Peregrinating the North West and Beyond

Tag: Hiking

  • A Coledale horseshoe Escape. How to get out of it on wet and windy summer’s day.

    We set-off to do the Coledale Horseshoe on Saturday in August. We started from Braithwaite towards Grisedale Pike. Unfortunately, the weather kept on getting worse and we had to abandon the rest of the horseshoe. Still ticked one Wainwright (Grisedale) and one Birkett (Kinn) … and not forgetting a (saving grace visit to the) pub !
    Do not attempt this walk if your mountain experience is limited. We came off the side of Grisedale pike on the scree towards Hobcarton Gill. As far as descending on scree; I have seen worse but only OK to do if you have experienced this kind of terrain before or you are accompanied by seasoned mountaineers.

    I had to abandon my first attempt to complete the Coledale horseshoe from Braithwaite as the weather was too wet and windy. I came off my first Wainwright summit (Grisedale Pike). Only attempt if you have experience on scree or are with experienced mountaineers.
    Click on the picture to see the full slideshow and route video

    Stats
    DifficultyTechnical – only attempt if you have experience on scree or accompanied by someone who does
    Length11.1 mi – 17.9 km
    Total elevation3,153 ft – 961m
    Highest point2,458 ft – 749m
    Walking time5h20
    TerrainWalking paths, Alpine paths and scree (Off-piste)
    EquipmentLayers, layers, layers ! Even if it is a beautiful day in the valley, it can get chilly and exposed on top. Sufficient water for 6 hours / 11 miles, there are no pubs before the start / end. Good boots, you will be going down scree.
    View route (Click on menu to reveal the image)
    I had to abandon my first attempt to complete the Coledale horseshoe from Braithwaite as the weather was too wet and windy. I came off my first Wainwright summit (Grisedale Pike). Only attempt if you have experience on scree or are with experienced mountaineers.
    Send me a message on Instagram or email to request the GPX file, AllTrails or Komoot link

    Getting there
    • Driving: Whinlatter Pass car park is free but only has 12 spots. Alternatively, you can park at the primary school and put a donation in the box.
    • Public transport: The X5 runs once per hour from Keswick; unfortunately, public transport options from the North West are limited but not impossible. I personally took the train to Penrith and then two busses to Braithwaite.

    Watering Holes
    • The Coledale Inn – Braithwaite – At the start or end of the walk
      Built in the late 1800’s as a woolen mill and later converted as a country inn. Muddy boots and paws are more than welcomed.
      Home-made food and good ales. The kitchen is open every day from 12:00-21:00. Expect pub classics including delicious pies.
      Beer garden with stunning views of Skiddaw during the summer and roaring wood-fires to warm up in winter.

    Make a week-end of it – Where to stay and eat

    For a walking week-end, Braithwaite is definitely the place the stay. Endless possibilities on the door-step for both low and high level walks and of course, the Coledale horseshoe.
    But if you are after a mix of walking, wining, dining and shopping; Keswick is only 2 miles down the road.

    For camping and glamping: Braithwaite Village camping and caravanning site
    Grass pitches for tents and camper vans with awning, hard-standing pitches for caravan and motor-homes.
    Outstanding range of services: from dedicated accessible facilities, parents and baby room, and bike servicing area.
    In terms of comfort it has everything, from shower blocks, flushing toilets, wi-fi in the club room, washing machine, dog-wash area.

    For a cosy week-end: The Coledale Inn – Braithwaite
    Definitely a Inn made for walkers. They have drying facilities.
    Cosy rooms and they offer good deals for 2 nights mid-week DBB.
    Family rooms availabl.

    For groups or families: The Old Farmhouse – Braithwaite
    A beautiful cottage dating 1656. It has 2 king rooms and 1 double.
    For larger groups, rent out the cottage as well as the annex and you can sleep up to 12 people.

  • A stroll by the Thames and lunch in Oxfordshire with an extra pub

    The White Hart at Fyfield is a 15th century pub and restaurant.
    The food is exceptional. Enjoy a lunch and burn some calories afterward by going for a stroll along the river Thames to Appleton. Another pub in Appleton offers real ales and classic pub food.

    This is a gentle stroll of under 7 miles along the river Thames in picturesque Oxfordshire. With a Gastro pub at the end or start of the walk and a country pub in the middle (or the reverse way if you start the walk from a different village)
    Click on the picture to see the full slideshow and route video

    Stats
    DifficultyEasy
    Length6.72 mi – 10.8 km
    Total elevation200 ft – 61m
    Highest point294 ft – 90m
    Walking time2h50
    TerrainPaths, roads and footpaths
    EquipmentSufficient water to keep You going for 7 miles / nearly 3 hours
    View route (Click on menu to reveal the image)
    This is a gentle stroll of under 7 miles along the river Thames in picturesque Oxfordshire. With a Gastro pub at the end or start of the walk and a country pub in the middle (or the reverse way if you start the walk from a different village)
    Send me a message by email or on Instagram to request the GPX file, AllTrails or Komoot link all files can be customized with your chosen departure points and/or to include sights along the trail.

    Getting there
    • Driving: You should be able to park near the pub
    • Public transport:
    • From London: Train from Paddington to Oxford then bus to Digging Lane (c. 1h50)
    • From Birmingham: Train from New Street to Oxford then bus to Digging Lane (c. 1h50)
    • From Reading: Train to Oxford then bus to Digging Lane (c. 1h50)
    • Contact me for other routes

    Watering Holes
    • The The White Hart – Fyfield – at the start or end of the walk
      Multi-award winning family-run gastro pub in beautiful 15th Century building.
      There is outdoors seating in the summer and open-fire in the winter.
      Food is served from 12:00-14:15 and 17:45-21:00 on Tue-Sat and 12:00-16:00 on Sun. Everything is home-made and source locally, including their own kitchen garden and local foraging. It has 2 AA rosettes. Yet the lunch menu is very reasonably priced.
    • The Plough Inn – Appleton – at 3.75 mi. (c. 1h30 into the walk)
      In a 17th Century coaching inn. With a beer garden for the summer and a roaring fire in winter.
      Serves real ale and home-cooked food. Expect pub classics.
      I have not tried the food personally but reviews are excellent.
      Definitely the place to have lunch if you fancy traditional pub food rather than gastro pub.

    Make a week-end of it

    The walk is reachable by direct local bus from Oxford. The city is not short of options for accommodation, food, drink and entertainment to make a full week-end of.

    But if you prefer to camp; the Barefoot Campsite is on the route.
    It offers grass pitches for tents, log-cabin and bell-tents for glamping, as well as pitches for camper-vans.
    But beware, this is an off-grid campsite: no wifi, no electric hook-up and no artificial light and composting toilets.
    But it has plenty to offer: spacious pitches, campfires and BBQ are permitted, canoe-rental. It also boasts 7 pubs within walking distance !

  • Great and Little Langdale – A low level Lake District walk with 4 pubs, 1 swim and a Cathedral

    About 11 miles of stunning scenery in the Lake Districts. Low-level walk from Elterwater via The New Dungeon Ghyll and Old Dungeon Ghyll, Blea Tarn, Cathedral Cave and Little Langdale. 4 pubs along the route, Blea Tarn is perfect for a swim and Cathedral Cave a unique place to explore.

    About 11 miles of stunning scenery in the Lake Districts. Low-level walk from Elterwater via The New Dungeon Ghyll and Old Dungeon Ghyll, Blea Tarn, Cathedral Cave and Little Langdale. 4 pubs along the route, Blea Tarn is perfect for a swim and Cathedral Cave a unique place to explore.
    Click on the picture to see the full slideshow and route video

    Stats
    DifficultyModerate to strenuous (Distance and total elevation)
    Length11 mi – 17.7 km
    Total elevation2,785 ft – 849m
    Highest point1,109 ft – 338m
    Walking time2h40
    TerrainPaths, roads and footpaths
    EquipmentNo technical sections on this walk but you will need closed shoes or boots to keep you comfortable for 11 miles ! If you like to swim, don’t forget your swimsuit and towel for Blea Tarn
    View route (Click on menu to reveal the image)
    About 11 miles of stunning scenery in the Lake Districts. Low-level walk from Elterwater via The New Dungeon Ghyll and Old Dungeon Ghyll, Blea Tarn, Cathedral Cave and Little Langdale. 4 pubs along the route, Blea Tarn is perfect for a swim and Cathedral Cave a unique place to explore.
    Send me a message by email, Instagram or FB to request the GPX file, AllTrails or Komoot link all files can be customized with your chosen departure points and/or to include sights along the trail.

    Getting there
    • Driving: There are 3 car parks in Elterwater but all fee-paying. But there is a free car park at Stickle Ghyll
    • Public transport:
    • From Preston: X8 bus to Ambleside Interchange then bus 516 to Dungeon Ghyll (c. 1h55)
    • Contact me for other routes

    Watering Holes
    • The Walkers Bar at the New Dungeon Ghyll – Langdale – c. 2.7 mi into the walk (c. 1h15 mins)
      Belongs to the Red Cat Pub company.
      Muddy boots and paws friendly.Has a beer garden for the summer and open fire in winter
      Excellent ales. and the food is locally sourced. Gastro-pub rather than classics.
      The kitchen is open all day Friday and Saturday from 12:00-21:00 and Sunday 12:00-20:00. Check the website of FB page for weekdays opening hours.
    • The Climber’s bar at the Old Dungeon Ghyll – Great Langdale – c. 3.4 mi into the walk (c. 1h30 mins)
      The Original Inn the Langdale Valley, has hosted an array of Everest Climbers on their training and still family owned.
      Without a doubt, my favorite in the area. Muddy boots and paws are more than welcome.
      If you are looking for luxury, do not stop. But walkers, hikers, mountaineers, fell-runners and any other hard-core outdoors enthusiasts will alway feel at home (and be welcome as much)
      Some outdoors seating in the summer and roaring open-fire in the winter.
      The food is home-cooked and very fairly priced. Soup and sandwiches for lunch (12:30-17:00) and pub classics, including excellent pies for supper (17:00-20:00 Sun to Thurs and till 20:30 Fri & Sat)
      As the owner is a keen musician; there are open session every Wednesday at 19:30
    • The Three Shires Inn – Little Langdale – c. 8.6 mi into the walk (c. 3h55 mins)
      An independent traditional Inn. Muddy boots and paws are welcome.
      Outdoor seating for the summer and roaring fireplace in the winter,
      Good selection of ales from Cumbria and food made with local produce.
      The kitchen is open 12:00-14:30 and 17:30-20:00
      Expect sandwiches and pub-classics at lunch and gastro-pub type dishes in the evening.
    • The Britannia Inn – Eltermere – At the end of the walk
      A wonderful family run traditional Inn. Welcoming muddy boots and paws.
      Cask Mark ales and delicious home-made food.
      Beer garden for the summer and roaring open fires in winter.
      Kitchen is open from 12:00-14:00, Soup and Sandwiches 14:00-16:00 and dinner 17:30-20:30

    Make a week-end of it

    The Langdales are in the very centre of the Lake Districts.
    Unlike Ambleside or Keswick, you won’t find a wide range of shops and restaurants.
    But still plenty of outdoor activities to keep you busy for a full week-end.
    Needless to say, there are numerous walks from low level to mountain hikes taking in Harrison Stickle, Pavey Ark or Crinkle Crags.
    But there also are disused quarries with caves; the most famous being Cathedral Cave. And plenty of good spots for wild swimming. Blea tarn is easily accessible and if you want to climb up; Stickle tarn is a wonderful place to take a dip.

    For the budget conscious: Eltewater Hostel in Elterwater has shared dorms and private rooms.
    It only sleeps 38 people in total. And can be booked as a group.
    Should the weather let you down; there is a drying room.
    It offers both breakfast and home-cooked evening meals as well as a self-catering kitchen.
    And being so close to town; there are a couple of pubs within walking distance.

    For comfort: The Old Dungeon Ghyll in Great Langdale
    My favorite hotel in the whole of the Lake District area. A family run business with Olde Worlde character.
    The rooms are very cosy and some have amazing views. Each room is different but not all rooms are ensuite.
    Breakfast is always included in the price. And I am told that it now has has super-fast wifi. (The last time I was there, the wifi was very spotty and the phone signal in the Valley is mostly non-existent.
    Dogs are welcome to stay for a small supplement.
    For food and drinks, check the details in the section above. Again, one of my favorite but best suited for outdoor enthusiast (with a plus if you enjoy music) than someone looking for luxury and glamour.

    For Camping: Great Langdale Campsite offers grass pitches for tents, hardstanding pitches with electric hookups for camper vans and Owned by the National Trust, it is family friendly and well equipped.

    For groups: The Great Langdale Bunkhouse – behind the New Dungeon Ghyll
    Sleeps 18 divided into 3 twin rooms and two rooms of 6 (all bunk beds). 
    Equipped with biomass central heating and hot water with powerful showers.
    Separate male and female shows and toilet facilities.
    There are no self-catering options but a tavern, the New Dungeon Ghyll and Stickle Barn on its doorstep.

  • Heather covered hills and a pint around Penmaenmawr, North Wales

    This walk starts at the signpost of the Jubilee Trail above Penmaenmawr and includes a stops at the Fairy Glenn Inn around mid-way.
    Particularly beautiful in August when the purple heather is in full bloom.
    It gives you an overview of the sea, coastline, and hills of the area, including panoramic views of Penmaenmawr, Anglesey and the Great Orme.
    Starting on a path girdling the hill, you will then descend onto atmospheric woodland, waterfalls, river gorges before a sharp up to the Inn. On the way back to the start point, you may find the druid’s stone circle.

    Stunning heather covered hills on the Conwy range near Penmaenmawr in North Wales. An easy walk under 5 miles but with one very sharp pull up. Over 1,000ft of total elevation. Beautiful sea and mountain views.
    Click on the picture to see the full slideshow and route video

    Stats
    DifficultyEasy
    Length5 mi – 8 km
    Total elevation1,184 ft – 361m
    Highest point1,109 ft – 338m
    Walking time2h40
    TerrainPaths and footpaths
    EquipmentLong trousers as the path can be difficult to find
    View route (Click on menu to reveal the image)
    Stunning heather covered hills on the Conwy range near Penmaenmawr in North Wales. An easy walk under 5 miles but with one very sharp pull up. Over 1,000ft of total elevation. Beautiful sea and mountain views.
    Send me a message by email or on Instagram to request the GPX file, AllTrails or Komoot link all files can be customized with your chosen departure points and/or to include sights along the trail.

    Getting there
    • Driving: There is a free car-park on top of Mountain Lane by the two towers
    • Public transport:
    • From Chester: Train to Conwy and bus 75 to Post Office (c. 1h50) but starts from the pub.
    • Contact me for other routes

    Watering Holes
    • The Fairy Glen Hotel – Dwygyfylchi – 1.85 mi into the walk (c. 55 mins)
      A wonderful independent pub with real ale and home-cooked food.
      There is some outdoors seating in the summer.
      Food is served from 12:00:20:30 on Mon-Fri and 12:00-20:15 at weekends. (Summer time schedule). The pies are absolutely delicious.

    Make a week-end of it

    There are many beautiful walks around Penmaenmawr. Both coastal walks and mountain walks.
    Great bus connections from Penmaenmawr to Conwy, Caernarfon and Llandudno.
    Enough cafe, pubs and restaurant to keep you fed and watered.
    A museum and a beach if you do not feel like walking.

    For the budget conscious: YHA in Conwy has shared dorms, private rooms and Bell Tents.
    It offers both breakfast and evening meals as well as a self-catering kitchen.

    For comfort: Penmaenmawr Bed & Breakfast only has 3 rooms (including one single).
    It is very cosy, dog friendly and the breakfast is delicious.

    For Camping: Trwyn Yr Wylfa offers grass pitches for tents and camper vans with awning and hard pitches for caravans.
    Excellent facilities and plenty of space between pitches. Still within walking distance of shops, cafe, village pub, restaurants and the beach.

  • An evening walk from Witton Park to Hoghton Bottoms with 2 pubs

    Make the most of the few longer days we have remaining this year.
    This walk is under 7 miles and can be completed after work.

    An easy walk under 7 miles. Can be completed in the evening in summer. Starts at Witton Park in Blackburn, takes in 2 pubs and the impressive Hoghton Bottoms waterfall.
    Click on the picture to see the full slideshow and route video

    Stats
    DifficultyEasy
    Length6.8 mi – 11.2 km
    Total elevation757 ft – 231m
    Highest point350 ft – 106m
    Walking time2h36
    TerrainPaths, roads and hiking paths
    EquipmentWaterproof shoes or boots – Can be muddy in some sections
    View route (Click on menu to reveal the image)
    An easy walk under 7 miles. Can be completed in the evening in summer. Starts at Witton Park in Blackburn, takes in 2 pubs and the impressive Hoghton Bottoms waterfall.
    Send me a message on Instagram or email to request the GPX file, AllTrails or Komoot link

    Getting there

    • Driving: Car park Tower Road and Pleasington car parks are free
    • Public transport:
    • From Manchester: Train from Victoria to Blackburn then train to Cherry Tree (c. 1h35) or Train from Piccadilly to Preston and then Preston to Cherry Tree (c. 1h30)
    • From Preston: Bus 152 to Tower Road stop (c. 40 mins)
    • From Leeds: Train to Accrington then train to Cherry Tree (c. 1h59)
    • From Lancaster: Train to Preston then train to Cherry Tree (c. 1h20)

    Watering Holes
    • The Railway – Pleasington – 5.4 miles into the walk (c. 2hrs)
      Muddy boots and paws friendly. The walker’s favourite in the area.
      A good selection of ales and some outdoors seating in the summer.

    • The Butler’s Arms – Pleasington – Less than a mile into the walk (c. 25 mins)
      For the gourmets and oenophiles. The pub offers French cheese and wine tastings with their sommelier
      But also has a good selection of ales for a quick pint at the start or at the end of the walk.
      And serves pub classics, grills, gastro dishes and burgers from 12:00-20:00 Mon-Thur and 12:00-21:00 Fri & Sat as well as Roast on Sundays from 12:00-20:00. If you are walking during the week, there is an excellent value lunch menu on Mon-Thur.
      Some outdoors seating with a bowling green in the Summer, open-fire in the winter and the pub is dog-friendly


    Make a week-end of it

    The area is better suited for locals as a day or evening walk.