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

Reporter: Chris Fildes

Brian and I decided not to ‘plod’ up Dale Head as we’d hold everyone up, so we did a slightly shorter walk to return by Newlands Beck. We extended it by 1.4m to include Cat Bells, a total distance of 7.4m and a 2140ft ascent. (The main group’s total ascent was 3200ft).

We met loads of walkers scrambling up Cat Bells and was grateful to the chap who lifted Freddie up a slab! The views from the trig point were amazing! Skiddaw and Blencathra on the skyline and Derwent Water below us. After a brief stop, we left the crowds behind us. Not a soul in sight over Maiden Moor. Then we met a couple descending from High Spy, apparently, they’d met our group earlier on. We continued on over High Spy looking out for the others on Dale Head. Binoculars would have helped but the others were probably on their way over Hindscarth by then!

We descended by Eel Crags which was hard work. Freddie went on strike, so I clambered back up to put his lead on. The whole valley will have heard me!

It took quite a while to scramble down the rough track by the crags. No phone reception so couldn’t contact the group. Eventually we reached the beck where we stopped for a drink. Freddie & Fossie had a well-earned swim, no time for my paddle though!

On reaching the quarry road it was plain sailing, but by then both our phones were down on charge. We arrived at Little Town by 6pm. Charged our phones and sent a WhatsApp message to tell Catherine we were on our way.

No phone reception until Portinscale!!

It was a fantastic walk, and I enjoyed every minute. Phone upgrade required!

We arrived back at the Ruddings by 7pm. Catherine met us on arrival, her wrist strapped up by a first aider in the group. An Xray the next day confirmed a fractured wrist. However, they will be leading the July walk.

A BIG thank you to Dave Miller for organising another great weekend and many thanks to ALL for your lovely company.