Aycliffe Fell Walking Club made its long-awaited return to the Lake District Fells on 11th February11th with a selection of walks all finishing in Cockermouth. A small party started from the Crossthwaite roundabout on the A66 passing through the villages of Applethwaite and Millbeck before making their ascent to Carl Side (one took the lowland option up the eastern side of Bassenthwaite Lake). From that point they had hoped to reach the summit of Skiddaw but weather conditions at that moment prevented them from doing so. Instead they took the Longside Edge track to Ullock Pike before descending into Bassenthwaite village and across the top of Bassenthwaite Lake for the long trek to Cockermouth. Another group started from the southernmost point of the Lake and climbed immediately up through the mist to the summit of Barf. We all agreed this was one of the hardest climbs we had ever experienced and it was relentless. The group strung out along the severe ascent and I had fallen behind with backache until one kind member offered to take my bag. That helped a lot and we all eventually reached the summit. We lunched near a mound before the gentler ascent to Lord’s Seat and onward to Broom Fell after which we began our descent. We were weakening with several stops to regroup and were very pleased to eventually reach Stanger Farm and a pleasant walk along the River Cocker into Cockermouth. As is our custom, AFWC offers more gentle walk options and the river walk from Workington to Cockermouth along the River Derwent proved extremely popular with 21 members enjoying the views of the river and the Siddick Ponds Nature Reserve.
It should be noted that AFWC outings involve enough choice so, that if you are new to walking, you can choose a shorter walk whilst braver and more experienced walkers may choose the longer and more demanding routes. There are walks for everyone’s needs at a cost (to cover the coach) of only £15 per person per outing. Annual club membership is only £10 per person. The coach picks up walkers in Darlington, Aycliffe Village, Newton Aycliffe, Middridge, Shildon, South Church and Bishop Auckland and frequently Barnard Castle and the Premier Inn at Stockton if on route.
If you are interested in joining us, visit our website www.aycliffefellwalkingclub.com and book a seat on the coach using the online form. The next walk is on 11th March in the Yorkshire Dales, finishing in Grassington.