At 15km, the longest walk in a long time.
Route: leaving the car promptly at the Lanthwaite Green roadside car park which was already 90% full (at ten past nine on a Saturday) and ascending on a faint path to the under-Grasmoor path southwards. Descending near the car parks and walking along the track to the bluebells, still in good form. Continuing up Rannerdale to the saddle and then down to Buttermere peering through windows to determine whether either pub was yet open (after Covid and refurbishment). Crossing to the far side of the valley to take the sometimes wet stony path north on the west side of Crummock. Although some streams and swamp areas had to be jumped, ground conditions were not too difficult despite recent heavy rain (becks and lakes high). At the north end of the lake, keeping on higher ground to the left to reach Lowpark and then along the road to the Kirkstile Inn, the goal of the venture. Sadly the pub being fully booked immediately continuing along the road to the NT Lanthwaite Wood car park, ascending on the leftermost path to the saddle of the hill, along the ridge and then coming off the ridge left on the path across fields back to the start.
Conditions: heavy skies but only occasional spits of rain.
Pub? Coniston Infinity IPA and Coast Sabro back at the ranch.
