Monday 15th August was a beautiful fine day, in fact, it was rather hot. Never-the-less we set off from Howtown, up the snaking road towards the base of Hallin Fell. The expression ‘Mad dogs and English women’ kept entering my head.

It was a glorious day in Lakeland but even the sheep were seeking shade and water.How pretty is this cottage with its Victorian post box still in use? Wonderful isn’t it? We passed here on our way down to cross the bridge at Howegrain Beck.

The bracken is high at the moment and my friend and I were well aware of tics: nasty creatures, but we pushed on and the views really opened up.

I hadn’t been on Beda for about a year and wanted to re-fresh my memory with the lie of the land as one of my stories: Beda’s Silence is set close to the summit. I think the picture of the ‘shelter’ inspired me to write the rather grim tale of the guy who thought of ending his life there. Did he die or not? All will be revealed soon. 

It was great to see High Street, The Nab and Place Fell looking fabulous. Very few people walk Beda, so if you want solitude: it’s the place to head for.

The path alongside Place Fell heading up to Boredale Hause can clearly be seen here.

This is a favourite path of mine and one I know well – the route down from Boredale Hause to Patterdale, with a close up of the White Lion.

A rather beautiful roof I think and the still-looking waters that flow into Ullswater from Goldrill Beck.

I couldn’t have asked for a better day.