Brackenthwaite Hows 7km run

A 7km run on a lovely February day.

Route: leaving the car at the Lanthwaite Wood National Trust car park and taking a steep shortcut to reach the start of the the small path up Roger’s Steps to the summit plateau of Brackenthwaite Hows. Descending south and picking up the path within the wood by its eastern wall to join the small path descending to the boat house. Thence round the lake to Highpark Farm and round the end of Mellbreak before descending to the Kirkstile Inn and then back along the road.

Conditions: sunny, still and surprisingly warm for February.

Pub: later on the journey home, the Badger Bar, Rydal for Hawkshead Five Hop and Red and lunch.

Robinson and Dale Head circuit

A 13km circuit on a sunny cold day after the sad news of Chris Hoggarth’s death.

Route: leaving the car at the Gatesgarth Farm car park (£4) at the bottom end of Buttermere and walking back along the road to the footpath running steeply up alongside Hassness How Beck, up a ridge with a perhaps a 6 foot stretch requiring hand-over-hand work, and then a long lesser climb to the summit plateau with a diversion left to reach the summit. Descending Robinson and ascending Hindscarth Edge and then Dale Head. Descending to the quarry and then ascending the old tramway to the plateau and then by the right hand, eastern track to Warnscale Bottom and back to the car.

Conditions: cold and occasionally bitterly cold in the wind (but very warm at other times).

Pub: the Bridge Hotel, Buttermere for Jennings Sneck Lifter.

10km circuit in Kentmere

A new 10km circuit in Kentmere.

Route: Leaving the car on the road just before the entrance to the Hollingworth & Vose factory and running through the factory yard to take the green valley bottom path to Kentmere Hall where doubling back to ascend slowly on a track onto the moors to reach the crossroads of paths by Park Beck and then on wet paths eventually to reach tracks approaching Williamson’s Monument. Descending a paved road back into the valley. Just before Browfoot, taking a permissive path that leads round the farm to join the riverside track to its west. Along past Crofthead and Sawmill Cottage to reach the Hollingworth & Vose factory again and the car.

Conditons: a cool day but warm sun (icy, boggy, muddy and rocky terrain).

Pub: the Hawkshead Brewery, Staveley, for Cumbrian 5 Hop, WPA, XPA and lunch.