Back to School, Knott
Back
to school, Knott!
Many
people over the years have suggested I get a dog. Why? Because I'm
fat? It would get me out wouldn't it? So today as my old pal Jeffrey
Epstein from Best Loved Hotels and I were taking to the hills near
Linthwaite, I suggested he was performing the function of a dog. Not
very nice I know but then we have known each other a long time. And
he did get me to go out.
The
three peaks challenge is well known of course. It comprises Snowdon
in
Wales (1085m), Scafell Pike (pronounced 'Scoreful
Pike' or
'Skawful
Pike' with
the emphasis on the first syllable for anyone who is interested) in
England (978m), Ben Nevis in Scotland (1344m). But our 3 peaks
challenge is different. And a little easier. For a start you can
walk it from Linthwaite House Hotel. It saves petrol or diesel and
is therefore greener. It comprises Brantfell (with a small add-on of
Post Knott), School Knott, and Orrest Head.
Of
course we had to do some prep. We tucked in to a large plate of
Cumbrian sausage, bacon, tomato, scrambled eggs, black pudding, and
mushrooms. All washed down with copious quantities of coffee and
freshly squeezed orange juice. You never know, one of us might break
a toe nail and the other would have to go for help. So good mountain
craft says stock up well before you go.
The
weather was going to be changeable. Unusual eh? Anyway, at last
appropriately attired, we headed off down the drive, turned right at
the bottom and headed East up the Crook Rd. A few hundred yards later
we turned left onto Haverthwaite, then stormed up the side of
Brantfell. Me puffing, Jeffrey gliding like a ring wraith. He has low
blood pressure and moves with the elegance of a gazelle. We drank in
the fresh air, followed shortly after by the views which are simply
amazing. The summit of this hill is literally 15 minutes walk from
the hotel. How many of our guests make it?
Onwards
to skirt Post Knott (National Trust), another dandy view point
normally accessed directly from Bowness. North through the woods
until we pick up the Dales Way, then off North again skirting the
edge of Bowness. It's remarkable how near to the town you can be one
minute, and the next in open countryside.
We
were of course aiming for Orrest Head which is located just East of
Windermere, where the town meets the A590. Yes, that's right, near to
Booths, the Railway Station and Lakeland.
We
could see Orrest Head, we just got distracted by a sign which said
School Knott so we headed up there; an enormous climb of just 750'
(thereabouts). Again, panoramic views and a stunning rainbow. You
could see both ends. It seemed like a signal. That just left us to
jauntily walk down to Windermere for hot chocolate. We'd run out of
time. Orrest Head would have to wait for another day!
Total
distance 4.06 miles.
Highest
elevation: about 750'.
For
a slight variation on this walk see http://tinyurl.com/7jb9rcv
which
is the Boot Boys walking site; a group of walkers I sometimes allowed
to join.
What our Guests say
"The service has been outstanding. Everyone took time to talk to us and they seemed genuinely concerned that we were having a good time. They always remembered our names too, so we did not feel 'anonymous' like you can in so many hotels. The general decor and ambiance of the hotel is lovely and the natural scenery breathtaking. Then there is the food... there are no words to describe how fabulous it all was. Least liked? There isn't anything at all - except for the wellies in the porch that don't have a size 3! This is a truly exceptional hotel and we hope to be back!" MW, Chester, March 2013