This was a hastily arranged walk, which saw Paul having to pull out at the last minute, and with Pam returning from Southampton, she was not available. Leaving Chorley at 8 we made good time to Shap (it would have been better without the 4 long stretches of 50 mph average speed, speed cameras on the M6). The weather was bright and sunny at Shap where we stopped for a coffee. And it was still sunny when we arrived at Howtown.

Because of our early start parking wasn't a problem and we were soon passing the Howtown Hotel on our way to the north ridge of Steel Knotts. It's a steep start but 45 minutes later we were approaching the top of the ridge. The summit of Steel Knotts is named Pikeawassa and good views were abundant. However to the west rain clouds were ominous. Shortly after leaving the ruins at the foot of Gowk Hill the weather began to close in. As we reached the Wether Hill ridge we had to don full waterproofs before making our way to the summit. By now visibility was very poor and for safeties sake a compass bearing was taken for Loadpot Hill. We soon reached the chimney of Lowther House and made the short walk to the summit. By now visibility was awful and we were in unfamiliar terrain. Susan and I discussed the options, either return the way we had come or continue, and make for Pooley Bridge and return to Howtown by the Ullswater Ferry. We chose the later. Firstly we took a bearing to the NW to cross the well defined High Street path and then set forth. Just after finding the path the weather suddenly cleared and good views were to be had. We took off the waterproofs and made our way to Arthur's Pike. From there its a pleasant gradual descent to Cock Pit and on to Pooley Bridge.We had two coffees at the pier cafe before boarding the ferry to Howtown.

To summarise, we all thoroughly enjoyed the walk, which offered very varied terrain and great views. Well worth it.

And taken a little higher up the ridge - the ferry is leaving Howtown for Pooley Bridge