Details

Wednesday 16 May. Fleetwith Pike and Haystacks from Gatesgarth

Haystacks was one of Wainwright’s personal favourites and is his last resting place. By combining the climb with an ascent of the shapely Fleetwith Pike, we have a superb round of Warnscale in Buttermere. Rendezvous at Gatesgarth Farm in Buttermere (GR: NY 19506 14982) at 9.30 am. 6 miles – 2727ft of ascent. Grade Strenuous. Estimated finish time: 4:30pm. Maximum number of participants: 15.

Thursday 17 May. Blencathra's Sharp Edges

Wainwright referred to Blencathra as 'the finest object in Lakeland' and he spent many hours exploring and mapping its several routes. Without doubt the most exhilerating of these is Sharp Edge. After a visit to the summit cairn we descend via the pinnacles of Halls Fell Ridge. Please note that Sharp Edge is only for experienced fell walkers with a head for heights! Rendezvous at 9.30 am. in front of the White Lion at Scales (GR: NY 34336 26967). 4.8 miles – 2450ft of ascent. Grade Very Hard (including Grade 1 scramble). Estimated finish time: 3:00pm. Max. number 10.

Friday 18 May. Scafell Pike from Borrowdale via Esk Hause

A challenging ascent of England’s highest peak by arguably its finest route via Esk Hause, and the rocky shoulders of Broad Crag and Ill Crag, and we descend by the 'Corridor' Route to Sty Head. Rendezvous at 9.00am at Seathwaite Farm (GR: NY 23526 12252). 9 miles – 3306ft of ascent. Grade Hard. Estimated finish time: 5:00pm. Max. number: 15.

Saturday 19 May. A Newlands Round

Simply one of the finest walks in this corner of the Lake District and bagging four Wainwrights along the way. We start with an ascent of Robinson whose profile is seen well from the Adventure Base. Once up we stay there as we follow Littledale Edge and make the round of the fells of Dale Head, High Spy and Maiden Moor which frame the head of this lovely little valley, hidden away but just a stones throw from Keswick. Rendezvous at 9.00 am. at the Adventure Base in Crow Park. 9.5 miles – 3410ft of ascent. Grade Hard. Estimated finish time: 5:30pm. Max. number 15.

Sunday 20 May. 'Undiscovered' Skiddaw

'Make no mistake about Skiddaw' wrote Wainwright as the opening line of the 28 pages he devotes to this grand old fell of Keswick. According to Lakeland's favourite guidebook writer, 'such massive strength and such beauty of outline rarely go together .... Here on Skiddaw they do'. The fourth highest peak in England is considered to provide the easiest ascent of the four Wainwright's over 3000 foot in altitude. Last year we expored the delights of the valleys of the Glenderatarra and the Caldew 'back o' Skiddaw'. For 2012 we again eshew the well trodden way to look at another delightful approach to Keswick's icon. Starting in High side above the eastern shore of Bassenthwaite Lake we make our way up 'The Edge' to first Ullock Pike and then over Longside and Carlside, sneaking up on the great slatey old man by his quieter side before returning to Keswick by the classic south east ridge. Rendezvous at 9.30 am at the Adventure Base in Crow Park. 8.5 miles – 3745ft of ascent. Grade Strenuous. Estimated finish time: 4:30pm. Max. number 15. Bus fare required (approx. £3).