“Five in a Hut”– the story Enid Blyton declined to write

Five intrepid walkers from our regular Tuesday group ventured into the heart of the Lake District for a few days. We arrived in the area around 2pm and got our priorities right – we sussed out the local (Three Shires Inn at Little Langdale), quality assured the ales and booked our evening meal (lamb shanks all round). 

We then checked out our home for the next few days - the Yorkshire Rambler’s Hut at Low Hall Garth. It is an old farm cottage above Little Langdale Tarn and owned by the National Trust.

 

After quickly sorting out the essentials – ie who had top bunk, as well as making the key appointments such as firemaker, entertainments officer, first aider, wine monitor, porridge cook etc – we ventured forth on our first walk. 

Mike took the leader’s baton for this one 

He led us to Elterwater via Stang End

We stopped off at the Three Shires for a few beers and the aforementioned lamb shanks – highly recommended - before returning to the Hut for an evening of games. Our Entertainments Officer was in his element as he explained the delights of “Shut the Box” but found no takers for “Pass the Pigs”, so the playing cards made a welcome appearance. 
 

 We awoke to the smell of piping hot porridge – Chris had been elected Porridge Officer – and after a hearty breakfast we departed to Coniston.  
 

I was leading today’s escapade to find The Old Man. Easier said than done given that the whole area was shrouded in mist and low cloud when we set off; then the rain set in and the wind decided to blow a gale – so what’s new I hear you ask? Our route took us out of Coniston via Heathwaite Farm, along Walna Scar Road before turning north up to Brown Pike.
 

Visibility was still poor, the rain was still wet – you know, the sort of rain that just soaks through – and the wind was still gale force. 

However, our doughty heroes continued on without a murmur.  
 

Dow Crag came and went and we found the Old Man 

Trigpoint S5473 for the cognoscenti and ranked 176th in the Triggy charts (our highest ranked trigpoint to date).

On our descent via Low Water, the weather changed and we saw sunshine for the first time

... with some splendid views over Coniston Water ...

    

 ... and Coniston itself 
 

We took refreshment at the Bulls Head in Coniston – home of the Coniston Brewing Company. The Old Man Ale and the welcoming fire made it all worthwhile.

Mike was on chef duty and provided us with an excellent lasagne. 

His meal was ably supported by Chris’s speciality garlic bread and Simon’s exquisite cheesecake, all washed down with a few bottles of vino collapso from Chateau Nicod.
 

Steve demonstrated his fire-making skills – obviously a former boy scout. The Entertainments Officer’s suggestion of dominoes was eagerly accepted by the crew – apparently the alternative offer of another round of “Shut the Box” may have explained their eagerness.

The following morning, Chris - the day’s walk leader - made sure that we were all up by 7.30am (thanks Chris). Not only did we have the (now accepted and expected) porridge but we were also treated to a full English breakfast by Mike (thanks Mike).
 

Today’s planned hike would take us past Little Langdale Tarn to Wetherlam then back round Greenburn

we would meet some locals on the way

However, this was all a bit too much for me - I experienced a return of my wounded knee within a couple of miles and had to be escorted back to the hut by Simon (thanks Simon).
 

The trio continued on in the mist in search of Wetherlam but they were drawn, seemingly by a greater mystic power, to Coniston again and the Bulls Head. A pint or two later they found their way to a bus stop and eventually ended up close to home. The alternative explanation is that they simply got lost!
 

Boeuf bourguignon was today’s main course, expertly presented by Chris, today’s head chef. He was ably assisted by sous-chef Steve, who provided us with a superb apple and blackberry crumble. Again this was washed down with a few more bottles from Chateau Nicod.

 

The Entertainments Officer finally persuaded the group to play “Pass the Pigs” (nothing to do with the amount of alcohol consumed, honest). We rounded off the evening’s entertainment with charades where the group’s thespian credentials were plain for all to see. Editor’s note - remember to ask Mike about his kangaroo and myself about Richard Nixon.

The following day we said farewell to our Lakeland "home" ...

... but before heading south we visited Grasmere, where William Wordsworth lived (and died)

  ... and, of course, we bought some of the world-famous Gingerbread.

A splendid time was had by all. Especial thanks to Mike and Chris for organising the venue and sorting out the food and drink. We must do it again!