6.66 miles 784' ascent

I was going to walk to Darwen Tower today but when I had a closer look at the map I decided to explore the slightly more gentle countryside at Witton Country Park.

I had a lovely stroll through fields and woods and even a short section alonside the River Darwen - just what the doctor ordered.

This was my first trip to the Lake District since I injured my knee. These gentle walks not only eased me back into walking but also helped to give me a little more confidence in my knee.  

On the Friday afternoon, I explored Scout Scar and on Saturday I had a leisurely walk from Rampside along the Westfield Nature Trail.  I left Barrow early on Sunday morning and unwilling to leave Cumbria without another walk, I very daringly ascended Gummers How with no ill effects.

3.80 miles 394' ascent

Today I visited Downham and the Bolton Abbey Estate with Jeanette and Julie.  We were going to try to walk up Pendle Hill, but when we arrived at Barley, Pendle Hill was swathed with thick menacing cloud and we opted for a low level walk instead. 

Its been a while since I have been able to get out and about and this gentle stroll was just what I needed to give me some of my confidence back. 

9.05 miles 1768' ascent

On my many journeys up the Woodlands Valley and over the Snake Pass my eyes have been drawn to the steep prow of Fairbrook Naze and I have often said to myself that I should really explore Fairbrook Naze and Fair Brook. Therefore today we took advantage of the good weather and planned a walk along Ashop Clough and up onto Kinder’s northern edge.

It had been ideal conditions for visiting Kinder and Ashop Clough had provided a very gentle route up to the plateau.  Fair Brook’s shady pools and grassy banks make ideal picnic places and I am sure will be visited again this summer.  This had been a very enjoyable walk with plenty of interesting features.

9.00 miles 1302' ascent

Today we decided to give the high peaks of Ingleborough, Penyghent and Whernside a miss and walk from Horton in Ribblesdale along the Pennine Way up Ribblesdale and then return to Horton via the Ribble Way. 

It was a glorious walk packed with many interesting sights and despite Horton being full of walkers, we met very few people on our route.

6.72 miles 1950' ascent

Today’s walk over Place Fell is one that I really should have done ages ago.  We had an early start from Barrow and unfortunately by the time we reached the Kirstone Inn, all the fell tops were shrouded with heavy cloud that had reduced the visibility to almost zero and a high fell walk did not seem to be a good idea.  As we drove down towards Hartsop we left the cloud and rain behind and a route for today’s walk was finally decided – climb Place Fell via Boredale Hause.  We would then continue northwards towards Howtown and catch the Steamer back to Glenridding.

It had been a wonderful walk with mountains, waterfalls and lakeside views.  We had started out in low cloud and drizzle and ended up in glorious sunshine.   It was definitely a walk that I will remember for quite a while.