Craster & Low Newton [Saturday 7th January] - There is a huge variety of wildlife on this suggested 8½ mile (with 112ft of ascent) BLACK coastal walk such as seals offshore, rafts of eider ducks, seabird nesting cliffs, a good variety of waders, rock-pool life, fresh water pools at Newton with breeding warblers and ducks, diverse insect life and many types of wild flowers. This is a real walk of two halves with coastal grasslands on the walk to Dunstanburgh Castle giving way to a magnificent sweep of beach at Embleton Bay leading to Newton. The best things about this walk are the iconic ruins of the castle, the Ship Inn at Low Newton and the seabird cliffs at Dunstanburgh Castle, that are best viewed from the beach. There really is something new every time you walk this exciting route. Lyn Boyle, Evelyn Brown, David Ellerington, Anne Marie Forster, Josie McGinley, Kishor Raichura & Ian Thomson participated in this event.

Low & High Coniscliffe [Sunday 22nd January] - Low Coniscliffe and High Coniscliffe can be linked by a stretch of the Teesdale Way that is faithful to the course of the river. After looping round broad meanders and finding an unexpected wilderness area, members can return from High Coniscliffe to Low Coniscliffe through the rolling fields around Coniscliffe Grange. High Coniscliffe features a fine church dedicated to St Edwin, which stands behind a crenellated wall perched above the River Tees. Commencing from the Broken Scar picnic area, Coniscliffe Road (DL3 8TB) the 7-mile (with 69ft of ascent) ORANGE walk follows low-level riverside and field paths, with some farm tracks. Sharon Cairns, Kishor Raichura & Ania Retkowska participated in this event.

Red Kite Trail [Saturday 4th February @ 8am] - The Red Kite Trail meanders through the beautiful Derwent valley and is ideal red kite country with a mixture of mature woodlands, wetlands and open countryside. The 11-mile (with 686ft of ascent) RED walk should provide many opportunities to see red kites and a variety of other wildlife as well as passing through areas of important historical and heritage interest. Margaret Andison, Linda Boakes, Theresa Costello, Alfie Cowell, Lynn Ford, Claire O'Sullivan, Claire Price, Ania Retkowska, Julie Rushton, Ian Thomson & Ronnie Willison participated in this event.

Cassop & Quarrington [Sunday 19th February 2023] - The area around Cassop and Quarrington has been quarried, mined and criscrossed by mineral railways. Quarrying still takes place, but today the aspect is pastoral and agricultural. Cassop, Old Cassop, Old Quarrington and Quarrington Hill are settlements occupying elevated ground overlooking the Durham countryside. Who would believe that such enterprises as Cassop Vale Colliery or Crowtrees Colliery once blighted the scene. The vales are now filled with flowery grassland and thorny thickets, and managed as nature reserves. The area is noted for the northern brown argus - a butterfly found only in eastern Durham, where it feeds on the common rock-rose, which in turn flourishes on the thin soils covering the magnesian limestone. Commencing from the post office in Cassop (DH6 4RG) the 6-mile (with 423ft of ascent) ORANGE walk follows low-level field paths, tracks and roads. Sharon Cairns, Theresa Costello, David Ellerington, Ania Retkowska, Julie Rushton, Bill Sudder & Ian Thomson participated in this event.

Rosedale [Saturday 4th March] - Rosedale is one of the largest and most impressive valleys in the North York Moors. The suggested 11-mile (with 709ft of ascent) BLUE walk takes us though the rugged scenery of upper Rosedale, using the old iron railway for most of its route. This is a fantastic walking route, travelling at a high level around the side of the valley, giving impressive views across Rosedale at all times. The route also passes by some very substantial industrial ruins, a reminder of the original purpose of the railway. For the last part of the walk, we come off the hills and follow the valley bottom, meeting up with the River Seven, last seen at the very northern tip of the valley. Margaret Andison, Lynne Boyle, Evelyn Brown, Lynn Ford, Anne Marie Forster, Ken Johnson, Abdullah-Adnan Rahman, Ania Retkowska, Bill Sudder, Ian Thomson & Ronnie Willison participated in this event.

Chalet in Patterdale 18th to 21st March, 2023 [THREE Nights] - Margaret Andison, Liz Beech, Lyn Boyle, Lynn Ford, Anne Marie Forster, Paul Gertig, Ian Goodman, Natalie Goodman, Andy Nixon, Julie Rushton, Ian Storey, Joe Sudder, Neil Waite & Ronnie Willison spent a long weekend in chalats located on the magnificent Patterdale Hall Estate at a cost of £77.50 per member.

Bearpark, Broompark & Brandon [Sunday 26th March 2023] - Ushaw Moor lies just to the west of Durham city. Dispel any notions of a moorland walk, as the area is well cultivated and well settled. The starting point is a leisure centre and the route visits the villages of Bearpark, Broompark and Brandon. There are short stretches of railway paths, including the junction of the Lanchester Valley Railway Path, Deerness Valley Railway Path and Brandon to Bishop Auckland Walk. The route explores the valleys of the River Browney and River Deerness, with the ruins of Beaurepaire seen in the early stages. Views are occasionally wide-ranging, with Durham Cathedral often popping up as a reference point. Commencing from the Deerness Centre, Ushaw Moor (DH7 7LS) the 8½-mile (with 653ft of ascent) ORANGE walk follows low-level field paths and old railway trackbeds. David Ellerington, Ania Retkowska, Theresa Costello, Abdullah Adnan Rahman, Jean Walker, Ian Thomson, Bill Sudder, Marta Serafin, Edyta Malik, Carol Lonsdale & Ian Thompson participated in this event.

Aysgarth [Saturday 1st April] - Penhill with its beacon dominates the skyline of lower Wensleydale and begs to be climbed, whilst Aysgarth Falls are rightly famous and simply have to be seen. The suggested 9-mile BLACK route (with 1794ft of ascent) visits Penhill via Chantry and West Burton. The alternative 7-mile RED route with (642ft of ascent) combines the falls at Aysgarth with a visit to one of the finest fortified medieval manor houses in England. It heads north to the semi-feudal village of Castle Bolton, dominated by the fortified manor of the de Scropes, and returns via the quaint Quaker village of Carperby. Ania Retkowska, Anne Marie Forster, Ken Johnson, Ian Thomson, Jean Walker, Alfie Cowell, Theresa Costello, Margaret Andison & Bill Sudder participated in this event.

Holy Island [Sunday 23rd April @ 10am] - Holy Island, off the Northumberland coast, has many historic connections and sees many tourists. However once away from the village and Lindisfarne Castle you will enjoy some wild coastal scenery in relative solitude on the 6-mile BLACK walk (with 188ft of ascent). Holy Island is cut off from the mainland for about seven hours at high tide so do allow enough time to cross back to the mainland to avoid being stranded on the island. David Ellerington, Jean Walker, Ania Retkowska Claire Price & Theresa Costello participated in this event.

Ambleside [Saturday 6th May] - Glacial action around the long, empty valleys of Rydal and Scandale shaped the 12-mile BLACK Fairfield Horseshoe (with 3330ft of ascent) and the 11-mile RED Scandale Skyline (with 3670ft of ascent), both of which offer near perfect Lakeland fellwalking experiences. Without too much effort, members can both romp along the ridges and cross numerous summits, and yet still reach sufficient height as to savour extensive views. No wonder these are classic circuits. You'll also have all the facilities of the busy little town of Ambleside at your disposal. On a clear day you'll be able to test your knowledge of Lakeland panoramas to the full, but in mist always have your map and compass at the ready! Alternatively there's a beautiful 6½ mile BLACK walk (with 1728ft of ascent) which includes a good climb up to Wansfell Pike overlooking the town of Ambleside, with stunning views of the Coniston Fells, round to the Fairfield Horseshoe and Red Screes. The village of Troutbeck, and a walk back through Skelghyll woods, adds a finishing flourish. Stockghyll Force which you can visit on the way is on a tributary of the River Rothay, draining eventually into Windermere, it has a heavily industrialised past and used to be nicknamed Rattle Ghyll. Many of the old mill buildings whose wheels it used to turn can still be seen in Ambleside. Some are used as shops. They used to produce bobbins for silk and cotton thread, or to process wool so it was warm and tough, as well as grinding corn. Margaret Andison, Claire O'Sullivan, Anne Marie Forster, Dek Parmley, David Ellerington, Ania Retkowska, Alfie Cowell, Alan Ross, Theresa Costello, Evelyn Brown, Ian Hammond, Andy Nixon, Ian Thomson, Ronnie Willison, Lynn Ford & Kay Costello participated in this event.

Barnard Castle [Sunday 28th May] - Barnard Castle occupies a fine position above the River Tees, its main street, lined by dignified stone buildings, sloping down to the old bridge over the river. In the town stands the 18^th-century Market Cross, once used for the selling of dairy produce, hence its alternative name of Butter Cross. The town gets its name from the castle built by Bernard de Balliol in the 12^th-century. Almost the whole of this 8½ mile (with 575ft of ascent) BLACK walk is along the well-waymarked Teesdale Way. The outward route keeps above the south bank of the river to the attractive village of Cotherstone and crosses the Tees a little farther on. The return leg is above the north side and, after descending the steep wooded banks, the final 1½ miles is beside the river itself, a delightful and relaxing finale. With magnificent views up and down Teesdale, beautiful woodland and grand riverside walking, it is worth savouring this outstanding and highly memorable walk. David Ellerington, Claire O'Sullivan, Ania Retkowska, Ian Thomson, Bill Sudder, Lynn Ford & Ronnie Willison participated in this event.

Seathwaite [Saturday 10th June] - Scafell Pike, England's highest mountain at 3209ft, is a magnet for fell-walkers of all abilities. The suggested 10-mile BLACK 'Corridor Route' (involving 3356ft of ascent) traverses below the dramatic crags of Great End and Broad Crag, across deep gills, and through corries linked by sections of terrace. The summit of Scafell Pike is a giant boulder field of shattered rock of the Borrowdale Volcanics which vary in size from small stones to large boulders scattered over the top and down around the sides. Cairns mark meandering paths searching for the easiest way through the agglomeration and go off in all directions making it a particularly confusing place especially in cloud, darkness, or poor conditions. The suggested 8 mile 'lower level' linear walk from Seatoller (involving 1296ft ft of ascent if the optional summit of Castle Crag is included) visits the water and ice carved 'jaws of Borrowdale', constricted between the steep slopes of King's How & Castle Crag. After a three-line whip cafe stop in Grange, the scenic route follows the Cumbria Way to the market town of Keswick. Claire O'Sullivan, David Ellerington, Ania Retkowska, Alfie Cowell, Alan Ross, Theresa Costello, Evelyn Brown, Ian Hammond, Ian Thomson, Kay Costello, Jean Walker, Lyn Boyle & Dek Parmley participated in this event.

Cockfield Fell [Sunday 18th June] - Cockfield and Butterknowle are perched on high ground on opposite sides of the river Gaunless. Most of the surrounding land is enclosed and cultivated, but the northern slope of Cockfield Fell remains as rough pasture, featuring open-access as well as being a scheduled ancient monument. Commencing from Cockfield, this 7-mile ORANGE walk (with 300ft of ascent) wanders around the fell before crossing the River Gaunless to climb up to Butterknowle. After recrossing the Gaunless, the route follows the boundary wall of Raby Park before returning to Cockfield. There are plenty of reminders of former industry, and Cockfield claims to have had the earliest recorded colliery, dating from 1365, although it is certain that people have used coal for much longer. David Ellerington, Theresa Costello, Lestryne Keenan, Ian Thomson, Ellen Morrison, Mike Morrison, Carol Lonsdale & Bill Sudder participated in this event.

Buttermere [Saturday 1st July] - The long ridge of high land separating Ennerdale from Buttermere is uniformly dull on its Ennerdale flanks and largely given over to conifer plantations, but the northern slopes are as exciting as the southern ones are boring. Here the retreating ice took great bites from the ridge, exposing sharp-edged glacial combes buttressed by fine crags where ravens soar - this is classic fell walking country offering a procession of uplifting views. High Stile is the centre-piece of a magnificent fell massif abruptly looming over Buttermere - brazen with all the finest qualities of the Lakeland mountain-form, and yet quite unique. The suggested 11-mile BLACK route (with 3747ft of ascent) includes four delectable summits (Red Pike 2479ft, High Stile 2644ft, High Crag 2443ft & Haystacks 1990ft). If a descent is made via Scarth Gap Pass (RED route), the higher-level walk may be shortened to 8 miles (with 2749ft of ascent). A lower-level walk around both Crummock Water & Buttermere Lake is 11 miles (with 814ft of ascent). Club Transport in respect of this event will consist of a Denton Travel minibus. David Ellerington, Ania Retkowska, Alan Ross, Theresa Costello, Evelyn Brown, Andy Nixon, Bill Sudder, Ailie Langston, Alfie Cowell, Lyn Boyle, Kishor Raichura, Lynn Ford, Ronnie Willison & Anne Beryl participated in this event.

St Cuthbert's Cave [Sunday 23th July] - known locally as Cuddy's Cave or Cove, can refer to one of two natural sandstone caves in Northumberland that have been traditionally associated with Saint Cuthbert, the seventh century Anglo-Saxon monk, bishop and hermit. Set back from the Northumberland coast is a low range of sandstone hills, culminating in heughs and craggy outcrops that offer fabulous views to Holy Island and the Farne Islands, while to the south west are the distant Cheviots. One of the most dramatic viewpoints is Greensheen Hill, featured on this superb 7-mile YELLOW walk (with 785ft of ascent) from Holburn Grange, which also passes as a striking rock shelter, one of the traditional places where the monks, carrying the sacred remains of St Cuthbert, rested during their long, wandering journey. David Ellerington, Ian Thomson & Ania Retkowska participated in this event.

Great Langdale [Saturday 29th July] - the mighty Bow Fell ranks high in many fell-walkers' esteem and is rooted in Great Langdale, from where its peaked summit has all the air of an emperor's throne, set high above a defending fringe of impressive buttresses and distanced by the long tongue of The Band. When combined with the highly individual peaks of Crinkle Crags, this offers a classic Lakeland ridge walk which has all of the ingredients required for a thoroughly rewarding day on the fells. The suggested 9-mile BLACK anti-clockwise circuit of Oxendale (with 3280ft of ascent), visits the summits of Bowfell, Crinkle Crags & Great Knott. Keen members may choose to mop up Pike of Blisco as an added bonus. An alternative 8-mile [BLACK] lower-level walk (with 1486ft of ascent) visits Lingmoor Fell (1530ft) & Side Pike (1187ft) via Chapel Stile. Claire O'Sullivan, Anne Marie Forster, David Ellerington, Ania Retkowska, Ian Hammond, Bill Sudder, Alan Bradbury, Jane Brough, Ian Thomson, Margaret Andison, Alfie Cowell, Evelyn Brown, Ailie Langston, Lynn Ford, Ronnie Willison & Jean Walker travelled on the minibus and met up with Dek Parmley & Mike Morrison in Great Langdale.

Cotherstone & Romaldkirk [Sunday 20th August] - The long-distance Teesdale Way often makes use of paths on both sides of the River Tees. Whenever the necessary bridging points allow, circular walks can be enjoyed. The 6½ mile ORANGE walk (with 581ft of ascent) from Cotherstone to Romaldkirk is a firm favourite with many walkers. Some paths run close to the River Tees, but there are others climbing high above the river, offering extensive views of the surrounding countryside. Cotherstone and Romaldkirk are attractive, interesting little villages well worth exploring. In between them is the farm of Woden Croft, which was one of the notorious ‘Yorkshire Schools’ exposed by Charles Dickens. On the opposite side of the river Tees is Percy Mere Rock, a notable Viewpoint. David Ellerington, Theresa Costello, Liz Beech, Ian Thomson, Ania Retkowska, Jan Massey, Claire Price, Jean Walker, Steve Walker, Carol Lonsdale, Julie Rushton, Bill Sudder & Claire O'Sullivan participated in this event.

Braithwaite [Saturday 9th September] - The village was once a much larger, industrial community - home to miners, woolen-millers and pencil-makers. The Cumberland Pencil Company had a factory here from 1868 until 1898, when a fire resulted in its demolition and the transfer of manufacturing to Keswick. Approaching Keswick along the A66 it is the North-western fells, rising west of the town, principally Eel Crag and Grisedale Pike, that draw most avid attention. The suggested classic Lakeland 9.1-mile [RED] Coledale Skyline walk (with 4058ft of ascent) offers members a high-level circuit around the glaciated valley of Coledale, following delightful ridge paths over a succession of summits tightly embracing the skyline of Coledale and includes the summits of Grisedale Pike, Hopegill Head, Sail, Outerside and Barrow. The summits of Grasmoor & Grisedale Pike may easily be included and early descents are also available - any made from the head of Coledale includes views and splendid waterfalls pouring over the precipitous Force Crag. From Keswick the summit of Barrow catches the eye almost as much as the higher one of Causey Pike. Outerside on the other hand is largely hidden from this angle but is higher and a fine fell in its own right. As they are not part of the Coledale Skyline, this results in these summits being relatively unvisited (and part of their attraction). Ania Retkowska, Alfie Cowell, Ian Thomson, Evelyn Brown, Theresa Costello, Anne Berryl, David Ellerington, Claire Price, Kevin Nelson, Lynn Ford, Ronnie Willison & Jean Walker participated in this event.

Bolam Lake & Shaftoe Crags [Sunday 17th September] - A circuit around Bolam Lake makes a fine 6½-mile (with 540ft of ascent) YELLOW walk exploring the wider countryside. Nearby are the impressive sandstone and heath outcrops of Shaftoe Crags, a superb viewpoint across rolling landscape towards Wallington. Claire Price, David Ellerington, Ian Thomson, Jan Massey, Julie Rushton & Ania Retkowska participated in this event.

Malham [Saturday 30th September] - when water and limestone combine in the Pennines, the most beautiful and interesting scenery often occurs. Places like the twin cascades of Janet’s Foss waterfall draping decoratively over an apron of tufa (a rock formed by the precipitation of pure calcium), the great winding chasm of Gordale Scar which contains two waterfalls and has overhanging limestone cliffs over 330 feet high, the oddity of Malham Tarn (a glacial lake in limestone country ?), the awesome amphitheatre of Malham Cove and the acres of limestone pavement which exist around them make the suggested 9½-mile RED walk (with 682ft of ascent) a geomorphologist’s paradise. David Ellerington, Evelyn Brown, Alfie Cowell, Alan Ross, Anne Berry & Ania Retkowska participated it this event.

Causey Arch [Sunday 15th October] - A 5-mile (with 655ft of ascent) YELLOW walk takes you through a series of attractive woodlands, including the wooded gorge of Causey Burn, and there are many fine views over the surrounding countryside. The chief focal point and major historic site is the Causey Arch, one of the earliest engineering triumphs of the Industrial Revolution, which at almost 200 years is said to be the oldest-surviving railway bridge in the world. The route also passes by the North of England Open Air Museum at Beamish. David Ellerington, Theresa Costello, Jean Walker, Kevin Nelson, Bill Sudder & Ian Storey participated in this event.

Newlands [Saturday 21st October @ 8am] - Given a clear day, this is one of the most scenic horseshoe walks in the Lake District. Whilst the suggested 11-mile BLACK walk (with 3587ft of ascent) never reaches the lofty heights of either Scafell or Helvellyn (the highest point is Dale Head at 2475ft), the views available are constantly uplifting and more than compensate for the extra effort in completing the full round - although the route may be shortened to 9 miles with 3223ft of ascent, if a descent is made via Hindscarth. It is a classic horseshoe walk around the beautiful pastoral Newlands valley and although the walk aims for ridges as much as possible it is an undulating circuit with three separate ascents and descents; although apart the first ascent and last descent, most are relatively easy. Catbells may appear to be a little fell, but it has a big heart and offers a peerless view both over Derwentwater and into the Newland's arena, catching the best of all perspectives on a cluster of bold ridge-ends. The continuing rising ridge forms a remarkable escarpment into the Newland's valley, starting upon Maiden Moor and reaching its zenith on High Spy. Dale Head just could not be better named, enjoying a peach of a view down dale to Skiddaw. Hindscarth reflects the High Spy ridge and then attempts to go one better in Scope End, giving the walk an exciting narrow heather-clad ridge-end. However, the extra effort in visiting Robinson is amply rewarded with awesome views which will just blow you away, especially to the Skiddaw and Blencathra massifs to the north east. David Ellerington, Kevin Nelson, Evelyn Brown, Theresa Costello, Ania Retkowska, Dek Parmley, Anne Berryl, Peter Hudspith, Jean Walker, Ronnie Willison, Lyn Boyle & Carol Lonsdale participated in this event.

Mungrisdale [Saturday 4th November @ 8am] - No fell walker can remain uninspired nor resist the statuesque challenge of Blencathra’s craggy skeleton. Although the most impressive and spectacular landscape features produce their own inevitable magnetism, the suggested 9-mile BLACK route (with 2781ft of ascent) will give access to the summit via the unfrequented, but no less mouth-watering, fell-country to the north. For those who do not wish to grapple with this land, escape is at hand via Mungrisdale Col RED route.Therea Costello, David Ellerington, Alan Ross, Ania Retkowska, Evelyn Brown, Anne Berryl, Carol Lonsdale, Dek Parmley, Lynn Ford & Ronnie Willison participated in this event.

Marsden Rock [Sunday 19th November] - A 7-mile (with only 548ft of ascent) BLACK walk initially heads inland, climbing gently over the modest Cleadon Hills (272ft) and then descending to the attractive coastal village of Whitburn. From here the rest of the route hugs the coast, keeping along the top of low cliffs and passing several stacks and rock arches. David Ellerington, Claire Price, Julie Rushton, Ian Thomson, Lestryne Keenan, Heather Scott & Ania Retkowska participated in this event.

Chop Gate [Saturday 2nd December] - As only one 'confirmed booking' has been received, the Denton Travel minibus has regretfully been cancelled.

Lumley Castle [Sunday 17th December] - A 6-mile (with 402ft of ascent) BLACK walk involves a visit to both Lumley Castle and Great Lumley. Lumley Castle rises across the River Wear from Chester le Street. A solid looking edifice, the castle was founded in the 14th Century. It stands on the brow of a low hill and is almost entirely encircled by rivers forming a natural moat. The Weardale Way follows these rivers, looping round the castle. To gain a little extra distance and explore the country around Lumley Castle in more detail, the loop of the Weardale Way is extended through the village of Great Lumley and down to the river to Chester New Bridge, to form a longer circuit. The town of Chester le Street may be explored on completion of the walk. David Ellerington, Julie Rushton, Ian Thomson, Bill Sudder & Carol Lonsdale participated in this event.