Dales Way Day 7 Burneside to Bowness-on-Windermere.

This is our 7th and last day of walking. Paul only just made it back across the road for the obligatory, morning group photo.

Trying to find somewhere to balance the camera and then get back to the group has become a daily challenge for the two of us. My camera had worked first time. This was Paul's second attempt.

The local weather forecast had predicted a very chill and wet day so we were wrapped up and ready to face whatever the weather had in store for us.

Despite the forecast we started walking under a blue sky although much colder than on previous days but that doesn't matter when you are walking. We saw the better side of the village today. This is St Oswald's church but look at the sign on the pavement.

I have never seen a church used as a post office before but what a good idea to make use of the church when there are no services on.

This rather impressive building is The Bryce Institute. Built in 1867 with money provided by John Bryce. He moved to  the village in the 1850s to manage James Cropper's expanding paper mills but he also took an interest in the welfare of the workforce. Although he died before the completion of the hall, it fulfilled all his wishes. It was built with a library, reading room, billiards hall and a large hall. In 1918 it was used as a village bath house where for 3d (old pence) you could have a warm bath. The price included a clean towel and soap. Priority was given to those workers coming off their shift at the paper mill. Nowadays it is used as a meeting place for many local groups including James Cropper plc.

We left the village walking by the road admiring the spring flowers until we reached a path taking us to continue our walk by the River Kent.

Cowan Head weir and fish pass.

On the other side of the river was an old tractor. I hope it wasn't going to be left there to rot.

The apartments on the bank of the river used to be a paper mill back in 1750. Now they are luxury apartments including a leisure centre and a 9 hole golf course.

An old stone barn which isn't currently being used. No doubt it will be sold for conversion into a luxury home for someone.

There were a few ducks on this part of the river but this pair caught my eye as I think they were goosanders which I had been told lived along here.

It was a walk of just 10 miles today so plenty of time to enjoy our surroundings. We had long since left the Yorkshire National park and entered the Lake District National Park. The undulating landscape would eventually become more rugged as the Lakeland fells get closer but I for one was glad this walk didn't take us over the mountains. My legs were feeling tired after yesterday's 16+ miles.

The most surprising gate we opened!

As the Lake District mountains became clearer we knew our walk was coming to an end.

The end of the walk was a slate bench facing the way we had come. We linked arms and walked to it together.

One last timed photo to finish yet another fun filled memorable walk.

We could now see Windermere as we walked down the hill into Bowness.

We even received an official certificate from a local chain of shops, Hawkshead (which donates money to a charity for each certificate they give out).

A short walk to the shore of the Lake and then it was something to eat in a local tea shop before checking in to our hotel for the night.

It was a good feeling to know we had all completed the walk with everyone in good health and remarkably blister free.



Thank-you to gentleman Jim who led the way without a map or gizmo, just an expert signpost spotter and gate opener.





Thank-you Paul for your expert map reading and your happy demeanor no matter how much ribbing you had to take from me.

Thank-you to Tim, our gizmo man, who kept a check on our mileage as well as having responsibility for closing all the gates behind us.

A huge thank-you to Steve for organising the trip and arranging the accommodation and many apologies for never listening when you were reading the guide book to us!

And finally a very special thank-you to Tina for being a terrific room mate.

It was a beautiful walk and I look forward to next year and meeting up again for another long distance walk.