Patterdale - 18 July
England’s Lake District was the destination of St Leonards Ramblers when they set off for their latest walks. The morning stop at Rheged was very welcome after the longer than usual journey which was made to appear shorter by the viewing of a video of the Club’s recent holiday in Madeira.
After morning coffee etc. the shorter onward journey was made to Patterdale where both groups were to begin their walks. The low walkers set off in a southerly direction to and through the picturesque village of Hartsop. Continuing south they skirted the small lake known as Brothers Water before turning westwards through the expansive Hartsop campsite and then north along the west bank of Brothers Water and onwards through Bridgend to finish back at Patterdale.
Meanwhile the High walkers had also set off from Patterdale but in a westerly direction. This saw them enter the valley of Grisedale and walk south-westward along the southern side of Grisedale Beck as far as Ruthwaite Lodge. Here they crossed the river and turned north east below Eagle Crag to make their return to Patterdale along the northern side of Grisedale valley.
Arriving back at Patterdale within minutes of each other, both groups had walked some 7 miles though the high walkers had faced the sterner of the two routes. An enjoyable social hour or so was spent by all in the local hotel before the coach trip home to East Kilbride.