A walking group for young people in the Shropshire area. We have walks on most weekends, mid-week in the summer as well as socials and weekends away too.
This will be a very strenuous day in the mountains. The final route will be dependent on weather, group aims and progress on the day.
The Kentmere Horseshoe, sometimes called the Kentmere Round, is one of the longest and most remote walks in the Lake District. Traversing all the fells bounding the upper Kentmere valley and its reservoir,
Climbing steadily to the top of the Garburn Pass and turning right to head north the first Wainwright fell of Yoke is quickly in view. There follows a fine undulating ridge walk from Yoke, over Ill Bell, and then Froswick before it terminates at Thornthwaite Crag where there is a tall beacon. This is also a good place to stop for lunch.
The very keen then head to High Street which is a little out of the way, before we traverse around the head of the River Kent to Mardale Ill Bell. We like to visit its summit as there are a couple of small tarns nearby which retain water for our dogs even through a dry summer. A drop of about 130m to the Nan Bield Pass and then a long 142m of ascent to Harter Fell feels harder than it is as by now tired legs start to complain. Still, there is a fine view of Small Water and Haweswater to act as excuses for a breather or two. Harter Fell is where you really feel you have turned the corner as you head south towards Kentmere Pike.
There is a slight drop and a little ascent whilst following the fence to Kentmere Pike but after a morning of hard stony paths the soft grass along much of this wide ridge is very welcome. Continuing to Shipman Knotts needs a little bit of care. Some people visit the intermediate Goat Scar but Wainwright didn't consider it significant enough for a chapter on its own, so most people bypass it.
This walk takes you to the top of the following hills: Yoke, Thornthwaite Crag, Shipman Knotts, Mardale Ill Bell, Kentmere Pike, Ill Bell, Harter Fell (Mardale), Goat Scar, and Froswick; and includes 8 Wainwrights, 9 Birketts, 6 Hewitts, 6 Nuttalls, and 2 HuMPs.
Be prepared for a full day in the mountains. Food, Water, Layers etc are all mandatory, and ill prepared walkers will be asked to return to base for the safety and comfort of the wider group.
Please reach out to Lee and/or Giles for further guidance on requisite equipment.
Kentmere - details will be confirmed to participants closer to the time
