Because we were coming from all over the county for this walk, trains were pretty difficult to sort out. However, it was decided that the 9.03 Chorley to Windermere train would be the one we would all meet on. A later start than we'd usually like but it accommodated everyone. So Susan and I met at Chorley, Paul made his way to Preston from Leyland and Andy from Fleetwood. As we drew into Preston it was nice to see Andy and Paul waiting to join us. And then off we sped.

After Lancaster the guard asked for tickets which we duly presented. It was only after she'd gone that I remembered that Staveley was a request stop and you had to tell the guard that you want to alight there. I mentioned this to the others. Fortunately, the guard returned five minutes later and I leaned forward and said, "Excuse...." only for Susan put her arm across me and say to me, "It's OK I have this in hand", and turning to the guard said something along the lines of, "I believe Staveley is a request stop and we need to tell you if we want to get off there". The guard simply replied, "No - this train stops there - you can just get off ". Susan turned to me and said, "You set me up there", to which I replied, Er remember what you said, "It's OK I have this in hand". How we laughed!.

The guard was right and when the train stopped - off we went. We made our way to the main street and had the option of either starting the walk - or having a brew at Wilf''s cafe. As we are serious walkers, and knowing that daylight hours are short at this time of year we chose Wilf''s. When we left it was 11am and we'd walked barely 500 yards, Paul suggested (as he always does at the start of a walk) that we just find a nice hostelry. We declined and took the riverside path. We were on our way.

There was snow and ice as we climbed out of Staveley on seldom used lanes and it was not long before we stopped and turned round to find Susan on here backside. A tough cookie Susan, and we were soon on our way again. Soon we were passing the house known as Frost Hole , with its timeless farm yard. From there we began the steep climb to Potter Tarn. From there it's a hop skip and a good long jump to Gurnal Dubs.

Gurnal Dubs is a beautiful old reservoir. Leaving Gurnal Dubs behind us, we began the long climb to Ulgraves - the summit of Potter Fell. Eventually we reached it, and what views it gives all along the Longsleddale valley, to the Howgills and Morecambe Bay. At a little over 1000ft it is a stunning viewpoint. We had lunch here before making our next decision. It was nearly 2pm now and should we choose to continue to Brunt Knott or return to Staveley. We chose the latter and were a little deflated that it was a same route there and back walk. We needn't have worried - we'd soon took a wrong turn and a new route home beckoned. A nice route too.

So, instead of going through Frost Hole we went through Birk Field and down the steep path to Barley Bridge. In doing, we passed the style where Marion fell 8 years ago and got muddy hands and got covered in cow shit (as she put it). Soon we were in Staveley and heading for the Hawkshead Breweries beer hall. Once inside we soon realised that refurbishment has not been successful. The upstairs room that was so comfortable and inviting has lost its bar, and is not comfortable and inviting. And down stairs isn't either. So being as it was not our cup of tea any more we swiftly left and went to The Eagle . There it is comfortable and inviting though "reserved signes on 50% of the tables with no time stipulated helps lose it custom - for we had one and moved on.

So the 5.15pm train moved us on to The Station Inn at Oxenholme - where we have always been welcomed. A lovely meal and a pint was enjoyed by all - before we jumped on a Virgin and rode to Preston in comfort.

So endeth a lovely day, great weather and great company.

Potter Fell, you revealed your charms.