I had arranged to meet Fr. John in the lay-by at Grasmere, at 9am. We usually meet up for a few walks every year. He had left darkest Surrey at 3am for his annual walking holiday in the lakes. He would be staying in the presbytery at St. Joseph…

On Wednesday afternoon the St. James’ bell ringers went on a tour of the bell tower of Barrow Town Hall, organised by ringer, Sue. I have done Town Hall Tours before when I accompanied my students from school, but I have never visited the tower…

On Friday Ged, Kas and I drove to the Blencathra Center at Threlkeld in order to climb up to Blencathra. Blencathra is comprised of five separate fells. Today we would ascend via Blease Fell, a route that I have only used once, to descend by. We woul…

On Wednesday Ged, Kas and I took a walk from Peter House Farm up to Dash Falls and then on up to Bakestall. The Orthwaite Road was closed (bridge work) so we had to find a route via Bassenthwaite Village to get to the farm. We didn’t start walk…

On Saturday Andy, Cameron, Sue and myself drove to Ambleside to walk around Rydal Water, visit Rydal Cave and Grasmere and to ring the bells at St. Mary’s Church in the afternoon with ringers from the Furness and South Lakes Branch. For once we…