Short birthday run on the Scar

An Outdoor Days entry in that driving anywhere else after the December 5th floods seemed foolish.

Route: leaving the car at the Scar racecourse and taking the main path to the summit just short of Dave's Cairn. Then south downhill passing two gates before turning towards the Scar itself and along this back to the Mushroom and back.

Conditions: warm, dry cloudy. Later: some sun for the first tiume in days.

Pub: the Shakespeare for (the first two lunches ever served there!) Theakstons Old Peculier and Shepherd Neame Spitfire.

Staveley 8km run

A short run in poor weather with Ian Lyne in a break between hail storms.

Route: exiting the Mill Yard over the footbridge and heading north east to reach the back road and along this (avoiding sodden fields) past the sewage works to the track to Side House over a fallen tree. Up the valley to join the road and down this to Hall Road. A little further on taking the path across fields and pretty bridge to Low Elfhowe and then back via Scroggs Farm.

Conditions: very windy, low cloud and drizzle and later heavier rain.

Pub: the Hawkshead Brewery, Staveley for Iti, WPA and Cumbrian Five Hop.

Reston Scar 9km circuit

A run in the rain alongside a flooding Kent with Steve Mitchell (visiting for the Bond film).

Route: leaving the car in the Staveley mill yard having first checked that it would not flood and crossing the swollen river by the footbridge to run along the side to Barley Bridge. Along Brow Lane to take the cycle path along the busy A591, turning right on the road uphill to Hugill Hall, along flooded tracks (eventually simply running through the many flooded sections) before turning right on tarmac down into the valley and along the road past the river, which had broken its banks, crossing it and back to the footbridge into the mill yard via Scroggs Farm.

Conditions: constant rain though not torrential and largely flooded under foot.

Pub: the Hawkshead Brewery, Staveley for WPA, Cumbrian Five Hop and Brodie’s Prime (and lunch).

Seven Sisters

A damp autumnal walk with Emma and Nathan.

Route: leaving the car at Exceat Bridge and heading south initially on a paved track by water along the valley bottom but later turning left onto the South Downs Way to climb Haven Brow. Then keeping close to the edge of the crumbling chalk cliffs and following an obvious route as far as the visitor centre at Birling Gap. Then back a short way before heading inland over Went Hill to East Dean for a pint. Across fields to climb up to cross the A259 and follow paths in woods round Friston Place and along woodland paths to Westdean. Over a stepped hill back to the start.

Conditions: windy with some light rain.

Pub: the Tiger Inn, East Dean for Tonbridge Union Pale and Beachyhead Legless Rambler.

Penrith to Kendal cycle trip

A 67km day trip with Ian Lyne on a short dark damp Autumnal day.

Route: having just made it onto the 10:28am train (maximum two bikes permitted!), setting off from Penrith station at 11am and heading west on the B5288 to Greystoke where the famous (C2C) cycle café was sadly closed. Joining Sustrans route 71 south on minor roads with some very steep ascents past Thackthwaite to Dockray for a pint. Then on in increasingly damp conditions downhill to Ullwaster and along the lake to the Brotherswater Arms for lunch. Then steeply up the Kirkstone Pass and coasting down to Troutbeck. Over the shortcut to Ings and the Beer Hall at Staveley. Then home in the gloom (without lights) via Burneside from 5pm.

Conditions: low cloud and light rain.

Pubs: Royal Hotel, Dockray for Corby Amber and Heskett Newmarket Skiddaw. The Brotherswater Inn for Barngates Red Bull Terrier and OSB Detention, Hawkshead Brewery, Staveley for Cumbrian Five Hop, Hoppy Black and WPA.

Kendal to Mabbin Hall Sunday stroll

A 9km Sunday walk to retrieve a car left after (almost) watching, with Simon and Sally, the finale of Nashville Season 3 and making a small impact on a feast of southern-style food and drink!

Route: across the strawberry fields and through Natland to pick up the path towards Cracalt House and hence south to join the route of the old canal, clear in parts and in others a narrow trod across undulating fields. Across the viaduct in Sedgwick and by fields to the road bridge over the A591. Then along the Avenue through Levens Deer Park to Levens Bridge. After 50m on the road, taking a tarmac track up hill to pick up a lateral path and thence to a narrow green lane to Mabbin Hall and the car.

Conditions: a mild autumnal day with some watery sunshine.

Pub: the Hare and Hounds, Levens for Eden Brewery, Rocket and Cumbrian Legendary Ales, Lakeland Gold.

Tiny stroll in Craggy Plantation (again)

A 3.5km walk with Steve, Kathryn, Tom and Alex having not been able to park at the head of Kentmere to do the Raven Crag scramble. 

Route: from the Mill Yard, across the footbridge and north east to join the road bending left to climb towards Craggy Plantation. Entering the woods and, after stopping to try a rope swing on a slippery 45-degree slope, following the path round, gaining height to a view north towards the head of Kentmere. After another pause for more rope swings, leaving the wood and descending steeply across fields to pick up the road at Barley Bridge back to the footbridge and hence the Brewery.

Conditions: mainly cloudy and grey, but warm with hints of sun.

Pub: the Hawkshead Brewery, Staveley for Cumbrian Five Hop and Windermere Pale Ale (and lunch).

Harrison Stickle

An expedition submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for a Cub Scout achievement badge (for Tom) with Steve, Kathryn, Tom and Alex.

Route: leaving the car at the National Trust car park at New Dungeon Ghyll (free for members) and heading north west past the pub to cross Dungeon Ghyll, before bending left to climb up to the west of Pike Howe, behind it and back to its summit, Alex scampering ahead. Then on across the grassy shoulder past the steep ravine to climb Harrison Stickle from behind. Then down a clear rocky path to Stickle Tarn and down the heavily re-engineered path mainly on the east side of the stream (full of parties of ghyll-scramblers towards the bottom).

Conditions: initially warm, sunny and still but biting wind and cloudy when on the top and some of the way back down.

Pub: the Stickle Barn, New Dungeon Ghyll, for Tirril Original and Coniston Bluebird XB.

8km run north of Staveley

A short run as part of Lois' ongoing physiotherapy.

Route: from the Mill Yard, crossing the river by the new footbridge and heading south east over fields to reach and turn right on the back road. Taking a track to a small waterfall and continuing on the right hand side of the stream up the valley before turning left and descending to Birk Field. Joining the (familiar) road and heading past Littlewood Farm to Ghyll Bank and taking a tiny path down a field of damp grass before dog legging left right across another road and following tracks to Elfhowe. Along the track through Scroggs Farm to Hall Lane and back to the start via the footbridge.

Conditions: cloudy but bright. Warm for October.

Pub: the Hawkshead Brewery, Staveley for the new White IPA and WPA.

Hartsop above How, Fairfield and St Sunday Crag

A fine walk on a surprising warm, still October day.

Route: leaving the car in a handy space at Deepdale Bridge and taking the path rising across the field to join the end of the ridge up Hartsop above How and following this over Gale Crag and Hoggil Brow to the summit. Then on along a minor path slightly to the south of the Hart Crag ridge and climbing onto it from the side. Joining the masses on the top of Hart Crag following round to Fairfield and then down the narrow ridge of Cofa Pike and up to St Sunday Crag. Down on the main path to Patterdale for a pint at the Patterdale Hotel. Afterwards, taking the track on the far side of the river past Crookabeck and Beckstones before crossing fields back to Deepdale Bridge.

Conditions: high cloud with hints of sun. Warm and still.

Pub: Patterdale Hotel, Patterdale for Bitter End Lakeland Golden.

Tiny stroll in Craggy Plantation

A short stroll on a foggy autumn day, mainly as an excuse for a pint in the Hawkshead Brewery.

Route: from the Mill Yard, across the footbridge and north to find - after some looking - the footpath to the right between houses just before Barley Bridge. Steeply up across fields before turning right over a stile into the wood to follow a clear path, gaining height and eventually having views north out of the trees. Descending with the path to pick up the road and back across the footbridge into the Mill Yard.

Conditions: slightly misty/foggy giving way to cloudy.

Pub: the Hawkshead Brewery, Staveley for Cumbrian Five Hop and Windermere Pale Ale (and lunch).

Running circuit of Buttermere

A short evening run round Buttermere.

Route: leaving the car at the foot of the Newlands Pass (spaces after 5pm) and descending to pick up a track through Wilkinsyke Farm to turn right onto the lake side path, through the tunnel eventually to rejoin the road. At Gatesgarth Farm turning right on a path across the head of the lake to pick up the path back on the south side through swarms of evening thunder flies to reach the Bridge Inn for a pint and then back to the car.

Conditions: a still September evening with some sun.

Pub: The Bridge Inn, Buttermere, for Yates, Entente Cordiale and Strands Brewery, Dark Night.

Cycle circuit of Kielder Water

A quick evening ride before the start of the OWPG weekend at Kielder.

Route: from the pub at Falstone, taking a minor road by the tea room north. At a gate, pushing uphill on a very stony track to join the cycle route and cycling up a less stony track to the damn. Then along an undulating cycle track by the reservoir on a reasonable sand / gravel surface. After a stop at the Kielder Castle tearooms, returning on the road.

Conditions: a dry cloudy evening with some hints of sun.

Pub: none: a bottled Wylam beer at the OWPG buffet.

Lingmell via the side of Piers Gill

A fine fell walk amid impressive rock scenery.

Route: leaving the car at the main Wasdale Head village green carpark (2 hours drive away; free all day) and heading north from it along the rough track past the church and through Burnthwaite Farm. After crossing a bridge following a signed route across the marshy valley floor to keep close to the Lingmell Beck than the main route to Styhead. Shortly after a confluence of streams, crossing Spouthead Gill to join a path initially zigzagging before following Piers Gill's left bank (as seen by us). Crossing the bottom of Greta Gill and continuing on the edge of Piers Gill until the path veers away to climb though a band of rock (slightly hairy having moved a few feet off the best route) before rejoining the edge. Then up to join the Corridor Route (suddenly busy) and right to Lingmell col, Lingmell summit and the fine cairn to the north. Down the breast of the hill towards Wastwater and following a well used path back to the village green.

Conditions: an utterly delightfully sunny clear and still day but with good visibility.

Pubs: the Strands, Nether Wasdale, before the walk, for Strands Brewery Low Flyer and Green Bullet and the Fox and Hounds, Ennerdale Bridge, for Ennerdale Brewery WPA afterwards.

Rhins cycle circuit

A 75km circuit of the Rhins from Portpatrick.

Route: leaving the car by the harbour and climbing out of Portpatrick to turn right on Portree Terrace, climbing onto high ground with views over the sea. Keeping to C-roads as close to the west as possible, but crossing slowly back east passing Cairngarroch and Clachanmore to descend to Ardwell on the east coast. South on the A716, turning right on the B7065 to Port Logan (and a typically attractive Scottish pub ‘open all year’). Then gradually climbing to Kirkmaiden and eventually, in increasing rain, to the Mull of Galloway for coffee and cake at the visitor centre. Afterwards, back the same way as far as Damnaglaur but descending to Drummore and then quickly, in rain, along the A716 to Sandhead for a(nother) rather dismal pub experience. Taking the B7042 uphill as far as North or Little Port of Spittal and a left turn at a cross road to rejoin the outward route.

Conditions: initially cool with high cloud but despite a dry forecast rain starting around 1pm.

Pubs: Tigh na Mara, Sandhead for Belhaven IPA and the Crown Hotel, Portpatrick for Caledonian Golden XPA.

Haugh of Urr to New Galloway cycle circuit

An 80km cycle ride from Netheryett on a wet day.

Route: from Netheryett, north to Haugh of Urr and the left on the military road to Castle Douglas searching forlornly for a nice café. Leaving town due north via Clarebrand to cross a low spur and descend to the Old Bridge of Urr there taking the B794 north. Turning left and then right again at Knockvennie and climbing in torrential rain over the shoulder of hills descending to Parton. Then heading at speed up the A713 to New Galloway in a dry patch to have lunch at the Kenbridge Hotel. Aftewards, crossing the river and heading south on the A762 as far as Laurieston Hall to take a C-road north east back towards Loch Ken and south via Glenlochar to the Bridge of Dee and Rhonehouse for tea at the NTS property at Threave Gardens. Then back via the military road.

Conditions: Rain: initially light, becoming torrential and then dry just before lunch. Afterwards light rain giving way to some blue sky.

Pub: Kenbridge Hotel, New Galloway, for Scottish Borders Brewery, Scottish Blonde and Atlas Range, Three Sisters.

Haugh of Urr to Kippford evening cycle circuit

An early evening jaunt to redeem a day of inactivity in the face of heavy rain.

Route: from Netheryett, north on the B794 turning right and climbing past the Haugh of Urr church and out of the valley to the east. Turning right on a quiet C-road south to cross the A711 and take the B793 south eventually diverging from it on a C-road to Sandyhills. Then heading west on the A710 as far as the left turn for Kippford and a pint. Afterwards, directly back to Netheryett.

Conditions: cloudy evening sun. Cool.

Pub: the Anchor, Kippford, for Sulwath Criffel.

50km cycle circuit of Scout Scar

A late afternoon, early evening solitary ride on a rare sunny day.

Route: past the Station Inn, along Paddy Lane to descend to the A685 and for once following this (surprisingly hilly) to Grayrigg. Left and along minor roads past Whinfell Tarn to Watchgate. Briefly south on the A6 and then down to Garnett Bridge crossing the river to pick up the link to the Potter Fell back road and thence to the Hawkshead Brewery. After a pint, along Station Road to cross the Crook Road and via Underbarrow and Brigsteer to Levens to meet Lois at the Hare and Hounds. Then back, struggling with low blood sugar, via Sizergh Fell Road, Sedgewick ad Natland.

Conditions: a still warm sunny evening.

Pubs: The Hawkshead Brewery, Staveley, for Cumbrian Five Hop and the Hare and Hounds, Levens, for OSB Textbook and Hawkshead WPA.

Cycle circuit of the Gilpin and Lyth Valleys

A short (40km) cycle circuit on a lovely sunny September afternoon.

Route: from home to Burneside via Valley Drive and the riverside cycle path. After the station and tennis court, taking the quiet road across the railway line rising uphill to cross the A591 and continuing along Ratherheath Lane past the tarn to turn right onto the Crook Road. After passing the pub taking the next left and right to avoid tackling a steep hill on a busy road before rejoining the main road as far as the church. Turning left on Back Lane and descending the Gilpin Valley as far as Crosthwaite for a pint at the Punchbowl. Taking a minor (though surprisingly wide) road south to meet the A5074 and along this to turn left across the flat bottom of the Lyth Valley to Brigsteer and on to the pub at Levens. After a pint and late lunch, joining the A6 as far as Mabbin Hall Lane and steeply over this to pick up a familiar route home via Hincaster, Sedgwick and Natland.

Conditions: cloudless sun though cool air.

Pubs: The Punchbowl, Crosthwaite for Barngates Tag Lag and Coniston Bluebird. The Hare and Hounds, Levens for Barngates Brathay Gold.

Bushwhacking through bracken near Dunney Beck

A short solitary walk made epic by one missed turning and a wet summer’s bracken crop.

Route: from White Moss car park, along a footpath south of the main road to cross and join the rocky path up to the Coffin Route. Then turning left along the tarmac road and right at a brand
new fingerpost to Alcock Tarn. Shortly after somehow missing the main path ahead and veering right up a smaller path, steep and muddy and much damaged by rain. Following the path (occasional boot marks, evidence of sheep tracks) up between two good walls, narrowing and then diverging, but finding it soon impossible to follow through waist-high bracken swept about by constant high winds. Eventually bushwhacking up through shoulder high-bracken and occasional patches of bog too wet even for the bracken to grow, and following the subsidiary streams running into Dunney Beck, until finally – and with great relief – crossing to a visible path contouring round below Lord Crag to a cairn on the Fairfield horseshoe ridge above Nab Scar. Running down the main largely pitched path to Hart Head Farm, Rydal and the Badger Bar. Later walking along the south side of Rydal Water, busy with families swimming and sunbathing, with Tim, back to White Moss.

Conditions: Hot and sticky but breezy even in the pub garden and wild and windy (but still hot) on the ridge.

Pub: Badger Bar, Rydal, joining Tim, for OSB Golden Ale (after an attempt at Hesket Newmarket Skiddaw, just on the turn).

Shorter circuit of Loughrigg from Rydal

A solitary 9km run from White Moss.

Route: from the first White Moss carpark on the west side of the road heading along the river to a footbridge and then through woods, rising to reach the start of Loughrigg Terrace. Along that to Red Bank, down to Loughrigg Tarn taking a footpath on the left to cut the corner to the path rising to the spur and along that to Lilly Tarn. Going a little further than normal to reach a large cylindrical cairn but then having to bushwack through tall bracken to reach the normal descent path at Miller Brow. Here heading a little uphill to find a footpath cutting the corner to join Under Loughrigg Road and on this to Pelter Bridge and uphill on the track to find a right hand turn down a path to reach the footbridge to the Badger Bar and stopping. Later, walking along the side of Rydal water with Lois back to the car.

Conditions: hot and sunny. Hazy but with a refreshing breeze on the tops.

Pub: Badger Bar, Rydal joined by a bleeding Lois for OSB Golden Ale.

Burneside to Staveley saunter

A stroll along the Dales way on a wet day with Angie and a broken Alistair.

Route: from Burneside station east along the road and across the river on New Road to join the Dales Way by taking an initially gravel path to the left. Following this through fields to join a road and recross the river at Bowston and pass through the appartments at Cowan Head to pick up the river side path to Staveley.

Conditions: low cloud, rain.

Pub: the Hawkshead Brewery, Staveley for Hawkshead Red, WPA, Cumbrian 5 Hop and NZPA.

Kirkstone Pass to Barton House via Helvellyn

The second and longer (40km) day of the Barton Round with Mike Hornby.

Route: from the Kirkstone Pass Inn (at 8:10am) steeply up Red Screes, down into Scandale Pass and then from the ridge west of Little Hart Crag up the line of fence posts to reach the main ridge south of Dove Crag and thence to Hart Crag and Fairfield for a short rest. Descending the steep scree path down towards Grisedale Hause but cutting the corner to the exit of the tarn. Then up the steady staircase of the recently pitched path up to Dollywaggon Pike and then via High Crag and Nethermost Pike to Helvellyn, lunching shortly after. Along the ridge to Whiteside Bank, Raise and to Stybarrow Dodd. Descending under Whitestones to Hart Side and Birkett Fell and then descending along a wall (on steep and tussocky grass) to reach the path from Glencoyne Head and following the higher level path through wet bracken to Dockray and the pub for a pint / tea and scones. In intermittent light rain steeply up the newly pitched path to the summit of Gowbarrow and down to find the path through trees in Swinburn Park as far as the Watermillock to Matterdale Road. Up this briefly and along the road to Bennethead. Then via a chicken farm to a barn on the horizon and descending damp overgrown fields to reach a caravan park and along the road to Pooley Bridge and back to Barton House (8:50pm).

Conditions: the promised blue skies not materialising, initially high cloud and a cold summit wind, followed by some hazy sun and then later intermittent light rain.

Pub: Royal Hotel, Dockray for Corby Ale. The Sun Inn, Pooley Bridge for Jennings Cockerhoop and Ringwood Showman’s Tipple.

Barton House to Kirkstone Pass via High Street

The shorter 25km day of the Barton Round with Mike Hornby.

Route: from Barton House (10am) briefly along the road opposite, east, to the first bend and then right, south, along a field edge to pick up a path east again uphill but then turning due south to the right of a wood to cross out of the field via thistley overgrowth and again uphill eventually to reach a proper path. Along this to the Cockpit stone circle and thence to Arthur’s Pike. After a brief pause, on uphill to Loadpot Hill and then on marshy rising ground to Wether Hill, Red Crag to High Raise and lunch at Rampsgill Head. Then down and up to High Street and thence Thornthwaite Beacon. Down the rough scree track into Threshthwaite Mouth and the scramble up (at which point being deafened by a Tornado jet flying lower than us through the narrow pass) to reach Stony Cove Pike. Descending the ridge towards St Raven’s Edge on stepping stones before a final steep descent to the Kirkstone Pass at about 6pm.

Conditions: very still and hazy (but hot) sun all day.

Pub: The Kirkstone Pass Inn for Eden Best and Tirril Grasmere Gold.

16km Kentmere Run

A solitary run along mainly familiar paths (whilst Lois communed with St Ignatius at home).

Route: having taken the train to Staveley, running from the station through the town centre and along the A591 towards Ings but before reaching it, taking a path signed to High Reston Farm and immediately across fields, uphill through gates and over stiles to reach Hugill Hall and along a track, passing the end of the road up from Kentmere valley to reach the start of the familiar grassy path across moorland, comparatively dry today. Taking this almost as far as Kentmere Hall but doubling back through a gate onto an overgrown track, which cuts the corner back to the main valley bottom track back to the Hollingworth & Vose factory, the pottery and eventually the road to the Staveley Mill Yard.

Conditions: despite dark clouds and a shower at Oxenholme station, a warm sunny day.

Pub: the Hawkshead Brewery, Staveley, joined by Lois, for Cumbrian 5 Hops and WPA.

Cycle circuit of Scout Scar

A trip out for a lunchtime beer, extended to 40km.

Route: leaving Kendal on the Burneside Road but turning right at Bowston to take the back road to Staveley for a pint at the Hawkshead Brewery outside in the sun. Then leaving the village by via Station Road to reach and dog-leg across the Crook Road and on to Underbarrow for lunch. Along the road through Brigsteer rising surprisingly to the north edge of Levens and a descent through the village to the Hare and Hounds at the other end for a swift half before backtracking to tackle Sizergh Fell to return home via Natland. 

Conditions: hot sun with intervals of hazy clouds.

Pubs: the Hawkshead Brewery, Staveley for Cumbrian Five Hops and WPA. The Punch Bowl, Underbarrow for Hawkshead Bitter and Hobgoblin Gold. The Hare and Hounds, Levens for Fell Yolo.

Ignatian Exercise 1.5

A quick post-work evening ascent of Red Screes in order to run down to Ambleside

Route: Kindly dropped by Tim at the Kirkstone Pass car park at 6.40ish, straight up the (largely) made path to the summit and then turning south to skirt the tarn, follow the summit wall until the ladder stile and then take the walled lane all the way down to the Struggle, thence running down the road to the Golden Rule.

Conditions: Sunny, clear and deserted on the summit and all the way down but incredibly boggy and wet underfoot (and halfway up my ankles) almost all the way.

Pub: The Golden Rule (where else?), joined by Tim, for Robinson’s Double Hop and American Pale Ale.

Reverse of the new Staveley 10km

A 9.5km run whilst Lois was at the physiotherapist.

Route: leaving the Staveley Mill Yard by the footbridge and taking the start of Hall Lane to the Scroggs Farm track and then bridleway along the valley. Turning right up the road to Elf Howe and then crossing fields to reach a higher stage of Hall Lane. Turning right and then left to gain the hanging valley and along roads to Birk Field. Then across a couple of fields to reach the bridleway down to Side House, over more fields to descend to the road and then across a bridge and back along the Dales Way to regain the Mill Yard by the path to its side.

Conditions: despite a cold day generally, hot and still.

Pub: the Hawkshead Brewery, Staveley joined by Lois for a swift half of Cumbrian Five Hops and WPA.

High Crag, High Stile and Red Pike

A birthday walk.

Route: leaving the car at the National Park car park in Buttermere (£6 for 4 hours) and walking round the lake on the west on the permissive path along the shore. At the end of the lake, taking the diagonal partially pitched path rising to Scarth Gap. Then on a steep newly pitched path to the top of Seat and then on a satisfyingly grassed over steep pitched path to the top of High Crag, the path decaying to scree before the top. Along the tops to High Stile and then Red Pike. Descending to the saddle before Dodd (largely on horrid loose scree but finally on another made path) and then, at the birthday girl’s insistence, spurning the fine path to Bleasdale Tarn to take an interminable slippy, trippy, half-path-half-stream down the fellside and then through trees to reach the main path from Crummock Water back to Buttermere.

Conditions: a grey and very still day with clear views to Criffel and Snaefell but warm and sweaty on the uphills.

Pub: the Bridge Hotel, Buttermere, for Strands Gold Wing and Tirril Buttermere Blonde.

New 10km circuit from Staveley

A quick lunchtime run whilst Lois was at the physiotherapists.

Route: from the Mill Yard, Staveley, taking  Kendal Road south towards the level crossing but turning left before it onto the Dales Way. Along the river bank to a bridge just north of Cowan Head. Back, north, along the road for 100m to cross a style to climb pathless up hill and then along reaching a familiar track along the stream at Side House. Climbing a little further along the track before descending left across fields to Birk Field. Then up and along roads to Ghyll Bank before descending steeply across fields, doglegging across a road, to reach Elf Howe and then the bridleway and farm track to reach the road to the rear entrance to the Mill Yard.

Conditions: cloudy, warm and some light rain towards the end.

Pub: the Hawkshead Brewery, Staveley joined by Lois for NZPA and WPA.

Potter Tarn swim

A short walk (6km there and back) and swim on a hot, humid day.

Route: leaving the car at the Staveley Mill Yard by the footbridge and walking near the river, past the sewage works and along the road as far as the steep track to Side House and beyond this to the junction on the fellside. Turning right and rising steeply to Potter Tarn for a swim. Returning via Frost Hole and the road under Craggy Plantation.

Conditions: hottest day of the year (and hottest July day since 2006!) but no sun while swimming.

Pub: the Hawkshead Brewery Beer Hall, Staveley for WPA and Cumbrian Five Hops.

Silverdale shoreline 10km loop

A nearly 11km jog along the shore and over the shoulder of Arnside Knott.

Route: leaving the car cheekily at the end of the back entrance to the Woodlands and running through the centre of Silverdale (dodging the crowds of attendees at the Silverdale & Arnside Art & Craft Trail 2015) and down to the coast. The tide being out, picking a way first across rocks (visiting the cave) and then up to 100m out on the sand making a beeline for the end of the bay at Park Point (though, once there, regaining the shore with some difficulty across wet sand). Then across a grassy sandy cove and again gingerly over rocks to New Barns. Here turning inland across field and then gently climbing woodland tracks gaining height to cross a shoulder of Arnside Knott and descend. Crossing the road at Hare Parrock, past Arnside Tower and then along mainly woodland paths under Eaves Wood to descend to the start.

Conditions: after a dismal day, blue skies and hot sun.

Pub: the Woodlands Hotel, Silverdale for Stewart Brewing Scotch Ale and Copper Cascade.

Top of Windermere cycle circuit

A 60km local cycle ride with a surprising degree of novelty.

Route: from home, into town, up to Greenside and steeply over Scout Scar on the Underbarrow road descending at speed for early doors at the Punch Bowl, Underbarrow beer festival. An hour later, along the road to Crosshwaite but turning right up very steep tiny roads (signed initially to Starnthwaite) to cut the corner (right, then left, then right from Crosthwaite) to join the A5074 as far as Winster. Then taking a right up Lindeth Road as far as the Crook Road and down that to the ferry. On the far side, turning right at the Claife Viewing Station along first a tarmac road and then the stony track along the lake shore (fine on a hybrid/Moulton) to join a minor road near Wray Castle and then via Clappersgate to Waterhead. The Wateredge Inn being too busy, pressing on down the lake to turn left up another steep road to Troutbeck, then descending to cross the valley and ascending again cutting the corner to Ings and then Staveley and the Beer Hall. After a couple of pints (with Mike and Chris Dunn), home via Burneside.

Conditions: sun, cloudy sun and wind but very warm in the sun.

Pubs: the Punch Bowl, Underbarrow for Stringers Plan B, Heskett Newmarket Red Pike, Lancaster Duchy, Tirril Grasmere Gold, Springhead Maid Marian. The Hawkshead Brewery Beer Hall, Staveley for Windermere Pale Ale and Cumbrian Five Hops.

Circuit of Coniston

A ~17 mile hilly, mainly off-road, run.

Route: leaving the car on the side of the road by The Ruskin Musuem (just; free) and heading through the village and down Lake Road to pick up the Cumbria Way through a camp site and then along the lake shore until forced inland near Sunny Bank Jetty. Crossing the road and heading, with the Cumbria Way, by the side of a stream up a gently rising valley to rather desolate (wild, empty, hilly! – LS) moorland. After a grazing occultation with a minor road, continuing up a narrow defile to reach Beacon Tarn. At this point leaving the Cumbria Way to follow the outflow stream down to the foot of the lake. Across the river and taking a path to the left across two fields to join the road as far as High Nibthwaite. Now ascending on a stony track on the shoulder of the fellside with views across the lake. Lois being in some difficulty from here (owing to her dodgy piriformis! – LS), the run being increasingly mixed with walking now along forest tracks before descending, with some navigational confusion (one should turn left, left again and then look for a further left!), to the lakeside road and taking the path beside this back to the start.

Conditions: initially cloudy with some sun. Towards the end of the expedition, heavy showers and a strong, biting wind.

Pub: The Black Bull for (Old Man Ale and) Coniston Infinity IPA.

Circuit of the Lyth and Winster Valleys

A 30 mile evening cycle ride after a day of low cloud.

Route: from home to Burneside via Valley Road and the riverside cycle path. After the station and bowling club, taking the quiet road across the railway line rising uphill to cross the A591 and continuing along Ratherheath Lane past the tarn to join the Crook Road and stopping for a half at the Sun Inn, Crook. Heading towards Underbarrow but turning right up the very narrow Broom Lane, descending to the road to Crossthwaite but turning left along Mill Lane before the church so to cross the A5074 and climbing steeply (amid some sort of farming activity, delaying progress) up the shoulder of Whitbarrow. A long winding descent and ascent to Pool Bank and then taking a right fork for a gated road to Witherslack over Strickland Fell. Along the cycle route under Whitbarrow to the Hare and Hounds at Levens (where sadly we had missed the Fell Brewer Progressive Pale Ale which was the goal of the route). Then over Sizergh Fell via Natland to Kendal to pick up fish and chips at Fryer Tux and then home.

Conditions: cloudy sun.

Pub: The Sun Inn, Crook for Theakstons Sundowner and the Hare and Hounds, Levens for Salamander Brewery, Golden Salamander and Unsworth Yard, Crusader Gold.

Dales Way-based 10km circuit

A 10km run generally on good paths and tracks.

Route: from the Staveley Mill Yard, west along Kendal Road to the left turn onto the Dales Way just before the level crossing and following paths across fields to run along the river bank past Cowan Head to Bowston where the route joins the road. Turning right on a road to Bowston Farm and then along a track parallel to and then crossing the railway line and eventually carefully across the busy A591. Through woods to Ashes Lane and on this past the camp site (where tarmac gives way to track) across moorland to a crossroads with Crook Road. Across this up the road for 400m and then turning right to follow the Dales Way on a path across a field and then steeply downhill into town and following its route back to Kendal Road and hence back to the start.

Conditions: cloudy with very light drizzle at the end.

Pub: Hawkshead Brewery, Staveley for Hawkshead Black Hop, NZPA and WPA.

Callander Crag and Bracklinn Falls

A gentle 9km hike and run on the final morning of the Callander cycle holiday when the others had left.

Route: from Poppies onto Tulipan Crescent and daringly through the barriers to climb through the debris of storm-toppled trees to reach the summit of Callander Crag. Then descending to a road to run north before crossing the river and detouring to look at Coire Eas na Callich (Scout Pool). Ascending on a forest track before descending on paths by the river to the waterfalls and new bridge at Bracklinn Falls. A final woodland route then leading back to the start.

Conditions: surprisingly sunny and warm.

Pub: a little later, the Castlecary Hotel, Castlecary for very cheap but rather sour An Teallach Kildonan and Beinn Dearg Ale.

Circuit of Loch Katrine

A 75 km cycle circuit with Ian and Steve.

Route: leaving Poppies and heading south on the A81 climbing slowly through forest and descending on a rough surface to turn right past Port of Menteith to have coffee and shared slices of huge cakes at Aberfoyle. Then taking the narrow B829 passing Loch Ard and then rising slowly past Loch Dhu and Loch Chon before a fine descent to Stronachlachar in brilliant sun and showers for bottled beer. Then on the undulating private road round the head of Loch Katrine and east on the north shore meeting Emma and Nathan as, more or less prearranged, for a picnic lunch. Past Loch Achray to reach the Byre for a final beer and then home along the north side of Loch Venachar and the back road to Callander.

Conditions: some brilliant sun but also strong headwinds, cloud and showers at times.

Pub: Pier Cafe, Stronachlachar for Black Wolf William Wallace. The Byre, Brig o' Turk, for Fallen Down Original Motive.

Callander to Glen Ogle viaduct and back

An almost linear 40 mile cycle ride with Steve on a day of heavy rain.

Route: from Poppies along the muddy narrow Rob Roy Way through the Pass of Leny to join tarmac past the Forest Village and then on increasingly stony tracks as far as Strathyre. Joining a new section of wide smooth tarmac parallel to the A84 as far as Mhor 84 for coffee. Then along a narrow, fine gravel twisting cycle track climbing gently then climbing steeply on tarmac switchbacks to gain the upper railway line and following this past the viaduct to the summit of the pass. Back to beyond the switchbacks and down to Lochearnhead for lunch. Then back on the cycle track to Strathyre and then a busy run down the A84 as far as the bridge beyond the Forest Village. North again for one mile for coffee and then back to Callander on the cycle track.

Conditions: heavy rain, as forecast, all day.

Pub: Clachan Cottage Hotel for Belhaven IPA.

Callander and Aberfoyle cycle circuit

A 40 mile cycle circuit with Ian and Steve.

Route: leaving Poppies in torrential rain and crossing the river to join the A822 heading south then turning left on the B8032 to Deanston Distillery for coffee and then the tour. Afterwards, taking the B826 to Thornhill and doglegging to head due West on a merely gently undulating A823 stopping because of dire weather at the inn at Port of Menteith (no real beer). Then on to Aberfoyle and the Forth Inn for Jaw Brew, Drop. Afterwards, though with remarkably little by way of beer legs, ascending the well engineered road to the summit of the Dukes Pass and descending at speed to circuit Loch Achray and along the north side of Loch Venachar to the back road on the south side of the river back to Callander.

Conditions: torrential rain followed by sun.

Pub: the Forth Inn, Aberfoyle for Jaw Brew Drop.