RSF ride from Staveley-in-Cartmel

Swans on Sow How Tarn

Today was spent in the murk, the fog/mist persisted all day which was a shame. Although the ride was organised to start from Staveley-in-Cartmel, because I was riding from home I arranged to meet Simeon at the "Hat Trick Cafe", Low Newton. Only one other member was in attendance, after coffee and cake in the cafe we rode down to Staveley and walked up the bridleway into Chapel House plantation. With most of the days height gained, the track led us past Simpson Ground reservoir and down across the allotment. Foxfield then Sow How were passed before we descended again to Sow How Tarn, lunch was taken overlooking the tarn. Widdle Tarn was seen by a short walk from the bridleway. Another descent followed by a sharp climb to Lightwood, and after a couple of hundred metres we were on tarmac for the first time since Staveley. The narrow lanes continued northwards along Cartmel Fell, the dull day meant we were going to run out of daylight so we altered our plans dropping down to Roper ford. The Winster valley was the way back, it made sense for me to break off early returning home via Witherslack, Beck Head, High Sampool, Milnthorpe Marsh and Milnthorpe.