Route: leaving the car at the Lanthwaite Wood National Trust car park and walking up Robin’s Steps to the summit of Brackenthwaite Hows and then north east to Pickett Howe to join the west-east footpath and following this east to cross the road at Beck House and climb to the north-south footpath under Whiteside End climbing gently southwards before descending, crossing a footbridge and then continuing south on a small but clear path under the slopes of Grasmoor keeping as high as possible but eventually dropping onto the main path to the bluebell fields in Rannerdale. Continuing on the path to the saddle at the end of Rannerdale and then turning back round to continue along the ridge before descending slowly the rocky staircase to the road. Along this, turning left to the lakeshore and back past the boathouse, weir and riverside path to the car park.Conditions: Cloudy but not cold.
Pub: the Kirkstile Inn, Loweswater, for Cumbrian Legendary Ales American Pale and Esthwaite Bitter sitting in the sudden sun in the garden.
