A 5km saunter having driven up from Kendal and on the way for a pint at the Kirkstile.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 Robin’s Steps to the summit plateau of Brackenthwaite Hows. Descending south and picking up the path within the wood by its eastern wall but, near its end, turning right onto a larger track descending north. Once beyond the foot of the lake dropping left on a minor path to pick up another bigger track to the shore. Following this round to the pumping station and here turning away from the shore to follow Park Beck (looking for otters!) and then a minor road to the Kirkstile for a pint. Afterwards, walking back to the car along the road.
Conditions: A fine sunny evening.Pub: the Kirkstile Inn, Loweswater, for Cumbrian Ales, Life of a Mountain (a new 3.8% bitter).
