black mass ‘22

I'm very excited to announce my very first meet-up that will be held on Saturday 29th October 2022 and here are the details.

When is it?

29th October 2022. We'll meet at 09:00 for a 09:30 start.

Where is it?

We'll be meeting in the Stickle Ghyll National Trust car park in Langdale, next to the Stickle Barn and the New Dungeon Ghyll Hotel.

Sat Nav: LA22 9JU

OS: NY294065 

What is it?

This is a circular walking route that should provide plenty of outstanding scenery as well as photo opportunities for the keen photographers amongst us.

The walk is roughly 6.5 miles setting off from the NT car park in Langdale and heading back along the valley towards Elterwater. Shortly after Bays Brown farm we'll begin the ascent to Lingmoor Fell where the views will open in every direction and could be a good place for a bite to eat if the weather is kind. From the summit of Lingmoor we'll then make our way in a northerly direction and eventually drop down towards Side Pike. From here we'll take on The Squeeze - a fun but easy gap between a rock and the crag that one must 'squeeze' through - before heading up to the summit of Side Pike. From there we'll have unobscured views looking back towards the Langdale Pikes and the valley below. When we're bored of those views we can then make our way back down into the valley and into the pub!

Here’s a map of the route, we’ll be walking in an clockwise direction. If you have an Ordnance Survey subscription (which is highly recommended as it's brilliant!) you'll be able to switch on the OS Leisure Map layers to get a clearer understanding of the route.

Who’s it for?

This is suitable for active adults, older kids and is dog friendly. In terms of difficulty, it would probably be classed as moderate as there is some up hill walking towards Lingmoor, but nothing too difficult. There are a few small sections of easy scrambles coming down from Side Pike but nothing technical; you might need to use your hands to steady yourself, that's all. This is definitely not a race; we’ll be taking our time and enjoying those views so if you’re not in peak fitness don’t worry!

What do I need?

• Waterproofs - With it being autumn you'll definitely need a full set of waterproofs.

• Thermal clothing - Down jacket, fleece, hat and gloves

• Good footwear - Comfortable walking shoes or boots, preferably waterproof.

• Food and drink - It'd be nice to have a picnic on Lingmoor and enjoy the views.

• Some money for a drink in the pub at the end.

• Camera equipment and a means of keeping it all dry should the day take a soggy turn.

There is a possibility that it'll rain but we really don't care as some of the best walks are rainy-day walks and we'll go ahead regardless.

However if we're hit with storm conditions and there are travel problems then we might need to reschedule it to a different weekend. Keep an eye on this page for any announcements nearer the time.

This is a beautiful walk in an iconic part of the Lake District and we'll have a brilliant day out - rain or shine. I hope you can make it.