A magnificent 11 souls, including local guests Malcolm and Anne plus Beryl from Hull, left Maryport early (if not bright) in an attempt to complete leader Derek’s unfinished business from last year. Dry and mild conditions overhead were complemented with reasonable walking terrain, which was not, however, entirely without sections of ‘heavy going’. No complaints though – it was paradise compared to last year!

The initial section of coastal walking to Flimby was an enjoyable first for the Group but sadly over all too soon. The watery theme continued as we joined the River Derwent near Seaton following it upstream for several miles, lunching on its banks and finally parting company on reaching Cockermouth.

Now homeward bound we visited in turn the small West Cumbrian enclaves of Bridekirk, Tallentire and Dearham separated from each other by acres of well-fertilised farmland. Maryport’s River Ellen was the last liquid landmark and lead us unerringly back to the town centre via the Allerdale Ramble.

Civilisation (!) was conveniently reached as dusk fell - with a 22 mile 8 hour day under our boots, the GPS also recording a surprising 2000 ft. of ascent. The cognoscenti adjourned to Ron’s for Carrot & Honey soup followed by Chilli & jacket spuds – fantastic.