I struggled up to the top of Coniston Old Man in the Lake District, north west UK, and sat down to enjoy the moment and the view. I was feeling as they say nowadays “Well satisfied!”. Then up over the ridge appeared Dot who was striding out. Deflation followed as she said that she was 81 years old and enjoyed walking the hills. I felt humble and declared our side of the cairn on the top an over 55 years old zone as more and more youngsters appeared. They were very impressed to learn of Dot’s achivement and could not imagine their grand parents being on top of the hill.
John Morrell of WalkingWays took me up a quiet track – not one of the motorways which scar the hills. It was just like the old days walking on the green parth. We walked down to the saddle with a couple celebrating their 20th wedding anniversary. They had to be up and down in time to collect the kids from school.
Further down we came across Richard Tanner who was mending a pinch puncture; one when the inner tube is pinched between the rim and rubber. Richard was on his honeymoon. He loves the outdoors and is a ranger at Cuerdon Valley Park. The wife was walking his beloved Jed who rarely leaves his side. So the angel is now in his way home by train with wifi to do battle with founders (more soon) leaving the romance of the hills behind. Let us hope that they all stay healthy and happy.
