Meet Report: 21-23 March 2025 at the Rucksack Club’s High Moss hut in Seathwaite.

After a week of glorious spring sunshine ten members made their way to the Duddon Valley travelling through grey skies and the possibility of 60% to 70% chance of rain over the next few days.

The first arrivals at High Moss were John Thurston and John & Carol Whalley. As the hut was locked, they walked down to the Newfield Inn and met Tim with the keys driving up the road. Many members joined them as time went by, some having an evening meal.

After a good continental breakfast, which was provided by Stuart, seven people were ready to set off.  Many of the tops were under low cloud but there were signs of more promising things to come from the West.

Mick had planned a circular route taking in the main tops of the eastern side of the Duddon valley and set off from the hut with Conrad, Stuart and Toby. They walked up the Walna Scar track, initially with Tim, Peter and Carol B and then headed south to inspect the impressive excavations of the disused slate quarries.

A steep ascent led to the misty summit of White Pike which was followed by a much longer descent to Stephenson Ground. They then followed the bridleway skirting Raven’s Crag and crossed the road to climb Stickle Pike. The last summit was the trig point on Caw where all enjoyed Stuart’s raven impersonations to accompany the 360° view. On the way down; they donned head torches to visit the interior of the long-abandoned Caw Quarry which was dry and surprisingly roomy.

Mick’s route coincidentally passed The Newfield Inn in Seathwaite where it was only polite to stop and sit outside to enjoy some refreshments before the short walk back to High Moss.

Tim, Peter and Carol B took the track up to Seathwaite Tarn. The head of the combe was under heavy, dark cloud while Brown Side Fell was in glorious sunshine. So they went up it and along to Grey Friar. While going along the ridge they could see tantalising views across to the Scafells and Mickledore which were appearing and disappearing through the clouds.

By 10.00 they had lovely sunshine which had not been forecast but was greatly appreciated and ensured fabulous 360° views. They then proceeded to Swirl How, The Old Man and then along to Dow Crag. Carol didn’t ‘do’ the Old Man as she was ‘saving herself’ for the descent! i.e. she was tired! They then made their way along Walna Scar Road to the hut where a well-deserved cuppa was enjoyed while sitting outside in the evening sun. Throughout the day the views were great, especially the profile of Dow Crag which never fails to be impressive.

Carol W, John W and John T left a bit later than the others and made their way up to Seathwaite Tarn which was deserted except for some fell runners.  There they enjoyed the surprisingly warm weather with bird songs and the spring flowers.

 They made their way across the very boggy fell until they reached Duddon Valley. A steep downhill took them down to the road which they followed back to the cottage.

                                             

When back at the hut one and all rejoiced in the unexpected good weather and the great walks everyone had enjoyed. It was gratifying that the optimism of those who attended was so amply rewarded by almost perfect spring conditions.

Stuart was ‘chef of the day’ and produced an excellent 3 course meal. The very empty pots and plates gave firm evidence to its delicious content. After the meal some adjourned to the pub while the rest sat by a warm fire putting the world to rights while quaffing a reasonable amount of red wine.

Once again after a grey start Sunday turned into a warm sunny day. The groups were the same as for Saturday.

With a shorter round in mind, Mick, Conrad, Stuart and Toby drove up the valley to the Froth Pot car park and did a very enjoyable east to west traverse of Harter Fell. They took an early lunch below the trig point and sat out of the wind to enjoy the view and the lovely spring weather. They returned by the path skirting the Dunnerdale Forest and past Birks, an old farmhouse which is now run as a hostel by the Grove School.

Tim, Peter and Carol B drove west along the A595 with the aim of walking Black Combe. However Carol B was still recovering from Saturday and after short walk up the attractive Whitecombe Beck she and Peter turned back. Tim continued climbing up a well graded old pony track to the moor above. After that it was a rather dull trudge to the summit followed by a broad track down to the car at Silecroft.

Many thanks to Carol W and Mick for their contributions to this report.

Attendees : Toby Dickinson, Tim Josephy, Mick Borroff, Stuart Dix, Conrad Tetley, Carol Whalley, John Whalley, John Thurston, Peter Baker and Carol Baker.