Ski Club of Manchester May Walks Weekend, The Newlands Round — Sunday 18th May 2025

Reporter: Barry Lewis

When we gathered at Little Town Farm in the Newlands Velley we were not quite as many as the previous day as one or two of the contingents had decided to do a bit of sightseeing.

Two of our number, Christine Fildes and Brian Beardsall, decided to do a shorter walk at their own pace although still taking part of the Newlands round. An immediate disappointment was to learn that the farm no longer offered afternoon teas to reward us on our return.

However, nothing daunted we set off enthusiastically behind our organiser, Dave Miller, to climb up to the col between Cat Bells and Maiden Moor overlooking Derwent Water. As on the Saturday, the weather was perfect with blue skies and sunshine. From the col with Andrew Walker and Steve Wardle setting the pace, we ascended to Maiden Moor and strode out along the ridge towards High Spy, enjoying wonderful views in all directions. It was all too good to last! Catherine Beardsall caught her foot in a protruding rock and fell heavily on to her arm. Clearly, she was hurt but how badly was not immediately clear. Strapping and pain killers were produced and after a rest we moved on. A couple of our group had always decided to cut out the walk short after descending from High Spy by following Newlands Beck down to the valley and Catherine decided to join them, aware there was a possibility of a little scrambling towards the end of the full circuit.

For the rest of us we continued from Dalehead Tarn at the head of Newlands Beck, up on to Dale Head. This was a steep climb which saw us rather spread out but everybody arrived at the top knowing that now most of the climbing was done. Following lunch stop the route dipped down before a gentle climb up on to Hindscarth. Then followed a long descent which in a few places became quite awkward and steep so that the use of hands as well as feet was required. After reaching the valley bottom, we crossed Newlands Beck and followed it down the valley to reach our starting point where Liz and Paul very kindly used the facilities of their camper van to provide tea and biscuits.

However, the day was not quite done Christine and Brian had not returned. As it was thought they were doing a much shorter walk than the main group this was becoming a concern. The position was complicated by the lack of phone service to contact them or indeed anyone else. Eventually it was decided to contact the Mountain Rescue Service to check if there had been an accident. This involved moving down the valley in order to ensure adequate phone reception. Of course, not too long after this they returned in fine form, all was well.

And everyone could return to The Ruddings for another very pleasant evening. Unfortunately, the next day Catherine had to go to Hospital, first in Keswick and then in Carlisle to discover her wrist was in fact fractured.

All the best Catherine and hopefully she has now recovered and thanks to Dave Miller for organising what was really a wonderful weekend walking in the Lake District.