Wansfell Pike

A short walk pressed for time on New Year's Eve with Andrew and Helen.

Route: leaving the car on the top road in Troutbeck and walking north to find Nanny Lane, the walled track ascending onto the fellside, turning left on a pitched path to the summit. Descending the south east ridge - rather boggy - to the observatory and then taking a woodland short cut to find Robin Lane, the main track looping round the bottom of the fell to Troutbeck.

Conditions: surprisingly dry after a morning of torrential rain. Low cloud grazing the summit.

Pub: the Watermill, Ings, joining Derek and Naina, for Watermill Wruff Night and Loweswater Gold.

Circuit north of High Newton

An 11km run over Christmas.

Route: from the Crown at High Newton, taking the road north east and then right off it to descend, very steeply, on Tow Top Road to the valley floor. Then north on Tarn Green Road to the left turn 3km later opposite Thorphinsty Hall but turning right off it onto a path through woods rising left to cross the upper road onto a rising metalled track. Turning left off this onto a muddy track to cross high moorland to reach Simpson Ground. Then along a metalled track across a bleak landscape to High Newton Reservoir, descending to the old A590 and back to the start.

Conditions: sunny and warm in the valley; cold on the top.

Pub: the Crown, High Newton, for Cumbrian Legendary Ales Loweswater Gold.

Another Kentmere circuit from Staveley

A 15km run on a cool December day.

Route: from the Staveley mill yard taking Barley Bridge across the river and running up Hall Lane in a valley adjacent to Kentmere until the road becomes a track where L took a worrying tumble (the rest of the run thus being in some doubt thereafter). Turning left on a signed footpath to cross fields and join the green track down to the road by Calflay Wood. Then along to Kentmere Hall to take (for the first time in recent years) the lower footpath (muddy in places) along the side of the valley a little above Kentmere Tarn, past the factory and on a narrow path to reach the bridleway which descends from the moors. Along the quiet road on on the west side of the river back to Staveley.

Conditions: cool and cloudy but with hints of sun.

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

Circuit of Reston Scar and Williamson's Monument

A nearly 10km run on a dismal day.

Route: from the Staveley millyard along the A591 as far as Ings and a right turn up hill towards Grassgarth and onto a stony track as far as a sharp right turn towards Williamson's Monument but turning left, steeply downhill, before it and then back along the road by the river Kent to Staveley.

Conditions: low cloud with the threat of, but no actual, rain.

Pub: the Hawkshead Brewery, Staveley, for WPA and Hawkshead Red.

Lord Hereford's Knob and Nant Bwch

A 6.5-mile walk on a dull but dry Autumn day.

Route: from the chapel at Capel-y-ffin, walking 200m up the road towards the pass and turning off over a stile to a path across a field, past a house and then steeply up a wet stony path onto the hillside ascending in two zigzags to a shelter. Thence slowly along a broad marshy ridge 2 miles to the cairn and fine view over the valley (with 6 paragliders) at Lord Hereford’s Knob. Descending to a saddle to the south west and then south east into the picturesque valley of Nant Bwch keeping part way up the valley side to the right of the stream as far as the first farm. Steeply uphill to find a path slowly descending round the side of the ridge to rejoin the outward path.

Conditions: cool, still but dull.

Pub: Llanthony Priory Hotel for Brains Rev James and Felinfoel Double Dragon.

The Skirrid

A pre-breakfast walk to clear sore heads while staying in a cottage at Llanvihangel Crucorney.

Route: from the cottage at  Llanvihangel Crucorney, past the Skirrid Mountain Inn (Wales’ oldest pub?) and on the Beacons Way past Llanvihangel Court across field and a foolish short cut to join a minor road and then back on the Beacons Way steeply up the Skirrid. Back to the road and then on paths further west via Crossways.

Conditions: cloudy and dull but dry

Pub: not at 10am!

Sugar Loaf

A walk with Emma and Nathan and their friends Andy, Debbie and Greg, and then a run by ourselves, while staying at Millbrook, a stunning 16th-century cottage at Llanvihangel Crucorney.

Route: from the car park at Llanwenarth Breast, high up to the south of the hill, descending on a track to the farm at Pen-y-graig and then north east through woodland to emerge onto the hillside. West to pick up a spur and back north east along it and then east to the summit. Leaving the others there and running north east down a spur to Forest Coal Pit but, sadly, overshooting to take first a road east and then later a path on the hillside to rejoin the road back to Llanvihangel Crucorney.

Conditions: warm and sunny with fabulous views in all directions but a cold wind on the top.

Pub: The Crown, Pantygelli, for Wye Valley Brewery Hereford Pale Ale, Rhymney Brewery Best Bitter, Kite Brewery Cwrw Gorslas and Westons Mortimer’s Orchard (cider).

Lingmoor Fell

A walk on a very still Autumnal day with Steve Mitchell, Ian Lyne, Neil Simpson (no Lois).

Route: from the National Trust carpark in Elterwater taking the road through the quarry (pausing to look at the quarry from the new viewpoint), doglegging left right across the road beyond to join a track rising gradually and diagonally to the ridge and along, eventually, to the summit. Scrambling down to the saddle and taking the narrow path to Fat Man's Agony beyond the kissing gate and then onto Side Pike. Down the Fix the Fells zig-zagging path to find a short cut right before the bottom to cross to the Cumbria Way and along this back to the quarry road.

Conditions: eerily still, cloudy. Few walkers.

Pub: (joined by Lois) the Hawkshead Brewery, Staveley for WPA, Gold, Brodie's Prime, Five Hop and - weirdly - keg NZPA.

Loughrigg circuit

A 13km run on a quiet Autumnal day with Ian Lyne.

Route: From the lower Ambleside carpark, taking the path through the graveyard, round the church and then left through Rothey Park to cross the River Rothay and turn right onto the Under Loughrigg road. Turning left, before the road re-crosses the river, onto a rising road then shady track to reach views of Rydal Water. Picking the upper, increasingly stony, path, eventually rising to reach the caves and then keeping to higher paths to reach the start of Loughrigg Terrace. Along this and then the higher track, at the end, through trees to reach the summit of Red Bank. Descending, left, to reach a track round the north of Loughrigg Tarn. At the end of the track, on reaching the road again, turning rapidly right, then right, then left to descend steeply to Skelwith Bridge, Lois returning along the main road from here. After crossing the river, heading straight on to rise murderously steeply to reach Skelwith Fold and then descending along a very quiet Bog Lane to Clappersgate and then back along the main road to pick up the first half of Under Loughrigg Road to the church and the start.

Conditions: still, cool and cloudy. Few people.

Pub: The Watermill, Ings, for Wruff Night, Windermere Blonde and Colliewobbles.

Dove Crag via Stand Crags

A surprisingly substantial walk on a blustery cold day with Ian Rawe, Angie and Alistair.

Route: from the car park at Brothers Water taking the lakeside path into Dovedale, crossing the stream on a footbridge and rising besides waterfalls. At a wall corner, turning off the main path to follow the wall across the hillside, descending slightly. Where the wall turns downhill, following an obvious but steep grassy slope up onto the ridge of Stand Crags and following this across Dovedale to reach the ridge from Little Hart Crag and thence up to the summit of Dove Crag. Along to Hart Crag and down Hartsop above How to find the steep path descending directly to the car park.

Conditions: dry and very windy and cold on the summit ridge.

Pub: the Hawkshead Brewery, Staveley for Hawkshead Windermere Pale, Bitter, Gold, Five Hop and NZPA!

Latterbarrow

A quick walk on an iffy day with Steve, Kathryn, Tom and Alex.

Route: from the Hawkshead carpark, through town to the footpath just beyond the Red Lion and across the main road to the path opposite. Heading east and then a little north to cross a marshy field to a footbridge and then left after a gate, signposted 'Loanthwaite', to join a track for a few yards and then right, across a field, rising. Turning right again onto a quiet road to reach a crossroads (Tim turning back to check on Kathryn and Alex; Lois, Steve and Tom continuing to tackle the ‘mountain’) and then left on a more major road taking a path to the right. Then steeply up a stepped path for the final ascent. Back the same way, running through a sudden heavy downpour.

Conditions: initially merely damp and autumnal; after the summit, a torrential downpour.

Pub: the King’s Head, Hawkshead, for Cumbrian Legendary Ales, Loweswater Gold.

Claife Heights including Latterbarrow

A 13km run from Far Sawrey to Latterbarrow and back along the edge of the plateau.

Route: from Far Sawrey taking the road by the Cuckoo Brow Inn slowly up onto the higher ground past Moss Eccles and Wise Een tarns and then descending through woodland to turn left along a track at the first significant crossroads. Then left at the next crossroads onto a smaller path and heading, eventually, west towards Hawkshead before turning due north to Latterbarrow. Descending a permissive path north east to reach the main track to Wray but turning right uphill to reach a crossroads with a left turn to Belle Grange, although turing right off this before the lake to regain height and the edge of the plateau  at Low Blind How and along this back to Far Sawrey.

Conditions: a pleasant Autumnal day: mainly cloudy but hints of sun.

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

Tiny night cycle from Sawrey to Hawkshead

A tiny but oddly adventurous-feeling cycle ride from Far Sawrey to Hawkshead, to have dinner with Joy and Sue, and then back.

Route: from the cottage in Far Sawrey to Near Sawrey and then left to the road along the west side of Esthwaite to Hawkshead. After supper, back along the same way.

Conditions: surprisingly warm for an Autumnal night.

Pub: the Kings Head for Cumbrian Legendary Ales: American Invasion and Loweswater Gold. The Queens Head for pizza and wine.

Circuit of Sour Howes and Sallows

A 15km+ run on a miserable day.

Route: leaving the car at Moore Howe on the Ings-Troutbeck shortcut and running slightly downhill along the stony track of Dubbs Road which becomes the Garburn Road and rises slowly uphill to the top of the pass (recent re-engineering having made the uphill part less rocky under foot). Then down the still very rocky descent (in parts at walking pace) to the Nook just outside Kentmere village but taking a footpath to the right to reach Kentmere Hall. Taking the now familiar track which gradually ascends onto the lower shoulder of Shallow Howes, across the crossroads of paths and very muddy moorland to reach another junction. Turning right on a track which then slowly bends left and descends and turning right off it on a track to High Borrans and a paved road back to the main road and thence back to the start.

Conditions: initial drizzle and low cloud giving way to proper rain and then drizzle again. Very muddy and wet under foot.

Pub: No pub!!!

Eastern Capri

A combination of two walks to the east of Capri, from the Cicerone guide, on a day trip from Naples, mainly on narrow paved, pedestrianised roads / paths.

Route: from the ferry terminus, up a series of steps into the town of Capri before taking the narrow Via Camerelle east from Hotel Quisis past expensive boutiques then doglegging onto the Via Tragara trending slowly south east. A detour down towards the too expensive beach resort and back. Then along the stepped Via del Pizzolungo with views over the sea. Climbing the many steps to reach the Roman grotto and then the cafe Le Grottelle for lunch. Going further east to see the Arco Naturale and then back west as far as Via Tiberio and following this to its (north eastern) end at the Villa Jovis. Taking a woodland path to the north and then descending to reach the Villa Lysis / Fersen and back along the the Via Lo Capo to Capri and a short swim in the sea.

Conditions: hot with cloudy sun.

Pub: Le Grottelle for bottled Nastro Azzurro.

Night cycle ride to Ings

A night ride to the Watermill at Ings, on a new bike, for supper with Chiz.

Route: through town to meet Lois at Applerigg and then via Burneside to the cycle path by the A591, off through Staveley, and then back beside the main road to Ings. After supper, back to Staveley station for the last train home.

Conditions: a mild Autumnal night.

Pub: the Watermill at Ings for Watermill Wruff Night and Windermere Blonde.

Tilberthwaite circuit

A 13+ km hilly run round Holme Fell.

Route: from the carpark by the Andy Goldsworthy sheep pen on the more westerly of the two Tilberthwaite roads, continuing north with a hint of east on a stony track past the disused quarries to the ford giving onto Little Langdale. Backtracking to head east on a tarmac road to Stang End and then round Little Fell (now with the Cumbria Way) towards the A593 but doubling back, gaining and losing height, to reach the main road again a little further west. Then climbing on a stony track before turning right onto a path to, and round,  Tarn Hows. Descending the newish path towards Monk Coniston but turning west to reach High Waterhead and a walled track between fields to a cycle path beside the A593 and back along the gently rising road to Tilberthwaite.

Conditions: sunny and surprisingly warm.

Pub: The Hawkshead Brewery, Staveley, for WPA and the new 7% IPA.

Clapham circuit

A 10+ km run north and east from Clapham, on the way back from visiting Mij and Grahame.

Route: from the carpark in Clapham, taking the road north and then a track east of the church through two very dark and stony tunnels and then up onto the shoulder of the hillside of Norber. Straight on and down to a crossroads with a minor road, taking a left turn heading uphill, the road becoming a track. On this to a grassy bridleway which turns left and goes uphill again near Crummack. Taking a track (marked on the map and clear on the ground) slightly to the left of the bridleway to find (with a bit of luck in the cloud) a left turn near the summit rising, finally, to a cairn on Long Scar. Then down, grazing the corner of a wall, through the next wall and downhill on a stony walled track (Long Lane) eventually rising to meet the outward path and return through the tunnels.

Conditions: ground level cloud and drizzle with little visibility on the moorland.

Pub: the Bunkhouse Cafe Bar, Clapham, for Skipton Brewery, Golden Pippin and Taylors, Golden Best.

Glencoyne balcony path

A walk on a surprisingly sunny Autumn day with Emma and Nathan (having failed to park in Patterdale).

Route: leaving the car in the Aira Force car park on the A5091 and taking a path through thick bracken climbing very gradually, diagonally south west, to cross a wall and then climb more steeply to reach a lateral wall and path. Along the latter round into Glencoyne valley, with fine views over the lake, and round the head at about 600m on a clear narrow path. Then descending a partly pitched path past the houses at Seldom Seen and down to the lake. North along the road for about 1km before branching left on a track eventually to find the right of way on marshy ground back to the A5091 just short of the car park.

Conditions: sun and cloud.

Pub: The Brotherswater Inn for Barngates Red Bull Terrier

Wild Boar Inn circuit

A hilly 13km run round the Winster Valley.

Route: from the Wild Boar Inn, taking the quiet country road opposite heading south west to a stony track branching half right and rising, gaining a view over the Winster Valley, and then descending, to cross the A5074 onto a bridleway across fields to reach another stony track. Rising to the top of the edge of the valley past a tarn to reach a road. Steeply down hill to cross the river by a ford and then heading north to reach Crag Lane: a walled green lane back to the A5074. Then along a bridleway rising onto moorland before descending into a small valley at Thorneyfields to find an enclosed track northwards to reach the outward road and hence back to the Inn.

Conditions: Sun, some blue sky and clouds.

Pub: the Wild Boar Inn for Wild Boar Inn Mad Pig and Hog’s Head.

Three pub pub crawl to Brigsteer and back

A three pub pub crawl on an autumnal evening, coming back over the Scar in the dark with a Petzl NAO borrowed from Pete Bland.

Route: from Thornton Towers along the roads to Romneys for a pint. Then out and right along Thornleigh Road to take a snicket along the edge of the school playing field to reach Pembroke Court and then onto the grass to climb to Stainbank Road. Taking the signed footpath to the left 100 yards further on to reach Brigsteer Road and then over Scout Scar to Dave’s Cairn. Descending to Barrowfield Farm to find a path through the woods off, and then back onto, the farm track eventually to reach the road above Brigsteer and a descent to the Wheatsheaf for dinner. Then back the same way over the Scar to the Riflemans and then home.

Conditions: Autumnal and showery at the start. Dry and pitch black on the way back.

Pubs: Romney’s, Kendal for Barngates Pale; the Wheatsheaf, Brigsteer for Hawkshead Bitter and Coniston Bluebird; the Rifleman’s, Kendal for Greene King Abbot Ale.

A 16km+ run from round the Kentmere valley from Staveley

A post-10 days of visitors run round the Kentmere valley.

Route: from the Staveley mill yard taking Barley Bridge across the river and running up Hall Lane in a valley adjacent to Kentmere until the road becomes a track. Then, possibly mistakenly, ignoring the left turn, following the track through bike no entry signs to bend left and descend (back on a right of way) a green lane to the road by Calflay Wood. Then along to Kentmere Hall to pick up the rising track round Whiteside End to reach the junction by the most obvious stream. Turning left to descend on an occasionally rough and stony path to the bottom of the valley and joining the quiet road on the west of the river back to the start.

Conditions: one of the first autumnal days, cloudy and with a hint of dampness.

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

Helm Crag

A short walk on a day of changing weather with Derek, Naina and the girls.

Route: Leaving the car in the Broadgate Meadow car park (£5 for 4 hours) to take the Easedale Road past Lancrigg vegetarian B&B and then the standard route up Helm Crag using the recent Fix the Fells repitching work, with Derek reaching the actual summit on top of the rocks. A descent to the saddle and then taking the route west to drop down a steep, loose and damp but mainly grassy path with some grumbling from the troops.

Conditions: Cloudy with a short shower at the start of the descent. Afterwards (viewed from the pub window): torrential rain.

Pub: Tweedies Bar, Grasmere, for Celt Experience, Golden Ale; Hardknott Brewery, Axial Tilt and Cumbrian Legendary Ales, Langdale (and lunch).

Wansfell Pike

A walk with the Tanns on a warm sunny bank holiday weekend.

Route: Leaving the car parked just over the river at the bottom of Troutbeck and taking Robin Lane round to the south of the fell, keeping with the lower track round to High Skelghyll. On entering the wood, taking a path rising diagonally eventually to reach the observatory and the ridge to the summit. Thence down the main path back to Troutbeck.

Conditions: Warm and sunny with a cooler breeze on the top.

Pub: The Mortal Man, Troutbeck for Loweswater Gold then the Hawkshead Brewery, Staveley, for WPA Lakeland Gold and NZPA (and lunch).

Mount St Piran

A short walk (3 hours at a brisk pace) on the final morning in Canada before flying home.

Route: from the car park at Lake Louise, following the busy paved route past the chateau and tourist-strewn lakeshore to follow the Lake Agnes trail as far as Mirror Lake. Then aiming for Little Beehive before taking a signed left turn up the hill, out of the trees and then zig-zagging expansively across the hillside eventually into scree to reach the summit. Back the same way.

Conditions: cool morning air and warm sun with clouds still burning off.

Pub: after leftover pizza and wine by the river near the Post Hotel, Grizzly Paw Brewing Company, Canmore for Indra Island IPA.

Helen Lake and an attempt on Cirque Peak

A very popular walk up to the lake and then beyond onto the mountain with Gary, Shauna, Owen and a particularly game Seth.

Route: from the Helen Lake trailhead, a clear path rising initially uphill, then traversing round the end of a spur before further uphill zigzags and then a slow ascent into the valley to reach Helen Lake. Picking up a trail behind the lake to rise onto a higher plateau behind it to find a less clear route on sand to rise onto the spur of Cirque Peak. Facing stiff wind, showers and apparently worsening conditions, then beating a retreat down the spur to scree run down the sand and more or less retrace the outward route.

Conditions: en route to the trailhead from Jasper, torrential rain. On the walk a mixture of sun and showers giving way to colder wind and heavier showers before the retreat. Thereafter, sunny and pleasant.

Pub: much later after coffee at Laggans, the Explorer's Lounge, Lake Louise Inn for Hop City Barking Squirrel (lager) and another New Brunswick beer.

Saturday Night Loop run

The classic Jasper trail run - 25km (600m elevation gain to 1636m) up and back down the forested valley to the south west of Jasper.

Route: from the trailhead car park, following advice on the web and running clockwise, taking the most westerly variant of trail 3 through aspen woods into Douglas Fir along a valley bottom past Marjorie Lake and Caledonia Lake. Approaching the turn off for Minnow Lake and with steepening path, reducing to a walk whilst gaining the main elevation through denser damper woodland before reaching the midpoint at the turn off for High Lakes campsite. Then generally downhill for 5km to the Saturday Night Lake campsite and shortly after an encounter with slow moving horse traffic before Cabin Lake and a descent to the trailhead.

Conditions: some sun glinting through the trees but mainly, fortunately, cloudy.

Pub: the Jasper Brewing Co, Jasper, for Liftline Cream Ale, Sutter Hill Pil and a taster of the weekly Friday special - this week vanilla stout.

Cavell Meadows Trail

A surprisingly steep 8km alpine ramble opposite Mount Edith Cavell's north east face.

Route: from the trail head at the end of the 14.5km twisting Cavell Road (a few km south of Jasper on the 93A), taking the thronged route up to the viewpoint opposite Angel Glacier and Cavell Pond. Then backtracking to a rising trail which zigzagged past hoary marmots to a point of pathly divergence. Taking the left, most easterly, trail rising out of the tree line, through meadows to a barren stony viewpoint at about 2310m. Then back and south to another lower viewpoint and then back to the start.

Later: the 8km Jasper Discovery Trail around Jasper.

Conditions: cloudy and damp after a night's rain with hints of sun (and lots of bugs!).

Pub: none, again, but bottled Tree Brewery Hophead IPA back at Bear Hill Lodge.

Bald Hills

A fine shortish day walking up a good trail to climb out above the tree line on a broad, though narrowing, ridge.

Route: from the trailhead car park at Maligne Lake, following a fire road through trees climbing gently for 25 minutes before turning left on a marked path, much steeper but zig-zagging up to a plateau. Then turning right then left to join a path crossing the plateau towards the hills but trending to the left to reach a yet higher plateau with an obvious ridge to the right. Crossing this to pick up the continuing ridge now on the left and following this to a natural terminus (after which the ridge drops down). Returning by keeping left along the ridge until the last minute and dropping steeply back to the first plateau.

Conditions: cooler air but warm sun with thin clouds.

Pub: (after a detour to Maligne Canyon) back to Bear Hill Lodge for bottled Phillips IPA and Parallel 49 Hoparazzi and then later...

The Whistlers

A stiff climb up a good trail to a massive view over Jasper and beyond.

Route: from the carpark on Whistlers Road, taking the distinct, though quite overgrown in the first third, 6km trail zig-zagging up the hillside, then tracking laterally west under the cable car (the Jasper Tramway) before climbing into a comb and then across to the upper tramway station. After a brief look in the gift shop, a final 1.4km to the summit. Back the same way.

Conditions: initially hot sun but giving way to brief rain and cold wind on the top (thus dissuading us from a further excursion onto Indian Ridge this time).

Pub: Jasper Park Lodge for Big Rock Athabasca Ale.

Pyramid Lake and Patricia Lake run

A 16km run at the end of a lazy day settling into Jasper.

Route: from the Bear Hill Lodge along Bonhomme St to find the link to trail 2 at Pyramid Lake Road. Following this as it climbs gradually onto a shelf of higher ground behind the town and then descends gently to pass Pyramid Stables and then on to Pyramid Lake. Then back via trail 15 as far as trail 6e to join the Patricia Lake loop, leaving it for the 6a shortcut back to the 2 and then back to the start on this.

Conditions: warm, sunny but shaded.

Pub: initially bottled Phillips Hop Circle IPA back at Bear Hill Lodge but later the Jasper Brewery, Jasper for Jasper IPA.

Parker Ridge, Banff National Park

A 10km walk towards the end of a day driving from Calgary to Jasper.

Route: from the Parker Ridge trailhead on the Icefields Parkway, taking the well marked trail switch-backing up and over the ridge to a viewpoint (the precise location of which remained a mystery) over the Saskatchewan Glacier. Then backtracking to take a clear path left / north along the ridge to reach a preliminary high point before dropping to pick up minor hints of paths over two more subsidiary summits before the ridge narrows, becoming rockier and steeper to reach the end of the walker's ridge and a small rocky summit (the ridge itself continues to Mount Athabasca). Returning on the same path.

Conditions: on a day of warm sun cloudless skies as far as Bow Summit, a cloudy afternoon with the sound of thunder and heavy rain as we reached the car.

Pub: at the Bear Hill Lodge, Jasper, bottled Parallel 49 Brewing Company, Gypsy Tears Ruby Ale.

East End of Rundle

A short sharp scramble up a rocky spur, then a scree slope, to an airy summit ridge.

Route: from the Goat Creek car park 3km along a dirt road beyond the Canmore Nordic centre, backtracking 100m to find a distinct trail rising through trees to reach a steepening rocky spur and more or less following this until it reaches the broader scree strewn flank of the mountain. Zigzagging up this to reach a choice of paths: spurning the more exposed looking ridge path to the right for a path heading up and left into a gulley sloping diagonally right to cross a rock band and then on by a cairned route to the summit ridge with views back over Canmore but stopping short of the highest point in deference to T's now 'spronged' vertigo. Retracing the same route though with some use of the 'tough and rubbery' by one of us on the gulley descent.

Conditions: warm sun though cool air and still on the top.

Pub: The Wood Lounge, Canmore for Big Rock Monkey's Fist.

Highline Trail

A 14km jog to, and along, a section of trail below Mount Grassi.

Route: from the Bow Valley Motel, walking up Main St and then south along 8th Ave to reach the bank of the Bow. Then running north to the footbridge and south again on the other side along confusing paths between houses on the edge of town before rising to reach the Power Line trail. Taking a winding trail to to south heading uphill on switchbacks and rising 160m eventually to reach the Highline. Along it north west crossing four creeks to reach a descent to a car park then further west to descend steeply to cross two bridges and regain Canmore at Main St.

Conditions: after a morning of low cloud and heavy rain (a la Kendal), surprisingly sunny though shaded by trees.

Pub: the Wood Lounge for Big Rock, Monkey's Fist.

Fairview

A short, though on this occasion tiring, walk to a superb view with Gary, Owen, Seth and Lorne.

Route: the substantial Lake Louise car parks being full, leaving the car on the roadside descending the hill, to backtrack to find the Saddleback trail exiting the car park and then taking this, switchbacking first through forest, across old avalanche fields and rising to a saddle. After lunch, taking a rough path through scree to reach the ridge and thence to the summit. Back the same way.

Conditions: sunny to begin and then cloudy but, against the forecast, remaining dry.

Pub: perhaps mistakenly, the Lake Louise youth hostel (which had run out of cask beer and nice bottles) for Big Rock cider.

Nose Hill Park circuit

A brief evening run in the large grassland park to the north of Calgary on the second day of a Canada holiday.

Route: From the carpark at the end of Brisebois Drive, taking a narrow grassy path roughly north west uphill to meet a paved trail heading further northwest on the plateau towards the perimeter of the park. Then due east on a paved path before descending briefly to the north eastern edge. Walking back into the plateau and guessing the route along minor paths before descending, again, to the starting point.

Conditions: Despite a thunder warning, a dry if muggy evening.

Pub: Back to Gary and Shauna's house for bottled Grisly Paw beers and supper.

Barrier Lake Lookout

A shortish walk on a day of mixed weather with Gary, Shauna, Owen, Seth and Stirling and Ann.

Route: from the carpark at Barrier Lake Dam taking a track rising in switchbacks through trees to reach the ridge and along this for lunch near the strange reflector. Then on a less frequented and steeper path up the next ridge to reach the inhabited fire watch with views towards Canmore. Back the same way as the return tracks were closed because of recent flooding.

Conditions: initially a mix of cloud and sun but with more prolonged light rain on the return.

Pub: the Grisly Paw, Canmore for Rutting Elk Red, Grumpy Honey Wheat and some Stout, with Stirling and Ann.

Old Crown Round

A 24 mile event (for us, walking uphill and running downhill) from Hesket Newmarket with four beer stops on the tops. Ian Lyne and Alison Gilchrist also taking part.

Route: from the official start behind the pub, regaining the village centre and then turning left and left again for Wood Hall. Crossing a field to rise to a stile and then turning left along the wall before bushwacking uphill to find a higher lateral path round the end of West Fell before descending to cross Carrock Beck and strike directly up the hillside in the direction of Carrock Fell summit for the first beer. Running back to Round Knott and then descending pathless, slowly and steeply through bracken to reach and easily cross a very low River Caldew on stepping stones. Then steeply and pathlessly climbing Bowscale Fell eventually gaining the path from Bowscale Tarn. Running down past, but not up, Bannerdale Crags to climb Foule Crag and reach the second beer stop at Blencathra. Then running down across to Mungrisdale Common, turning sharp left and then right to find a path leading to Skiddaw House and a refreshment break. A long slog up Sale How to Skiddaw and a third beer and then crossing a fence further north to run down over Hare Crag before a slow climb to Great Calva. Then running north west to cross the saddle and walking up to Knott and running down to the pass above Gransgill Beck and the Lingy Hut. A gradual ascent to High Pike for the final plastic cup of Old Crown ale and then a 3-mile run down to the road and back to Hesket Newmarket.

Conditions: Warm and sunny at the start giving way to cloud with a gentle breeze on the tops. A torrential downpour after finishing.

Pub: The Old Crown, Hesket Newmarket for Scafell Blonde.

Potter Tarn

A late afternoon swim prompted by Alison Gilchrist (and friends).

Route: leaving the car on the Potter Fell Road approaching Staveley near Hagg Foot and ascending a footpath through a farmyard, briefly on an overgrown and nettle ridden path before joining a broader track up the fellside passing Ghyll Pool to reach Potter Tarn for a swim.

Conditions: Warm sun and warm water in the tarn.

Pub: None but evening drinks at Lesley's new house in Kendal.

Fairfield Horseshoe

A hot summer's day walk with Angie, Al and Jake (from Kendal because Philip's cottage was double booked).

Route: Leaving the car in the lower Ambleside carpark and walking through town past the Golden Rule to take the second left to High Sweden Bridge and then climbing indirectly onto the ridge to pass Low Pike, High Pike, Dove Crag, Hart Crag and Fairfield and then down past Great Rigg and Heron Pike. A detour to the Badger Bar and back through the grounds of Rydal Hall.

Conditions: Some initial cloud but mainly a very hot day but with a cooling breeze on the upper peaks.

Pub: The Badger Bar for Barngates Pale and an embarrassing number of soft drinks. Then The Hawkshead Brewery, Staveley for WPA, Cumbrian Five Hop and NZPA.

Yoke, Ill Bell and Froswick

Walking uphill with some running downhill on a scorchingly hot and still day.

Route: Leaving the car in a field near the Kentmere church (£3) and taking the road, then track along the west of the valley to reach the outdoor centre underneath Rainsborrow Crag. Then following Fellrangers' Yoke 5 route steeply uphill largely pathless into the comb and then through mine workings to climb left to a path just underneath the ridge and along this to a tarn on the top. Then pathless to the summit of Yoke and on to Ill Bell and Froswick before taking the path round the head of the valley to Nan Bield Pass and then down over the Tongue to the valley whence back along paths to a footbridge over the river and back to Kentmere.

Conditions: Very hot and still even on the tops.

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

Reston Scar and Hugill Fell

A short blustery walk with Andrew, Judith, Zoe and Morgan (Lois at church).

Route: Leaving the car in the mill yard carpark and heading north on Back Lane past the war memorial to the left turn and path up Reston Scar. Then onwards, on a clear path, through a gate and then trending left through newly planted trees to another gate before turning sharp right to rise eventually to the Hugill summit. Taking a gate in the field corner beyond to turn right crossing a significant bog to the summit of Black Crag and then steeply down to the Kentmere road and back.

Conditions: Windy on the summits.

Pub: The Hawkshead Brewery, Staveley for WPA, Cumbrian Five Hop and NZPA.

Gummer's How

A blustery expedition with Andrew, Judith, Zoe and Morgan; and Andrew, Helen, Anton and Lois.

Route: From the carpark taking the footpath through the trees to cross the road and then the path to the summit. Then further north descending and then rising to a further subsidiary summit. Retracing our steps until near the summit before trending left and round to rejoin the outward path at the top of the steps.

Conditions: Blustery and cloudy but warm.

Pub: Beforehand and for lunch: the Hare and Hounds, Bowland Bridge for Heskett Newmarket Scafell Blonde and Ennerdale Blonde.

Staveley 10km

A Sunday morning 10 km road run with Ian Lyne and Steve Mitchell.

Route: From the Watermill Inn, through Ings to join the cycle track along the main road (A591) to Staveley. Turning left along Brow Lane and then right down School Lane, to the station and up Crook Road turning right to join the Dales Way and then the next two rights to descend a gated road back to the start.

Conditions: Cloudy and showery.

Pub: The Watermill, Ings, for Watermill: Dogth Vader, Pale, Colliewobbles, Windermere Blonde and  Haystacks and Theakstons Old Peculiar.

Stone Arthur circuit

A short walk, largely between showers, with Ian Lyne.

Route: Leaving the car in a layby on the main road (A591) just after the first Grasmere turn off and walking north along the road to turn right at the Swan Hotel. Part way round a quiet crescent to find a tarmac drive signposted 'Allcock Tarn' rising beside a stream. At the end, bearing left to rise on a paved stone 'staircase' as far as a locked gate into a wood and then, instead, bearing right across the fell to reach the ridge and then up that to Stone Arthur. Then further up the ridge until it was possible to contour round to join the path descending from Great Rigg as far as, and a little beyond, Heron Pike. Then dropping, pathless, down to Alcock Tarn and taking the Victorian track down to Town End and then back to the car.

Conditions: Cloudy with rain showers.

Pub: Tweedies Bar, Grasmere, for a disappointing Rok IPA, Loweswater Gold and Coniston Pilsner.

Staveley to the Riflemans

A 14km run on roads, tracks and paths in the north Lyth Valley before climbing and crossing Scout Scar.

Route: Taking the train to Staveley station and then running south along the Crook Road to take the first left towards Ashes Farm and then south through Ashes Coppice. On this occasion, veering only modestly west (to avoid marsh) and thus arriving at the straight field edge path to reach, and cross, the B5284 and head further south on Capplerigg Road. Following this as it becomes an overgrown and stony track to cross a stream before rising to reach a crossroads in a field. Heading south along a muddy track and then a path hidden within a hedgerow before eventually reaching Gamblesmire Lane. Along this, rising, to reach Cunswick Scar and then along familiar routes to the Mushroom, trig point and straight down to the racecourse and to the Riflemans. After a pint, a walk home.

Conditions: Warm. Cloudy giving way to sun.

Pub: The Riflemans, Kendal, for Greene King Abbot Ale.