Route: leaving the car at Rough How Bridge despite its formal closure at one end, at least, because of the United Utilities pipework and ignoring footpath closed signs to follow the lower of the two (perfectly unblocked) north-east paths keeping underneath High Rigg, past Shaw Bank and along a metalled road. Taking a clear path rising off the road gently to cut the corner onto the track rising steeply to the church (walking) but taking a grassy track off and uphill to the right before it. Proceeding walking (the steep bits) and running to the summit of High Rigg and then along clear sometimes marshy paths all the way along to Wren Crag and then descending to the road. Crossing the A5091 to Bridge End Farm and following a footpath north, back over the river to Smaithwaite (and a disused pub) and then on a large forestry track under The Benn to Shoulthwaite Farm recrossing the A5091 and back to the start.
Conditions: wintry but dry with high clouds and some hints of sun. Muddy under foot.
Pub: Tweedies, Grasmere, for Thornbridge Galaxia, Turning Point Rising Tide and lunch.
