The Windermere Way 10 :  Fell Foot to Lakeside and back

Saturday 12th October 2019

It was February when we undertook the previous leg. Since then, whenever the weather had been good, one or more of us had been busy.  When we weren't busy, the weather hadn't been good.  Today the weather was promising and the time constraints were sufficiently late to provide, at last, the chance to finish The Windermere Way.

We met at Lakeside and took one car around to Fell Foot where a fun run was well under way.

Lots of people of all shapes and sizes were jogging along by the side of the lake. We weren't tempted to join them.  Instead we headed for Staveley-in-Cartmel where we ogled the miniature train track.  Unfortunately it was not in operation today.

After passing St Mary's School then Church our route led across fields then, more dangerously, across a very busy A592, through a caravan site and up onto the Canny Hill open fell.  A helicopter seemed to be in search and rescue mode.  Perhaps someone wasn't finding the run so much fun after all.

In parts, the ground was extremely boggy, especially as we approached the small reservoir.

We were lucky to reach the Bishop's Allotment woodland without seriously soggy leggings.  From then onwards, it was much easier underfoot.

A short downhill road section led us down to the bridle path above the River Leven, emerging at the eccentric Low Wood hamlet where we had to brave a sudden short sharp shower.

The Clock Tower, an erstwhile bobbin mill, has had various incarnations, not that long ago being a depot for washing machines and the like.  Now it is quite a smart business centre.

Across the bridge and back along the river a little way led to the Angler's Arms with a large and intriguing feature above the fireplace.

We enjoyed a light lunch (if you can call large thick slices of black pudding "light") then it was only a short stroll to the Haverthwaite Railway Station.

Unfortunately it was a longer wait for the train than it should have been.  Not the fault of the Railway people.  We should have had another drink at the pub. Instead we had a cup of tea in the railway cafe.  

The station was heaving with Chinese who appear to have the same habit as the Japs of everyone taking photos of everything and everyone. They didn't seem to have much English.  I didn't try to engage them in conversation.  My Chinese is limited to "Hello" and another word which is a rude way of indicating that I do not want what they are offering.  It's a pity Emma wasn't with us.

The train pulled in. I don't know what the Chinese made of the journey. The carriages are like returning to a pre-Beeching era and there isn't much of a view until the mile or so where it encounters the river as it widens into the lake.

Here at Lakeside we bade farewell to our Windermere Way companions. Cynthia and Ian had to head off home.  Margaret and I were under no time pressures so we were able to complete the circle by catching the ferry that makes the short trip across the bottom of the lake to Fell Foot.

All that was left was to admire the skiffs and wander through the Cosmos back to the car.

That's it.  Job done.  It has only taken just over two years!  Well worthwhile, however.  A great deal of glorious countryside and cheerful companionship with Cynthia and Ian.

Thank you Phil Kirby for devising and publishing The Windermere Way.  Whilst we didn't stick slavishly to your route, it did inspire and inform us.

Now to plot the next great adventure!

Don, Saturday 12th October 2019

For the index page and other stages click on:

The
Windermere
Way

Map: OS 1:50

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although mostly from Ian and me. Likewise written comment.

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