Much as I prefer walking over mountains, open fellsides and rights of way, I never mind occasional strolls around country lanes – particularly if there’s not much traffic on them. Many of the great walkers of the past – people like George Borrow, Jim Phelan, Walter Starkie etc. (do read their books if you haven’t)Continue reading “Walking the Lanes of the Eden Valley”
Tag Archives: Gypsies
Gypsy Encounters
As a vagabond by nature I’ve often encountered Romani folk on the roads. Normally at this time of the year, we attend the New Fair at Appleby in Westmorland, the most important gathering of Romani folk in Britain. Obviously, with Lockdown, there is no horse fair this year, so I thought I’d publish some RomaniContinue reading “Gypsy Encounters”
Over Dunmail Raise
In a car you hardly notice the steep climb over Dunmail Raise, as you drive the busy tourist route from Grasmere to Keswick. Just another hill on a fast stretch of road, widened in recent years so that motorists might overtake struggling lorries and holiday coaches. Not considered one of the classic Lake District mountainContinue reading “Over Dunmail Raise”
No Man’s Land
The concept of No Man’s Land seems strange in relation to country walking. Surely it’s a military term, the terrain between two opposing armies, such as on the Western Front in the Great War? Seventy-five years ago, my father was stationed near Battle Abbey in Sussex, waiting to participate in the Normandy Landings. The lastContinue reading “No Man’s Land”
The Hoff Beck Walk
I was pleased to see that the Eden Rivers Trust has created a formal walk – the Hoff Beck Walk – along the lovely little river of that name close to Appleby in Westmorland. The new trail follows the Hoff Beck from Colby to the picturesque Rutter Falls, passing through peaceful and uncrowded countryside. I’veContinue reading “The Hoff Beck Walk”
Walking the Old Ways 