Keswick Guided Walks

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

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

Jurassic Fossil Hunt

Steve took a day off from running a sea kayak trip on the Dorset coast to go on a fossil hunting walk among the Jurassic rocks of this world heritage site. Starting at Lyme Regis we soon found ourselves with plenty to look at including giant ammonites, corals and crinoids. The Jurassic period lasted from approximately 200 to 145 million years ago and followed the mass extinction at the end of the Triassic period. The sedimentary rocks along England’s south coast have captured and fossilised the remains of the abundance of creatures as they fell to the sea bed and were covered in silt. The rock this later formed and which was raised by tectonic movement, has provided a palaeontologist’s delight charting the recovery of marine life following this 4th extinction event. This was most likely caused by an increase in atmospheric CO2 over an 18 million year period as a result of much increased volcanic activity; it contrasts markedly with the current, incredibly rapid rise in CO2 which is driving the present human-induced climate emergency and 6th mass extinction.

By Steve|June 29th, 2022|Environment, Keswick Guided Walks|Comments Off

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