Led by Clare.

Eight walkers from Cumbria LDWA assembled outside Staveley Village Institute for a 19 mile walk which followed the route of the fisrt loop of Lakeland LDWA's Lakeland 50 challenge event. The weather was good - clear and dry but with a cold wind on the tops.

The Dales Way was followed much of the way from Staveley towards Windermere before diverting north to skirt east of the town up to the A591. Crossing the road took a while due to traffic but this was soon forgotten on the popular track up to Orrest Head. After a break and a pause to admire the view (which inspired Alfred Wainwright to start writing) the northward journey resumed, eventually reaching the Longmire Road track and beyond it, the climb to Garburn Pass. There were good views of the fells from here, including Yoke, Mardale Ill Bell and Red Screes.

Here lunch was taken before the stony descent into Kentmere. After this the path to the West of Hall wood was taken to Mickle Moss and on to meet some tarmac at The Heights. From here a pleasant walk across fields full of spring lambs led down to the A591 again and a return on the cycle track to Staveley.

Above: At Orrest Head

Above: The memorial stone at the start of the final climb up Orrest Head

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