Arnside; Tuesday 29th. December 2015.

The Pictures:-

To see who was on the walk click on the following picture:-

To view Stan's pictures taken on the walk click 'Here' then click slideshow and full screen.

To view Ken Nobles pictures click 'Here' 

To view Terry's pictures click 'Here'

The Walk:-

Walk leader - Stan Bradshaw.

The weather leading up to today's walk had been dreadful, with floods all over the North of England, the Arnside area being no exception. Consequently the walk had to be re- planned in order to make it possible. Fortunately the day itself was mild and mainly sunny, and as luck would have it we were able to keep to relatively well drained ground with not much mud.

The route we took was along the front to New Barns, then up to the view point on Arnside Knott. From there we dropped down to Arnside Tower and through Holgates and Eaves Wood, to our morning coffee break in Eaves Wood, near Old Waterslack Farm. Moving on, we skirted Hawes Water and Gait Barrows to join the road which, due to the flooded state of Leighton Beck, we unfortunately had to follow as far as Hazelslack Tower Farm. To our relief we were then able to leave the road and via fields and woodland, climbed steadily upwards to the high point on Haverbrack, where we were able to enjoy the views as we took our lunch.

Duly refreshed, we continued downwards to join the main road, between Sandside and Milnthorpe, which we followed for a few hundred yards to Milnthorpe Bridge. From there we walked through Dallam Park to Beetham, then upwards and through woodland to Fairy Steps and another break and a chance to enjoy the views and a cup of coffee. The descent of Fairy Steps is always a bit of fun with a group, especially as ones who would rather they were a few pound lighter, squeeze between the narrow walls. Needless to say none of us qualified for a wish from the fairies! A gradual descent through Underlaid Wood took us down to Hazelslack Tower farm, where we crossed our earier route, then on over Teddy Height, eventually joining the old railway track which we followed back to Arnside. There were 20 of us on the walk, which was a little short of 14 miles in length.

But that was not all, as traditionally once this Christmas walk is over, we then adjourn to The Albion, with is warm comfortable atmosphere and fine selection of ales. Three members had to head back home, but as we were joined in the pub by Dave and Sheila, who hadn't made it for the walk, numbers were more or less maintained. Judging by the level of noise their chat created all were in good spirits having had a good day out.

Thanks to Ken (Gadget) and Terry for their pictures.

Stan.