Blake Fell from Waterend with Steve & Kathryn

A 12km walk on the Loweswater fells with Steve and Kathryn (L; Tim at home ill)

Route: from just by the defribillator at Waterend, walking down and across the plain of the restored Dub Beck, and up to turn right just before Hudson Place to cross a field, turn right alongside the fence to cross the next couple of fields and then track left up the hillside to join the main track from Fangs Brow. Following that south and, where it bends south east, carrying on up the fellside on a grassy path to the first ‘pile of stones’ and then bending south and south west to the summit of Burnbank Fell. 

From there following the ridge fence down and up, due south, past another pile of stones to the summit of the walk at Blake Fell, and taking a breather and shelter from the wind, briefly, in the summit cairn. Then continuing on south-south-east, roughly along the fence line, down and up, to the cairn on Gavel Fell summit. From there retracing our steps to cross a stile and walk north-east over a little craggy top and then down the flanks of Gavel Fell, skirting Black Crag, to join the bridleway above Whiteoak Beck and then the track down, right to High Nook Farm. 

From the farm, taking the permissive path on the north side, across fields and into woods, down to Watergate Farm and along the side of Loweswater back to Hudson Place and then on to Waterend.

Conditions: Almost constant sunshine and a stiff breeze, very slowly clouding over by the end of the walk. Very very dry underfoot after a long, hot, dry spell.

Pub? After first trying the Royal Yew, Dean and the Trout, Cockermouth, ending up at the Cumbrian Baker for bacon sarnie, hot cross buns, hot chocolate, coffee and tea

6km run round the north east side of Cockermouth

A 6km early evening run round the north east side of Cockermouth across a new-to-us footbridge.

Route: from the rectory, running through the cemetery to the gate onto Sustrans Route 71 and then left across the new road bridge on Sandybeck Way. Following this round to take the third left connecting - for pedestrians only - to Ullswater Drive. Turning left from this onto Swinside Close and via a path to Loweswater Close and via Gable End to Slatefell Drive. Following this to the end and then along a path to a footbridge over Bitter Beck. 

Turning right onto St Helen’s Street and then back along Castlegate Drive to Beech Lane, climbing to the highest point of the run and then descending via Isel Road to the Jennings Brewery. Keeping close to the river to reach Aldi and then back along the Greenway to a gate half way along the cemetery and hence home.

Conditions: yet another sunny day, after a week of such days.

Pub? No because earlier, before lunch, the Punch Bowl, Great Broughton for Brimstage Trapper’s Hat. 

Cycle circuit of Watch Hill to the Pheasant Inn

A solitary 20km cycle ride (T; L at a meeting).

Route: leaving the rectory and cycling down Kirkgate to Market Place, Castlegate and up left onto Isel Road. Following this consistently gradually uphill for 3km and then downhill, ignoring the left turn to the Isel Bridge over the Derwent. Continuing past the back of the Lakes Distillery and passing the left turn to the bridge at the foot of Bassenthwaite and thus to the Pheasant Inn for a pint in the garden. 

Afterwards, two sharp ascents: first to Routenbeck and then out of Wythop Mill, and then home at speed down the glorious slope of Strawberry How Road.

Conditions: another spectacularly sunny day after a week of such days, though cool.

Pub: the Pheasant Inn, Bassenthwaite, (part way round the circuit) for Bowness Bay Brewery Swan Blonde.

Six Bridges run, Cockermouth #2

A second attempt at a frivolous concept for a run (and hence an Outdoor Day) having forgotten to cross one of the bridges last time.

Route: from the rectory, running south along Lorton Road and and then left along Strawberry How Road to the Sustrans route to join the Greenway and along this over the Cocker. Turning left and running along the west bank to the footbridge at Double Mills. Running back down the east bank to recross the viaduct, descending the muddy steps to the riverbank road and down to cross the bridge on Victoria Road. Taking Victoria Road but this time discovering a path actually along the bank of the river, eventually climbing steps and then descending again to the cross footbridge by Toll Cottage. 

Passing the Croft Bowling Club to Croftside, then Challloner Street, turning right on Market Street to the alleyway to the Jennings Brewery and across the footbridge on Brewery Lane to High Sand Lane and left back over the road bridge on Market Street. Then right into the car park, continuing on the east bank to the footbridge then along the west bank to an alley back to Victoria Road and then along Tweed Mill Lane and back home.

Conditions: a warm sunny cloudless day.

Pub: two hours later, the Swan Inn, Cockermouth, for Brakspear Gold.