A 16km walk with Richard Gipps (who was renting a cottage in Lorton), Lois picking James up from Penrith station.Route: Leaving the cottage and walking up the Boonbeck Road to Scales and then along the green track to High Swinside and along the road and then footpath to the new footbridge over Hope Beck. Continuing along the lower path over one obvious and one less obvious stream but trending uphill (otherwise too soon) to find the clear main path (just above a large white stone). Continuing uphill, remembering to take a half right uphill to reach a ruin and thence the saddle behind the Dodd. Then slowly up the clear path to Whiteside and left to Hopegill Head.
Descending over Sand Hill to Coledale Hause and turning right to descend into Gasgale. Walking along a sometimes difficult path with a couple of awkward steps and an awkward descent near the end to reach the path back along the east of the valley (T taking a headlong tumble).Turning left to Miller Place, right along the c-road and then by paths via Low Swinside to Lorton.
Conditions: after two weeks of sun, a cool breeze and cloud while climbing though some hot still weather on the return.
Pub: the Pheasant Bassenthwaite for Bowness Bay Brewery Swan Blonde and Lakeland Walker Pale Ale.
