The stepping stones at Gilsland

These stones had to be crossed early in our walk. The water was low in the River Irthing. I think my camera caught a near catastrophe, as John (second in the line) avoided being skewered by Gordon's walking pole*!

We had a good weather and a lovely walk through the woods, to the Popping Stone (where Sir Walter Scott proposed) and to Crammell Linn (a double waterfall on the River Irthing). 

There were 17 of us and I caught up with a lot of old friends. I like walking with the Intermediates too. 

PS Here is the walking pole poem, penned by Steve Middleton, one of our walkers.

*A Pole Poem.

Walking poles are really great,
They stop you falling down,
By helping ease your crackling knees
They banish many a frown.

But keep the points in front of you,
Don't wave them up behind,
Or else you may kebab a friend
Or render them quite blind.

Especially when you mount a stile,
Watch where you put your point,
A careless pole stuck in a rear
Is bound to disappoint.

Just plant them well ahead of you,
Left, Right, One, Two, One ,Two,
Then we'll avoid fatalities
By running people through.

© Steve Middleton 2015