Pausing on my hike to Place Fell to remember Mike Town (M.A.T.), my departed friend and neighbour in Keswick. Seeing again - but now on my own with my memories - the Patterdale pubs, the church and the George Starkey Hut, with its inspiring roster of famous climbers as past guests: Mike mentored at least one Everest summiteer.
Patterdale so enchanted Mike when he visited as a young child that he kept coming back here to hike the fells, study the weather and to make music. There’s a modest memorial plaque under the ancient Yew tree in the churchyard but Mike’s ultimate memorials are the ppe organs he rebuilt, played and passed on for the future.
St Patrick’s, Patterdale
George Starkey Hut, climbers
Bench dated 1897, easy to imagine young Mike’s Aunt or parents resting here and admiring the view.
View of Patterdale, Glenridding and Ullswater. Helvellyn Range on left horizon
M.Y. Lady of the Lake - Ullswater steamer (built 1877)
Deepdale Beck
The White Lion, Patterdale. Favourite pub for a meal. Also popular with Coast-to-Coast hikers.
“Father” William Hill organ at St Patrick’s, Patterdale
