms continue to be built why are we doing it?
Inspired by Autumn Watch? Some photography of animals in the countryside and the pleasures of limestone walking
Extending the National Parks. Views and news on the decision to extend the national parks of the Lakes & Dales
Using a map to navigate. Why using a map and compass adds so much to a good walk.
Walks for the family. How to educate your children to enjoy the great outdoors.
Away from the Crowds. Some tips and suggestions on where to still find peace and solitude when many walks are crowded out.
My favourite villages in the Dales. The villages in the Yorkshire Dales which are extra special.
Delighting in photos. Why it is so easy to enjoy photography these days.
More than just a walking heaven. Different reasons why people take to the fells and dales.
Watch out for the little blighters. Sheep ticks continue to be a growing menace.
Map Reading Skills on the decline. Impact of new technology on traditional navigation.
Hidden Yorkshire Dales. The joys of walking in my favourite lesser known dales.
Buses & Trains
The romantic side of me has always been drawn to the buses and trains of the Yorkshire Dales and the Lake District yet the practicalities of travelling by public transport have always put me off. Until recently train travel for me has been limited to a few trips on the Settle Carlisle railway (quite excellent service) and journeys of necessity in the Scottish Highlands with Corrour Station in the middle of Rannoch Moor being a particular favourite. Bus trips have been even less frequent; spasmodically during my recent walk along the Dales Way when I was able to return by bus to my daily starting point; prior to that I took the regular bus service up Borrowdale on a reasonably frequent basis before I owned a car (many years ago!)…but that really was it.
In recent months a number of things have conspired to make me look a lot closer at the bus and train options and whether the benefits of using public transport outweigh the practical difficulties:
- The enhanced pleasure of a walk in travelling from A to B and not A to A.
- Economic, the price of petrol and running a car generally is becoming prohibitive.
- The environmental impact of cars and the irritation of driving on clogged up roads
- The pleasures of being able to enjoy the scenery in peace and (usually) comfort
- Being inspired/shamed by fellow walkers on the fells who have used public transport.
In the past I have been put off by not only the time restrictions that a bus or train timetable offer and the limitations in where they go, but also by an idle and negative attitude in not investigating what is actually out there. The reality is that there is a more frequent service than I imagined, I have found them reliable, it is not overpriced and most importantly the services offer new and varied walking opportunities across the national parks. Yes a little more effort may have to be put in in planning your walks but the benefits outweigh the problems for many (although not all) walks.
Below is a list of the relevant websites which have clear and accurate timetables in order to plan your journey.
http://www.settle-carlisle.co.uk/ The Settle to Carlisle classic rail line passing through Ribblehead, Dent & Kirkby Stephen.
http://www.dalesbus.org/ Bus timetables with routes up all the famous dales: Wharfedale, Wensleydale and Swaledale with buses at roughly 2 hour intervals.
http://www.cumbria.gov.uk/roads-transport/public-transport-road-safety/transport/publictransport/busserv/timetables/default.asp. Buses in the Lake District head up the central spine from Keswick to Windermere on a 2 hour regular visit but also travel up the valleys of Borrowdale, Langdale and Coniston/Hawkshead.
http://traveline.info/. This is an excellent site where you simply add the relevant places you wish to start and finish your ride and the site brings up the timetable.
The walking options from bus and train stops are almost endless, roll out the relevant O/S map and start plotting your own favourites. I fully intend to start adding a new category of walk to the Yorkshire Dales and Cumbria which are all A to B walks and tie in with existing public transport options. Below are just a few excellent walks that immediately spring to mind:
Walks in the Yorkshire Dales:
Train: Start at Dent Station, return at Ribblehead via Great Knoutberry or over Whernside
Train: Start at Kirkby Stephen, return at Garsdale via the castles of Mallerstang
Bus: Start at Hawes, return at Aysgarth via Hardraw, Askrigg and Aysgarth Falls
Bus: Start at Buckden, return to Grassington via the limestone pavements of Wharfedale.
Walks in the Lake District:
Bus: Start at Bassenthwaite and return to Keswick via Ullock Pike ridge and Skiddaw
Bus: Start at Seatoller, return to Langdale via Stakes Pass
Bus: Start at Rydal, return to Keswick via the Helvellyn ridge!!
Bus: Start at Coniston, return to Langdale over Wetherlam
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I have recently completed the Dales Way. For my thoughts on the walk and a blow by blow account of the ‘trail’ just click here
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Previous Posts:
Why go walking? Many good reasons to get off your backside and get out and about
Fell Top Assessors. What do they do and how are they funded
Windfarms – simply no need. As wind farms continue to be built why are we doing it?
Inspired by Autumn Watch? Some photography of animals in the countryside and the pleasures of limestone walking
Extending the National Parks. Views and news on the decision to extend the national parks of the Lakes & Dales
Using a map to navigate. Why using a map and compass adds so much to a good walk.
Walks for the family. How to educate your children to enjoy the great outdoors.
Away from the Crowds. Some tips and suggestions on where to still find peace and solitude when many walks are crowded out.
My favourite villages in the Dales. The villages in the Yorkshire Dales which are extra special.
Delighting in photos. Why it is so easy to enjoy photography these days.
More than just a walking heaven. Different reasons why people take to the fells and dales.
Watch out for the little blighters. Sheep ticks continue to be a growing menace.
Map Reading Skills on the decline. Impact of new technology on traditional navigation.
Hidden Yorkshire Dales. The joys of walking in my favourite lesser known dales.
Are you a ticker?
I am not ashamed to admit I enjoy ticking. What I mean by this is that I prefer a reason to complete a walk, whether this happens to be a new summit, a different route or simply just an alternative and unusual walk I may not have completed before then for me this increases the enjoyment of a day in the outdoors. If there is some kind of list that can be followed so much the better; a list gives structure and purpose to wandering feet and heightens the sense of anticipation and satisfaction of a good walk completed.
Well that’s my opinion but many disagree and take a superior attitude to anyone who is not out simply to enjoy the walk for what it is. In fact tickers are often referred to as saddos but of course the truth lies somewhere in between. There is only a very small number of walkers/climbers who are out and about purely to tick, maybe an obsession when there is only 30 or 40 Munros to complete, with the vast majority of people on the fells and countryside of Britain out to complete a walk or a mountain but also out to simply enjoy themselves. I am slightly suspicious of those who simply wander aimlessly but equally anyone out purely to capture a hill and not enjoying themselves is similarly crazy.
I have found over the years having a purpose has really helped me enjoy the fells and countryside; there is always something else to do and drive me out and about so I have detailed below the differing lists that I have followed over the years and what I would like to complete in forthcoming years (knees permitting!). Click the links for further details.
The Wainwrights. Alfred Wainwright’s famous list of 214 summits in the Lake District depicted in 7 excellent guide books. I have nearly completed a 2nd round although admittedly the 2nd round is not important to me anymore
The Munros. The 283 Munros and over 220 Tops are a wonderful challenge (particularly living in England with today’s petrol prices) but they will lead you to some unusual and less frequented areas of Scotland. I have completed the Munros and Tops.
The Marilyns. A real ticker’s paradise these are all the fells in England, Scotland & Wales with a drop on all sides of 500 feet (ie: relative hills). An almost impossible challenge, a lifelong challenge but offering a purpose as you travel the country.
Where2walk Challenge. For walkers near the Lakes or the Dales there is a list of the best 100 walks in both areas varying from full days in the higher mountains to simply walks taking not much more than a hour.
Looking forward I am becoming particularly interested in Long Distance walks. If ever there is a feeling of real satisfaction a completion of a long distance walk provides it, with my ultimate ambition being the Land’s End to John O’Groats walk.
I also believe that the Peak District, North Wales and the North Yorkshire Moors are worth many more visits and closer exploration.
However this does not mean that I will be avoiding familiar haunts; living in the Settle area means delightful and regular walking in limestone scenery whereas the northern Lakes draw me back year after year (last year was my 30th climb of my favourite mountain, Blencathra).
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Grant Cunliffe, a resident of my home village of Long Preston is missing in the Cairngorms, last seen nearly a month ago in the Currour Bothy. Others know him better than me but he was an experienced climber and walker and in particular did a lot of work in Outdoor Centres for schools and clubs. Please click on this link to find out more about Grant but in particular how, in his name, you can support the Cairngorm Mountain Rescue Team, who were magnificent in their efforts to find Grant.
Previous Posts:
Why go walking? Many good reasons to get off your backside and get out and about
Fell Top Assessors. What do they do and how are they funded
Windfarms – simply no need. As wind farms continue to be built why are we doing it?
Inspired by Autumn Watch? Some photography of animals in the countryside and the pleasures of limestone walking
Extending the National Parks. Views and news on the decision to extend the national parks of the Lakes & Dales
Using a map to navigate. Why using a map and compass adds so much to a good walk.
Walks for the family. How to educate your children to enjoy the great outdoors.
Away from the Crowds. Some tips and suggestions on where to still find peace and solitude when many walks are crowded out.
My favourite villages in the Dales. The villages in the Yorkshire Dales which are extra special.
Delighting in photos. Why it is so easy to enjoy photography these days.
More than just a walking heaven. Different reasons why people take to the fells and dales.
Watch out for the little blighters. Sheep ticks continue to be a growing menace.
Map Reading Skills on the decline. Impact of new technology on traditional navigation.
Hidden Yorkshire Dales. The joys of walking in my favourite lesser known dales.
Why do people go walking?
Daft question maybe, but there are many different reasons why people are motivated to go out, either for a half hour walk in the park or a full days yomp round the fells and valleys of our superb countryside.
Over the years I have met many many walkers/climbers on a huge variety of walks – whether short walks around lakes, longer ones over the fells or around the local beck with the dogs – and normally the conversation goes something like; “Hi beautiful/awful day” with a response along the lines of “What could be better/better than being inside”. Mundane and pointless stuff but actually a sure sign that most people out on a walk are in a happier, more positive frame of mind (or at least feel they should be) than if they are stuck indoors. Folk are undoubtedly happier when they are out and about; fresh air combined with exercise gets the blood flowing and is healthy – sadly a recent health report I read stated that less than 5% of people exercised/walked for more than half an hour a day. Actually I was surprised it was as much as this. Walking is a minority experience.
As is somewhat typical in society today people tend to look for excuses not to do something rather than a reason to do it – going for a walk (the simplest form of exercise) involves an effort, it may involve getting in the car/taking the bus, it certainly will mean putting on some appropriate clothes and footwear and it does take time (and of course none of us have any time!). When faced with the decision the silent majority just do not believe that it is worth the effort and it is so much easier to find something else to do, particularly if it is raining.
This came to mind the other day whilst I was leading a group in horrific weather, driving rain and high winds hastening the visit to the pub. However one of the chaps announced that he loved it like this – he loved the challenge of bad weather and often became bored just walking on a ‘nice’ day. He thrived on challenging himself and getting that adrenalin buzz from pushing himself. Accepted, enjoying bad weather is unusual but the principal behind what he was saying was that his motivation for being out was about the ‘buzz’ and excitement of the walk rather than the intrinsic beauty of the scene. It had me thinking about what motivates me to get out and walk/climb. Four reasons sprung immediately to mind:
Fresh air and exercise – returning from a walk/or any form of exercise may make you tired but certainly makes you feel better. I have rarely if ever come across someone after a walk who has not got a smile on there face (albeit a tired one!). There is no better feeling than sitting in a pub or a tea shop having been out and about with that feeling of well being which comes with it.
Socialisation – being with people – like minded friends/families definitely brings them closer together. Children love it and for them being out and about certainly provides many of the best memories of any childhood, certainly they were for me. However lifestage does not matter because a walk is a shared experience and that always brings people together.
The lovely scenery – whether walking on your own or in a group our countryside is lovely to look at and, without becoming too spiritual, delightfully peaceful and thought provoking. Coast, mountain and lakeside, our country offers a superb contrast of views which you simply cannot get elsewhere.
Walking the dog – most proper dogs need a couple of walks a day regardless of the weather and once out it is rarely a disappointment. I would not be without a dog!
So why do more people not get out and walk, either on a daily basis, or if that is impractical at weekends and for holidays. If asked people tend to come up with a number of reasons that can be narrowed down to just a few; “nothing nearby”, “too boring”, “not sure where to go/will get lost”, “no time”. In reality all of these come down to one thing – there is not an effective enough pull for those people to go on a walk.
As John Craven would say “there are always answers but they may not be straightforward” . Try these for size:
- National government promotional campaign highlighting the benefits of walking (or other exercise) in the outdoors. This could be regionally based and look at some of the fabulous areas in every part of the country.
- Increasing numbers of day trips from schools; these could take the form of navigation exercises, understanding the countryside or even more lively visits. Add in some overnight stays (there are many unused barns ripe for simple development just awaiting a visit). Clearly the practicalities are more difficult in the big cities (London in particular) but a 2 night trip into the country staying at some newly set up outdoor centres has to be possible…if there is a will.
- Finally if walking is still deemed a little tedious by some maybe the countryside does need some enlivening. In the Lake District the excellent Go Ape activities at Grizedale and Whinlatter forests offer excitement whilst private companies offer walking/climbing/boating holidays where the emphasis is on having fun. Even the proposed (and rejected) 1,000 foot zip wire at Honister should be reviewed.
There is a financial cost to the above but, of course, the financial payback is a healthier population and lower NHS bills. Cameron talks a lot about building a better society for the future; well here is a splendid way to achieve it.
With money tight, health on the decline and indoor sports taking over visiting our great outdoors surely is a no brainer.
For an American (thereby alternative!) view click here
Previous Posts:
Fell Top Assessors. What do they do and how are they funded
Windfarms – simply no need. As wind farms continue to be built why are we doing it?
Inspired by Autumn Watch? Some photography of animals in the countryside and the pleasures of limestone walking
Extending the National Parks. Views and news on the decision to extend the national parks of the Lakes & Dales
Using a map to navigate. Why using a map and compass adds so much to a good walk.
Walks for the family. How to educate your children to enjoy the great outdoors.
Away from the Crowds. Some tips and suggestions on where to still find peace and solitude when many walks are crowded out.
My favourite villages in the Dales. The villages in the Yorkshire Dales which are extra special.
Delighting in photos. Why it is so easy to enjoy photography these days.
More than just a walking heaven. Different reasons why people take to the fells and dales.
Watch out for the little blighters. Sheep ticks continue to be a growing menace.
Map Reading Skills on the decline. Impact of new technology on traditional navigation.
Hidden Yorkshire Dales. The joys of walking in my favourite lesser known dales.
Fell Top Assessors
Every day during the winter months Fell Top Assessors Jon or Jason climb 3,000 foot up Helvellyn in order to gauge the weather conditions, snow conditions and general safety of walking in the higher lands of the Lake District. Many would envy their role (although bear in mind how grim the weather has been in the last few weeks!) but they perform a critical service for the many walkers who take to the fells when they are in their winter snow clothes. From a competent walkers perspective the information that they provide will tell someone if it is really worthwhile taking to the high fells and if the snow conditions are good enough for an enjoyable day. Loose, wet and claggy snow is unpleasant and on somewhere like Striding Edge potentially very dangerous but when the snow conditions are as excellent as they 
were for much of last winter then there is no finer time to be on the fells.
For the less experienced walker the information from the Fell Top Assessors forms part of the National Park Authority’s ‘Weatherline‘. This popular service (700,000 hits a year, peaking in the winter months) provides information gathered from the Fell Top Assessors and the Met Office and puts it together in to an advisory capacity for anyone thinking of travelling up to the Lake District, say for a weekend break or just a day’s walk.
The Weatherline website has been maintained by the Lake District National Park Authority for many years but earlier this year there was a decision made that it would have to become self funding. With the large cut backs experienced by the National Park, funding the service became too much
of a ‘nice to have’ and not an essential tool for the workings of the Park. The costs included funding for the Assessors themselves, their equipment and maintenance of the website and amounted to a tidy little sum. Funding needed to be secured and I was delighted to help them find outside businesses who wished to promote their product on the Weatherline website. A look on the website will show those companies who have taken up the promotion and helped support a very worthwhile service for the area – information such as this can only help attract people to the area. I personally felt strong enough about the benefits and advice given on Weatherline to offer my time to the Park on a voluntary basis.
The BBC have just picked up on the story so have a look at Jon in action on this link. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-16174350
One thing he says that I cannot but endorse whole heartily is the need for people climbing the fells in winter conditions to be a) not put off because it is winter BUT b) to be well equipped and competent on the hill. As I have repeatedly said on this site….learn how to use a compass and learn how to read a map without relying on modern gadgets!
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If you would like to become involved with the Weatherline service and take up one of the promotional positions still available simply contact my permanent colleague in the park Neil Solender, the details are on the Weatherline website.
Previous Posts:
Windfarms – simply no need. As wind farms continue to be built why are we doing it?
Inspired by Autumn Watch? Some photography of animals in the countryside and the pleasures of limestone walking
Extending the National Parks. Views and news on the decision to extend the national parks of the Lakes & Dales
Using a map to navigate. Why using a map and compass adds so much to a good walk.
Walks for the family. How to educate your children to enjoy the great outdoors.
Away from the Crowds. Some tips and suggestions on where to still find peace and solitude when many walks are crowded out.
My favourite villages in the Dales. The villages in the Yorkshire Dales which are extra special.
Delighting in photos. Why it is so easy to enjoy photography these days.
More than just a walking heaven. Different reasons why people take to the fells and dales.
Watch out for the little blighters. Sheep ticks continue to be a growing menace.
Map Reading Skills on the decline. Impact of new technology on traditional navigation.
Hidden Yorkshire Dales. The joys of walking in my favourite lesser known dales.
Wind Farms – simply no need
Wind farms, and in particular the ones on land , create a lot of emotion and passion. In my humble opinion they are an unnecessary eye sore, extremely inefficient, expensive to us consumers and a sop to those environmentalists who have a pathological hatred of nuclear energy. Cards on the table, I do not like them.
The argument for wind farms go something like this; we are running out of gas, nuclear is potentially dangerous and we should be looking to renewable energy to counteract the effect of global warming. All well and good and I do not think anyone can seriously deny that this part of the argument is valid and justifiable. Also wind turbines produce no actual waste.
However wind farms, particularly on land are very expensive to build, expensive to run and maintain and by their nature are completely reliant on the fact the wind is blowing all the time. Despite what many of us who grace the top of our fells think, the wind does not always blow. Last winter in the long cold ‘snap’ before and after Christmas we were sat under a high pressure with no wind at all. The wind turbines produced nothing of value exactly at the time demand for electricity was at its highest. Pointless. Coupled with the fact that the turbines are seriously expensive to build & run and this cost is passed directly on to us consumers (50p in every £1 I heard in some areas) then surely it is simply not viable.
The argument then becomes much more volatile when discussing these turbines as to how they look and what damage they cause to the environment. I do become somewhat NIMBYish (Not in my own back yard) about the issue but really I just dislike the look of them, wherever they are – they are simply pig ugly and wreck the aesthetics of our upland areas. And here is the rub – so many people who are in favour of wind farms make the point that this is the reason why the anti brigade do not want them built – ‘it spoils their precious countryside’ and the irrational dislike (jealousy?) of those who live in urban areas have for those living or visiting regularly rural areas comes into play. Similar to the argument for building houses all over the countryside the arguments become at this stage heated and irrational. One other issue which needs pointing out – the 1,000s of birds killed by the enormous span of these beasts every year.
It is neccessary to pull people back to the facts; wind farms are costly and do not work effectively. If you covered the countryside with them from coast to coast they would only account for 25% of our needs and completely wreck our countryside. There are better options and I am afraid nuclear is one of them. However other more environmentally friendly options are available (tidal, hydro electric, solar (!) and wind turbines way out to sea where the wind is more reliable) - all of these options are expensive but I think this is the price of the times we live in.
If anyone wishes to go out and look at how unattractive they are just have a drive up the M66 or the M74 but more than that get out and take a walk through a field of them. I defy anyone not to think there is something evil about wind turbines. No More Please.
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On a more positive note I am delighted to say that the Weatherline website produced via the Lake District National Park Authority has been saved, at least for another year. The main asset of this service is during the winter months when two hardy individuals, Jason & Jon, hike up to the summit of Helvelyn (from the striding edge side) every day to report accurately on conditions in the high mountain regions. The website attracted nearly 1 million hits last year but cuts at the National Park risked its future. Outside funding has now secured the service and many thanks to the 5 or 6 sponsors for supporting the service. I say this with feeling as I have been part of the support team who have secured the funding and it has all been immensely satisfying.
Previous Posts:
Inspired by Autumn Watch? Some photography of animals in the countryside and the pleasures of limestone walking
Extending the National Parks. Views and news on the decision to extend the national parks of the Lakes & Dales
Using a map to navigate. Why using a map and compass adds so much to a good walk.
Walks for the family. How to educate your children to enjoy the great outdoors.
Away from the Crowds. Some tips and suggestions on where to still find peace and solitude when many walks are crowded out.
My favourite villages in the Dales. The villages in the Yorkshire Dales which are extra special.
Delighting in photos. Why it is so easy to enjoy photography these days.
More than just a walking heaven. Different reasons why people take to the fells and dales.
Watch out for the little blighters. Sheep ticks continue to be a growing menace.
Map Reading Skills on the decline. Impact of new technology on traditional navigation.
Hidden Yorkshire Dales. The joys of walking in my favourite lesser known dales.
Inspired by Autumn Watch?
Autumn and Spring are the best times of the year for seeing wildlife (or the less wild version) so I have included my favourite (non mountain view) shots in a short slide show below. I am no wildlife photographer but I have been fortunate enough to spend a great deal of time outdoors and even I have been able to capture some fascinating little snippets of coutrylife – so enjoy them
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Walking in Autumn though does have its drawbacks, mainly lack of daylight and increasingly muddy and unpleasant underfoot terrain. Avoiding the muddy tracks is the key to good walking at this time of the year. Often riverside locations are particularly squalid and slippery, particularly those in wooded areas. I do thoroughly recommend walking over limestone rock because the drainage is so good and the walking excellent. I was on Thisleton Scars near Ingleton last week with dry feet adding to what was an excellent walk anyway. Strangely walking in the Lakes where the tracks are more eroded than the Dales (but often well repaired) keeps the feet dry. Also take a torch for ease of mind – although you will almost certainly not need one – twilight can be a concern (particularly on a dark day) and having a torch does stop the need for any unnecessary stressing.
Below are some walks that are excellent for the shorter autumn days.
Lake District
Walking through Little Langdale: A short walk on excellent tracks and outstanding views
Sprinkling Tarn & Styhead: Grand scenery surrounds this dramatic walk
Whinlatter, near Kendal: A long flat ridge of limestone makes for an easy walk
Yorkshire Dales
Limestone scenery near Grassington: Good, clean walking in limestone country
The Lanes of Long Preston. Easy going high above Settle with good views
Circuit of Stocks Reservoir. Something different in the Forest of Bowland
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On a sad note we had to put Bracken to sleep. It is a horrific business, however painless it is, but I had always said that I would know when the right time to do it would be and that arrived last weekend. Bracken though had a great life; a wonderful companion for myself and Helen and will be sorely missed. I counted her over 120 Munros, a total which would have been higher but for my own completion and subsequent move to the Tops! Often I walked alone with her and probably my abiding memory will be a 2 day Cairngorm crossing a few years back in a summer heatwave – after a 12 hour day we slept rough in the flat col between the Devils Point and Angel’s Peak at over 3,000 feet. It was a perfect evening and we wondered up to the Point and just sat there for hours before darkness eventually came. She was a wonderful dog. RIP.
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Previous Posts:
Extending the National Parks. Views and news on the decision to extend the national parks of the Lakes & Dales
Using a map to navigate. Why using a map and compass adds so much to a good walk.
Walks for the family. How to educate your children to enjoy the great outdoors.
Away from the Crowds. Some tips and suggestions on where to still find peace and solitude when many walks are crowded out.
My favourite villages in the Dales. The villages in the Yorkshire Dales which are extra special.
Delighting in photos. Why it is so easy to enjoy photography these days.
More than just a walking heaven. Different reasons why people take to the fells and dales.
Watch out for the little blighters. Sheep ticks continue to be a growing menace.
Map Reading Skills on the decline. Impact of new technology on traditional navigation.
Hidden Yorkshire Dales. The joys of walking in my favourite lesser known dales.
Extending the National Park Boundaries
Good news all round I suspect. Natural England have announced an extension of the boundaries for the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales National Parks to include many areas of great national beauty which always appear below the radar of visitors to the area. There may be some home owners who do not like the thought of planning restrictions being imposed on their homes but the protection for land owners, the advice and the higher publicity and generated income in to the area that will come with being included in the boundaries will be a major boost for the area. I just hope they receive the resources to maintain them in these days of austerity.
So what are the boundary changes? Just click here to view them on a map but they fall in to just 3 main areas in my opinion, 2 extra chunks for the Dales and one for the Lakes.
1. The largest extension is to the north west of the Yorkshire Dales and includes the areas of Mallerstang (a personal favourite) and the superbly named Wild Boar Fell, a northern sweep of the lovely Howgills and the beautiful limestone pavements of Great Ashby, very familiar land to anyone who has covered this section of the Coast to Coast. I have already completed and written up a number of lovely walks in the area:
The Ancient Castles of Mallerstang
2. A large chunk of land to the north and east of Kirkby Lonsdale linking it through the lovely Barbondale valley to Dent and the great moors near Great Coum. Barbondale and Great Coum are already featured on two of my walks:
3. I am particularly pleased to see the Lake District National Park take control of the area to the north of Kendal near Whinfell and the other Borrowdale valley, a walk I completed only recently but is a haven for those wanting great walking in friendly terrain. Please find the description of the walk here.
There is also a small addition to the area around Sizergh Castle but I do not know it so I cannot really comment!
Certainly all these are areas I believe should have added protection but not only to retain their natural beauty but also to encourage more people to visit. For those who are living there some will disagree but I cannot help but feel there is an element of nimbyism about this – fine for us to enjoy but not you lot! However it appears the majority of local residents were in favour and could see the benefits that extra visitors will bring and protection will offer. Some may even be licking their lips on the commercial opportunities!
As I was scanning the map Arnside and Silverdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty reared its head. Now this is a beautiful place but empty – I just do not get why some areas receive only AONB protection but others get the added advantage of National Park protection. For those who do not know, the National Park offers the same natural protection of an area of outstanding natural beauty but is in addition promoted as a place to visit and a recreational area – something which Arnside and Silverdale and even more bizarrely Nidderdale to the east of the Dales receive. Why do we try and complicate things so much!
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Yesterday I completed my 100th Lake District walk – a beautiful lowish walk in to the Upper Esk in the south western Lakes. A more perfect spot there is not on a hot day with stunning scenery and an energetic river. There were even a couple swimming in one of the deep pools (although they were not in for long). I have now completed in my opinion the best 100 walks in the Yorkshire Dales and the Lake District – now I will be looking at ways of encouraging more people to try and enjoy them.
Previous Posts:
Using a map to navigate. Why using a map and compass adds so much to a good walk.
Walks for the family. How to educate your children to enjoy the great outdoors.
Away from the Crowds. Some tips and suggestions on where to still find peace and solitude when many walks are crowded out.
My favourite villages in the Dales. The villages in the Yorkshire Dales which are extra special.
Delighting in photos. Why it is so easy to enjoy photography these days.
More than just a walking heaven. Different reasons why people take to the fells and dales.
Watch out for the little blighters. Sheep ticks continue to be a growing menace.
Map Reading Skills on the decline. Impact of new technology on traditional navigation.
Hidden Yorkshire Dales. The joys of walking in my favourite lesser known dales.
Using a map to navigate
Staggering idea eh! I never cease to be amazed by the lack of walkers who use a map whilst walking around the fells of the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales – time and time again I come across people confused as to where they are and uncertain as to where they are going. Our Ordnance Survey maps are superb – the best in the world. Many walkers have guide books in their hands, which are ok, but they only give half the picture; once you have missed a turning or happen to stray from the path for whatever reason then it is almost impossible to recover. Stress usually follows and often a less than comfortable descent and whilst 99% of walkers will make it back to where they are aiming for it is just so unnecessary. Use guide books by all means but relate them to a map – plot the route on to a map from the comfort of your own home and then take the map out with you. Not only will this provide the safest way of experiencing the great outdoors but also the best fun. A map will allow you to leave your chosen route, visiting 
points of interest nearby which would be away from the guide book route (a viewpoint for instance, or maybe another more interesting descent) and also give you something to look at when you stop. Neighbouring mountains, lakes or streams can be seen and named and all of a sudden the entire walk is more enjoyable.
However I do accept that many walkers do not have the confidence to use a map… however it is not difficult to learn. As with so many things it is the fear of the unknown which is putting people off; when in fact spending an evening simply looking at a map, the contours and the symbols will in many cases be enough. Try using a map around your local area (which is familiar anyway) and relate what is on the map to what you are familiar with. Simple use of a compass is similarly straightforward – the red arrow goes north as does the top of the map – put them together and you are off and running.
The 1,25,000 O/S Explorer maps are what I recommend for the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales (4 maps only cover each area) with the detail and scale ideal for walkers. Whilst I was climbing the Munros I used 1.50,000 O/S Landranger maps as the 1.25 did not exist (and the differences walked tended to be larger) but the detail is less and certainly for practising in the English uplands the 1.25,000 is best. To have some help in learning all about navigation and having some great fun in the process I would suggest signing on to one of the NNAS (National Navigation Award Scheme) providers. The NNAS is divided into 3 levels Bronze, Silver and Gold and each stage usually takes 2 days to complete. Although this does not offer you the authority to lead groups it offers individual competence and confidence to take yourself out and about. The scheme is very popular and my personal view is that it should even be included in the National Curriculum….hey ho!
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Over the school holiday period I have been able to add quite a lot to the website. There is now an Overseas section which includes some friends’ accounts of trips they have made; whether this is a summary of walking opportunities in the Pyrenees and France to bigger walks further afield such as Aconcagua and trekking in the Himalayas.
There is also a great new section on wheelchair access in the Yorkshire Dales written by Debbie who is extremely interested in such matters. Totally inspiring.
Finally I have improved the download spreadsheet of the 100 best walks in the Dales and the 100 best walks in the Lake District – keep it and fill it when completing any of the walks – it’s great for the kids.
Previous Posts:
Walks for the family. How to educate your children to enjoy the great outdoors
Away from the Crowds. Some tips and suggestions on where to still find peace and solitude when many walks are crowded out.
My favourite villages in the Dales. The villages in the Yorkshire Dales which are extra special.
Delighting in photos. Why it is so easy to enjoy photography these days
More than just a walking heaven. Different reasons why people take to the fells and dales
Watch out for the little blighters. Sheep ticks continue to be a growing menace
Map Reading Skills on the decline. Impact of new technology on traditional navigation.
Hidden Yorkshire Dales. The joys of walking in my favourite lesser known dales.
