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Walla Crag Gully

By Hugh Stewart August 22, 2021 Leave a Comment

“….which has the merit of being the first recorded route in the valley (Borrowdale). A once very popular route, it is rarely ascended now……a classic of its time”

Despite the above, from the F&RCC guide book of the Millenium, and what the first ascenscionist may have written, having taken advice from leading horticulturists, biologists and forestry experts, I and my climbing partner Ian are of the opinion that it hasnt been climbed since the Napoleonic wars. 1892, bollocks! The first “pitch” goes round, through and over trees of varying ages, and the second, which I strangely volunteered to lead, had no obvious rock holds or cracks for protection, due to the years of accumulated vegetation. Near the obvious abseil tree, a welcome sight, it steepens. Murmurs from below about the sun setting, pubs shutting etc, were somehow forgotten when he subsequently fell off here. Three to six inches of vegetation over a large area had to be pulled off, in desperation to find a pro crack, as the last few feet were steep and greasy.

There should be a few holds and cracks now visible, but we would only recommend it for those of a historical, biological or arboreal bent.

1st July 2021. Keswick not an easy place to grab a drink at present either.

  • Me, about to negotiate another obstacle.
  • Ian about to abseil: at the spot he fell off.

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Hillwalks from the Settle to Carlisle Railway Stations

24 walks into the hills surrounding the historic and iconic Settle to Carlisle railway, based on the stations between Settle and Appleby. The area has some of the finest walking of the north Pennines: the Craven district around Settle; the Three Peaks area; Dentdale, and Mallerstang and the upper Eden valley.

£12.95 (P&P may apply)

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Mountain Biking Adventures: Multi-day Routes in Northern Britain

Over the last two decades, mountain biking has developed enormously as a “sport”. We greatly admire the technical and athletic capabilities of modern day mountain bikers and recognise that many excellent guides have been written and custom-built trails set up. In this guide we try to reopen a sense of adventure and wilderness to mountain biking, providing multi-day routes with a remoteness, continuity and “arc” missing from many modern guides with their focus on day and half day outings.

UK £13.95 ( inc. P&P)

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Settle to Carlisle – Hill Walk with Return by Classic Train Route

With over 22,000 ft of ascent in 105 miles set out over 8 days, this walk sets out from Settle, taking in the classic summits of the North Yorkshire Dales, Howgills, Eastern and Northern Lakeland Fells, to arrive at Carlisle. The return journey to Settle by one of the classic train journeys. Illustrated with photographs and route maps.

£12.95 (P&P may apply)

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Staithes and Runswick Bay.

A scenic ten mile coastal walk joining these two quite different but equally lovely places, via the coast path and beach, but also on some disused railway and through a pleasant wood. Another outing nearly joining two of the Cicerone walks of the North York Moors. The excellent coastal bus service

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Malham Tarn and More

Actually the title is misleading, but kept as it sounded good; the walk goes round the "moor" north of the Tarn and only back along its north bank, and includes the wonderful boardwalk near the Tarn for a floral treat. It has 7.6 miles of limestone scenery, completely avoiding the crowds around the

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The middle Pap of Jura – Bienn an Oir

This route has been written about many times, but as we disagree with the Cicerone guide's recommended route and this was the first eight mile plus mountain walk I'd done in 18 months, we thought it worth a celebratory shout. Why just the middle Pap? Because it's the easiest as you might imagine,

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