Meet Report: 20-25 June 2019.

Seven couples returned to the Derwentwater Hotel in Portinscale, used two years previously for the Club’s annual Social meet on half board terms for four nights; three for Peter and Ann, Tim and Elaine. We were pleased that Joan Armstrong’s family had persuaded her to attend following the death of her husband Dennis. Richard and Elizabeth Gowing had to cancel due to ill health.

On Tuesday, eleven of us enjoyed the walk done on our previous visit, up the Newlands Valley to Little Town, the attraction being the sumptuous homemade scones, cream and jam lunch. The return was via the flanks of Catbells except for Paul and Richard who decided that at least one summit was an attractive “must do” and the climb and descent of Catbells was enjoyed.

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The group reunited to enjoy ice creams at Nichol End; the total distance of the walk was 9.7 miles.

Tim and Elaine walked the Dalemain Loop extension of the Ullswater Way, 5½ miles from Pooley Bridge along the River Eamont to Dalemain then through parkland and pasture via lunch at the Horse and Farrier in Dacre and back to the start. Very pleasant, more like the Dales than the Lakes.

Meanwhile, Peter and Ann went up Skiddaw from the main car park in Keswick, then continued northwards to join the Cumbria Way, returning along the main track via the Youth Hostel. They watched some vintage gliders being towed off the steep grassy field next to the car park which was exciting. In the afternoon they visited the gardens at Mirehouse, at the South end of Bassenthwaite, which were stunning.

On Wednesday the Linfords, Laings and Joan took the boat trip to Grange and walked back along the lake, as confirmed below! Paul and Anne walked to Keswick and round the impressive Hope Park gardens then visited the gardens at Mirehouse. Tim and Elaine walked down the lake to Grange, meeting a gaggle of elderly folk on the way. Not sure if they should have been out on their own! They visited Mirehouse gardens in the afternoon.

Peter and Ann drove to Littletown in the Newlands Valley and did the round of Robinson, Hindscarth Edge and Dale Head. There were a lot of people out walking the tops enjoying the views and the fabulous weather. In the afternoon they visited some more gardens at Askham Hall, near Lowther Castle, which were equally impressive and enjoyable.

Richard and Ann celebrated their wedding anniversary by visiting the renowned furniture designer in Staveley and taking afternoon tea in a hotel in Grasmere. The celebration was rounded off with a champagne party for the whole group after dinner before holding a review meeting at which it was agreed to plan a meet in 2020 with the Peak District the preferred location.

On Thursday the Linfords, Goddens, Laings and Joan were again attracted to the lake and enjoyed a full circular boat trip of Derwentwater. The Dovers took the open decked bus from Keswick to Seatoller and learned not to choose the nearside seats due to the overhanging trees. They walked back via Seatoller Force, which had little water, to lunch in Grange and then the lakeside walk back to the hotel.

On Friday most went home after a very enjoyable meet full of conversation and humour. The Dovers, staying in the area for a wedding, visited Muncaster Castle at the foot of Eskdale. The numerous rhododendrons were in full bloom and were stunning; they also enjoyed a close up well-organised display of many species of owls and hawks.

Attendees:

Paul and Anne Dover, Joan Armstrong, Peter and Ann Chadwick, Richard and Ann Dover, Mike and Marcia Godden, Tim and Elaine Josephy, Ian and Una Laing, Alan and Angie Linford.