Well it looks as if I have got the place to myself for the moment so I can spread out my muddy shoes and gaiters and <shudder> socks to air. Hehe
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I have done the first 10 walks in the "Walks in the Penrith area" book which focus on Ullswater and the Eamont Valley, and very good and cunningly devised they are, starting with a walk from the very centre of Penrith which heads out towards Ullswater and gives tantalising glimpses of the fells as you walk along the banks of the Eamont to Eamont bridge. Then in the second walk you reach Pooley Bridge and see the bottom of the lake before swinging back round "inland" and enjoying woodlands and pastures. Subsequent walks make loops which take you further along the lake, some on one side, some on the other.
The views are out of this world, but underfoot can be hard going because of nature - boginess, and the foot of man - erosion to the point of bare rock, stones and tree roots, such that you must be aware of your footing at all times and cannot get into 5th gear in the way that makes for such exhilarating yomps along the tracks of the Yorkshire Dales. Factor in the stile climbing, the gate opening and closing (with lifting,where the gate is faulty) and the map reading, and rambling can be more like NEAT than regular exercise. HIT occasionally when walking 100 paces up a steep hill and then stopping to gasp for 10 breaths
So off to the Lowther Valley where eroded paths may be exchanged for bulls, gangs of bullocks, aggressive cows and horses.
And please, please can I have a gorgeous day next week to do my 13.2 miles from Garsdale station to Kirkby Stephen.