2024 Club Annual General Meeting [Thursday 16th January 2025]. 18 members kindly attended the 2024 Annual General Meeting with 26 members sending their apologies for absence. 2024 Secretary's Report   Minutes of the 2024 AGM

Craster - Low Newton [Sunday 19th January] 10am Craster car park NE66 3TW. 7.75 miles with 540ft ascent. Participants = Anne Marie Forster, Pat McCahill, David Ellerington, Theresa Costello, Helen Costello, Lestryne Keenan, Ian Thomson, Ania Retkowska, Kevin Nelson, Jean Walker & Steve Walker.

Warden Hill, Hexham [Saturday 1st February] may only be a small hill, but its summit (complete with iron age hillfort) sits above the confluence of the North and South Tyne rivers, allowing big views up both valleys. Anne Marie Forster kindly transported Pat McCahill & Ania Retkowska to Hexham where after meeting up with Ken Milmore, Denise Edwardson, Margaret Andison, Kay Costello, Dek Parmley, Linda Boakes, Lynn Ford & Ronnie Willison they enjoyed a 9-mile BLACK route (with 643ft of ascent) following the River Tyne Trail to the confluence, crossing the South Tyne river to Bridge End, then heading uphill to the Iron Age Hill Fort via High Warden. The return route was made via Bridge End and Hexham Abbey.

Waskerley 4 reservoirs [Sunday 16th February] 10am Waskerley station car park. 9 miles with ?ft ascent. Participants = David Ellerington, Gordon Stephenson, Ian Thomson, Lucy Topping & John Costello.

Simonside [Saturday 1st March] - Although only 10 miles from the Cheviots, the Simonside Hills have a completely different character with rugged sandstone outcrops defining their summits. Commencing from Simonside Forest Park, NE65 7NW, the 9-mile RED walk (with 1125ft of ascent) climbs gradually through the delightful forest of the lower slopes to offer some extensive views across Coquetdale with the Cheviots forming the skyline and enables participants to fully appreciate the understated beauty of this part of the Northumberland National Park. After visiting the summer of Tosson Hill, which overtops Simonside by 35ft, the route then returns to complete the delightful sandstone escarpment with visits to the summits of Simonside and Dove Crag before exploring an Iron Age fort on a neighbouring hill. Evelyn Brown & Lucy Topping kindly tranported John Costello, Cath Fatkin, Anne Beryl & Roger Smith from the Civic Centre to Simonside where they met up with Ian Thomson, Theresa Costello, Helen Costello, Elaine Donnelly, Ronnie Willison, Lynn Ford, David Ellerington, Ania Retkowska & Dek Parmley.

Patterdale Week Trip - Saturday 15th to Saturday 22nd March 2025 - This 300-acre private estate is located in the breath-taking Ullswater valley, wrapped around the southern tip of Ullswater, England’s most beautiful lake. Ideally located at the foot of some of Lakeland's most magnificent and scenic mountains (Place Fell, St Sunday Crag, Helvellyn, High Street) and, at the same time, for exploring by car the whole of the Lake District as it is within a short drive of Penrith, Keswick, Windermere, Ambleside, Bowness and Kendal. Claire O'Sullivan, Lyn Boyle, Lynn Ford, Ronnie Willison, Liz Beech, Anne Marie Forster, Neil Waite, Ian Goodman & Natalie Goodman spent a relaxing and enjoyable week in Lodge 3 and Chalet 1 at a cost of £142 per member.

Hartburn and Rothley Castle [Sunday 23rd March] 10am Hartburn church car park NE61 4JB. 9.5 miles with ?ft ascent. Participants = David Ellerington, Ian Thomson, Theresa Costello & Helen Costello.

High Cup Nick [Saturday 5th April @ 8am] The Great Whin Sill, an igneous intrusion through the regular sedimentary geological successions of the Pennines, creates some of their most impressive landforms. It was utilised by Hadrian as the natural foundation for his monumental frontier fortification; it created the spectacular waterfalls of High and Low Force and Cauldron Snout; and it is responsible for perhaps one of the most exciting landscapes and natural wonders in the Pennines at High Cup Nick. The glaciated valley of High Cup bites deeply into the western scarp of the Pennines above the pretty red sandstone village of Dufton, CA16 6BZ, but what gives High Cup its unique character is the upstanding horseshoe-shaped frieze of dolerite crags, formed of the Whin Sill, which rims the canyon. Strictly speaking, the ‘Nick’ only refers to the apex of the re-entrant, where the tiny High Cupgill Beck flows down into the yawning gulf of High Cup, flanked on the left by High Cup Scar and on the right by Narrowgate Beacon. The colonnade of dolerite stands up like a collar around the rim, and the view down into the depths of the gill is truly breathtaking. In good weather the view extends across the Eden Valley to the blue, misty hills of Lakeland. The suggested ‘there and back’ 8-mile RED walk (with 1385ft of ascent) takes members along the Pennine Way to High Cup Nick at the head of the chasm. On the descent back to Dufton, there are continuous superb views across the Eden valley to the Lakeland fells on the horizon. The climb is a steady and unremitting one, with no steep or strenuous sections, along generally clear and well-defined tracks. There are precipitous drops along the higher sections of the walk and the Helm wind through the gap at High Cup Nick can be very strong, even on a seemingly still summer’s day. Those preferring a slightly longer 9.2 mile (with 1309ft of ascent) anti-clockwise circular visit to High Cup Nick, should follow the suggested BLACK route to ascend via High Cup Gill and then descend following the RED route back to Dufton. Anne Marie Forster & Ronnie Willison kindly tranported  Neil Waite, Pat McCahill, Cath Fatkin, Lynn Ford, Ken Milmore & Denise Edwardson from the Civic Centre to Dufton where they met up with Margaret Andison, Gordon Stephenson, Ailie Langston, Ian Thomson, Elaine Donnelly, David Bolt, William Delaney & David Ellerington.

Old Ingram valley [Sunday 20th April] 10am Ingram cafe car park NE66 4LT. 6.25 miles with 974ft ascent. Participants = David Ellerington, Helen Costello, Anne Marie Forster, Theresa Costello & Ian Storey.

Ambleside [Saturday 3rd May] Two Minibus Seats Available. 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 walk 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. Theresa Costello, Gordon Stephenson, Helen Costello, John Costello, Lucy Topping, David Ellerington, Evelyn Brown, Anne Beryl, Cath Fatkin, Alan Ross, Alan Bradbury, Lynn Ford, Ronnie Willinson & Steve Wilkinson travelled on the Denton Travel minibus to Rydal where they met up with Dek Parmley.

Scottish Week Trip [Friday 9th to Friday 16th May 2025] Lynn Ford, Ronnie Willison, Claire O'Sullivan, Carol Lonsdale, Ian Storey, Ellen Morrison, Mike Morrison, Jean Walker, Steve Walker, Malcolm McVey, Ailie Langston, Margaret Andison, John Costello & Lucy Topping spent 7-nights in Craigard Lodge, Boat of Garten, within the Cairngorms National Park at a cost of £257 per member. This is a grand and spacious Highland self catering lodge with cinema room, games room, hot tub, wine cellar, stained glass windows, rain showers, very impressive staircase and mountain views from turreted rooms.

Newbrough and Roman Wall [Sunday 18th May] Newbrough town hall NE47 5AR. 8.5 miles with 940ft ascent. Participants = Helen Costello, Theresa Costello, Ian Thomson, David Ellerington, Julie Rushton & Bill Sudder.

Great Langdale [Saturday 7th June] - 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 9½-mile [BLACK] anti-clockwise circuit of Oxendale (with 3280ft of ascent), visits the summits of Bowfell, Crinkle Crags & Great Knott. Keen walkers may choose to mop up Pike of Blisco as an added bonus. An alternative 7-mile linear [BLUE] walk (with 1486ft of ascent) to Ambleside, visits Loughrigg Tarn. Julie Rushton, Ian Thomson, Alan Ross, Lynn Boyle, David Ellerington, Helen Costello, Lucy Topping, John Costello, Alfie Cowell, Steve Wilkinson, Ian Goodman, Natalie Goodman, Ania Retkowska, Ken Johnson & Bill Sudder travelled on the Denton Travel minibus to Great Langdale.

Willington Circular [Sunday 15th June] - Jubilee Bridge car park Stony bank DL15 0DJ. 9 miles with ?ft ascent. Participants = David Ellerington & Ian Thomson.

Honister Pass [Saturday 5th July] Great Gable is a mountain of national repute, whose mighty defences issue a stark challenge to which all self-respecting fell walkers cannot but respond. The name itself conjures up an image of solidity and strength, which a close encounter does nought to dispel. Beyond Grey Knotts, the huge arched dome dwarfs all surrounding fells, which become mere stepping stones in its ultimate conquest. Even Green Gable, a worthy fell in its own right, has to bow to the grand master holding court across the knife edge of Windy Gap. The mountain is very much the guardian of Wasdale. To climb Gable is to pit yourself against the essence of Lakeland’s alpine heritage, which has irresistibly drawn the cream of the nation’s hard hats for more than a century. Their abiding respect is commemorated by a metal plaque erected by members of the Fell and Rock-Climbing Club as a lasting tribute to those who gave their lives during World War Two. The suggested 8.1-mile [BLACK] linear walk from Honister Pass (with 2188ft of ascent) visits the summits of Brandreth (2344ft), Green Gable (2603ft) & Great Gable (2949ft) before descending via Styhead Tarn to Seatoller. The suggested 7.1-mile [RED] linear walk from Honister Pass (with 1617ft of ascent) visits the summits of High Spy (2143ft), Maiden Moor (1890ft) & Cat Bells (1481) before descending to Grange. Gordon Stephenson, Anne Marie Forster, Alfie Cowell, Asima Riaz, Anne Beryl, Evelyn Brown, Dek Parmley, John Costello, Lucy Topping , Kay Costello, Helen Costello & Ania Retkowska travelled to Honister Pass on the Denton Travel minibus.

Corbridge, Aydon Castle & Stagshaw [Sunday 20th July] 10am Corbridge bridge car park. 9 miles with 975ft ascent. Participants = David Ellerington & Jean Walker.

Whinlatter to Braithwaite [Saturday 26th July 8am - 9pm] Commencing from Scawgill Bridge, the 8-mile linear ‘Aiken Beck skyline’ RED walk (with 1954ft of ascent) takes advantage of the ridge of fells which sit between the remote valleys of Aiken Beck and Wythop. After visiting Spout Force waterfall, the route visits the summits of Graystones (1496') [affording extensive view is of the Vale of Lorton], Broom Fell (1677'), Lord’s Seat (1811’) and Barf (1535') [affording dramatic views of both Skiddaw and Bassenthwaite] before descending to Braithwaite village via the scenic Whinlatter Forrest. The 7-mile linear ‘Aiken Beck’ BLACK walk (with 1093ft of ascent) from Scawgill Bridge to Braithwaite includes a visit to Spout Force & Ullister Hill before picking up the RED walk after a visit to the GoApe café. Alternatively commencing from Braithwaite, the 'Coledale Horseshoe' (9.1miles with 4058ft of ascent) offers a challenging circular route with stunning views. Cancelled as only 4 bookings received.

Cotherstone - Romaldskirk [Sunday 17th August] 10am Fox & Hounds pub Cotherstone DL12 9PF. 6.5 miles with ?ft ascent.  Participants = David Ellerington & Helen Costello.

Martindale [Saturday 6th September] Martindale - is one of those little-known Lakeland valleys which although hidden from general view provides a quiet fell-walking experience in truly beautiful surroundings. As well as lying off the main highway which runs beside Ullswater, the valley is protected by a gear crunching hairpin system of no mean gradient which will fully test the power of our transport. Its popularity is therefore reserved for very discriminating members. The suggested 11 mile [with 2902ft of ascent] BLACK route follows a natural horseshoe visiting the summits of High Raise (2634ft), Rampsgill Head (2581ft) and Angletarn Pikes (1875ft). Meanwhile, the alternative 8 mile (with 1580ft of ascent) RED circuit of the lower slopes of Place Fell first visits Bordale Hause and returns via the beautiful Ullswater Lake Path. Roger Smith, Margaret Andison, Glen Robson, Maxine Guthrie, Evelyn Brown, Anne Beryl, Jean Walker, Ailie Langston, Ken Johnson, Jake Kirsopp , Helen Costello & Steve Walker travelled on the Denton Travel minibus.

Mungrisdale [Saturday 4th October] 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. EVENT CANCELLED in the total absence of any bookings being received.

Car-sharing from Gateshead Civic Centre car park @ 8am will be in operation. ‘Offer a lift from Civic @ 8am’ - please let the Secretary know how many passengers you can take (expenses @40p per mile totalling £0.00 will be issued on completion of the event). ‘Require a lift from Civic @ 8am’ bookings will open on 15th November. Alternatively, should you require the flexibility to make your own transport arrangements, please make a ‘meet up @ venue’ booking @ £1 per participant and meet up at 10am. Please contact the Secretary in order to make a booking and remember to confirm each booking by paying the either the associated £00 fare or the £1 meet up @ venue participation fee within three working days.  Confirmed ‘Offer a lift’ booking(s) = 0. Confirmed ‘Require a lift’ booking(s) = 0. Confirmed ‘meet up @ venue’ booking(s) = 0.

Since losing access to a Council self-drive minibus a couple of years ago, the Club are now even more reliant on all members participating, whenever possible, in Car-Pooling/Car-Sharing in order both to reduce carbon emissions and relieve pressure on extremely limited parking at most of the walking venues. Ideally with increased participation, the same members won’t have to volunteer their cars each time and therefore the associated wear and tear/maintenance costs will be equally shared amongst all members. At the same time this will prevent 'car-pooling cliques' forming as, by travelling in different cars each time, you’ll get the chance to socialise with other members.