Before the World Cup began I managed to fit in 3 days of hiking/camping in the Lakes. I walked the Cumbrian Way (or the Cumbria Way as both names appear on different signs) for two days from Ulverston up to Chapel Stile. Then I walked from Chapel Stile to Windermere to get the train home.

The start of the Cumbria Way is signified by a bench. I think that this is a bit pessimistic (although I guess that people might walk it in reverse).

The first day was very hot and I made the mistake of not carrying enough water. I had 1 litre but had 15 miles to walk through pretty much the middle of nowhere. After 10 miles I was starting to fantasise about Japanese vending machines. It wasn’t too bad but the last 5 miles were a bit uncomfortable. Note to self for the future: plan more carefully.

Another mistake I made at one point was to follow the couple in front of me. There was an “ad hoc” sign showing a diversion. Walking across a field I gamely followed they as I saw them climb over a locked gate ahead of me. It turned out that they were an American couple and they didn’t have much of a clue as to what they were doing. I caught up with them as they stood confused in a field with no obvious way forward. It turned out that they had a map but nothing as detailed as an Ordinance Survey map. I was able to identify which field we were in and how to get back on track.

Following others and assuming that they know what they are doing is a mistake that occurs often. From students completing assignments to politicians devising economic policies via university executives. Coming across a locked gate is a signal that something is wrong. It is possible that the right of way goes ahead but quite possibly not and so well worth a good check. I’ve noticed that visitors from overseas tend to jump over gates and such like but it’s a false economy. Rights of way are quite specific and, once lost, getting further lost doesn’t help. I noticed this as a German couple on day 2 walked past a semi-hidden signpost and walked into somebody’s front garden before attempting to climb over the gate at the other side. The house owner was less than happy. Rights of way tend not to go through front gardens. Also, a good map is very useful not so much for sticking to the path but getting back onto it one you inevitably get lost.