For all the cows

So, there was a plan and, as so often seems to happen, the plan changed. The meeting that I came back to Kirkby Lonsdale for was cancelled and so suddenly I had a bit of time on my hands and an opportunity to go for a run. 

I wasn't sure how far I wanted to go but I thought I'd do a five mile route and, if I was feeling good, I'd extend it a bit. I headed out of Kirby Lonsdale, through Kearstwick, past Deansbiggin Farm, and then up Hophouse Lane to the A65. I'm not keen on running along the border of the main road but it's only for a couple of hundred yards before the turning up to High Biggins. 

It was from High Biggins that I had a choice; drop back down into Kirkby or head away, which is what I did. I ran along to and then down the wonderfully named Hosticle Lane to Whittington and then cut across through the fields to the river. It's a lovely run - or, if you prefer, walk - along by the river to Kirkby Lonsdale but I rarely encounter anyone except a few cows. 

Here are three that were hanging about. They're alarmingly big up close and sometimes they'll all move towards you, which is pretty alarming. Someone told me once that cows will usually ignore you or leave you alone but if you lie down, they'll come and nudge you and maybe even lick you. I found this bit of footage on Youtube of someone trying it out. It doesn't look that brave but I think I would have lost my bottle.