Led by Jim

Eight members of Cumbria LDWA braved an uncertain forecast to meet in the car park next to Appleby Swimming Pool. Intitial showery weather soon changed into very pleasant walking conditions as we undulated our way along the Dales High Way out of Appleby, before following the Hoff and then the Helm becks as well as the Eden itself. 

Shortly before entering the Yorkshire Dales National Park we passsed the first of the day's several mills at Rutter Force with its waterfall which would be very impressive away from the dry season. The second was reached at Ormside Mill where a couple of members crossed the beck via the stepping stones while the rest perhaps rather sensibly forded across.

Lunch was taken next to the Sandford Arms where the afternoon became very warm and layers were shed. We then followed the Eden Valley back to Appleby with fine views of Merton and Warcop Fells, crossing both the Settle to Carlisle line and the Eden Valley Railway before entering the town via another historic mill.