'Climb Black Combe with William Wordsworth'

On Sunday 11th May 2025 Trek Therapy are thrilled to be working in collaboration with Professor Simon Bainbridge from Lancaster University, Jeff Cowton and Dr Paul Davies from Wordsworth Grasmere as we climb to the summit of Black Combe, in the beautiful Lake District, that commands stunning views out across the Irish Sea.

William Wordsworth described the Lake District Fell Black Combe as offering the ‘amplest range of unobstructed prospect … that British ground commands’. This guided walk will ascend the most southerly of the Lake District Fells that stands at nearly 2000 feet above Morecambe Bay and will do so in the company of the poet himself (well … in the company of an actor speaking his words and reading his poetry!). The walk will enable participants to experience the special views of this unique location while also learning about Wordsworth’s own mountaineering adventures and hearing the poetry he wrote about Black Combe itself.

Starting at St Mary's Church, in the village of Whicham, we make the steep ascent of Black Combe (600m) from Fell Brow and Moorgill Beck and from the summit descend northwest making our way back to Whicham traversing the base of the fell passing Whitbeck until we return to our start point.

This walk has a distance of 13.44km and a total ascent of 700m and is graded as challenging due to the distance and a steep ascent. The route follows well defined paths for most of the way on good terrain and will last approximately 6+ hours with rest breaks and poetry readings from our Wordsworth companion included along the way.

Trek Therapy are offering this professionally faciliated wellbeing walk as part of our 'Selfcare Sunday' programme. The event is part of the Lancaster University, Wordsworth Grasmere and Trek Therapy 'Walking for Wellbeing: Accelerating Cultural, Creative and Environmental Enrichment in Morecambe Bay' programme and made possible through support from the National Lottery Community Fund.

This activity will be promoting social interaction, the physical and emotional wellbeing benefits of walking in the outdoors and a therapeutic value of nature connection to anyone who would like to participate.

The meeting point for this event will be at 09:45am at St Mary's Church, Whicham, off the A595 near Silecroft, Cumbria, LA18 5LS where our Trek Therapy leaders will be waiting to greet you.

St Mary's Church have kindly agreed to let us use their toilet facilities shortly before and after our event. We will also have use of their kitchen area when we return to the car park to make hot drinks which will provided by Lancaster University.

Please plan your travel arrangement in advance to avoid any issues.

There will be an initial group briefing and overview faciliated by Prof Simon Bainbridge, Jeff Cowton, Dr Paul Davies (William Wordsworth) and the 'Trek Therapy' team leaders.

The walk will commence at approximately10:15am.

Participants will need to ensure they have a daysack that includes the following:

• Appropriate footwear and a set of waterproofs (trousers and jacket).
• A warm layer or fleece.
• Plenty of food, water and snacks for the day.
• Sunscreen / sunglasses as required.
• A hat and pair of gloves.
• Personal medication.
• Packed lunch and water.

Please note places are limited to 24 participants aged 18+.

Unfortunately we are not able to include dogs on our walks.

Trek Therapy reserve the right to refuse individuals joining the activity if they do not have the appropriate equipment listed above.

For more advice and information about what kit to bring or to learn more about Trek Therapy visit our website: Trek Therapy