263 Friday 11 - Sunday 13 April 2025 Kendal Weekend

We returned to using airbandb for this one, finding a place in Kendal, just outside the town centre. Andy the host was a nice old guy. We arrived there aound 7.30pm and went to the Miles Thompson for something to eat. We then stocked up at Tesco Express for the walk the next day,

We had a rudimentary breakfast provided by our host.

The plan was to walk the next stage of the Westmorland Heritage Walk from Sedbergh to Ravestonedale , a stage which required complicated use of public transport. We drove to Oxenholme in the morning, parked up then caught a bus to Sedbergh from there. It was while on the bus that I realised I'd left the guidebook in the car. We therefore went round a couple of second hand bookshops in Sedbergh hoping to find another copy.

We couldn't find one so I bought a map instead. Fortunately,I'd read the relevant chapter the night before so was able to trace the route. We then went to the local Spar as Simon had cut his finger at the airbandb and wanted a plaster. We were therefore a bit late setting off on the walk. It was very warm for April. Our first objective was Winder, the hill that looms over the town.

It was a steady pull but we needed a few stops in the heat.

When we reached the trig point at the top of Winder, Simon flew the drone to the great interest of others at the summit. The video will appear here in due course.

The views were terrific.

The going around the shoulder of Arant Haw was a bit easier.

We eventually reached the summit of The Calf where Simon flew the drone again.

The video will appear here in due course.

We passed a liitle mountain tarn on our way down towards Cautley Spout

When we got down to Brotherdale Head , we had a decent view of Cautley Spout.

We were now feeling tired and didn't fancy tackling the steep climb up Yarlside so decided to try and cut across its flanks to the lower level alternative route. This was a little tricky but eventually brought us to the Cross Keys Inn. Simon suggested we could call for a taxi from there instead of Ravenstonedale. Unfortunately it was closed. We asked a nice-looking lady who was returning to her car if she knew the number of any taxi firm in Kirkby Stephen. She didn't but did offer us a lift to Sedbergh to meet a taxi there. We accepted; she turned out to be an anaesthetist at the same hospital where I work. We got a taxi to Oxenholme , retrieved the car and drove back to Kendal. We brought in a Chinese takeaway for dinner.

After breakfast on the Sunday , we packed up before going to Mass in Kendal. We were slightly late having underestimated the walking time. After that we drove to Fell Foot Country Park. There appeared to be a layby near the entrance but we were warned we'd be ticketed if we parked there. Knowing the extortionate price of the National Trust car park, we drove up the road towards Gummer's How then walked back down.

We filmed a video at Fell Foot which can be seen here.

We had some very ordinary food at the Boat House Cafe before we left. I told Simon he could wait at the bottom of the steep road back to the car. Where I'd parked wasn't good for turning so I drove a bit further up to a safer spot. In doing so I noted a superlative view so after picking Simon up we re-ascended to take it in.