I HAVE often thought that if you want to understand an area you need to speak to those who have lived and worked all their lives in the region.

For many years I have been friends with Geoff Cain who worked in the Vickers Shipyard but in his spare time he has worked in the Lakes and is a very able photographer.

He has recently published his autobiography which is called Lakeland Dreaming and this inspired me to re-visit Gummer’s Howe and to use one of Geoff’s haunting photographs. He also has an excellent view of Crummock Water where I will visit during the summer.

How to get to Gummer’s Howe: From the A590(T) turn right on to the A592 on the outskirts of Newby Bridge. In just over a mile look for a sign indicating Fell Foot Country Park to the left. Follow the signs to the park and in about half a mile reach the Pay and Display car park.

Map: OL7

Grid Ref: 386870

Introduction: In 2004 the National Trust completed a full restoration of Fell Foot and created circular walks along permitted footpaths. My walk follows the shoreline of Windermere before leaving Fell Foot and ascending to the 1,053 foot (321 metre) summit of Gummer’s Howe.

From this hill there are panoramic views of Windermere with the steamers tied up at Lakeside. A ferry links Lakeside with Fell Foot. This is the place to hear cuckoos in the spring and summer with the resident ravens and buzzards soaring above. Steam from the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway can be seen and also visible is the River Leven meandering its way out of Windermere. Add to this wonderful woodlands and crystal clear streams and you have perfection in sight and sound. The National Trust book shop and cafe at Fell Foot are well worth a visit (telephone 015395-31273). Those of us who enjoy walking with our dogs are sure of a welcome at Fell Foot and drinking bowls are provided for thirsty hounds.

Route:

1 From the car park bear right and then descend gently down to the old boathouses and the teashop.

2 At the teashop turn left and pass the National Trust shop and the pier on the right. Bear left along the lakeside. There are well-placed seats from where there are spectacular views of the steamer pier on the opposite side of the lake. It is an excellent place to enjoy a quiet birdwatch but at this time of the year there are lots of flowers to be enjoyed.

3 Turn left along a well marked track leading back to the car park. There are display boards here which make fascinating reading as they explain the history of the site. It dates back to at least 1619 with the last house being demolished in 1907. On the display boards are photographs of the house in its heyday during the 1870s.

Continue to the car park and bear right.

4 At the A592 cross the road and turn right. In around 100 yards a minor road leads off to the left to Gummer’s Howe. This narrow, quiet road climbs steeply for around a mile but there are plenty of places to stop to admire views of mixed woodlands and panoramic views of the lake.

5 To the right of the road is Gummer’s Howe car park. Enter the car park and follow an obvious track upwards and into a woodland which looks at its best at this time of year. This bears left and after 300 yards crosses the minor road. Pass through a wooden gate where a sign points to the summit of Gummer’s Howe. The word Howe comes from the old Norse and simply means a hill. The path then climbs steeply but is easy to follow.

6 Cross a footbridge over a stream and continue up hill along a very steep and stony track. To the left are wonderful views of Windermere and Lakeside. At this time of year this is the haunt of cuckoo and the Ring Ouzel. On my walk I watched a grey wagtail carrying in its bill food for its young. The Nest is close to a fast running stream. The route continues to climb but sweeps right to reach the summit of Gummer’s Howe car park on the left. Then returns down the steep road and, on reaching the A592, turn right and then left to find the Fell Foot car park and the starting point.

NB: Restrictions on space mean that this article provides a general summary of the route. It is advisable for anyone who plans to follow the walk to take a copy of the relevant Ordnance Survey map.