If you are visiting the Lake District in 2016 and are considering taking a Guided Walk either on your own or as part of a group do get in touch. The earlier I know who is likely to be here when the easier it is to put together small groups to share walks. Do look on my Facebook page for up to date information on walks - just use the button above.

As in 2015 I'm not taking any official KMF walks during the 2016 Keswick Mountain Festival. However I am involved with the National Trust leading a walk round Derwentwater on Friday 20th May. and I shall put on a walk on Thursday 19th May. This will allow you to join Pete Armstrong under the Keswick Rambles Banner for the rest of the weekend. On this walk we will explore the fells to the east of Derwentwater. Walking from Keswick we will climb Bleabury Fell and follow the broad ridge to High Seat and High Tove giving superb views across to the Helvellyn Range. From here we will drop down to Watendlath and thence to Borrowdale and a welcome cup of tea. The bus will return you to Keswick in time to listen to Monty Halls and Julia Bradbury at the Theatre by the Lake or you are welcome to extend the walk back to Keswick along the lake shore.

Here's a reminder of my Mountain Festival walks last year: First we explored the Buttermere Fells including Red Pike, High Stile and High Crag. After the steep ascent to Red Pike we all deserved lunch but had to wait until we could find a sheltered corner out of the wind. There was a strong wind all the way to High Stile and High Crag so we avoided the exposed paths above the crags. No avoiding Gamlin End, however and 40+mph gusts made this descent even more awkward than usual. The descent to Buttermere was enjoyable and sheltered and we beat the rain! Disappointing lack of bluebells coming down from Scarth Gap where they are usually very fine. Are they very late or was the winter not cold enough?

Our other walk was a Circuit of Far Easedale including Tarn Crag, Sereant Man, Calf Crag and Helm Crag. Just six came with me that day. This walk doesn't go as high as the other but is just as hard with a significant amount of pathless grass! A windy day again but much sunnier with some lovely views. We found shelter for lunch at Sergeant Man in spite of a 45mph wind on the summit.

For full details of these walks click on Group Walks

If you are coming to the Lake District get in touch to book a day on the Fells.

Book direct by phone 017687 74824 or email me

I am happy to take individuals or groups out for private bookings throughout the year. If you have particular walks you want to do this is a good opportunity or alternatively you can let me decide on an appropriate walk. The cost is based on £20 per person with a minimum of £60 for the day. Longer or more technical routes may be a little more. Just email or ring for details.

Go to my Facebook page using the button above to see lots of photos of my 2013 and 2014 walks and for availability on groups at the last minute

The Lake District Weather site now has live update of the weather in Portinscale. Click on the symbol above to see it

What sort of hiking do you want to try?

Are you happy walking round Derwentwater and would like to walk high above it?

Are you confident on Catbells and would like to try something higher? What about Hindscarth or even Helvellyn.

Are you tired of manufactured tracks and trails? Let's explore away from the 'tourist routes' and even try a bit of scrambling.

Do you want to get fit for that Charity Trek up Kilimanjaro? Come and climb some mountains to get you fit.

Are you a bit scared of getting caught in the cloud? Let's pracice using map and compass.

Whatever your experience or fitness level join me for that extra something that only a local guide can provide.

You'll find more photos and information on my Facebook page and on other pages of this site. Have a look too at my blog Lake District Walkers blog . I will try and update it soon!

	Here is my dog Skye on the top of Causey Pike, on the first of many times he has climbed it. He is a blue merle border collie and had his 1st birthday on 4th February 2010. He is an excellent scrambler, enjoyed climbing Helvellyn and Skiddaw in the snow and is now a regular member of the team helping me shepherd you round the fells and keeping us all entertained!.
	Sometimes I used to be joined by Rex who lived over the road from us. Here is Rex enjoying posing with a group on top of High Spy.Unfortunately Rex has recently died but just let me know if you would like to bring your dogs along.

Design by Cathy Colam