Back at Broughton in Furness. . .

I can't believe it's been almost four years since we were last walking in Broughton in Furness - a really beautiful, almost hidden gem of a place, in the south-western part of the Lake District. Fortunately, the amazing bakery is still there so we could stock up on lunch and of course, emergency rations.  Their pasties are amazing and I also highly recommend their hazelnut and cranberry flapjacks.  Just what you need to energize the body before a long hike. 

This post combines two walks in the area that I did over the last two weekends.  The Liverpud was leading a medium or 'B' walk for our rambling group so I came along on the recce.

This was an extremely pretty walk, a little over ten miles, taking in lots of different terrains with good paths and no steep climbs or descents, although the walk was certainly undulating in places.  It was a circular, up to the Knott, and back.  The start was very flat, incorporating a mile and a half along a former railway line.

We then plunged into some woodland - can you imagine how pretty and shady this tree tunnel will be in summer?

We crossed lots of fields with sheep.  As you do.

And even saw some curious ponies.

Not too far away is the sea.

And the set of hills that marked the half-way point of the walk.  We didn't climb to the top, but meandered back to Broughton along a path that ran parallel but only went up about a quarter of the height.

But first we crossed a delightful moss-covered bridge overlooking this waterfall.  I love the hundreds of shades of green that you find on a country walk in early spring.

On the following Sunday -  the actual day of the walk - the weather was so lovely with no rain forecast. The Liverpud didn't need my help any longer, so I decided to go on the harder 'A' walk. This took a slightly different route through the countryside. . .

. . . ending up much quicker at the foot of the hills because of course this time we were going to climb them.  The nobbly one on the left is Great Stickle and after that, you follow a ridge towards Stickle Pike.  They look small in this photo, but that first climb in particular is quite steep, especially when you haven't been climbing for a few months.

But there is a great view at the top.

We're now heading for Stickle Pike, that triangular hill in front. And then our last climb of the day was Caw which I think is the one on the right, in shadow.   This particular part of the walk was my favourite - photos can't do justice to the beauty and majesty of the landscape. And not a soul to be seen anywhere. The grass is soft under the feet and it was very dry - just the perfect terrain for me.

Here's the top of Stickle Pike, looking down on Stickle Tarn where we had lunch.

And this was the final push up to Caw - another steep hill that I was glad to get to the top of. We're already about 80% of the way up in this photo.

And from the top of Caw, you can see for miles.  Somewhere in that direction is Scafell and Scafell Pike.  I was glad this was the end of the climbing, but I knew we were still miles away from Broughton.  I was very, very tired when I finally got home and into a hot bath.  But what a glorious day of walking!

It was also an opportunity to wear my latest knit for the first time - Strodie, designed by Kate Davies. But I'll have more to say about it in my next post.