The leisurely strolls along the footpaths through farms and the gentle grasslands of the Lake District are unforgettable memories of the leisurely passage of time.
Private pastures are surrounded by low stone walls and fences to prevent sheep and other animals from escaping. Public footpaths, paths that anyone can use, have been created to cross these farms.
I first walked along a path heading south along the west shore of Coniston Water. At first, the path was between campsites and farms, but as I continued south, it became a narrow path covered with ferns. It was also here that I spotted heather blooming on the cliffs.
The path from Coniston Village to Hoxhead was a hilly path that took me through farmland. The path was gently undulating, with shade from trees and a refreshing breeze.
I also walked the footpath from Ambleside to Lake Grasmere. There were many people out walking here. I greeted everyone I met, and met a dog that had come for a walk with a branch from its favorite tree.
The farm is surrounded by stone walls and fences to prevent sheep and cows from escaping, but sometimes footpaths pass through them. There are various entrances to these fences that are designed so that people can pass through but not sheep. Some fences open like doors, so animals cannot open them even if people open them. There were various gates that only people can pass through, such as those that require I to step over the fence on a step stool or those that require I to climb a small staircase to get over.