In September despite the fuel crisis, 21 made it to "Hassness", the "Ramblers Holidays" guesthouse situated above Buttermere in the Lake District. Having arrived in the dark with only the local sheep staring, the first morning revealed the surrounding area. HILLS! After a good breakfast and a briefing from our leader Owen, all set off. It quickly came apparent that this was NOT Hampshire.

Due to first morning’s weather, it changes very quickly here! Owen decided that a lower level 12-mile walk would be appropriate. Buttermere Village was reached via Lake, a climb, first of MANY, to the head of Rannerdale Valley, A walk through Lanthwaite Woods took us to Loweswater for a welcoming pub and lunch stop. Following lunch, walk was along more rugged terrain via Crummock Water to Scale Force, a cascading waterfall, then back via village to guesthouse. If this was not enough exercise, you could always clock up a few more miles on the guesthouse’s exercise bike!

After first day’s taster, Red Pike, 755m, yes the first real HILL, was going to be tackled. Due to overnight rain, initial climb was over slippery rocks. Four of us stopped here, returning to guesthouse. The majority went on and completed 8 miles, along ridge to High Stile 806m, High Crag, 748m, descending via Scarth Gap Pass to Gatesgarth for the walk back to "Hassness". Two of us walked around Lake Buttermere, having completed circuit, we had a QUIET sit-down by the Lake, commenting on the peace and quiet, a low level fighter jet flew straight over us.

Tuesday, REST day, everyone did different things. Places visited included Beatrice Potter’s home, Grasmere, Ullswater and the Ravenglass Boot railway. Five of us drove to Keswick, first taking an hours boat trip on Derwent Water, lovely, only problem the driver had trouble parking boat! After coffee and a look around Keswick, off to Lake Bassenthwaite for lunch. Following lunch, drive via a teashop in an old barn, to Loweswater before returning to guesthouse. Evening meal taken in village pub.

A drive to Honister Pass, (which is set in deep valley near Slate Mine), was today’s walk’s starting point. Cold wind blowing. Cold weather clothes were quickly donned. Soon coming off! Walk took us down valley to Castle Crag where an optional climb was taken. Views across River Derwent and Grange Fell were had. Walk along River took us to Grange for a drink, returning along River Derwent for a VERY wet lunch. Rosthwaite was the next stop for a drink then on to Seatoller, taking in a photographic exhibition on the way before climbing to reach Honister Pass. 8 miles..

The Cockermouth Mountain Rescue team came and gave us a slide show and talk that evening which was interesting. It takes them only 40 minutes to RUN UP Red Pike!

Today, Lake walk planned then visit to Loweswater Show. Weather nice am. Red Squirrel spotted in tree. Some decided to just pop up Darling Fell, 391m. Views lovely, we could see Scotland in the distance. After a rather windy lunch, it was down then up to Low Fell, 423 m, (Steep and muddy, not so rugged), to show. Walking along Fell Runners race route, we were applauded as we reached the finishing line, somebody had noticed our efforts!

Due to a family bereavement, Owen had to leave us early. Terry the guesthouse Manager, was leader for last walking day. The majority did 8 to 9 miles climbing Haystacks, 597 m. This walk was for many, almost a pilgrimage to a lovely Tarn, (Celtic for "tear drops") where Wainwright’s ashes were sprinkled. Returning by Grey Knotts, 697 m and an old miner’s track. Walk involved some ROCK CLIMBING. A LITTLE CHALLENGE for the last day.

Anthea kindly put on another walk. Four of us drove to Ennerdale Water. Walking 8 miles around this Lake, with lovely views. After tackling some rugged terrain and a partly eroded headland, route took us back to car. A lovely day.

A big "Thank You" to Peter and Anthea for arranging this holiday. I personally returned feeling better after a most enjoyable week and with the knowledge that I had learnt a card game, on train from Penrith to Southampton!