North along the Mint

A 7km run along the Kent and the Mint.

Route: leaving the car parked on Mintsfeet Road in the Mintsfeet Industrial Estate and running to the footbridge over the Kent but diverting under the bridge to head north on the east side on a muddy path and across a scrubby field to Sandy Bottom. Contining between industrial buildings and the River Mint to cross the A6 and to continue on the south side of the Mint past the Thirlmere-Manchester aqueduct to join the Mealbank Road and cross the river at a bridge. Turning south near Dodding Green to run back, now on the north side of the Mint, to the rugby club and then returning to Sandy Bottom. Here taking a green lane for 200m and then turning right along the top edge of the industrial estate to rejoin the outward route.

Conditions: initially cloudy but with blackening skies and a heavy shower near the end.

Pub: the Lakes Brew Co brewery during one of its monthly opening for half pints of Pale Ale, DDH Pale, NE Session IPA and Lost in Mosaic DDH IPA.

Black Crag, Hugill Fell and Reston Scar

A short wet walk with Andrew and Helen and to mark Froggie’s birthday a couple of days late.

Route: Parking on the road by the Eagle and Child and walking to St Margaret’s Tower, right on the path to cross the river and then left along the road and left again past Scroggs Fam to re-join the road and cross the river. Heading south for 500m and right up a steep drive and then a footpath heading uphill to Black Crag. Continuing using planks very gingerly to cross the bog - wetter today - and go through a gate to the summit of Hugill Fell. Turning southeast to head down into the new(ish) plantation and following the track through a gate and up to the summit of Reston Scar. Descending on the newish path on a ridge towards Staveley and then back along Brow Lane and School Lane to return to the pub.

Conditions: cloudy followed by showers of rain.

Pub: the Eagle and Child Staveley, joined by Angie and Alistair for Lakes Brew Co Pale and Tirril Staveley IPA and an iffy lunch.