Route: from the Mill Yard heading south-west along the road towards the level crossing but turning left on the Dales Way path and then right off it to run anti-clockwise round the small hill to reach Cowan Head and a waterlogged riverside path to cross Hagg Foot Bridge. 200m north along the road, taking a footpath uphill across a muddy field to reach the familiar track from Side House but taking an earlier left turn to cross a bridge to Frost Hole and onto the higher ground. Turning left on a very muddy path into the woods (Dorothy Farrer's Spring Wood) and then right to gain the road and regaining the Mill Yard via Staveley Park.Conditions: surprisingly, no rain fell but very wet underfoot - much running water - though not as marshy as experience of the paths might have suggested.
Pub: the Hawkshead Brewery Beer Hall, Staveley, for Hawkshead WPA and lunch.
