We are so lucky to call Norfolk home with its coastline and countryside, however sometimes I long for a ridge walk or a summit. As the weather looked amazing in Cumbria for half term (and Norfolk looked far too hot for lots of walking,) I packed the van and we headed north.
The beauty of the van is I never have to be organised and book as I can either just park up, find a pub that offers overnight stays, or as we did this time, went to our favourite campsite in Borrowdale. It’s a simple grass field owned by a sheep farmer who is a top person and will always find you a space. So many people once they know this place return to it again and again. I ran into a lovely couple I met on the site back in 2022, who were there again walking with their beautiful collie, Zee.
On our first day we warmed up our legs (and paws) to walking uphill again by walking from the campsite up to High Spy, Maiden Moor, Catbells and down into Keswick. These are summits and a route we know well. As well as other peaks we’d hiked before including Scafell Pike (but this time via the Corridor Route,) I finally got the window of weather to hike some new ones. Haystacks was the highlight. Not one of the highest fells, but such a great view down to Buttermere and over Crummock Water. What a place for Betty Wainwright to scatter her husband’s ashes at Innominate Tarn. It’s pretty special.
Poppy was a star and coped with all the walking, including some pretty big descents (always harder than the up!) Needless to say, back at the campsite, we both slept so well after eating big suppers!
For me, the lakes will always be the most beautiful place in England and always worth the journey to get there. We plan to be back again soon…
