Friday - Staveley to Kendal

Our public transport walk in July took place on one on the few wet walking days in recent months! Although fine when leaving Lancaster, the weather deteriorated as we rode further north on the bus and by the time we alighted at Staveley, the drizzle had set in. However, not deterred we set off down an old green lane slightly sheltered by trees and walls, and we able to enjoy a coffee stop in relative shelter. On reaching the open common, sheep (probably feeling chilly after being recently sheared) watched our progress with amazement. We crossed a rather pretty garden before descending to Cowan Head and then followed a flower-edged track to Bowston. Our route crossed the river here and we continued over the stile and along the riverside path to Burneside. Lunch was taken sitting on ladybird seats here under a large oak tree - by the time we had finished, the rain had stopped, giving us a chance to dry off during the afternoon. We had fun negotiating the bridge and stiles by the river before climbing slightly to cross the Todds and gain views back to the hills. The final part of our walk was beside the River Kent and into Kendal where we enjoyed refreshments in the Joshua Tree cafe, with its interesting boat wall hanging, before catching the bus back to Lancaster.

Gill Gale