This morning I popped up to my ‘local’. Every time I go I say ‘never again’. I’m not talking about the Kirkstone Pass Inn but Wansfell Pike, the hill I see every day from the front of the house..

My intention was to go as far as The Hundreds Road, a track along the fellside. If I made it there I would have three options . . . . return the way I came, walk down to Brockhole where I could have an ice cream and get a boat back to Waterhead, or go up the back of Wansfell.

The first I ruled out because I wasn’t going back through the field of cows and the second I was unsure of because I thought I might get there before opening time. So, I turned left and continued uphill. It’s a pleasant steady climb for most of the way. Coming down is the worst bit. It’s steep and the path has been ‘pitched’ . . . . laid with rocks to keep people on the route and prevent further erosion. It’s not too bad going up but more difficult descending. I took it very very slowly.

Door to door 4 hours exactly and according to my phone 7.7 miles. There are two extras with photos in order from High Skelghyll Farm to the summit.