Environment

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

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

Canoeing in Cumbria

The weather gods have provided excellent canoeing conditions of late, so last week we were able to travel from Derwentwater, on lake and river, by paddling and sailing, in sunny, warm conditions with a very helpful breeze blowing us along. We encountered dippers, goldeneye and tufted ducks among the abundant wildlife, though didn’t spot the kingfishers on this occasion.

This is a relatively straightforward trip and Steve has no difficulty taking even a novice canoeist on a tandem paddling journey of this kind. It is possible to continue this trip all the way to the sea at Workington depending on water levels and the time of year, though this would certainly be a full day out.

If you’re keen on a canoeing adventure of this kind, Steve will be pleased to hear from you and happy to help: 07796 213817 and steve@stevebanksoutdoors.co.uk

By Steve|October 28th, 2022|Canoe, Environment|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

Walla Crag

Steve ran a walking and exploring day for a family on holiday from Oxfordshire. Starting in Keswick we followed the lakeshore looking at and discussing anything of interest: trees species, poisonous and toxic plants, safe navigation in the fells and hills, the history of the Lakeland landscape, the maximum density of water and its criticality to life, red squirrels, graphite mining in Borrowdale and much more besides! Our walk wound its way to the summit of Walla Crag then north to the neolithic Castlerigg Stone circle before descending to the river Greta and making our way back to town along the little used, but very pretty, northern bank. We had an excellent day out and dinner was well earned!

If you’d like Steve’s support to enhance your Lakeland walks, whatever the standard, he’ll be pleased to hear from you and happy to help. Get in touch on 07796 213817 and steve@stevebanksoutdoors.co.uk

By Steve|August 26th, 2022|Environment, Keswick Guided Walks|Comments Off

Is it a bird? Is it a bee?

Well, no, it’s neither a bird nor a bee but you could certainly be forgiven for being taken aback by this large (2 inch wingspan), day-flying creature which resembles a bee hummingbird in size and behaviour. It’s actually a beautiful and completely harmless hummingbird hawk moth (Macroglossum stellatarum) which is resident in Southern France, though has been seen in every county in the UK at some point. Like hummingbirds they have convergently evolved to be extremely capable flyers and can hover to feed on the nectar of deep and strongly scented flowers via their long proboscis with great precision. Steve spotted this one but they are difficult to photograph due to their speed of movement and the fact that their wings beat so fast they are a blur – and give off an audible hum.

Steve is always happy to provide natural history walks. Whilst hummingbird hawk moths can’t be promised there are usually plenty of amazing creatures and plants to keep us interested and amazed on any outing.

07796 213817 and steve@stevebanksoutdoors.co.uk

By Steve|August 20th, 2022|Environment|Comments Off