Plan your walk
Before you go.
How a day with us works, what the grades mean, what to pack and how to get to Kelderby. Anything else, ring the office on 01632 960937.
A day on the fells
How a day walk works.
8.45am
Meet at the hall
Kelderby village hall, with free parking behind it. Borrow any kit you asked for.
9.00am
Minibus to the start
Fifteen minutes or so, with a briefing on the route and the weather on the way.
9.30am
Start walking
We go at the pace of the group, with a short stop every hour or so.
12.30pm
Lunch with a view
Somewhere sheltered. You bring lunch, we bring the flask and the cake.
3.30pm
Off the hill
The minibus meets us at the finish. Boots off, feet up.
4.30pm
Back in Kelderby
Most people end up in the Kelder Arms. You’re welcome to join us.
Grades
What the grades mean.
Easy
Up to 10 km and 300 m of climbing, on clear paths and tracks. Fine for anyone who walks regularly, including older children.
Distance
Up to 10 km
Ascent
Up to 300 m
Time
3 – 4 hours
Moderate
10 to 16 km with up to 700 m of climbing, some steep or rough ground. You’ll want to be used to a full day on your feet.
Distance
10 – 16 km
Ascent
Up to 700 m
Time
5 – 6 hours
Challenging
Long days over 15 km or 800 m of ascent, with scrambly sections, exposed ridges and pathless ground. For fit, experienced hillwalkers.
Distance
15 km and over
Ascent
800 m and over
Time
7 – 8 hours
Kit list
What to wear and what to pack.
The weather on the tops can be ten degrees colder than in the village, and it changes fast. Pack for all of it.
What should I wear?
Walking boots with ankle support and a good grip, worn in before the day. Layers rather than one thick jumper: a base layer, a fleece and a waterproof jacket. Avoid jeans, which get cold and heavy when wet.
What goes in my rucksack?
Waterproof jacket and trousers, a warm hat and gloves (even in summer), a spare layer, at least a litre of water, lunch and snacks, sun cream, any medication you need and a small plastic bag for rubbish. A 25 to 35 litre rucksack is plenty for a day.
I don’t have waterproofs or poles. Can I borrow them?
Yes. We keep a rack of jackets, overtrousers, gaiters and walking poles in most sizes. Ask when you book and we’ll have them ready at the start, free of charge.
What about the weekend trips?
The same kit as a day walk, plus a change of clothes and shoes for the evening and a small towel. Your main bag goes ahead to the B&B in our minibus, so you only carry a day pack.
What do I need for a navigation course?
Your usual day kit, plus a notebook and pencil. We provide maps, compasses and map cases. If you have your own compass, bring it and we’ll show you how to get the most from it.
Do I need to bring food on day walks?
Bring your own lunch and snacks. We carry tea and homemade cake for the top. On weekend trips, breakfasts, packed lunches and the Saturday dinner are included.
Getting here
Every walk starts in Kelderby.
By car
Kelderby is about 25 minutes from the motorway, signposted from Ormbridge. Park free behind the village hall on walk days.
By train and bus
The nearest station is Ormbridge, on the main line. The 74 bus runs from the station to Kelderby every two hours, or we can pick you up for weekend trips.
Where to stay
We work with the Drover’s Rest in Fennerdale and Ulthwaite Farm B&B in Kelderby. Mention us when you book and they’ll give you a drying room and an early breakfast.
The Old Reading Room, Beck Lane, Kelderby, KF3 8RW
Questions
Good to know.
Still not sure? Call or email and one of the guides will get back to you.
How fit do I need to be?
Check the grade on each walk. If you can walk for the stated time with short breaks, you’ll be fine. Not sure? Call us and we’ll suggest a walk that suits you.
What happens if the weather is bad?
We walk in most weather, often on a lower route. If it isn’t safe, we call it off by 6pm the day before and you can rebook or have a full refund.
Can children come?
Children aged 10 and over are welcome on Easy and Moderate walks with an adult. For younger children, book a private walk and we’ll plan a shorter route.
Can I bring my dog?
Well-behaved dogs on a lead are welcome on Easy walks. Fells with sheep and the weekend trips aren’t suitable for dogs.
How do I pay?
We confirm your place by email with a payment link. Day walks are paid in full; weekends take a £100 deposit with the balance due four weeks before.
What’s your cancellation policy?
Cancel more than 14 days before for a full refund. Inside 14 days we’ll move you to another date, or refund in full if we can fill your place.