Keswick Guided Walks

Lakeland Mountain days

Steve has been out in the mountains the past two weekends at opposite ends of the Lake District. He took a mother and her son, seeking a more adventurous walk, up Blencathra via Doddick Fell in thick mist with rapidly descending temperatures – we even had to break out the group shelter at lunchtime! His more recent walk was a family outing from Coniston to Goat Water, Dow Crag, Brim Fell and Coniston Old Man in much more temperate conditions. Two great days out. The image shows Coniston Old Man over Goat Water from Dow Crag.

If you’d like Steve’s support for your mountain adventures he’ll be very pleased to help. Get in touch on 07796 213817 or steve@stevebanksoutdoors.co.uk

By Steve|May 10th, 2022|Keswick Guided Walks, Mountain|Comments Off

‘En Caw!’

A bitingly cold wind and overcast skies saw us well wrapped up as we tackled a round of Middle Fell, Seatallan, Haycock and Caw Fell from Wasdale. The often vague and non-existent paths were testament to the fact that this is not a well-trodden area. Caw Fell is generally reckoned to be the most remote hill in the Lakes as it’s at least 6km from the nearest road. Caw is a long, whale backed ridge with a high point arriving much earlier than seems appropriate as you approach from Haycock. For this reason we continued on past the shelter marked on the map to the final cairn – more Caw, or as one quick-witted member of the party exclaimed, ‘En Caw!’

If you’d like Steve’s support with your mountain adventures in the Lakes or further afield please get in touch, he’ll be pleased to hear from you and happy to help: 07796 213817 & steve@stevebanksoutdoors.co.uk

The photo shows the Scafells from Middle Fell.

By Steve|April 4th, 2022|Keswick Guided Walks, Mountain|Comments Off

Scafell Pike and Scafell: A tale of two mountains.

Saturday saw us braving the crowds to tackle Lingmell, Scafell and Slight Side in Wasdale. The vast majority of the people (we estimated over 1000 at the head of Wasdale), were focused solely on ascending Scafell Pike. Fortunately, we were able to find much more space to ourselves by heading up the Western spur of Lingmell before joining the main tourist path at Lingmell Coll to ascend to the Scafell Pike plateau, though we then veered off towards Mickledore and Scafell.

The sheer number of people on the main path up Scafell Pike and on its summit was a sight to behold: the top was so busy there was a queue to stand on the highest point (see carousel image), though most folk showed no interest in the surrounding mountains.

Thankfully, our objectives allowed us to bypass all the hubbub as we headed towards Scafell. We ascended by scrambling up Lord’s Rake (to the right of the main image of Scafell from Mickledore) and then onto the summit where we found only one other person – the difference between the country’s highest and second highest mountains was stark indeed. From Scafell we headed to Slight Side before contouring back around Scafell and down to the valley. A strenuous and rewarding day out.

If you’d like to explore the Lake District but would like to avoid following the well-beaten path and crowds, Steve will be very happy to support your adventures. Please get in touch for a chat on steve@stevebanksoutdoors.co.uk or 07796 213817

By Steve|March 28th, 2022|Environment, Keswick Guided Walks, Mountain|Comments Off

A great day out from Three Shires Stone

Our first mountain day of the year was an excellent day out starting from Three Shires Stone on Wrynose and taking in Pike o’Blisco, Crinkle Crags and Cold Fell. The Three Shires Stone is made from limestone and was first erected in 1860, though it was actually created in 1816 in Cartmel. It is situated at the meeting point of the old counties of Cumberland, Westmorland and Lancashire and has been broken, knocked over and resurrected on several occasions. The weather on our day from this old boundary marker was cold but clear; the views were good in all directions. The image shows the Scafells from Crinkle Crags.

If you’re interested in guided walks and scrambles in winter or summer conditions Steve will be pleased to help. Get in touch on 07796 213817 or email at steve@stevebanksoutdoors.co.uk

If you’d like to read more of Steve’s mountain and environmental blog posts have a look at his mountain specific blog here: https://www.keswickguidedwalks.uk/blog/

By Steve|January 21st, 2022|Environment, Keswick Guided Walks, Mountain|Comments Off

Hard Knott

Hard Knott tends to evoke thoughts of its vertigo inducing switchback road of 30% steepness and, arguably, the world’s most challenging cycle sportive (The Fred Whitton) which goes over it (and all the other super steep Lakeland passes) in one day. Hard Knott is also though, a solitary Lakeland summit easily reached in 30 minutes from the road. We had a gentle stroll to the summit on a glorious November day and had it all to ourselves. The views in all directions were spectacular, taking in a large part of the southern Lakes and down to Barrow. The image shows the view North to the Scafells.

Residents and modern day tourists are far from the first people to visit this spot: the Romans built a fort (named Mediobogdum) in approximately AD 120 to guard the road from Ravenglass and through Eskdale; it was occupied for 80-90 years. It was originally garrisoned by troops from Dalmatia (Croatia) who must have had something of a shock being stationed so far from home on a bleak mountain hillside in northern England. It is still clearly visible with all its defensive walls and buildings laid out. You can make a day of it by driving the pass, walking to Hard Knott and visiting the fort.

By Steve|November 21st, 2021|Keswick Guided Walks, Mountain|Comments Off

Winter walking in the Lake District

Winter has arrived and with it the opportunity to get out into the snowy mountains. If you’re interested in going out mountain walking in the Lakes in winter conditions but don’t feel confident to do so, Steve will be happy to provide support and guidance for groups of up to 4. Please call to discuss your needs – Steve will be pleased to hear from you. 07796 213817

By Steve|December 4th, 2020|Keswick Guided Walks, Mountain, Winter Mountain Walking|Comments Off

Keswick Guided Walks

We have set up Keswick Guided Walks as a new website to specifically cater for anyone interested in personalised guided walking and scrambling, summer and winter. We’re also offering natural history and environmental walks to draw on Steve’s expertise in these areas. Navigation training and practice, campcraft, equipment and all other mountain skills are available. Whilst the activities are centred on Keswick, Steve is more than happy to consider specific requests for support further afield. He also offers via ferrata trips in the Italian Dolomites.

If you would like our support and guidance for your mountain adventures please contact Steve at steve@stevebanksoutdoors.co.uk or call 07796 213817. He’ll be pleased to hear from you and will do his best to help.

By Steve|August 22nd, 2020|Keswick Guided Walks, Mountain|Comments Off