Keswick Guided Walks

Butterfly Bonanza

A walk through the woods in the current hot weather demonstrated the boost provided to butterflies conferred by the current hot and calm weather. Amongst the myriad Peacocks, Small Tortoiseshells and Small Whites we spotted this, somewhat bedraggled, Speckled Wood male (pararge aegeria). You’ll notice that he’s missing his right antennae and his wings are damaged. This could just be as a result of age related physical wear and tear, and/or due to the aerial battles which the males engage in. The Lake District is the normal northermost point for this species, though there are some small isolated populations in lowland Scotland. Their range extends over 700km North to South and comprises four subspecies – all slightly different and adapted to more or less sunlight and warmth. For example, the subspecies in the Lakes has the largest wings to aid thermoregulation in our more varied and cooler climes. Of course, man-made climate change is likely to have a significant impact on all butterfly species: in the case of the Speckled Wood, it may extend its permanent range northwards.

If you are keen on natural history and would like to engage with and learn more about the environment around you, Steve will be pleased to help. See the webpages and call him on 07796 213817 or email steve@stevebanksoutdoors.co.uk to discuss your needs.

By Steve|September 7th, 2023|Environment, Keswick Guided Walks, natural history|Comments Off

We’re going batty!

A recent walk in an unfamiliar area caused us to happen on this structure. We were initially unsure as to what it was, though closer inspection revealed it to be a bat roost. As with many other of our wild creatures, bats have had their habitats disturbed and destroyed by human activity to the point where numbers are hugely reduced – to critical levels for some species. It was therefore heartening to see a local community wildlife trust trying to provide for bats (and other creatures) with this artificial roost and other wildlife friendly installations.

If you’re keen to explore nature and to learn more about what’s hiding on your doorstep, and what we need to take greater care to protect, Steve will be happy to help. Get in touch for natural history and environmental walks at steve@stevebanksoutdoors.co.uk and on 07796 213817

By Steve|May 30th, 2023|Environment, Keswick Guided Walks, natural history|Comments Off

Walla Crag

A group of Indian women who had been to university together 40 years ago, and who now live around the world, had a reunion in the Lake District. Steve was asked to provide a day out to engage with the environment, so a walk along the shore of Derwentwater with a traverse of Walla Crag to Keswick provided a fitting excursion. The weather was kind and a super day was had with lots of interesting natural history, stunning views and not a little exercise! We were keen to enjoy the vistas and also to examine the flora and fauna – including these different lichen species on a hawthorn tree.

If you would like Steve’s support for your day out in the Lakes, whatever your needs, he’ll be pleased to hear from you. Please get in touch on 07796 213817 or steve@stevebanksoutdoors.co.uk

By Steve|April 28th, 2023|Environment, Keswick Guided Walks, Mountain|Comments Off

Bowscale Tarn

The sun has finally made an appearance in the Lake District following what seems like eternal rain and wind. This led many people to rush to the hills to enjoy the warmer and dry conditions. Not to be left out, we had a half day stroll to Bowscale Tarn which was still quiet and tranquil. Many Lakeland tarns have now become interesting to wild swimmers, an activity which has developed very rapidly in recent years. We did dip a hand in the water and, despite the relatively warm air temperature, the water was bitterly cold – there was still snow clinging to the Northern headwall of the corrie. We’d certainly want a wet suit to go in there!

If you’d like Steve’s support to explore the Lakes, up high, down low or somewhere in between, he’ll be pleased to help – though not necessarily keen to swim! Get in touch on 07796 213817 and steve@stevebanksoutdoors.co.uk

By Steve|April 20th, 2023|Environment, Keswick Guided Walks, Mountain|Comments Off

Winter wandering

A sudden return to winter weather with lots of snow and very cold days led to us venturing out on a walk up Langstrath in Borrowdale, rather than enduring the strong and bitterly cold winds on the summits. Langstrath is an unusual, long Lakeland valley in that is only accessible on foot, this imbues it with a similar feel to that which can be experienced in many valleys of the Scottish Highlands. At this time of year and in this weather it is possible to also have the place to yourself – a rare pleasure in the Lakes! On warm Summer days it can be very busy, as visitors flock to Blackmoss Pot (image) to enjoy the deep pool.

Steve offers guided walks all year round in the Lakes and further afield. If you would like support for your adventures in the mountains and remote valleys please get in touch for a chat. He’ll be pleased to hear from you and happy to help: 07796 213817 and steve@stevebanksoutdoors.co.uk

By Steve|March 15th, 2023|Environment, Keswick Guided Walks, Mountain, Winter Mountain Walking|Comments Off

Lake District Winter Walks

We awoke to blue sky and snow on the hills – ideal conditions for a quick sortie up Blencathra! Halls Fell ridge provided an interesting ascent as the snow had hidden much of the underlying rock, meaning stiff soled winter boots were very handy indeed. Once on the summit, we were exposed to the NW wind which provided a temperature with windchill of -14C. Quickly wrapping up in duvets and thicker gloves we enjoyed lunch with a spectacular view before descending via Doddick Fell back to base.

Snow clad mountains and bright blue skies are alluring to many of us, though do require additional skills and knowledge to tackle safely. Having some winter equipment is very different from being able to use it safely – for example, we regularly see people out in winter with too-long axes strapped on the back of sacks with spikes pointing into the faces of anyone behind them; or wearing crampons when they are more likely to cause a fall rather than prevent one. Axes should generally be carried spike down and adze forwards on the side of sacks, whilst crampons are rarely needed for walking on the thin, soft and temporary snow we receive in the Lakes.

If you’re keen on venturing into Britain’s winter hills, getting some professional guidance on how to do it safely may actually save you money, as well as from calamity. Steve has run winter mountaineering courses and skill days for many years and will be very happy to support your snowy adventures. Get in touch for a chat about your needs: steve@stevebanksoutdoors.co.uk and 07796 213817

By Steve|January 16th, 2023|Keswick Guided Walks, Mountain, Winter Mountain Walking|Comments Off

A New Year’s walk

Apparently endless wet, cold and windy weather over the holiday period was finally broken for a single day on January 2nd. We grabbed the opportunity to get out and enjoyed the crisp, sunny conditions with a walk over Walla Crag and onto Bleaberry Fell and were rewarded with excellent panoramic views all round. A great day out!

If you’d like support for any of your mountain adventures Steve will be pleased to help. Call 07796 213817 or email on steve@stevebanksoutdoors.co.uk

By Steve|January 3rd, 2023|Environment, Keswick Guided Walks, Mountain, Winter Mountain Walking|Comments Off

Hallin Fell

We had a short but pleasant ascent up Hallin Fell from Martindale in warm and sunny conditions. Whilst it is one of the Lake’s most straightforward hills to climb, it does offer excellent views over Ullswater and the surrounding mountains. Hallin Fell also happened to be the only Lakeland fell which Steve had not been up at least twice. He’s been up most of the 214 Lakeland peaks on multiple occasions though we’re not sure a full third lap is on the cards.

If you’d like Steve’s support for your walking, hiking, exploring and natural history, he’ll be pleased to hear from you and happy to help: 07796 213817 & steve@stevebanksoutdoors.co.uk

By Steve|September 12th, 2022|Environment, Keswick Guided Walks, Mountain|Comments Off

The Devil’s Coach Horse

With such a fantastic name the Devil’s Coach Horse (Staphylinus olens) is a creature we should all be able to recognise. It’s not just a name either as this is a beetle not to be messed with! The Devil’s Coach Horse is a species of rove beetle, it’s about an inch in length and is a fast and voracious predator – it crushes other invertebrates with its large, powerful pincers. If threatened, it is famous for curling its tail upwards in the manner of a scorpion and will emit a foul smelling liquid from its rear if its posture hasn’t been deterent enough. If you still haven’t got the message it can sink its impressive pincers into you and inflict a painful bite. One to look at but don’t touch!

If you’re interested in learning more about the environment and nature Steve is always happy to lead walks and rambles to help develop your knowledge whilst having a nice day out. Get in touch on 07796 213817 and steve@stevebanksoutdoors.co.uk

By Steve|September 6th, 2022|Environment, Keswick Guided Walks|Comments Off

Campsfield Marsh

We had a great new find for a natural history walk on the Solway coast: Campsfield Marsh is an RSPB reserve near Bowness on Solway and is a haven of wild flowers, fresh water pools and plenty of bird life. They have Marsh Harriers (Circus aeruginosus) and a fantastic array of dragonflies swooping over the reeds and ponds hunting for prey. There is a small centre with hot drinks available when open. It is staffed on weekends. The photo shows bull rushes and purple loosestrife in one of the pools.

By Steve|September 1st, 2022|Environment, Keswick Guided Walks|Comments Off