Carlisle & District Rambling & Fellwalking Club

Walk & Event Reports

Sunday 20th December 2015

A/B Walk

Caldbeck to Dalston

8 Miles Grade 3

Leader: Graham Bell

Report by Peter Flynn

Photos by Lauren Sarasini & Peter Flynn

When a group of 9 hardy walkers is dropped off by the bus in the isolated village of Caldbeck and  the bus then disappears into the distance,  we know that,  like the early Antarctic explorers the only way to survive is to start – and keep – walking.  Then all of a sudden a deafening clap of thunder followed by a ferocious hail storm immediately hit the group and one or two started to be a tad worried.  However,  the hail stopped after about 5 minutes,  we set off walking and soon got to fields and hills up and down which for many miles we slithered and slid.  It was mud everywhere,  along with soggy ground,  and only one person had the foresight and sense to wear wellies instead of boots.  (Modesty prevents me from saying who it was.)  There was no more rain,  apart from the odd quite heavy but very short shower – certainly not enough to cause any discomfort.  Graham  led the walk through farms and woods and across fields and streams,  always keeping superb views of the surrounding hills and,  occasionally,  of the river.  We eventually reached Sebergham,  then Rose Castle and bridge and finally,  past Limehouse school (we had been looking forward to a lecture on its merits and demerits from Bernard,  an ex alumnus,  but sadly he was not with us today) and then to Dalston Bridge where freshly baked scones and mince pies alongside as much tea or coffee as we could drink waited for us.  This set us back £3 a head – amazing value – except for Stan (with Joan dragged into it) who spent half the time going through the cars in the showroom opposite and finished up putting in an offer (as far as I can gather) on a very smart and expensive looking Vauxhall.   Despite the mud,  it was a superb walk,  very ably and cheerfully led by Graham.  I am sure I am speaking for everyone when I say it was one of the most enjoyable walks for a long time – breezy and rather sloppy underfoot,  but interesting,  quite challenging in parts and never remotely boring.  Thanks Graham for putting on a lovely outing – far better than we could have anticipated.

Peter