Friday

Today is a very wet day, according to the weather forecast. It certainly looks that way as we draw back the curtains. We choose to take the high level walk along the “Coffin trail” to Rydal Hall, this is still

a rough walk with splendid views across Rydal Water to Loughrigg. After a few scrambles, we sit on a bench for a rest and then make the final effort to reach “Rydal Mount” the home of William Wordsworth. The road down from the “Coffin trail”

is steep passing a row of cottages and St Mary’s church, which has some fine stained glass windows. In summer and especially when the daffodils are in bloom “Dora’s field, next to the church is well worth a diversion.

We cross the bridge over the River Rothay, Lesley spots a Heron, who waits for a photo before flying off down the river. This is “Steps end” a little wood stretching down to the river divided in two by the path to Pelter bridge. We find a bench on the lower slopes of the “Terrace” walk just above the waters edge of Rydal water.

Whilst drinking a cup of coffee, we count the number of vehicles traveling along the A591 wondering where they might be going.

Its very wet now, the path is becoming a river bed as we try to keep our feet dry by hoping from the larger rocks. Several larger pools later, Lesley is giving caution to the wind and ploughing through the deeper sections, (you'll have to excuse me a minute whilst I put some air into a couple of arm bands.)

Around the next bend and I’ve given up on the arm bands…..did I pack that life raft? Just then my boots start to let in water and my socks are soon wet. We cross the little bridge and decide to take a break on the bench by the weir. Its time for home and a hot bath……….