Carlisle & District Rambling & Fellwalking Club
Walk & Event Reports
Sunday 13th March 2016
A Walk
Arkleton - Hogg Fell
9 (13) Miles Grade 2
Leader: Ken Halliday
Reports by Peter Flynn & John McKay
Photos by John McKay, Lauren Sarasini, Peter Flynn
Peter's Report
The brainy ones among you will know that Einstein, backed up by his mate Stephen Hawkins, predicted all sorts of weird and wonderful stuff – anti matter, gravitational waves, black holes, neutron stars, the lot. However, they had not predicted what we came across today. Ken, our gallant leader, promised a walk with no mud, so the substance we walked on for over half the walk must be called “un-mud”. I would not in the slightest be surprised to see Ken awarded a Nobel prize for his discovery of “un-mud” – very similar in texture and its effects on boots, socks and legs, but definitely not mud. 18 of us started from the bus along a slightly un-muddy path, though dry for the most part, till we left the track and went onto a very un-mud path and headed up to Arkleton Hill. When we reached the summit (or what we took to be the summit) we found ourselves in a haughty and disdainful staring match with a flock of feral goats, who after a few minutes (without blinking) meandered off down the hillside. We followed them – but did not see them any further – to a delightful little stream called Tarras Water. Here we were joined, during and then after lunch, but a delightful but forlorn and rather sad looking little terrier who seemed totally lost. He followed us for several miles until blocked by a rather steep stile, otherwise I am sure he would have carried on to Langholm. Ken told us he would report the whereabouts of the dog to the local constabulary in case someone had reported it missing. From Tarras Water, it was up the hill and following the crest of the hill till we eventually reached the road down to Langholm. Too late for tea and cake, (the B and C contingent gave us glowing reports about what we had missed) but we did make full use of a strategically placed Ice Cream van. A tough walk, difficult terrain at times, but a totally new experience for all but our leader. Thanks Ken for leading and for sharing his new discovery.
Peter
John's Report
A wonderful day for walking in wonderful countryside, I always have a spring in my step when I’m walking in Scotland. Eighteen of us set off a few miles north of Langholm from where once stood the Tower of the Clan Little, alas it is no longer there, destroyed no doubt by vandals from south of the border but a stone has been erected by the clan to commemorate this once wonderful structure. We set off on a very nice forest road but eventually it was time to head for the hills and we stepped off the road into the mud, lots of mud and it stayed that way for most of the walk. After conquering Arkleton Hill we made our way down to Tarras Water, passing quite a few interesting “grouse feeders”, and found a nice little spot for lunch. As we set off after lunch we found we had recruited a new member. We were joined by a little dog of the Heinz 57 variety and he stayed with us for several miles. I tried to explain to him/her, I didn’t examine it that closely, that under club rules, dogs were not allowed on coach walks but it took no notice at all. We went over several fences and it always found a way through but eventually we came to a dry stone wall with a stile over it, its little legs couldn’t manage the steps, thank god. We carried on the sound of the whimpers, from behind the wall, fading away as we walked. We made our way across more mud till we eventually came to the road again. It was then down the road into Langholm but I must be honest, for this last little bit I was in the back of a car. Anne Halliday just happened to be parked by the roadside and very kindly offered me a lift, I did give the others a royal wave as we sped past. It was too late for tea and scones but we had some very nice ice cream from the van in the car park. Several new members on the coach today, a big welcome to them and hope to see you all again soon. All in all a fantastic day, glorious weather with the sun coming out in the latter stages of the walk. Many thanks Ken for a great walk.
John
