Mountain

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