The prospect of another of Mary’s cream teas enticed seven members and three guests to join Paul at the start of another of his Brampton perambulations. We left town in the company of heavy rain though this soon settled and after enduring a couple or so more heavy showers the remainder of the day became pleasantly warm and dry.

A succession of rather damp and muddy fields interspersed by rickety stiles (testament to the rarity of visitors in this area) lead westwards through Newtown and Laversdale to eventually reach little-known Scaleby Castle where a stop was made for lunch. After a welcome break we journeyed south to cross the Hadrian’s Wall Path into more familiar territory.

Crosby-on-Eden then Newby East were reached in close succession and the swollen River Irthing was re-crossed somewhat more easily than the nearby busy A69. Leaving the traffic to the main road we followed a pleasant secluded lane into the charming village of Hayton thereafter entering Gelt woods on the way back to Brampton.

Refreshments at Irthing Park were, as usual, of the highest standard and were especially welcome after the twenty miles of excellent exercise. It is sincerely to be hoped that Paul can come up with a Mark 5 next year!