Note that this is the programme for the April 2024 festival which is left here for information and as an illustrative programme. The 2025 festival programme with be uploaded to replace this in early March 2025.
Please read the WALK NOTES tab for general instructions and advice.
To book on to a walk, email ulverstonwalks@gmail.com with just the walk number and the names of all walkers. We will respond to confirm your booking. If you subsequently cannot make a walk, please let us know, using the above email, so that your place may be reallocated. If you need a lift to a walk mention this and we will try to arrange it.
For car share see WALK NOTES tab.
• Unless stated otherwise, Easy and Moderate walks will be limited to 20 walkers and Moderate Plus and Hard walks to 12 walkers.
• Now that our funds are back in balance we return to a fee of £3 per person per walk, to be paid to the walk leader on the day. A voluntary collection for Mountain Rescue will also be taken at the end of each walk.
SATURDAY 27th APRIL
WALK 1 SWARTHMOOR CIRCULAR WALK
EASY 3½ miles (Start/End Time 10am-2pm)
An easy stroll including Swarthmoor Hall (home of the Quakers), the Quaker Meeting House, and free tea at Swarthmoor Methodist Chapel. Meet at the top of the road down to Ulverston Station (LA12 0DR). No dogs please. Swarthmoor Hall should be open, with an entry fee, but expert description will be given without entry. Led by Judy Pickthall and Simon Hughes (with expert input by David Jackson.)
WALK 2 CARTMEL FELL AND SECTION OF OLD KENDAL TO ULVERSTON TURNPIKE
MODERATE 6½ miles, 215m ascent (Start Time 10am-3pm)
Starting from Gummers How car park (Grid Ref: SD 389 876) above Windermere, through Astley’s Plantation to join route of old turnpike road. Farm tracks, with spectacular views over the Winster Valley, head to Cartmel Fell hamlet with its spectacular old church and then via a walkers’ monument; back via Rankthorns Plantation and Foxfield, with good views all the way. (Note: similar to Walk No 20)
Led by Neil McLaughlin-Cook and Sheila Bull.
WALK 3 Oxen Park, Bethecar Moor Circuit
MODERATE PLUS 8½ miles 245m ascent (Start Time 10am)
A circular walk from Oxen Park via High Ickenthwaite and Parrock Hill, both rural and across the fairly remote Bethecar Moor, with great views throughout. Meet at the Reading Room in Oxen Park, with honesty box parking (Grid Ref: SD 317 873), or car share from Stockbridge Lane carpark (see map under ‘Find Us’ tab) leaving at 0915am. Led by Alan Robinson and Marion Danson.
WALK 4 Map Reading in Wild Country
MODERATE/PLUS ACTIVITY 4 miles (Start Time 11am-3.15pm)
For those with some basic map-reading experience. Practise use of compass, measuring distance, speed of walking and use of contours. Meet at lay-by above Gawthwaite (Grid: SD 267 847) or car share from Ford Park car park in Ulverston (LA12 7JU) at 10.45am (donations box). Some quite rough terrain (hence Moderate Plus) but nothing dangerous. Limited to 8 walkers. (Contact leader on 07792422160 if you want more details. Suitable for someone doing Gold DofE, preparing for Summer ML, or just interested in more advanced navigation techniques.)
Led by Martin Cooper.
WALK 5 Local History Walk
EASY 2 miles (Start/End Time 7pm-8.30pm)
Meet Market Street at the memorial cross (see ‘Find Us’ tab). Walk the back streets and alleyways round the north of Ulverston, finishing at The Old Friends Inn (you don’t have to go in but a warm welcome will surely await you if you do). No dogs please. Walk limited to 12.
Led by Jean and Steve Povey.
SUNDAY 28th APRIL
WALK 6 Exploring the coastline twixt sheep and water
EASY 4 miles (Start/End Time 10am-1pm)
Starting at the Bay Horse Inn at Canal Foot (LA12 9EL, Grid Ref: SD 313 776). A gentle stroll along the coastline to the north to Ashes Point showing changes that have taken place during the last few hundred years. Led by Jane Carson and Linda Marshall.
WALK 7 Holme Fell from Tilberthwaite
MODERATE 5 miles 320m ascent (Start/End Time 10.30am-3pm)
Feels like a big mountain walk to a Wainwright without the ascent. Panoramic lake and mountain views. Returning via the dramatic Hodge Close, the largest quarry in the National Park. A shorter version of Walk 32. Starting at Tilberthwaite carpark (Note Change: NP parking rates reintroduced by RingGo (Smart phone needed) but small National Trust Car Park free) (Grid Ref: NY 306 010) or car share from Ford Park car park (LA12 7JU) at 9.30am (donations box). Led by Dave Hughes and Stephe Cove.
WALK 8 Goats Water Horseshoe
HARD 8 miles 850m ascent (Start/End Time 9.40am-4pm)
8th in the UK’s 100 best walks. Includes Dow Crag and Coniston Old Man. Meet at Torver Parish Room, (Grid: SD 284 943) with a reasonable parking fee, or car share from Ford Park car park (LA12 7JU) (donations box) at 9.00am. No dogs please. Led by Peter Quiggin and Tony Page.
WALK 9 Local History Walk
EASY 2 miles (Start/End Time 7pm-8.30pm)
Meet Market Street at the memorial cross (see ‘Find Us’ tab). Look at Ulverston’s history through its Blue Plaques, finishing at The Mill Inn (you don’t have to go in but a warm welcome will surely await you if you do). No dogs please. Walk limited to 12. Led by Jean and Steve Povey.
MONDAY 29th APRIL
WALK 10 A walk into Broughton’s past
EASY 4 miles (Start/End Time 10am-1.30pm)
A figure of eight circuit of the town and surrounding parklands taking in an ancient peel tower, hidden courtyards with secrets to reveal, a ruined windmill, the Eccle Riggs mansion and its strange pepper pots and Broughton’s ancient church. Meet at the obelisk in The Square (LA20 6HY, Grid Ref: SD 212 876) or car share from Ford Park car park (LA12 7JU) at 9.30am (donations box).
Led by Stan Aspinall and Mick Shaw.
WALK 11 A Circuit from Silverdale, including Trowbarrow, Cringlebarrow, Leighton Hall and Leighton Moss
MODERATE 6 miles (Start/End Time 10.45am – 3pm or 4pm)
From the railway station discover some of Silverdale’s gems including orchid spotting in Trowbarrow Quarry; hidden Haweswater; stunning views across Leighton Hall and finishing with an optional visit to the public bird hide on Leighton Moss. Don’t forget your binoculars. Meet at Ulverston Station to catch 10.17am train (check this site nearer the time), returning on the 3.17pm or 4.17pm train. If not from Ulverston, or other reason, meet at Silverdale Station. Led by Simon Hughes and Peter Quiggin.
WALK 12 Dunnerdale Fells and the Duddon Valley
HARD 7 miles 550m ascent (Start/End Time 10am – 4pm)
A circular walk from Broughton Mills, via Stonestar, Cinder Hill Ironworks, Stickle Pike and Great Stickle. The walk offers a chance to explore the beautiful, and surprisingly quiet, Dunnerdale Fells. As well as walking across miles of open fellsides and moorland, with great views of the Duddon Valley, Morecambe Bay and countless Lakeland fells, we’ll go past lots of historic sites, including lovely old farmhouses, old quarries and ironworks, and a traditional cruck barn. Meet at Parish Room car park at Broughton Mills (LA20 6AX, Grid Ref: SD 222 907) (donation box) or car share from Ford Park car park (LA12 7JU) at 9.30am (donations box). Led by Neil McLaughlin-Cook and Sheila Bull.
WALK 13 Local History Walk
EASY 2 miles (Start/End Time 7pm – 8.30pm)
Meet Market Street at the memorial cross (see ‘Find Us’ tab). A detailed walk around Ford Park, looking at plants, and some community history, finishing at The Swan Inn (you don’t have to go in but a warm welcome will surely await you if you do). No dogs please. Walk limited to 12.
Led by Jean and Steve Povey.
TUESDAY 30th APRIL
WALK 14 The Life and Times of Sir John Barrow
EASY 2 miles (Start/End Time 10am-12 noon)
To include his birthplace, monument and mural Sir John Barrow and Hoad. Starting at The Sir John Barrow Cottage, Dragley Beck (LA12 0HA, Grid Ref: SD 290 776) where John was born in 1764, this walk will explore the life of one of Ulverston’s most famous sons and the landscape that he knew as a child. It will include the opportunity to visit the cottage, and then walk into the centre of historic Ulverston, before passing the parish church and continuing onto Hoad, to the monument built to commemorate him. It will also allow an opportunity to explore the history and archaeology of this iconic hill. The 2 miles is the one-way distance. Led by Dan Elsworth (of Greenlane Archaeology) and Judy Pickthall.
WALK 15 High Dam Hike
MODERATE 6 miles 320m ascent (Start/End Time 10am-3pm)
A circular walk including High Dam, Rusland Heights, Boretree Tarn, through woods to Tom Crag and across fields back to Finsthwaite Church. Includes great views over the Rusland Valley. Meet at High Dam car park (NP charges apply) (Grid: SD 368 882),with cheaper option as you turn off the road, or car share from Ford Park car park in Ulverston (LA12 7JU) at 9.15am (donations box). Led by John Wealthall and Martin Cooper.
WALK 16 Sizergh Scout Scar Circuit
MODERATE Plus 8 miles 350m ascent (Start/End Time 10am-3pm)
Setting off behind the Strickland Arms towards Sizergh and Brigsteer Park Woods, including a visit to a bird hide, before climbing up to Scout Scar and towards Helsington Church. After a skyline ridge return down to Brigsteer Road and the church and back to the start. Meet along the road by the Strickland Arms (LA8 8DZ, Grid Ref: SD 500 872) or car share from Ford Park car park in Ulverston (LA12 7JU) at 9.15 am (donations box). Led by Sheila Bull and Linda Marshall.
WALK 17 Local History Walk
EASY 2 miles (Start/End Time 7pm-8.30pm)
Meet Market Street at the memorial cross (see ‘Find Us’ tab). Where was the wealth? A look at historic homes and industries finishing at the Stan Laurel Inn (you don’t have to go in but a warm welcome will surely await you if you do). No dogs please. Walk limited to 12.
Led by Jean and Steve Povey.
WALK 18 National Walking Month: Walks to Improve your Physical and Mental Wellbeing
EASY 4 miles (Start/End Time 10am-12.30pm)
Promoted by the charity Active Nation and focusing on the benefits of walking, in particular, for the heart. A local walk which will educate you about different types of walking that can be built into your everyday life. Learn about the benefits of walking regularly on our general health. Experience walking meditation, brisk walking and backwards walking during the walk. Possible visit to the Conishead Priory café. Max. 12 walkers. No dogs. Meet at the Better Sports Ground/Recycling Centre, 38 Priory Rd, Ulverston. LA12 9HR. Repeated on Mon 6 May.
Led by Linda Marshall and Sheila Bull
WEDNESDAY 1st MAY
WALK 19 Rusland Valley & Ospreys Nest
EASY 4½ miles (Start/End Time 10am-2pm)
A walk taking in the delights of both the Rusland Moss and the Hay Bridge Nature Reserves with an opportunity to view the ospreys nesting in the Rusland Valley. Binoculars will be useful for this and other wildlife. In addition, the walk will take in a stone circle and visit a site linked to iron making from a bygone era. The route is low level on public footpaths, boardwalks, tracks and minor roads. There is one stile. It can be muddy in places, so boots are recommended. Meet at Rusland Church (Grid: SD 338 897) or car share from Ford Park car park in Ulverston (LA12 7JU) at 9.15 am (donations box).
Led by Dave Robson and Neil McLaughlin-Cook.
WALK 20 Cartmel Fell and Church
MODERATE 5½ Miles 330m ascent (Start/End Time 10am-2.30pm)
Starting from Gummers How Plantation car park (Grid Ref: SD 389 876). A walk on bridleways and footpaths taking in the spectacular views of the Lyth and Winster Valleys and the southern Lake District. Visiting the 550-year-old St Anthony’s Church, better known as Cartmel Fell Church. We return climbing steeply at first through woods and quiet lanes. Good paths but can be slippery underfoot with an awkward stile. Dogs welcome. (Note: similar to Walk No 2) Meet at Gummers How car park or car share from Ford Park car park in Ulverston (LA12 7JU) at 9.30am (donations box).
Led by Lindsay Harrison and Mervyn Cooper.
WALK 21 Askam, Dunnerholme and Bank House Moor
MODERATE PLUS 8 miles 300m ascent (Start/End Time 10.30am-4pm)
We start along the north shore of the Duddon Estuary to Dunnerholme. After a visit to Marsh Grange, birthplace of Margaret Fell who was one of the founders of the Quakers, we cross fields before a steep ascent to Bank House Moor where we should get fine views of North Walney and across to Black Combe. We descend through a wind farm and back to Askam via Ireleth. There are several stiles and parts of the walk can be very muddy after rain. Meet at Askam beach car park (Grid: SD 210 780) or car share from Ford Park car park in Ulverston (LA12 7JU) at 10am (donations box).
Led by Mick Shaw and Dave Hughes.
WALK 22 Local History Walk
EASY 2 miles (Start/End Time 7pm-8.30pm)
Meet Market Street at the memorial cross (see ‘Find Us’ tab). Pubs and breweries, past and present finishing at The Hope and Anchor (you don’t have to go in but a warm welcome will surely await you if you do). No dogs please. Walk limited to 12. Led by Jean and Steve Povey
THURSDAY 2nd MAY
WALK 23 The Development of Cartmel Priory
EASY 2 miles (Start/End Time 2pm-4pm)
This walk will look at what the topography, surviving historic buildings, and recent archaeological work in and around the village, can tell us about development of the medieval priory at Cartmel. Starting at the racecourse carpark (LA11 6QF, Grid Ref: SD 377 787) we will make a circuit round the village exploring how it formed around the priory following the Dissolution. Meet at Cartmel Racecourse or car share from Ford Park car park (LA12 7JU) at 1.30pm (donations box).
Led by Dan Elsworth (of Greenlane Archaeology) and Judy Pickthall
WALK 24 Bardsea – Baycliff – Birkrigg – Bardsea
MODERATE 5½ miles 50m ascent (Start/End Time 9.45pm-2.30pm)
A favourite local walk, with great views across Morecambe Bay from our route along the shore and from Birkrigg Common (trig point), plus the ancient Sea Wood (now Woodland Trust). Meet in parking area opposite the Olde Mill near Bardsea (Grid: SD 299 740, LA12 9RB; the most southerly of the 3 parking areas on the A5087 coast road along there). If can’t go by car, X11 bus (9:20am from Victoria Rd. stop outside Catholic Church) arrives Olde Mill, Bardsea at 9:30am, return bus 2:35pm, but the X11 is a small bus so please leave for those without easy car option. Led by Peter & Christine Quiggin.
WALK 25 Greenodd – Haverthwaite Circuit
EASY 7.5miles<100ft ascent (Start/End Time 10am – 2.45pm/3.45pm)
By bus to Greenodd then through Roudsea Woods, on to Low Wood, Haverthwaite village, and back along the river and old railway line to Greenodd. Overall, a fairly flat easy walk and only graded Moderate Plus due to the length. Meet at Victoria Road Bus stop, outside ‘The Kiosk’ to catch the 9.46am X6 bus to Greenodd, or meet at 10am at the turning point at the end of Greenodd’s main street, where it stops at the A590 (Grid Ref: SD 314 824). Returning on 2.50pm, or if delayed 3.50pm, bus back to Ulverston. There is an option to leave the walk half way at Haverthwaite and get the bus
back to Greenodd or Ulverston. Led by Sheila Bull and Sally Minchom
WALK 26 Local History Walk
EASY 2 miles (Start/End Time 7pm-8.30pm)
Meet Market Street at the memorial cross (see ‘Find Us’ tab). Wander round streets and car parks admiring murals and art finishing at the Rose and Crown (you don’t have to go in but a warm welcome will surely await you if you do). No dogs please. Walk limited to 12. Led by Jean and Steve Povey.
FRIDAY 3rd MAY
WALK 27 Wartime Walney
EASY 5 miles (Start/End Time 10am-2pm)
A walk mostly following the England Coastal path around North Walney, taking in WWI/II rifle ranges, WWI practice trenches, WWII air raid shelter and stories of RAF Walney during WWII. Meet at Earnse Bay car park (Grid Ref: SD 171 699) or car share from Ford Park car park in Ulverston (LA12 7JU) at 9.30am (donations box). Led by Mick Shaw and Neil McLaughlin-Cook.
WALK 28 Blawith Beacon Trek
MODERATE 6 miles 300m ascent (Start/End Time 10am-3pm)
A walk over Torver Common to the summit of Beacon Fell visiting some sites of great antiquity as well as more recent times, belying the tranquil deserted landscape. Some steepish uphill sections. Meet at Torver Parish Room (Grid: SD 284 943) with a reasonable parking fee or car share from Ford Park car park in Ulverston (LA12 7JU) at 9.30am (donations box). Led by Lindsay Harrison and Sally Minchom.
WALK 29 Wetherlam Fell from Coniston
HARD 7 miles 750m ascent (Start/End Time 9.40am-4pm)
A lovely walk up Wetherlam, the Old Man’s lesser known but equally rewarding near-neighbour, giving superb and even better views to the Langdale Pikes and the central fells. Descending along the Black Sails ridge. This gives lovely and quiet routes for both ascent and descent, using the Ladstones and Black Sails ridges (nothing scary), and still takes us through the Coppermines valley past several mining history sites. Meet by the Tourist Information Centre in Coniston main car park (Grid: SD 303 975, LA21 8EH), or car share from Ford Park car park in Ulverston (LA12 7JU) at 9.00am (donations box).
Led by Peter Quiggin and Tony Page.
SATURDAY 4th MAY
WALK 30 Ulverston Maritime Heritage Walk including the Canal and Rope-Walk
EASY 4 miles (Start/End Time 10am-1pm)
Meet at Ford Park car park (LA12 7JU) (donations box). Suitable for wheel/push chairs, except for an optional short extension to Ainslie Pier. Led by Andrew Hudson and John Dennis.
WALK 31 Walking in the Footsteps of the Monks of Furness
EASY 4 miles (Start/End Time 11.55am-4pm)
This walk gives a unique opportunity to visit two of the peninsula’s iconic medieval sites in one day. We will walk from Furness Abbey to Dalton Castle (the abbot’s courthouse), for a free guided tour, and back to the Abbey. Before the walk begins, there will also be a guided tour of the Abbey ruins at 12 noon (additional charge payable on the day, except for English Heritage members or anyone with proof of residence in the Barrow, Dalton or Askam areas.) Meet at Furness Abbey or car share from Ford Park car park in Ulverston (LA12 7JU) at 11.30am (donations box). (The Park Run should have finished.)
Led by Neil McLaughlin-Cook and Mick Shaw.
WALK 32 Tilberthwaite to Holme Fell including Colwith Force and Cathedral Cave
MODERATE 6 miles 350m ascent (Start/End Time 10.30am-4pm)
Start at NP Car Park at Tilberthwaite (free) (Grid Ref: NY 306 010) and gently ascend Holme Fell, one of the lowest Wainwrights. Continue to the north over the open fell to Oxen Fell and on to the dramatic Colwith Force (provided there has been some recent rain) then on to the equally dramatic Cathedral Cave, with an option for the more nimble to exit via a rear tunnel. Returning via Tilberthwaite Valley. A lovely varied walk of fells and woods. Meet at Tilberthwaite or car share from Stockbridge Lane carpark in Ulverston (see map under ‘Find Us’ tab) at 9.30am (donations box). A longer version of Walk No 7. (Note Change: NP parking rates reintroduced by RingGo (Smart phone needed) but small National Trust Car Park free at Tilberthwaite.) Led by John Wealthall and Martin Cooper
SUNDAY 5th MAY
WALK 33 A tour of Medieval Ulverston
EASY 2 miles (Start/End Time 11am-1pm)
This walk will look at how various strands of evidence, ranging from layout of the streets, to recent archaeological work, provide an understanding into how the town of Ulverston grew during the medieval period. Starting outside the offices of Greenlane Archaeology on Lower Brook Street (LA12 7EE or see ‘Find Us’ tab – opposite Upper Brook Street next to Body Care) this is a circular walk around the town.
Led by Dan Elsworth (of Greenlane Archaeology) and Judy Pickthall
WALK 34 Fascinating Trees
MODERATE 5 miles 240 m ascent (Start/End Time 10.30am-3.30pm)
Lovely circuit of Tarn Hows and the Monk Coniston Estate seeing examples of the oldest, tallest, largest, rarest and most unusual trees in the UK. Good rural and woodland paths, except for one slightly rugged path up to Tarn Hows. Meet at NP car park at Monk Coniston (Grid: SD 316 979) with NP parking charges, so car share from Ford Park car park in Ulverston (LA12 7JU) at 9.30 am (donations box) is advised. Led by Martin Cooper and John Wealthall.
WALK 35 Silverdale to Arnside
MODERATE Plus 8 Miles 290m ascent (Start/End Time 9.25am-2.30pm or 3.18pm)
The gradients are relatively gentle, and the ground is usually firm throughout, making the walk easier than the length/ascent imply! This is a linear walk, using the train from Ulverston to Silverdale returning on the train back from Arnside, with hourly trains if walkers want to linger in one of the cafes on the prom. The route explores some lovely parts of the Arnside & Silverdale AONB, including a spectacular disused quarry; a lake; a restored 18th century summer house overlooking the lake; lots of attractive woodland; an ancient pele tower; several stunning viewpoints; and a seaside prom! Meet at Ulverston Station to catch 8.59am train (check this site nearer the time), returning on the 2.34pm or 3.23pm train. If not from Ulverston, could join the train at Arnside at 9.20am. Led by Neil McLaughlin-Cook and Peter Quiggin.
MONDAY 6th MAY
WALK 36 Herb Walk with Sarah Atkinson – Medical Herbalist
Easy 4 miles(Start/End Time 10am-1pm)
Our most popular walk. A gentle walk starting at the Parish Church on Church Walk (LA12 7EW) and walking to the Hoad and back. Led by Judy Pickthall with expert input by Sarah Atkinson.
WALK 37 National Walking Month: Walks to Improve your Physical and Mental Wellbeing
MODERATE 4 miles (Start/End Time 10am-12.30pm)
Promoted by the charity Active Nation and focusing on the benefits of walking, in particular, for the heart. A local walk which will educate you about different types of walking that can be built into your everyday life. Learn about the benefits of walking regularly on our general health. Experience walking meditation, brisk walking and backwards walking during the walk. Possible visit to the Conishead Priory café. Max. 12 walkers. No dogs. Meet at the Better Sports Ground/recycling centre, 38 Priory Rd, Ulverston. LA12 9HR. Repeated on Wed 1 May. Led by Linda Marshall and Sheila Bull
WALK 38 The Sculptures of Grizedale Forest
MODERATE 6½ miles (Start/End Time 10am-3pm)
A circular walk taking in some of the more remote and, in some cases, hidden sculptures in the beautiful southern part of the forest. It consists of a mixture of forest roads and trails, footpaths, bridleways and short sections of quiet road. There is the option to venture off-piste to look more closely at some of the sculptures. Can be muddy in places, boots recommended. Meet at 10am at the Blind Lane car park NE of Force Mills (Grid: SD 344 913) or car share from Ford Park car park in Ulverston (LA12 7JU) at 9.15 am (donations box). Led by Dave & Denise Robson.
WALK 39 Beating the Bounds of St John’s Church, Osmotherley
HARD 11 miles 410m ascent (Start/End Time 10.30am-3.30pm)
On the occasion of the church’s 150th anniversary. A long but lovely walk, exploring the wonderfully varied countryside just north of Ulverston. The walk leaves Ulverston to the West through Rosside and out to Kirkby Moor turning East to Netherhouses, stopping at the church for refreshments, then through Broughton Beck and South to Mansriggs and back to Ulverston. There are a number of stiles but all reasonably passable. Meet at the car park in Ford Park, Ulverston (LA12 7JU) (donations box). A few members of the Church will be completing the walk with sponsorship but would welcome your company.
Led by Martin Cooper and Ron Eadington.