To bring the series of Autumn Walks to a close, I have decided to advertise an extra special date. For this activity, we will delve deep into the coniferous plantation around Whinlatter and have a good root around the forest floor to see what fungi and other woodland flora and fauna we can identify. Most of the route will use well surfaced forest trails but we may also find ourselves off the beaten track.
This guided walk will also take us up onto the rugged hillside above the forest where we will visit at least two prominent summits, being Barf and Lords Seat. If progress and conditions allow, there are other fells that MAY be included to make for more of a summit bagging walk.
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Depending on progress, group size and conditions on the day, the over all distance is going to be between 11 and 14 kilometres, or 7 to 9 miles, and the walk is expected to take 6 to 7 hours at a steady pace. This is a moderately challenging day, previous hill walking experience and a reasonable level of fitness is required to take part in this activity.
Whinlatter Forest is situated to the west of Keswick and Bassenthwaite Lake. There are several villages close by, including Dubwath, Thornthwaite and Braithwaite, that make for ideal starting points for days out into the North Western Fells. Autumn is a fantastic time to visit this area with so much colour on display.
While most of the woodland around Whinlatter is not generally indigenous to the Lake District, it is a very atmospheric place to visit in all weather conditions. On a clear day, beautiful views to Skiddaw, Grisedale Pike and even across the Solway Firth can be enjoyed. In rain and low cloud, mist snakes around the trees that provide shelter while walking beneath the forest canopy.
I have led many walks around this area in autumn and all have provided wonderful finds and a welcome break from the crowds that head to the higher peaks. Whinlatter Forest does tend to draw those who enjoy mountain biking and there are several bike only trails that make their way through the trees. We can expect to see a few adventurous cyclists hurtling down hill at breakneck speed.
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There are of course a selection of different fell tops that stand guard over the forest. As discussed, it is my intention to at least visit Barf and Lord's Seat, where there is mixed terrain and the chance to take in some amazing views, weather permitting. Without promising, if our schedule allows then we may also take in and combination of Broom Fell, Ullister Hill, Seat How and Whinlatter Fell itself.
​Important details about this specific activity.
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The entire route may accrue up to 14km, or just under 9 miles, with up to 700m ascent, and is expected to take around 7 hours​. The activity is moderately challenging - there are well surfaced forest tracks but also steep hillside slopes on both ascent and descent, and rugged terrain in places. A steady, moderate pace is required to complete the activity in good time.
It is necessary to have previous hill walking experience and a moderate level of fitness to take part in this activity.
There are steep hillside slopes on grass and loose stone throughout the day. If an individual is for any reason unsure of their ability, please email me via moorstomountains@gmail.com and we can discuss things further before making a booking.
If the walk leader observes a concern with fitness levels of an individual participant,
it may be necessary for that person to return the start of the activity for their own safety, where it is safe to do so.
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This activity requires sturdy boots or trail shoes with stiff soles. NOT trainers, approach or trail shoes with soft soles.
Please refer to the Moors to Mountains Footwear, Clothing and Equipment Requirements.
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Certain breeds of dog are welcome to attend by prior arrangement only.
Children and young people over the age of 14 are welcome to attend with a parent or guardian by prior arrangement.
Please bear in mind that the activity duration is calculated based on average walking speeds over the types of terrain encountered and previous occurrences of this specific route. The activity may be completed in a quicker or longer time than expected based on individual fitness levels within the group.
As mentioned, it is necessary to have previous hill walking experience and a good level of fitness to participate.
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It should be mentioned that weather in the Lake District can be unpredictable at all times of the year and so it isn't possible to guarantee excellent views on every walk. It may be necessary for the walk leader to change the itinerary of the route for safety or other reasons, meaning that is is not possible to included certain advertised objectives.
Unless there is a safety concern posed by the weather forecast, activities will go ahead regardless of conditions.
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Please see the Moors to Mountains Terms and Conditions before booking.
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Meeting point and transport information.
​The activity meeting point is Thornthwaite Village. I will reccy parking and amend details nearer the time, or revise the start/finish point if required.
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Participants should meet at the time advertised on the booking page. You will be contacted if there are any changes.
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There are frequent, reliable buses from Keswick, Cockermouth and Workington. Various accommodation is available in the vicinity of Braithwaite, Dubwath and Keswick, including camping, hostels, B&B's. It is advisable to book accommodation well in advance to avoid disappointment. Please ask me if you need advice on where to stay or transport links.
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What to expect when booking a professionally
guided activity with Colin from Moors to Mountains.
A friendly and supportive group ethic is promoted on all activities.
It is normal for participants to feel anxious or nervous about joining a guided walk for the first time, meeting new people or just stepping out of their usual comfort zone. This is normal. Please try to remember that other people in the group will likely be feeling the same, and I can assure all participants that they will be making new friends and feeling comfortable in the surroundings in no time.
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Knowledge and enthusiasm is shared throughout the activity.
Not only am I here to keep you safe and lead the group, I like to engage all participants in interesting conversation. Whether we are visiting a site with interesting geology and natural features or perhaps somewhere of historic significance, I like to make sure participants go away having learned something new. And as an environmentalist and lover of the outdoors, it is my mission to try and pass on my passion and knowledge to all who sign up to a Moors to Mountains activity.
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Safety, motivation and attentiveness is guaranteed.
All Moors to Mountains activities are designed for smaller parties. The number of participants that is allowed will depend on the terrain of each specific activity. Suitable group sizes allow me to give each individual client the maximum attention throughout an activity, whether this is to answer questions, provide some guidance or physical assistance.
My promise is to deliver a high level of care and individual attentiveness to each member of the group.
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It is not a race, everybody is here to enjoy the activity!
The benefit of booking onto my activities for small groups for many participants is that the reasonable pricing makes joining a qualified, knowledgeable and experienced Mountain Leader to be more affordable. However, participants in each group are likely to be of mixed abilities. All participants will move together as a group and support each other throughout the activity. If you are a very fit and fast hill walker and would like to experience more of a physical challenge, I am available for private bookings that may be more enjoyable for you than my usual group activities that are at a moderate or even gentle pace.
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I am qualified, insured and experienced in the mountains and hills of the UK.
As your guide, I am a qualified and insured Mountain Leader registered with the British Mountaineering Council and Mountain Training Association. I will only ever operate in areas where I have experience of the terrain and local knowledge. I have also volunteered with my community walking group for since 2011, where I have organised and led innumerable walks and expeditions across the whole of northern England, many areas of Scotland and Eryri/Snowdonia in North Wales. I also have a lot of personal experience in walking, wild camping and completing solo expeditions in these areas.
In that time, I have been lucky enough to spend time out on the hills and mountains with many people of different backgrounds and abilities. This experience has enabled me to develop an extensive knowledge of particular outdoor areas, and a penchant for designing routes that are both scenic and interesting. There are often places of historical or geological interest along the way and I enjoy sharing my knowledge of the landscape, history, industry, wildlife and geology.
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​Once a place has been booked on any activity.
I will personally contact each participant by email with any relevant information to the specific activity. The booking system will email participants a ticket but there is no need to present this when attending an activity. Participants will be sent thorough information and a Participation Consent Form that should be completed in good time before any activity takes place. This will ask for important medical information, important contact details and also request consent for me to give first aid where necessary, take any photographs (or not) and anything else relevant.
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Thank you for reading and I hope to see you on the activity.
COLIN - MOORS TO MOUNTAINS.