Lake District guided hikes

A punctuated walk

A warm early Autumn day found us on a quiet woodland walk. We came across a wild rose bush festooned with rose hips. It was also covered in butterflies enjoying the sugar from the hips as they split open to release their seeds. Whilst the majority of the butterflies were Red Admirals (Vanessa atalanta), we did also spot a pair of Commas (Polygonia c-album) and managed to photograph them whilst perching. The Comma typically emerges in March to April and the brood emerges in June and July. There are two forms and the hutchinsoni form will, if the weather is suitably warm, have a second brood which emerges in August and September. The hutchinsoni form has more brightly coloured upper wings with paler underwings, though has the distinctive white comma mark on the underwing as with all of this species – hence the name. The butterfly in the image is a male, as identified by its more deeply indented, serrated wing edges and stronger markings.

If you are interested in discovering and understanding the nature on your doorstep, but would like some guidance and support, Steve will be very pleased to help. He runs all manner of natural history and environmental days and walks on demand as required. Get in touch to chat about your needs on 07796 213817 and at steve@stevebanksoutdoors.co.uk

By Steve|October 1st, 2023|Environment, Keswick Guided Walks, Mountain, natural history|Comments Off

Barf & Lord’s Seat

We had a great day out in the heat on Barf, Lord’s Seat and in Whinlatter Forest. Following a brief to avoid the crowds and to provide something rocky, steep and adventurous we scaled Barf straight up from Thornthwaite. This route is not for the faint hearted or physically unfit (not an issue in our case) as it comprises steep scree and exposed crags. It did though, meet the requirements and a grand day out was had by all.

Those driving along the A66 past Thornthwaite will likely have noticed the large white rock high on the side of Barf. Local folklore has it that in 1783 the Bishop of Derry, who was staying in the Swan Inn at the foot of Barf, wagered he could ride his horse directly up to the summit. Unfortunately, the horse fell or died part way up (some versions say the bishop also was killed, though records show he died in Italy in 1803 of gout). As a memorial to these exploits or, perhaps, the horse, the staff of the inn (and latterly the village residents) painted the prominent rock on the route white, a tradition which has endured to this day. There is a smaller white painted rock at the foot of the route known as The [Bishop’s] Clerk. Whatever the truth of the various tales, Barf does provide a route to its summit which is exciting and interesting and which does go past The Clerk and The Bishop enroute.

If you’d like Steve’s assistance with your mountain adventures please get in touch on 07796 213817 or steve@stevebanksoutdoors.co.uk.

By Steve|September 7th, 2023|Environment, Keswick Guided Walks, Mountain, natural history|Comments Off

We’re going batty!

A recent walk in an unfamiliar area caused us to happen on this structure. We were initially unsure as to what it was, though closer inspection revealed it to be a bat roost. As with many other of our wild creatures, bats have had their habitats disturbed and destroyed by human activity to the point where numbers are hugely reduced – to critical levels for some species. It was therefore heartening to see a local community wildlife trust trying to provide for bats (and other creatures) with this artificial roost and other wildlife friendly installations.

If you’re keen to explore nature and to learn more about what’s hiding on your doorstep, and what we need to take greater care to protect, Steve will be happy to help. Get in touch for natural history and environmental walks at steve@stevebanksoutdoors.co.uk and on 07796 213817

By Steve|May 30th, 2023|Environment, Keswick Guided Walks, natural history|Comments Off

Walla Crag

A group of Indian women who had been to university together 40 years ago, and who now live around the world, had a reunion in the Lake District. Steve was asked to provide a day out to engage with the environment, so a walk along the shore of Derwentwater with a traverse of Walla Crag to Keswick provided a fitting excursion. The weather was kind and a super day was had with lots of interesting natural history, stunning views and not a little exercise! We were keen to enjoy the vistas and also to examine the flora and fauna – including these different lichen species on a hawthorn tree.

If you would like Steve’s support for your day out in the Lakes, whatever your needs, he’ll be pleased to hear from you. Please get in touch on 07796 213817 or steve@stevebanksoutdoors.co.uk

By Steve|April 28th, 2023|Environment, Keswick Guided Walks, Mountain|Comments Off

Winter wandering

A sudden return to winter weather with lots of snow and very cold days led to us venturing out on a walk up Langstrath in Borrowdale, rather than enduring the strong and bitterly cold winds on the summits. Langstrath is an unusual, long Lakeland valley in that is only accessible on foot, this imbues it with a similar feel to that which can be experienced in many valleys of the Scottish Highlands. At this time of year and in this weather it is possible to also have the place to yourself – a rare pleasure in the Lakes! On warm Summer days it can be very busy, as visitors flock to Blackmoss Pot (image) to enjoy the deep pool.

Steve offers guided walks all year round in the Lakes and further afield. If you would like support for your adventures in the mountains and remote valleys please get in touch for a chat. He’ll be pleased to hear from you and happy to help: 07796 213817 and steve@stevebanksoutdoors.co.uk

By Steve|March 15th, 2023|Environment, Keswick Guided Walks, Mountain, Winter Mountain Walking|Comments Off

Lake District Winter Walks

We awoke to blue sky and snow on the hills – ideal conditions for a quick sortie up Blencathra! Halls Fell ridge provided an interesting ascent as the snow had hidden much of the underlying rock, meaning stiff soled winter boots were very handy indeed. Once on the summit, we were exposed to the NW wind which provided a temperature with windchill of -14C. Quickly wrapping up in duvets and thicker gloves we enjoyed lunch with a spectacular view before descending via Doddick Fell back to base.

Snow clad mountains and bright blue skies are alluring to many of us, though do require additional skills and knowledge to tackle safely. Having some winter equipment is very different from being able to use it safely – for example, we regularly see people out in winter with too-long axes strapped on the back of sacks with spikes pointing into the faces of anyone behind them; or wearing crampons when they are more likely to cause a fall rather than prevent one. Axes should generally be carried spike down and adze forwards on the side of sacks, whilst crampons are rarely needed for walking on the thin, soft and temporary snow we receive in the Lakes.

If you’re keen on venturing into Britain’s winter hills, getting some professional guidance on how to do it safely may actually save you money, as well as from calamity. Steve has run winter mountaineering courses and skill days for many years and will be very happy to support your snowy adventures. Get in touch for a chat about your needs: steve@stevebanksoutdoors.co.uk and 07796 213817

By Steve|January 16th, 2023|Keswick Guided Walks, Mountain, Winter Mountain Walking|Comments Off

A New Year’s walk

Apparently endless wet, cold and windy weather over the holiday period was finally broken for a single day on January 2nd. We grabbed the opportunity to get out and enjoyed the crisp, sunny conditions with a walk over Walla Crag and onto Bleaberry Fell and were rewarded with excellent panoramic views all round. A great day out!

If you’d like support for any of your mountain adventures Steve will be pleased to help. Call 07796 213817 or email on steve@stevebanksoutdoors.co.uk

By Steve|January 3rd, 2023|Environment, Keswick Guided Walks, Mountain, Winter Mountain Walking|Comments Off

Hallin Fell

We had a short but pleasant ascent up Hallin Fell from Martindale in warm and sunny conditions. Whilst it is one of the Lake’s most straightforward hills to climb, it does offer excellent views over Ullswater and the surrounding mountains. Hallin Fell also happened to be the only Lakeland fell which Steve had not been up at least twice. He’s been up most of the 214 Lakeland peaks on multiple occasions though we’re not sure a full third lap is on the cards.

If you’d like Steve’s support for your walking, hiking, exploring and natural history, he’ll be pleased to hear from you and happy to help: 07796 213817 & steve@stevebanksoutdoors.co.uk

By Steve|September 12th, 2022|Environment, Keswick Guided Walks, Mountain|Comments Off

Walla Crag

Steve ran a walking and exploring day for a family on holiday from Oxfordshire. Starting in Keswick we followed the lakeshore looking at and discussing anything of interest: trees species, poisonous and toxic plants, safe navigation in the fells and hills, the history of the Lakeland landscape, the maximum density of water and its criticality to life, red squirrels, graphite mining in Borrowdale and much more besides! Our walk wound its way to the summit of Walla Crag then north to the neolithic Castlerigg Stone circle before descending to the river Greta and making our way back to town along the little used, but very pretty, northern bank. We had an excellent day out and dinner was well earned!

If you’d like Steve’s support to enhance your Lakeland walks, whatever the standard, he’ll be pleased to hear from you and happy to help. Get in touch on 07796 213817 and steve@stevebanksoutdoors.co.uk

By Steve|August 26th, 2022|Environment, Keswick Guided Walks|Comments Off

Lakeland Mountain days

Steve has been out in the mountains the past two weekends at opposite ends of the Lake District. He took a mother and her son, seeking a more adventurous walk, up Blencathra via Doddick Fell in thick mist with rapidly descending temperatures – we even had to break out the group shelter at lunchtime! His more recent walk was a family outing from Coniston to Goat Water, Dow Crag, Brim Fell and Coniston Old Man in much more temperate conditions. Two great days out. The image shows Coniston Old Man over Goat Water from Dow Crag.

If you’d like Steve’s support for your mountain adventures he’ll be very pleased to help. Get in touch on 07796 213817 or steve@stevebanksoutdoors.co.uk

By Steve|May 10th, 2022|Keswick Guided Walks, Mountain|Comments Off