Distance:15 miles Time: 7hr (inc. stops) Total ascent: 618m

A September week in the lakes began in the morning mists over Ullswater where we were camping right by the lake. This soon gave way to blue skies and very warm day.

We set off around 11:00 from Waterside House Campsite, walking along the riverbank to Pooley Bridge. Some steady climbing out of the village on a road soon gave way to a gravelly track, and we were soon at the Cockpit, a stone circle and handy waypoint.

From there it was a long but easy climb towards Arthur’s Pike. I was carrying 3 litres of water for me, and 2 litres for the dog, but I needn’t have bothered as there was plenty for him to drink en route.

As could be expected, spectacular views from the summit. We could see across to Little Mell and Great Mell, some of the first fells we’d climbed, and in the far distance, Dodd looming below Skiddaw.

We decided to continue on to Loadpot Hill and see whether we felt like extending the walk further. This again was a fairly steady climb with just a final steeper ascent as we neared the trig point.

The trig point was unfortunately sitting in it’s own little puddle and was a haven for insects, so we could not linger. Views were stunning, from the Pennines to the east, and Helvellyn to the west.

At this point, we had planned to continue to Wether Hill, but with legs tiring and the temperature still warm, we decide to return via Bonscale Pike.

Its proximity to Arthur’s Pike had me wondering what it could offer, but its views over Ullswater were stunning. Flat as a millpond with only the steamer leaving a gentle wake as it chugged from one end to the other.

From here, we opted to return via Arthur’s Pike. I thought the familiarity would make it seem shorter. It did not. It felt longer. Still, it was an easy descent.

We stopped in Ullswater for a well earned pint and pub dinner.

This brings our Wainwright totals to Sarah 18, Paul 32