Route: leaving the cottage and heading over the Whinlatter Pass for the first time since the C2C 20 years ago and finding it surprisingly easygoing (steep only between the Spout Force footpath and the later Forestry Commission Spout Force car park). Descending into Braithwaite and following the C71 route to Keswick under Swinside and via Portinscale for a pint at the Wainwright Inn. Then detouring off the A591 first along the under Skiddaw road to look at the old Red House Hotel building (now apartments) and then via the road to St Bega's church. Rejoining the A591 as far as Bewaldeth and turning left to follow straight and rather rough roads up hill and then down through Isel to cross the River Derwent and then into Cockermouth for coffee and a hot cross bun. After shopping for supper, books, beads and benches, home via the Lorton Road.
Conditions: cold and windy with grey cloudy skies.
Pub: the Wainwright Inn, Keswick for Fell Brewery Tinderbox and Ekuanot.
