Guided walking for singles or groups from Keswick, Lake District. Enjoy a group hike in the Lake District

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Guided Group Walks

Lake District Walking for singles or groups

Join like minded hikers for day treks on the fells. Group size rarely exceeds 8 and is frequently no more than 4 or 5.

Some clients prefer to make a private booking and enjoy my undivided attention during their day on the Fells whereas others like to walk in a small group meeting new people and sharing the experience with them. In recent years I have led a programme of group walks during the summer as part of Keswick Rambles (KR Guided Walks). In 2015 I shall only advertise group walks where a client has booked with me but would be very happy for others to join the walk.

If you are a prospective client who would like to be part of a group walk it would be very helpful if you could contact me as early as possible with the dates when you plan to be here.

Look on Pace thePeaks Facebook page for up to date availability of walks

Here are my walks during 2015 Keswick Mountain Festival Weekend.

Ring me on 017687 74824 or email to book

Friday 15th May The Buttermere Fells - Red Pike to High Crag grade A
Meet at 10.30 outside The Fish in Buttermere Village (use car or bus to Buttermere)
A classic traverse of the Buttermere Fells. The ascent from Buttermere is varied and interesting, It starts with a steepish path through woodland followed by a zig zag path through open fell to reach Bleaberry Tarn and a welcome rest. A stone laid path leads up to the col between Dodd and Red Pike with a final 100m of steep climb to the summit of Red Pike and 'lunch'. From there it is a mainly undulating ridge over High Stile and High Crag giving fantasic views. The descent down Gamlin End from High Crag is steep but soon over and then the path leads over Seat to Scarth Gap. It is possible to continue over Haystacks from here but we are much more likely to turn left and descend to the lake shore and a well earned cup of tea/ beer/icecream (take your pick) in Buttermere. The route is about 12km with 900m ascent

Saturday 16th May Circuit of Far Easedale - Tarn Crag, Sergeant Man to Helm Crag grade A
meet at the Green in Grasmere at 10am (use car or bus to Grasmere)
From Grasmere we warm up on lane and good track into Easedale. Part way up to Easedale Tarn we cross the stream and follow a narrow path through bracken and grassy fell up the broad ridge of Tarn Crag, a super view point and a great spot for a coffee break. A westerly bearing will now bring us over Coledale Head to Sergeant Man with great views to Langdale Pikes. Downhill now over Calf Crag and along the ridge to Helm Crag and a zig zag descent to Grasmere. Route is about 14km with 900m ascent.

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Contact Cathy by phone 017687 74824 or email for get further information

Cost is £20 per walk unless there are less than three on a walk when we may ask for a bit more.

We are of course also available for private bookings from £20 per head, minimum £60 per day.

Here are some of the walks I led in recent years

Grisedale Pike grade A On the western edge of the Lake District. Grisedale Pike gives great views across to Scotland as well as into the Lake District Fells. We usually climb up from Whinlatter Forest and then follow the ridge to Hopegill Head. Ascent 920m ; distance 14km

Catbells and lakeshore grade B We take the launch across the lake to start this classic walk up Catbells, a perfect mountain ridge. Admire the beautiful views over Derwentwater and the Newlands Valley. Returning along the lakeshore, calling in at a local café, this walk encapsulates the best the Lake District has to offer. Distance 8 km/ 5 miles - Ascent 460 m / 1510 ft

Haystacks grade B A superb circuit including one of Wainrights favourite fells where his ashes were scattered by Innominate Tarn. Starting from Honister Pass reduces the amount of climbing. Ascent 410m distance 9km

Helm Crag, Grasmere grade B
A steep but varied climb to a lovely knobbly ridge. Excellent views across to Helvellyn as well as down to Grasmere and Far Easedale

High Stile to Haystacks grade A
Avoid those eroded paths onto the Buttermere Fells and climb High Stile by its NE ridge on a little path winding up through the heather and bursting, after a short scramble, onto the summit plateau. Enjoy the ridge over High Crag and then cross Scarth Gap to climb Haystacks and descend on the old miners path to Warnscale Bottom, Ascent 1000m distance 11km

Bowscale Fell and Blencathra grade A
Rolling grassy fells to the north of Blencathra with views of Sharp Edge to tantalise you!. About 13km with 850m ascent.

Great Gable with grade A This rocky giant will always provide an exciting rocky day on the hills. There are lots of different routes but they all involve rocky paths and exciting views. Some routes will include other summits such as Green Gable, Base Brown, Brandreth or Grey Knotts Ascent 900m distance 13km

Knott and Great Sca Fell grade B
A grassy ramble on quiet fells to the north of Skiddaw

Dollywagon Pike & Helvellyn Climb from Dunmail Raise and then enjoy an undulating ridge with views of all Helvellyn’s eastern ridges. This route uses some of the quieter paths over Helvellyn and descends gently from Whiteside to the King;sHead at Thirlspot Ascent 960m distance 12km

Grassmoor grade A Grassmoor rises steeply above Crummock Water with wonderful views south to the Central Fells. There are several possible routes up depending on the weather from the steep scrambly approach direct from Lanthwaite Green to the more gradual ascent beside Gasgale Gill! Ascent 800m distance 10km

Mosedale & Scale Force grade C Take the bus to Lanthwaite Green and walk round the shore of Crummock Water to reach Mosedale behind Melbreak. After a gentle climb up the valley we pass Scale Force and finish our walk in Buttermere for tea and cake before catching the bus back to Keswick 10km; 300m ascent

Grisedale Tarn & Seat Sandal grade B Follow a section of the Coast to Coast walk from Grasmere up to Grisedale Tarn where you can look for Wordsworth’s Parting Stone before climbing to the summit of Seat Sandal and returning down its grassy south ridge Ascent 725m distance 9km

Red Pike and High Stile grade A
A classic traverse of the Buttermere Fells. A steep ascent followed by a mainly undulating ridge with fantasic views. About 12km with 900m ascent

Scafell Pike grade A The classic circuit from Seathwaite explores the rocky ridges of England’s highest summit. Not much more than 8 miles but the very rough terrain and a considerable amount of ascent lead to this being a testing walk for most. Ascent 1000m distance 14km

Langdale Pikes grade A
A favourite for all walkers visiting the Lake District. Easy scrambling on the rocky little peaks surrounding Stickle Tarn

Seathwaite Fell & Great End grade A Difficult to avoid the crowds in this part of the Lake District but this outing succeeds! Seathwaite Fell lies between the two popular routes up from Seathwaite Farm and is a quiet grassy fell dotted with little tarns. In contrast Great End is a rocky giant and our route up the Band and North West Ridge is seldom trod in spite of coming highly recommended by Wainright himself. Ascent 900m distance 14km

Mellbreak & Hen Comb grade A Standing alone to the west of Crummock Water Melbreak is an imposing looking hill. A steep and slightly scrambly ascent rewards you with superb views of the Buttermere Fells and lakes. After a grassy descent off the end of the ridge we will cross Mosedale and return over grassy Hen Comb Ascent 800m distance 12km

Dale Head & NewlandsValley grade B Bus to Honister Pass and a straight forward climb to Dale Head with its wonderful view down the Newlands Valley. Descend to the valley by one of several routes partly on old miners paths and stroll back along the valley via Newlands Church where tea is served!

Silver Howe & Blea Rigg grade B Looking down on Grasmere and Rydal Water Silver Howe is a delightful summit. Once we reachthe top we can enjoy the ridge to Blea Rigg with its tarns and rocky outcrops before descending to Grasmere Ascent 400m distance 9km

Catbells Maiden Moor High Spy grade B
This ridge is a must for any walker visiting Keswick with views into Borowdale onone side and Newlands on the other. About 11km with 750m ascent

Grange Fell & Watendlath grade B From Borrowdale a steep stone path leads upwards through woodland to a range of knobbly fells with wonderful views. After the first steep ascent we wind our way to the top of Kings How and then across to Brund Fell before dropping down to Watendlath with the opportunity for tea and cake at the café Ascent 450m distance 8km

Fleetwith Pike and Haystacks grade A
A superb circuit including one of Wainrights favourite fells where his ashes were scattered by Innominate Tarn. Starting from Honister Pass reduces the amount of climbing. Ascent 410m distance 9km

Bessyboot and Glaramara grade A Explore this grassy fell with delightful rocky outcrops and secluded tarns. One of my favourite walks Ascent 850m distance 12km

Causey Pike & Outerside grade A Start with a trip in the launch and a gentle walk through Newlands Valley .Climb Rowling End on a rocky path through the heather; get your breath back on a short ridge before climbing to the top of Causey Pike with a scramble at the top. This is followed by a mile of delightful undulating ridge over Sca Crags and a descent to Braithwaite with a possible diversion to take in the summit of Outerside. 10km 800m ascent

Fairfield grade A From Dunmail Raise climb beside Ghyll before dropping down to Grisedale Tarn from which a rising traverse takes you to St Sunday Col. Turn sharp right along the ridge scramble over Cofa Pike and in no time we are on the summit plateau of Fairfield from which we will descend to Grasmere for the bus back to Keswick Ascent 850m distance 9km

Buttermere to Keswick over the tops - up to 7 Wainrights grade A A superb high level traverse. Up over Whiteless Pike to Crag Hill, your highest point and down another ridge over Sail and Sca Crags Ascent 850m distance 13km

Swirral Edge and Helvelyn grade A From Glenridding we climb Catsycam giving great views of Striding Edge and the East Face of Helvellyn. A scramble up Swirral Edge (less exposed than Striding Edge) brings us to the summit of Helvellyn.. 14km 1000m ascent

Skiddaw grade A
Keswick's own 3000m peak is a great climb by any of the routes we use. Up to seven Wainrights can be climbed in a day!

Hindscarth & Robinson grade A Possibly starting with a boat trip and returning on the open top bus along Borrowdale this walk has a delightful ascent of Hindscarth’s north ridge on a path that winds up through the heather over rocky steps, followed by a broad ridge to Dale Head and easy descent to Honister Pass Ascent 800m distance 12km

Easedale Tarn and Tarn Crag grade B Steady climb past Easedale Tarn and a scrambly path to Codale Tarn brings us to Tarn Crag and a grassy ridge back to Grasmere Ascent 550m distance 10km

Ennerdale and Kirkfell grade A
Explore the old Smugglers route traversing the fellside above Ennerdale

Sergeant Man and High Raise grade A
Steady climb past Easedale Tarn and a scrambly path to Blea Rigg with super views of Langdale Pikes followed by a grassy ridge to Sergeant Man and on up High Raise before descending into Borrowdale - a delightful traverse of the fells Ascent 750m distance 12km

High Street grade A
Explore some of the High Street range from Hartsop in Patterdale

Pillar and Scoat Fell grade A
Climb Pillar and Scoat Fell from Ennerdale - a long walk to a superb ridge

High Stile to Haystacks grade A Avoid those eroded paths onto the Buttermere Fells and climb High Stile by its NE ridge on a little path winding up through the heather and bursting, after a short scramble, onto the summit plateau. Enjoy the ridge over High Crag and then cross Scarth Gap to climb Haystacks and descend on the old miners path to Warnscale Bottom, Ascent 1000m distance 11km

WALKS WITH KR Guided Walks and PACE THE PEAKS

If you are bringing a group up to the Lake District why not hire us to lead you. Our local knowledge means that we can design walks that are just right for you and your group - anything from valley walks with wonderful views and tea and cakes! to glorious ridges with a bit of scrambling too. An email to K R Guided Walks will reach all of us or if you prefer to ring our phone numbers are

Cathy Colam 017687 74824; Pete & Lyn Armstrong 017687 71302; Halle 07778446304

If you are coming to the Lake District for a walking holiday or short break on your own I am happy to take you out alone either for a day or two or for your entire stay. Alternatively, you may be able to join a group with others. KR Guided Walks has a fixed programme of guided mountain walks throughout the summer but if this isn't suitable for you do contact me. Perhaps there are particular mountains you want to climb, you want to practice your map reading or you just prefer the flexability of a one to one relationship with your guide. Whether you want to climb Julia Bradbury's favourites, enjoy Scafell Pike - the highest peak in England or just explore this beautiful corner of England get in touch

Charges are based on £20 per person per day with a minimum charge of £80 per day and a maximum of £140 for a group (more if two leaders are needed). There are also discounts for bookings of 4 days or more.

Design by Cathy Colam

Grisedale Pike grade A On the western edge of the Lake District. Grisedale Pike gives great views across to Scotland as well as into the Lake District Fells. We usually climb up from Whinlatter Forest and then follow the ridge to Hopegill Head. Ascent 920m ; distance 14km
Catbells and lakeshore grade B We take the launch across the lake to start this classic walk up Catbells, a perfect mountain ridge. Admire the beautiful views over Derwentwater and the Newlands Valley. Returning along the lakeshore, calling in at a local café, this walk encapsulates the best the Lake District has to offer. Distance 8 km/ 5 miles - Ascent 460 m / 1510 ft
Haystacks grade B A superb circuit including one of Wainrights favourite fells where his ashes were scattered by Innominate Tarn. Starting from Honister Pass reduces the amount of climbing. Ascent 410m distance 9km
Helm Crag, Grasmere grade B A steep but varied climb to a lovely knobbly ridge. Excellent views across to Helvellyn as well as down to Grasmere and Far Easedale
High Stile to Haystacks grade A Avoid those eroded paths onto the Buttermere Fells and climb High Stile by its NE ridge on a little path winding up through the heather and bursting, after a short scramble, onto the summit plateau. Enjoy the ridge over High Crag and then cross Scarth Gap to climb Haystacks and descend on the old miners path to Warnscale Bottom, Ascent 1000m distance 11km
Bowscale Fell and Blencathra grade A Rolling grassy fells to the north of Blencathra with views of Sharp Edge to tantalise you!. About 13km with 850m ascent.
Great Gable with grade A This rocky giant will always provide an exciting rocky day on the hills. There are lots of different routes but they all involve rocky paths and exciting views. Some routes will include other summits such as Green Gable, Base Brown, Brandreth or Grey Knotts Ascent 900m distance 13km
Knott and Great Sca Fell grade B A grassy ramble on quiet fells to the north of Skiddaw
Dollywagon Pike & Helvellyn Climb from Dunmail Raise and then enjoy an undulating ridge with views of all Helvellyn’s eastern ridges. This route uses some of the quieter paths over Helvellyn and descends gently from Whiteside to the King;sHead at Thirlspot Ascent 960m distance 12km
Grassmoor grade A Grassmoor rises steeply above Crummock Water with wonderful views south to the Central Fells. There are several possible routes up depending on the weather from the steep scrambly approach direct from Lanthwaite Green to the more gradual ascent beside Gasgale Gill! Ascent 800m distance 10km
Mosedale & Scale Force grade C Take the bus to Lanthwaite Green and walk round the shore of Crummock Water to reach Mosedale behind Melbreak. After a gentle climb up the valley we pass Scale Force and finish our walk in Buttermere for tea and cake before catching the bus back to Keswick 10km; 300m ascent
Grisedale Tarn & Seat Sandal grade B Follow a section of the Coast to Coast walk from Grasmere up to Grisedale Tarn where you can look for Wordsworth’s Parting Stone before climbing to the summit of Seat Sandal and returning down its grassy south ridge Ascent 725m distance 9km
Red Pike and High Stile grade A A classic traverse of the Buttermere Fells. A steep ascent followed by a mainly undulating ridge with fantasic views. About 12km with 900m ascent
Scafell Pike grade A The classic circuit from Seathwaite explores the rocky ridges of England’s highest summit. Not much more than 8 miles but the very rough terrain and a considerable amount of ascent lead to this being a testing walk for most. Ascent 1000m distance 14km
Langdale Pikes grade A A favourite for all walkers visiting the Lake District. Easy scrambling on the rocky little peaks surrounding Stickle Tarn
Seathwaite Fell & Great End grade A Difficult to avoid the crowds in this part of the Lake District but this outing succeeds! Seathwaite Fell lies between the two popular routes up from Seathwaite Farm and is a quiet grassy fell dotted with little tarns. In contrast Great End is a rocky giant and our route up the Band and North West Ridge is seldom trod in spite of coming highly recommended by Wainright himself. Ascent 900m distance 14km
Mellbreak & Hen Comb grade A Standing alone to the west of Crummock Water Melbreak is an imposing looking hill. A steep and slightly scrambly ascent rewards you with superb views of the Buttermere Fells and lakes. After a grassy descent off the end of the ridge we will cross Mosedale and return over grassy Hen Comb Ascent 800m distance 12km
Dale Head & NewlandsValley grade B Bus to Honister Pass and a straight forward climb to Dale Head with its wonderful view down the Newlands Valley. Descend to the valley by one of several routes partly on old miners paths and stroll back along the valley via Newlands Church where tea is served!
Silver Howe & Blea Rigg grade B Looking down on Grasmere and Rydal Water Silver Howe is a delightful summit. Once we reachthe top we can enjoy the ridge to Blea Rigg with its tarns and rocky outcrops before descending to Grasmere Ascent 400m distance 9km
Catbells Maiden Moor High Spy grade B This ridge is a must for any walker visiting Keswick with views into Borowdale onone side and Newlands on the other. About 11km with 750m ascent
Grange Fell & Watendlath grade B From Borrowdale a steep stone path leads upwards through woodland to a range of knobbly fells with wonderful views. After the first steep ascent we wind our way to the top of Kings How and then across to Brund Fell before dropping down to Watendlath with the opportunity for tea and cake at the café Ascent 450m distance 8km
Fleetwith Pike and Haystacks grade A A superb circuit including one of Wainrights favourite fells where his ashes were scattered by Innominate Tarn. Starting from Honister Pass reduces the amount of climbing. Ascent 410m distance 9km
Bessyboot and Glaramara grade A Explore this grassy fell with delightful rocky outcrops and secluded tarns. One of my favourite walks Ascent 850m distance 12km
Causey Pike & Outerside grade A Start with a trip in the launch and a gentle walk through Newlands Valley .Climb Rowling End on a rocky path through the heather; get your breath back on a short ridge before climbing to the top of Causey Pike with a scramble at the top. This is followed by a mile of delightful undulating ridge over Sca Crags and a descent to Braithwaite with a possible diversion to take in the summit of Outerside. 10km 800m ascent
Fairfield grade A From Dunmail Raise climb beside Ghyll before dropping down to Grisedale Tarn from which a rising traverse takes you to St Sunday Col. Turn sharp right along the ridge scramble over Cofa Pike and in no time we are on the summit plateau of Fairfield from which we will descend to Grasmere for the bus back to Keswick Ascent 850m distance 9km
Buttermere to Keswick over the tops - up to 7 Wainrights grade A A superb high level traverse. Up over Whiteless Pike to Crag Hill, your highest point and down another ridge over Sail and Sca Crags Ascent 850m distance 13km
Swirral Edge and Helvelyn grade A From Glenridding we climb Catsycam giving great views of Striding Edge and the East Face of Helvellyn. A scramble up Swirral Edge (less exposed than Striding Edge) brings us to the summit of Helvellyn.. 14km 1000m ascent
Skiddaw grade A Keswick's own 3000m peak is a great climb by any of the routes we use. Up to seven Wainrights can be climbed in a day!
Hindscarth & Robinson grade A Possibly starting with a boat trip and returning on the open top bus along Borrowdale this walk has a delightful ascent of Hindscarth’s north ridge on a path that winds up through the heather over rocky steps, followed by a broad ridge to Dale Head and easy descent to Honister Pass Ascent 800m distance 12km
Easedale Tarn and Tarn Crag grade B Steady climb past Easedale Tarn and a scrambly path to Codale Tarn brings us to Tarn Crag and a grassy ridge back to Grasmere Ascent 550m distance 10km
Ennerdale and Kirkfell grade A Explore the old Smugglers route traversing the fellside above Ennerdale
Sergeant Man and High Raise grade A Steady climb past Easedale Tarn and a scrambly path to Blea Rigg with super views of Langdale Pikes followed by a grassy ridge to Sergeant Man and on up High Raise before descending into Borrowdale - a delightful traverse of the fells Ascent 750m distance 12km
High Street grade A Explore some of the High Street range from Hartsop in Patterdale
Pillar and Scoat Fell grade A Climb Pillar and Scoat Fell from Ennerdale - a long walk to a superb ridge
High Stile to Haystacks grade A Avoid those eroded paths onto the Buttermere Fells and climb High Stile by its NE ridge on a little path winding up through the heather and bursting, after a short scramble, onto the summit plateau. Enjoy the ridge over High Crag and then cross Scarth Gap to climb Haystacks and descend on the old miners path to Warnscale Bottom, Ascent 1000m distance 11km