My hike out from Keswick through the gorge of the River Greta and back via The Old Coach Road.
Not the mighty Kawarau river in New Zealand but Keswick’s River Greta packs a big punch too. The path through the Greta Gorge along the bed of the railway from Penrith has been closed since several bridges were washed out in the storms of 2015; several more bridges have been condemned since due to safety concerns. So it is no longer a gentle bimble between Keswick and Threlkeld. A footway diversion is signposted and recommended, otherwise it is necessary to ford the Greta at several places to avoid the unsafe bridges.
Onwards via Threlkeld coffee shop - terrace with a view and a recommendable chocolate cake - over the main road (the A66) the upper River Greta and once again the track bed of the disused railway. A steep climb up Threlkeld Common to find the Old Coach Road at Hausewell Brow (435 m.). Changeable weather fluctuating between strong sunshine and penetrating drizzle and blown mist, the benefit being an ever-changing scenic view and some dramatic rainbows in the direction of Skiddaw and Blencathra mountains.
Time at a gate on The Old Coach Road to exchange a few words with some off-road riders; my photo is a composite - they weren’t riding that close together.
Return to Keswick via the Bridge House on St John’s Beck.