Wainwrights without a car - Jagged Lakes

14/06/2026

EVMC June Walk 13/06/2026

Angletarn Pikes and Brock Crag

We were looking at the idea of a walk over Helvellyn, catching the bus to Glenridding and walking over to Dunmail, then catching the bus back again, via Keswick, however with high winds forecast we decided to keep lower down. Stuart, Chris and myself caught the 9.05am 508 bus from Penrith and met Robin at the bus stop at Glenridding. We decided to go up Angletarn Pikes and Brock Crag and helped, in a little way, by the north westerly wind. We made our way along by the road, to Patterdale, over the bridge and onto the well-worn path up to Boredale Hause. Not surprisingly we were not alone !
The new AW Coast to Coast signs showed the way and we gradually gained height, with the view improving, to eventually reach the Hause. The wind was not that bad as we stopped for a bite to eat near the Hause. Onward the path eventually led to the north summit which at 666m is marginally higher than the nearby south summit at 665m. There is the lovely view of Angle Tarn from the south summit then we headed down and around the west side of the tarn passing a flock of geese and also two people swimming (and it was swimming and not quick in and out). Onward to Brock Crag and this summit which AW had included in his guide, with its fine views towards High Street, Hayeswater and beyond Hartsop.
We then dropped down eastwards to the col and took the path towards Hartsop which did a huge zig-zag, passing the old pumping station (with caravans inside ??), to the village. The car park was rammed with cars and we met a couple of ladies who had set off running from Pooley Bridge and having a long day out training for a forthcoming 100km ultra run.
We followed the road, then track, which took us along the base of the fell, passing through the delightful area around Crookback. Then over the bridge into Patterdale. With the bus due in about an hour some refreshments were called for at the White Lion Inn before going along to the bus stop. There were three other people near the seat who were walking the Coast to Coast and staying nearby. One was a lady from Birmingham and the other two chaps were from Copenhagen having flown to Manchester and train to St Bees.
The bus arrived and we embarked and enjoyed the ride back to Penrith after a good day out.

30/05/2026

Ullock Pike, Longside, Carlside, Skiddaw and Skiddaw Little Man
11/10/2025

The EVMC walking meet was lined up for today. We decided on taking the bus and climbing Skiddaw by the Ullock Pike - Carlside ridge. There were just the three of us and set off in rather dull conditions. The bus driver on the X4 bus also said that he could not go along the east side of Bassenthwaite as road issues there (looks like beyond Castle Inn) so we made various alternative plans. We disembarked at Keswick and in due course the 554 bus (Carlisle via Wigton) appeared and we took that to the Ravenstone Hotel. We then headed upwards via Watches and into mist on Ullock Pike. Onward over Long Side to Carl Side the mist seemed to be disappearing and as we ascended Skiddaw the blue sky appeared with a fine view over the clouds to Bowfell, Scafells, Great Gable and Pillar. On the main ridge views to the east opened out and south to Helvellyn - what a day,. It was also a very busy day on the summit.
Down by Little Skiddaw Man and on by Jenkins Hill and Latrigg took us back to Keswick after a magical day !

30/05/2026

Aviemore - Glenmore – Airgiod-meall

16th May 2026

We were staying in Aviemore, with Gill and Hamish, and decided to use the Aviemore Adventurer bus to go up to Glenmore and have a walk from there with the little summit of Airgiod meal in our sights.
The bus leaves from outside the railway station and is a popular way of accessing the mountains. From Glenmore there is a path which goes beside the river Allt Mor, which drains out of Coire an Lochain and Coire ant-Sneachta. Going near the road but the sound of the cars is lost in the woods. After crossing the road, one eventually comes to Utsi’s Bridge. Utsi lived in the area from the 1950s and, with his wife, introduced reindeer into the area and started the reindeer centre, which is still in existence now. We followed the path over the bridge and up by the reindeer centre with sight of some of the reindeer nearby. This path is often followed to go to the Chalamain Gap and into the Lairig Ghru. We however headed for Lochan Dubh a’Chadha, a delightful lochan, with also the fine backdrop of the Cairngorms with a coating of snow. We could look into the Coires and saw someone skiing down into Coire an Lochain from the right.
After an ascent of Airgiod-meall we dropped down and met some friends of Gill. One of them works at the Reindeer Centre and we looked across at the reindeer, including a lot of young, and got some underlying information on the centre and the reindeer.
Just as we dropped down into the forest, we could hear a cuckoo calling and then could see it sat on top of a tree - suddenly it flew off and joined, presumably its mate, and they flew off together. Seeing one cuckoo is quite something but seeing two, at the same time, is very special !
Further down we stopped at Utsi’s Hut which was built and used by Utsi during the summer. On down through the forest, we eventually came to Loch Morlich where we could see the presence of beavers with various trees having been gnawed through. The area near the road was busy and after enjoying an ice cream we got the bus back into Aviemore.

30/04/2026

Slow run up Brunt Knott near Staveley. What a great summit - never been up before but well worth another ascent - and it is a Birkett !

Panorama attached - sorry about sound quality.

29/04/2026

Great Knoutberry Hill - 28.04.2026

This is not in the Lake District but very accessible from the Settle - Carlisle Railway Line.

I am reading a book by Stan Abbott, entitled Walking the Line, which follows the Settle - Carlisle Railway Line - it is an interesting read which goes off in various directions and detail. It was interesting around the section at Dent Station and this once very isolated area (and still is) being transformed when the railway was built along the top of the dale. The station there should perhaps be called Dentdale or Top of Dentdale as it is quite a distance, perhaps 8km, but more importantly some 200m higher than Dent.
Above the station is Great Knoutberry Hill (GKH) which looked worth checking out - it is not one of the “Big Three” but it has a commanding position at the top of Dentdale, with the Sedbergh hill and Lake District to the West; Mallerstang with Wild Boar Fell and Great Shunner Fell to the North; Wensleydale and Widdale (how is it pronounced - I like that name !) to the East and the Three Peaks and Pendle to the South.
We found a route plan on the internet and caught the 8.45 train from Lazonby station and enjoyed the journey down. We disembarked at Dent Station which, at 1150 feet, is the highest railway station in England and had somewhat chilly air with a north easterly wind. We set up the rather notorious Coal Road - this is quite a challenge, as we saw later, for cyclist (and walkers) with a 300m steep and continuous climb from the valley before dropping down to Garsdale Station. It takes its name from being the route taken to bring coal down from the coal colliery on the south side of GKH. This was rather inferior coal but did the job for the isolated local community up to when the railway was built, after which better quality coal could be brought in - one of the effects of the new railway,
We followed the track (Pennine Bridleway) along the side of GKH to a gate and a fence, which headed up the hillside, and followed the fence to eventually topping out. Not the best day for a view but stunning panorama along around !
On the down by a wall then down by Arten Gill with the impressive Arten Gill Viaduct in the distance - 117 feet high and 220 yards long - one of the many amazing structures of the railway.
We were soon in the isolated hamlet of Stonehouse and following the road with the sound of the newly born lambs as well as birds including curlew and a pair of oyster catchers. We passed the Sportman’s Inn which, unsurprisingly, was closed at midday and midweek but has regular hours of opening. The river was quite low and we were able to enjoy a bite to eat in the middle of the riverbed, whilst the river flowed at a lower level.
At Lea Yeat, we crossed another bridge over the river - the cottage adjoining the bridge was built in 1702 as a Quaker Meeting House. We then took the road on the right “upwards” - this is the start of the Coal Road and we made our way up, which must be in the 1 in 4/5 range in places. We were past by a young lad, with an Oxford University shirt on, who had the energy not just to keep pedalling but also give a howdo !
We eventually reached the station and met a chap from Sedbergh who was meeting his son and grandchildren, who lived in Skipton, on the next train. We could see the train in the distance and it soon arrived at 14.43 and we embarked for the journey back to Lazonby after a very pleasant and interesting walk.

26/04/2026

Lorton Gully on Grasmoor - 26/04/2026

The south face of Grasmoor is a spectacular location split by two gullies - Lorton Gully and Buttermere Gully - both providing an interesting way up Grasmoor - Lorton Gully is in Steve Goodwin’s book Lake District Climbs and Scrambles.

The EVMC has a scramble each month and suggested Lorton Gully to access Grasmoor as it is possible to reach the base of the climb by bus and the idea was hatched to travel there by bus, climb the route, tick off the summit of Grasmoor (without a car) and also Lad’s How (a Birkett). In the end Ian pedalled in from Lazonby and he and myself went for the 8.45 bus at Penrith to Keswick and catch the 9.40 77 bus to Buttermere and arrive at Lanthwaite Green at 10.14 - whilst Pippa and Cal made their ways from different directions by car.
Unfortunately the 8.45am bus did not appear and on the 9.15 we saw it, conked out, by the road near Motherby. The delay caused us to miss the 9.40 77 bus so we thought we would continue on the same bus to Cockermouth and catch the 11.00 77c bus to Buttermere - unfortunately the 11.00 bus did not appear either and eventually we got a taxi, together with two lassies (who were going to Buttermere) to take us to Lanthwaite Green. Ian commented that it had taken him four hours to get from home to Lanthwaite Green - a similar time it could have taken to get to Fort William - but we would not have had the delight of the bus journey and meeting the two lassies.
Pippa and Cal were there waiting patiently and we set off Lorton Gully bound - initially up a grassy ridge then out rightwards and up to the gully. We set off up the gully which had some interesting rocky sections and a rope was called for in places. Above a holly bush we entered the “Dark Slit” with three sections - the first section was OK - the second required a rope and a bit of umph - whilst the third section, though likely as dry as is possible, defeated the team. An alternative route was made to the left then back into the gully higher up. The gully divides here and we went up the left branch on some delightful rock which led, up leftwards, to a rocky ridge which led up to the path and ridge of the normal path.
The top of Grasmoor was reach about 6 hours since we left the car !!! We descended by the ridge which goes over Lad’s How (a Birkett) and then back along to the car after a somewhat long and eventful day. We thought that the last bus would have gone (should have checked the timetable) but the 77A suddenly appeared however now the availability of a car and the possibility of a pint in the Wheatsheaf Inn, at Lorton, was too strong a pull and we took the car option.
It was pleasing to see the bus coming by and perhaps should have flagged it down but the pint and chips were a good reward for quite a day. Looking at the guidebook I might go back and have a look at Buttermere Gully - but then expect a long day.
Super day out - will have to go back and do Buttermere and get the bus back !

09/04/2026

PLACE FELL - 07/04/2026

Spring is definitely upon us - the weekend (Easter) was not too good but I had a good day climbing with the EVMC at Hutton Roof on the Monday. Tuesday was excellent so felt needed to get out and Chris and me decided to get the bus to Patterdale and climb Place Fell. At the bus station in Penrith there were a few folk waiting and I asked one particularly active looking chap where he was headed - expecting Keswick or Patterdale - and he said John o’Groats, with he and his wife cycling Lands Ends to John o’Groats over three weeks - we wished them well.
We had the pleasure of the front seat of double decker bus so could see much more than normal from this position - including the removal of the trees at Kemplay Roundabout, for the new junction, and the new houses at Tirril - I feel these are totally out of place house here but they are here to stay.
Needless to say the area was in Easter holiday mode and busy. We disembarked at the bus stop near the Patterdale Hotel and had a chat with the bus driving whilst he was awaiting his departure time.
There are a number of ways up Place Fell, which loomed up to the east. We had decided on a frontal attack and set off by Side Farm and along the path, which goes by the lake and eventually to Howtown. There are two parallel paths and one needs to attain the higher path. Almost opposite Glenridding, on the other side of the lake, a path strikes up rightwards – and up one goes to eventually top out then continue up, with the views opening up all the time, till one eventually reaches the summit. This was a place to savour and enjoy the view and refreshments.
We made our way down the well worn path to Boredale Hause and back to Pattedale. We forsook refreshment to await the bus - though Side Farm, White Horse Inn and the Hotel are there to refresh one if needed.
We got chatting with a chap, awaiting the bus. He lives in Rugby and had come up that morning, on the train, and caught the bus to Glenridding, then gone up over Raise to Helvellyn and back down, over Dollywagon and Grisedale Valley. He was getting the bus back to catch the train back to Rugby - great day out ! He had just retired and used to work as a theatre manager, in London, and been involved with a particularly long running successful production. I was chuffed when I gave him my card to promote “the book” and he said he had a copy !! Needless to say our conversation continued on the bus.
When we good back to Penrith there was gridlock in the town, as unfortunately there had been a bad accident between Junctions 41 and 40 on the M6 at about 1.30pm and it was then about 6.00pm - so some much delayed travellers but nothing like as bad as for the person in the accident taken away by Air Ambulance.

04/04/2026

Souther Fell - 02/04/2026

Souther Fell is rather overshadowed by Blencathra, its lofty neighbour. It is close to the road and can be approached from Mungrisdale or from Scales. It should be an easy tick, by bus, however currently buses do not stop at Scales, due to safety issues, mainly the speeding traffic on the A66. I have included details of the lack of Scales bus stop on the website - https://www.jaggedlakes.co.uk/news/no-official-bus-stop-at-scales/.
Therefore in order to climb this fell an alternative approach is needed and there are various options -
• Disembark at the Mungrisdale Road End Junction and approach Souther Fell from the side.
• Disembark at Threlkeld and approach from there
• Or - disembark at Troutbeck and approach from there.
When the EVMC was doing its Wainwright Relay there was a change over at Troutbeck with the group running over the Mell Fells passing the baton/timer to Dana and Kitty, with Souther Fell initially in their sights. I thought it would be interesting to follow their footsteps up Souther Fell and return either to Mungrisdale Road End Junction or walk along to Threlkeld.
Needless to say I met a friend on the A5 bus and we chatted until I disembarked at Troutbeck. After crossing the road I followed the old A66 road and saw a milestone marking the midpoint of the road between Penrith and Keswick. Then after passing the site of a Roman Camp I headed across the fields, passing by Askew Rigg to the road and Wilton Hill. I gained the road along the fellside - the way up from here is somewhat sketchy and I ended up probably going too far left but eventually the summit was gained. I went and sat beside the cairn, which Chris sat beside (P 109 in Wainwrights without a Car), to admire the view towards Blencathra. It was Thursday (Maundy Thursday) of Easter Week; a glorious day and Blencathra was busy - using my binoculars I counter 70 people on the mountain ! - and just saw four on Souther Fell.
On by Mousthwaite Col I took the track down along the fellside to the farm at Gate Gill then took a delightful path across the fields into Threlkeld. Foresaking a pint in the pub or cup of tea at the Community Café I caught the bus back to Penrith. This was a very new bus with announcements of next stops etc - but sadly when leaving Threlkeld it announced that the next stop would be Mungrisdale Road End - highlighting the sad loss of the bus stop at Scales.

31/03/2026

Hi

I have set up a News link on the Jagged Lakes Publication website -

https://www.jaggedlakes.co.uk/news/

This includes various matters over the last year or so and in particular a link to the Bus Timetable for this summer

https://www.jaggedlakes.co.uk/news/2026-summer-timetable/

and also details of changes from the Summer 2025 timetable -

https://www.jaggedlakes.co.uk/timetable-changes/

these are generally positive changes apart from the closure of the road from the summit of KIrkstone Pass to Windermere due to the landslide.

There are also details of the situation with regards the bus stop at Scales, below Blencathra, which unfortunately is not good but there may be a light in the distance.

https://www.jaggedlakes.co.uk/news/no-official-bus-stop-at-scales/
.... and also members of the EVMC completing the Wainwrights as a relay in 2025 - awesome achievement with some horrendous weather.

https://www.jaggedlakes.co.uk/news/wainwright-relay-2025/

Keep enjoying the Lakeland fells !!

On page 181 of the book there is mention of members of the Eden Valley Mountaineering Club running a relay over the Wainwrights in 1993. This challenge was taken up by the current members of the Club. Over 4 ½ days in June 2025 16 members ran around the 214 Wainwrights, following roughly the same [...

17/03/2026

Good to see the new 2026 Summer bus timetable - this covers the period from 23rd March to 1st November 2026.

The following are details of changes from last year - these details and other information will be on the website - www.jaggedlakes.co.uk - shortly.

Changes in the year
• 508 bus service Penrith to Windermere, via Pooley Bridge, Glenridding &
Patterdale
o After a major landslide on the Windermere side of Kirkstone Pass buses and other traffic is unable to go along the road to Windermere.
o The Struggle between Ambleside and the summit of Kirkstone Pass is open but is definitely not recommended for buses (although a bus once went down that way, by mistake, and crashed near the bottom with some somewhat alarmed passengers).
o This service is just operating between Penrith and Patterdale until the road over Kirkstone Pass is reopened.

• 509 bus service Keswick to Penrith, via Dockray, Patterdale & Pooley Bridge
o In 2025 this went via Lowther Castle and just operated on Saturdays and Sundays and Bank Holiday.
o In 2026 it will operate Daily but instead of going via Lowther Castle it will go to Penrith via Dalemain and Rheged. The link to Lowther Castle is covered by the bus service UB2.

• Ullswater Hopper bus service This continues to be developed starting and finishing each day at the Basecamp North Lakes Farmshop, next to the A66.
• UB1 This goes between Aira Force and the Cattle Grid at the bottom of Martindale
Hause at Howtown, via Pooley Bridge.
• UB2 This goes between Aira Force and Lowther Castle via Pooley Bridge and Askham.

• 553 bus service Carlisle to Keswick via Caldbeck and Uldale
o In 2025 this service was just on weekends and bank holidays but in 2026 will be daily between March and November.

• X4 bus service Penrith to Workington via Keswick & Bassenthwaite
o Goes along on the east side of Bassenthwaite Lake.
o In 2026 it goes through Penruddock but not Stainton

• X5 bus service Penrith to Workington via Keswick, Braithwaite &
Thornthwaite.
o Goes along on the west side of Bassenthwaite Lake
o In 2026 it goes through Stainton but not Penrudock