Route: leaving the Staveley Mill Yard via the foot bridge over the River Kent and taking the muddy path over south east field in the direction of the sewage works. Turning right along the road and then left 400 yards later on a steep drive before crossing a stream below a small waterfall at Side House and rising gently onto the edge of the fellside. Then turning left through Birk Field farm to join the minor road north and following this up the valley on road and track to Ghyll Bank, turning left descending over fields to turn right onto Hall Lane. Gradually gaining altitude again on a stony track diverting onto sodden fields where the bridge over Hall Beck had been removed. At this point the rain and wind rendered sight through spectacles impossible and so shuffling on across marshy paths peering over the spectacles. Taking a grassy path first rising and then descending, and becoming rough under foot and then a stream, through the HP Plantation. A tree having fallen across a gate, climbing a fence and through the fallen tree to regain the path. Back and faster along the road to Ullthwaite Bridge and then, insanely by flooded track and then a quiet road to recross the river at Scroggs Bridge. Along a path to join the start of Hall lane and then back to the footbridge into the Mill Yard.Conditions: cloudy with wind and rain on higher ground. Sodden under foot.
Pub: the Hawkshead Brewery, Staveley joined by Lois for lunch and for Hawkshead WPA and NZPA.
