And if by Allerdale they mean muddy, then it is an apt description of this walk, especially after a night of heavy rain.
The morning started bright but blustery, which meant that we had to leave the cycles for another day and go for a walk.
I checked the maps and chose to walk an area we hadnt visited before, mostly frequented by those wishing to climb Skidaw by the back door.
We start by the pencil Museum and wander through the lanes upto Keswick School, a muddy track then crosses the main A66 highway to progress across the fields to Applethwaite. The views are amazing, both in front to the Skidaw mass and behind to The Newlands Valley and
the beauties that lay beside Lake Derwent Water.
A bench by the side of the old post office serves as a resting place and a coffee break.
 |
| Applethwaite After our break its a short stretch of road walking, the next sign is a surprise as we enter the little cluster of houses that is Millbeck, “ drive slowly Red Squirrels” after yesterdays feast we are full of anticipation for a further treat. No luck so we walk on.  On a warm summers day the next stretch (2 miles) running along side the River Derwent would be heavenly, however today it was not, cows and sheep and the odd quad bike had churned up the track as to make it unpleasant to walk. At one point due to the erosion caused by the floods of last year, the walker is diverted away from the edge of the river bank which makes the walk less interesting.  The torture ends after a further half mile when we enter Portinscale. We find a bench just beyond a kissing gate with views of Skidaw and our mornings walk. This is our spot for todays lunch. A mile further on and we are back at the campsite . |
