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.
