A tiny less than 5km stroll on the first (and decidedly undecided) day after polling in the US election 2020 but with lovely autumn colours. Route: leaving the Staveley Mill Yard via the footbridge over the River Kent and taking the muddy path towards the sewage works but, at the first flooded field, diverting left through a gate and then through gaps and gates across fields, disturbing several deer, to meet the road opposite the path into Dorothy Farrer’s Wood. Taking this very marshy path and turning left through the first hand-gate and keeping to the left of the woods on clear paths climbing and eventually exiting near Piked Howe, crossing part of Mike’s Wood in the process. Briefly descending the road but bearing right across marshy fields to climb to the corner of Craggy Plantation and entering through a partially wired-closed gate. Continuing along the top of the woods to descend fields to Barley Bridge and back along the road and then riverside path to the outward footbridge.
Conditions: a still (and thoroughly spirit-lifting) autumn afternoon.
Pub: the Hawkshead Brewery, Staveley, for final (£2 a pint!) pre-second lockdown pints of Hawskhead Red and Gold.
