Please read the WALK NOTES tab for general instructions and advice.

The programme for 2023 will be placed here in February 2023.   The programme below is for 2022 but is retained to give an idea of the types of walks we will be offering

DATE	WALK No	TIME (END)	GRADE	DESCRIPTION (Unless stated otherwise, Easy and Moderate walks will be limited to 20 walkers and Moderate Plus and Hard walks to 12 walkers.)
Sat 23 Apr	1	10am (2pm)	Easy 5 miles	Ulverston – Bardsea – Conishead Circuit. A lovely rural and coastal walk which provides opportunities to celebrate the many trees which survived the storms, with visits to the Priory Grounds and Bardsea Beach (and a chance to enjoy Roy’s Ices – if we are lucky). Meet at Ulverston Railway Station (see map under ‘Find Us’ tab).  No dogs please. Led by Judy Pickthall.
	2	10.30am (3pm)	Moderate 4½ miles 250m ascent	Tilberthwaite – Holme Fell. A fairly strenuous short walk with short but steepish ascents and descents on grass paths, but well worth the effort with some great views and away from the main walking routes. Meet at Tilberthwaite Quarry (Grid Reference: NY 306 010 – NP charges apply) or car share from Ford Park (see map under ‘Find Us’ tab) at 9.45am. Led by John Dennis.
	3	10am (3pm)	Moderate 7 miles	Staveley in Cartmel Circuit. A new walk for the Festival through delightful mixed undulating countryside including Chapel House Plantation, Simpson Ground Reservoir and Bog End Moss. Meet, with plenty of parking, on the old road off A590, 1 mile south of Newby Bridge, at Barrow Bank (Grid Reference: SD 383 850) or car share from Ford Park (see map under ‘Find Us’ tab) at 9.30am. Led by Dave Hughes.
Sun 24 Apr	4	10am (2pm)	Easy 3 miles	A circular walk, Tree Spotting around Ulverston. Starting with the Ford Park Tree Trail, and progressing to an amazing richness of mature, and some rare, trees across the public and private gardens of Ulverston. Meet at Ford Park car park (see map under ‘Find Us’ tab). Led by Judy Pickthall.
	5	10am (3pm)	Moderate (-) 4 miles	Rusland Moss & Hay Bridge Nature Reserves. The walk will take in the delights of both Rusland Moss and Hay Bridge Nature Reserves, with an opportunity to view the ospreys nesting in the Rusland Valley if they are about. Binoculars will be useful for this and other wildlife. In addition, the walk will take in a stone circle and a site linked to iron making from a bygone era. The route is low level, on public footpaths, boardwalks, tracks and quiet roads, but can be muddy in places, so boots are recommended. Meet at Rusland Church (Grid Reference: SD 338 897) or preferably car share from Ford Park (see map under ‘Find Us’ tab) at 9.30am, as parking may be limited near the church on a Sunday (service times vary). Led by Dave Robson.
	6	10am (3pm)	Moderate Plus/Hard 6½ miles 550m ascent	Circuit of Caw. A walk through the industrial and farming history of the Duddon Valley. Note that some of the walk will be across open fell side rather than on footpaths and although not on difficult terrain a walking pole may be appropriate. Sites of interest include: wash folds, water gates, potash kilns, longhouses, graffiti, quarrying and woodland industries. Meet at the Parish Room, Seathwaite (Grid reference: SD 230 961) or car share from Ford Park (see map under ‘Find Us’ tab) at 9am. Led by Stephe Cove and Dave Hughes – both local experts.
Mon 25 Apr	7	10am (1pm)	Easy 4 miles	Industrial Archaeology of South Ulverston, including the Canal and Rope-Walk. Meet at Booths steps (see map under ‘Find Us’ tab). Suitable for wheel/push chairs, except for a short extension to Ainslie Pier and back. Led by Andrew Hudson.
	8	10.17am Train from Ulverston Station	Moderate 6½ miles WALK FULL	Silverdale to Arnside . As seen on BBC’s recent series of Winter Walks. Jenny Brown’s Point, Eaves Wood including a visit to The Pepperpot and finishing off with a visit to the summit of Arnside Knott with fabulous views across Morecambe Bay and into the Lakes. Catch 10.17am train from Ulverston (see map under ‘Find Us’ tab) to Silverdale and return on 15.20 (currently suspended due to Covid but may be reinstated), or 16.32pm train. Led by Simon Hughes.
	9	10am (3.30pm)	Hard 6½miles 690m ascent WALK FULL	Torver – Coniston Old Man the quiet way! Climb this iconic peak the quiet way up (and down) that few people know, and which if anything is a bit easier than the often busy “tourist” route. Great views from the top and throughout the walk. Meet at Torver Church car park (Grid Reference: SD 285 943), or car share from Ford Park (see map under ‘Find Us’ tab) at 9:30am. Led by Peter Quiggin.
Tue 26 Apr	10	2pm (4.30pm)	Easy 2 miles WALK FULL	Textile Trail. On this very slow walk learn how the Industrial Revolution affected Ulverston through cotton, linen, silk and wool. See how sewing and knitting have been kept alive over the years. This walk includes a visit to Oubas Knitwear a small local company keeping tradition alive with superb quality women’s wear. Limited to 15 walkers and no dogs please. Meet at the Market Cross in Market Street. Led by Jean Povey.
	11	10am (3.30pm)	Moderate 5 miles 470m ascent	Coniston Copper Trail with 2 local experts. Meet at Coniston TIC car park (LA21 8EH). A fascinating story of copper mining back to Elizabethan times, conducted within classic walking territory, but avoiding the high fells. Led by John Dennis and Lindsay Harrison.
	12	9.50am (3pm)	Moderate 6 miles	Walking through History around the Ancient Capital of Furness. A circular walk packed with history, including a disused railway, mining remains, a medieval packhorse bridge, the atmospheric Furness Abbey and a rare opportunity to enter Dalton Castle. Meet at Ulverston Station to catch the 09.41am train to Dalton, or at Dalton Station at 09.50am. Return on 3.00pm train. Led by Neil McLaughlin Cook.
Wed 27 Apr	13	10am (1.30pm)	Easy 4 miles WALK FULL	A walk into Broughton’s past. 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 Eccleriggs mansion and its strange pepper pots and Broughton’s ancient church. Meet at the Obelisk in The Square or car share from Ford Park (see map under ‘Find Us’ tab) at 9.30am. For safety reasons there is a limit of 12 on this walk. Led by Stan Aspinall.
	14	10.30am (3pm)	Moderate Plus 6 miles 300m ascent	Hawkshead – Latterbarrow – Wray Castle Circuit. A moderate plus walk due to the 245m climb up Latterbarrow and a fairly rocky descent. Otherwise a pleasant walk on lanes, fields and alongside Windermere to Wray Castle, with its nice cafe and toilets, at the halfway point. 3 stiles. Meet in the car park of the pretty village of Hawkshead (quite expensive charges apply) or car share from Ford Park (see map under ‘Find Us’ tab) at 9.45am. Led by Sheila Bull.
	15	10.30am (3.30pm)	Moderate Plus 7 miles 500m ascent	Great Burney and Much More! A circular walk over 4 small lakeland fells within easy reach of Ulverston (Great Burney, Combs, Tottlebank Height and Blawith Knott). The walk offers great views over fell, lake and sea, and takes in lots of archaeological sites! Meet at the foot of Great Burney (Grid Reference: SD 257 854) at 10.30am (but note that parking is limited) or, preferably, car share from Ford Park (see map under ‘Find Us’ tab) at 10.00am. Led by Neil McLaughlin Cook
Thu 28 Apr	16	11am (3pm)	Easy 4.5 miles	Sites of East Ulverston. A stroll around Next Ness, Plumpton and Newland, visiting the Iron Furnace, with an expert briefing, and finishing on The Hoad, with a short talk on Sir John Barrow and opportunity to climb the monument. Those not wishing to include the Hoad may return direct from Newland. Meet at Booths steps (see map under ‘Find Us’ tab). Led by Martin Cooper.
	17	10.35am (2.30pm)	Moderate 6 miles 290m ascent	Grange – Hampsfell Circuit. Climb up to the historic “Hospice” on Hampsfell, a wonderful viewpoint with its alidade (toposcope with a sighting pointer, which is uncommon) and its Greek inscriptions. We then continue north along the limestone escarpment on lesser used paths, before turning back and returning to Grange through the lovely Eggerslack woods. Meet at Ulverston Station (see map under ‘Find Us’ tab) at 10am (for 10.17am train) or Grange station car park at 10.35am. Returning on 2.30pm train. Led by Christine Quiggin.
	18	10am (3pm)	Moderate Plus 9 Miles 430m ascent	Oxen Park, Bethecar Moor Circuit. A circular rural walk from Oxen Park via High Ickenthwaite 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 Ford Park (see map under ‘Find Us’ tab) at 0930am. Led by Alan Robinson.
Fri 29 Apr	19	1pm (4pm)	Easy 3 miles	Built on Water. Meet at the south end of Buxton Place Car Park in the centre of Town. A tour reflecting on Ulverston’s industrial past, from the northern Mill Race through the Town, with many examples where water has driven development, and finishing at The Bay Horse at Canal Foot, with an opportunity for refreshment before a further 1½ miles back into Town. No dogs. Led by Jean Povey.
	20	10.15am (3pm)	Moderate 6½ miles 180m ascent	Bigland and Seatle Circuit. A lovely walk on the northern tip of the Cartmel Peninsula, via woodland, open country, tarns and minor lanes, and offering spectacular views of countryside, Morecambe Bay and steam trains! We will climb most of the 180 metres in the first mile. Meet at the roadside parking area at Low Wood (Grid Reference: SD 346 836), or car share from Ford Park (see map under ‘Find Us’ tab) at 09.45am. Led by Neil McLaughlin Cook.
	21	10.30am (4pm)	Moderate Plus/Hard 8½ miles 550m ascent	Tilberthwaite – Blea Tarn – Lingmoor Fell – Cathedral Cave. A lovely walk through high Tilberthwaite Farm, once owned by Beatrix Potter, to Little Langdale, with great views over the Langdale Fells. Then, via a Viking Tyng Mound to Blea Tarn and the base of Side Pike before ascending to the summit of Lingmoor Fell, with great views over both Langdale Valleys. The descent and return route, takes us to the ancient Slaters Bridge, Cathedral Cave and finally Hodge Close Quarry. Meet at the car park in Tilberthwaite (Grid Reference: NY 306 010) where NP car park charges now apply, or car share from Ford Park (see map under ‘Find Us’ tab) at 0930am. Led by John Wealthall.
Sat 30 Apr	22	10am (3pm)	Easy /Moderate 6 miles	Up the Cumbria Way to Osmotherley, and back via Mansriggs.  Lovely rural walk with refreshments at St John’s Church, Osmotherley.  Meet at the start of the Cumbria Way in the Gill (see map under ‘Find Us’ tab). Opportunity to just walk one way with a lift back. Led by Martin Cooper.
	23	10am (3pm)	Moderate 7 miles	West Ulverston Walk. Leaving Ulverston on the Cumbria Way we go through the hamlets of Rosside and High Greaves; look at Pennington Castle, and then onto Bracken Park, Walthwaite, Carr Kettle, Holebiggerah, Cowran, Loppergarth, Pennington; returning to Ulverston via Swarthmoor. The walk is on quiet roads and across fields; not suitable for dogs; and with stiles of various types. Meet at the Cumbria Way marker in The Gill (see map under ‘Find Us’ tab). Led by Sheila Bull.
	24	10am (4pm)	Moderate 6 miles 300m Ascent	Rusland Church – High Dam Circuit. We start with a look at Rusland Forge, a water-powered forge where cast iron from Backbarrow was beaten into wrought iron. Then by Rusland Pool, past a mysterious post box to Crosslands. Next we have a fairly steep ascent of the East side of Rusland Valley to get to High Dam which used to supply the water to power to Stott Park Bobbin Mill. Our return journey takes us through lovely woods to come out at the top of Rusland Heights with (weather permitting) a great view to the Coniston Range and Langdales to the North. Then a return descent through coppiced oak woods to Rusland Cross where we visit the Tannery open museum, before heading back to the Church where we finish our walk with a visit to the grave of Arthur Ransome who lies alongside his wife Evgenia, formally private secretary to Leon Trotsky. Meet at Rusland Church (Grid Reference: SD 338 897), or car share from Ford Park (see map under ‘Find Us’ tab) at 9.30am. There is parking and a loo at the Village Hall at the start. Due to the Park Run, those wishing to car share should park on the street near Ford Park and meet at the main gate.’ Led by Mick Shaw.
Sun 1 May	25	10am (1pm)	Easy 5 miles	Plumpton Landscape. The influence of man on the landscape. Meet at Booths steps (see map under ‘Find Us’ tab). Binoculars useful. Led by Jane Carson, a member of The Wildlife Trust.
	26	10.30am (3pm)	Moderate 5½miles 200m ascent	Spectacular Trees of Monk Coniston and Tarn Hows. A lovely circuit via Tarn Hows and the Monk Coniston Estate seeing examples of some of the oldest, tallest, largest, rarest and most unusual trees in the UK. Meet at Shepherd Bridge car park in Coniston (Grid Reference: SD 305 978 – £4 parking, if the road is full) or car share from Ford Park (see map under ‘Find Us’ tab) at 9.45am. Led by Martin Cooper.
	27	10am (4pm)	Hard 8 miles 800m ascent	Western Coniston Fells. A lovely walk from an unusual start, avoiding the Coniston crowds but involving significant ascent. To include: Seathwaite Tarn, Grey Friar, Brim Fell, Goats Hause and Dow Crag, but with several options to reduce length if the situation advises this. Meet at the bottom of Walna Scar Road near Seathwaite in Duddon Valley (Grid Reference: SD 240 967) but parking is limited here so please consider car share from Ford Park (see map under ‘Find Us’ tab) at 9am. Led by Keith Raine.
Mon 2 May	28	10am (12 noon)	Easy 2miles	Herb walk – Bardsea – Birkrigg Circuit. Meet at Bardsea Church (Grid Reference: SD 300 745) or car share from Ford Park (see map under ‘Find Us’ tab) at 9.30am. Led by Sarah Atkinson, medical herbalist.
	29	10am (3pm)	Moderate 6 miles 300m ascent	Blawith Beacon Trek. 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 reference: SD 2845 9432) with a reasonable parking fee or car share from Ford Park (see map under ‘Find Us’ tab) at 9.30am. Led by Lindsay Harrison.
	30	10.15am (4pm)	Hard 5½miles 500m ascent	Birks Bridge to Grassguards and Harter Fell Summit. A walk in the remote and picturesque Duddon Valley, including its principal summit. From Birks Bridge we follow a winding forest track to Grassguards, now holiday lets, and then across open rewilding ground and woods to the base of Harter Fell. The ascent of Harter Fell opens views across to the Coniston Range and Devoke Water. From the summit, a northerly grass descent. At the Forestry Commission gate we bear right and make our way back to the start through rewilding Silver Birch and Spruce Trees. Meet at the car park near Birks Bridge (Grid Reference: SD 234 995) or car share from Ford Park (see map under ‘Find Us’ tab) at 9.15am. Led by John Wealthall.