Thanks for making the scones Southey. They are delicious", said Little Eric, as he spread butter and jam on a sultana one.
"The cherry and ginger ones are quite scrumptious", went on Allen.
"So I see", laughed Tetley. "That's your third."
"You are all welcome", said Southey. "I wanted to give Grizzly and Little Eric a day off."
Grizzly held out his mug. "Can you refill it please Shaun."
"Sure pal. It's your third."
"Yes, I am trying to keep up with Allen and Southey. But failing!"
As Shaun filled his mug, he commented, "Although repeats we've had two good walks in the last week. It's added 14 miles to our total for this year.
Picking up the iPad, and after a few taps, Tetley said, "there is a day down to walk with Uncle Eric next Tuesday. We may need to come up with a suggestion."
"We suggested the last one. I think Uncle Eric will have a route in mind", replied Shaun.
This was indeed the case.
The start was to be at Helsington Church. We arrived first. Our pals Barnaby and Lee always come to see Uncle Eric. As there was time, Lee asked, "will you take our picture on that seat."
"Sure lads. Come and get settled.
l-r Southey, Allen, Barnaby, Lee with in front Little Eric & Grizzly, Tetley & Shaun
There was a French family at the car park in their motor home. The two young children, a girl and boy were fascinated with us. With their father we were all introduced and they cuddled us. The father then took picture of us and Dad with his children! We loved it and hope it is a nice memory.
By now Uncle Eric had arrived and Barnaby and Lee went to say, "hello."
"Nice to see you lads", he replied.
While Dad got ready we looked across the Lyth valley. "If a little hazy that's still a fine view of the Coniston Fells", pointed Grizzly.
"And on the far right are the Langdale Pikes", went on Tetley.
"I'm ready", called out Dad. "Come and get settled in the rucksack."
"Ok", replied Little Eric.
So, off we went along the drive from the church.
At Brigsteer Road, Uncle Eric said, "turn right, then shortly we want the path left for Scout Scar."
"Here", called out Allen, pointing to the signpost.
Through the gate the path stretched out before us.
As we strolled along, Shaun said, "that tree will make a nice picture."
"We took this route the last time from the church", went on Shaun.
"That's right" agreed Uncle Eric. "However when we get into the small valley, we are going to keep ahead and climb up onto area of Scout Scar called Helsington Barrows."
In the valley, Tetley pointed, "there's the path we took last time. It seems even more overgrown."
The path steepened but it was not very far until we got up onto the wide expanse of Helsington Barrows with Scout Scar beyond.
"Wow", cried Grizzly. "What a superb view of the Kentmere Fells. We had happy days doing the horseshoe."
Turning his eyes left Allen said, "and superb to the Fairfield Horseshoe and Red Screes."
"I am so grateful Dad that you took us round the Fairfield Horseshoe in 2021. It enabled me to complete Wainwright Book 2 the Far Eastern Fells", said Little Eric.
"I am just glad I managed to get round. It was a hot day and so pretty tough", replied Dad. "I do not plan to ever do it again."
The track led across the wide ridge. "That's Barrowfield", pointed Grizzly. "We passed that last time we walked from the church."
"A minute later Southey pointed, "those flowers will make a colourful picture."
"We need to get by the wall away to the right", advised Shaun looking at the map. "Then at the corner it is through the kissing gate."
There Uncle Eric said, "Just follow the track ahead."
This meandered down, basically following the wall. "It is certainly a very substantial wall", commented Tetley. "Must have taken a long time to build a long time ago. It has stood the test of time, unlike some things built more recently."
"Please take that tree", called out Allen. "Another good picture for our story."
Little Eric called out, "look there's a glimpse of Kendal through that gap in the trees."
Onwards we strolled and coming out of the trees the view opened distantly to the village of Natland. "I love the patchwork of fields divided by the stone walls", said Allen.
Shortly the path now led to a gate onto Brigsteer Road. "Turn right", advised Shaun. "We are looking for a stile on the left to take us across to Whetstone Lane."
Keeping our eyes peeled, it was Tetley that called out, "here."
The path circumnavigated High House Farm and led to gap stile onto the lane.
"Where now?", asked Little Eric.
Uncle Eric said, "turn left then just as we get to Briggs House Farm, it is right along the bridleway." This was signed to Helsington Church.
As can be seen it was walled at first, but then continued across open pastures keeping by the wall to the left, and leading unerringly to the church.
"What is that building by the church?, asked Southey.
"I can tell you", said Grizzly. "The building is called Lumley Fee. It was built in 1853 as a school. A house for the school master being built in 1861. In 1903 Westmorland County Council took over the running of the school until its closure in 1965. From 1966 the old school was used as a residential children's and community centre until its conversion to a bunkhouse in 2014."
"That was a lovely walk Uncle Eric. Thank you for devising it", said Allen.
"You are welcome lads. Even though I have walked extensively in the area, the part from the kissing gate in the wall was new to me."
