A rainy Tuesday in Sedbergh… the cricket at Sedbergh School a washout, rain falling and getting heavier, all our snacks consumed, except a handful of olives.

But then a break in the clouds – a chance of a walk in the almost dry.

We set off in search of The Pepperpot – a landmark I had spotted on the map, not too far from our accommodation, just a little walk away. The rain might just stay long enough for us to explore before it got too dark.

Main Road into Station Road, turn right just past the Spar Shop into Busk Lane, then right again into Birks Lane, just past the stone archway marking the entrance to a cemetery. We had a chat with some very noisy sheep and admired the allotments. The sky was still grey, the clouds very low, but occasionally we’d spot a patch of sunlight in the distance.

Just before we reached the river, we turned off the road and joined up with a short section of the Dales Way – muddy trails ahead. The River Rawthey was noisily flowing by – the impact of all that rain – but our path stayed just above the river bank, so no wet feet. Following the Dales Way signs, we crossed a couple of fields, then started to climb slightly away from the river. I was still watching the clouds and thinking that this would be a good route for running in trail shoes.

And then The Pepperpot was in view…. a curious tower high up on a hill. Jon headed for the information board to discover the origins of The Pepperpot – possibly built as an isolation house for the daughter of a local landowner suffering from TB; then perhaps later used as a private summer dining room for the residents of nearby Akay House (long gone) – the views would have been worth the climb!

Curious indeed.

With the light fading, we continued on the path, wondering through the near darkness of Akay Woods, spotting a mosaic under the trees – we imagined it was a remnant of the old house. Crossing a dry stream bed, just about avoiding tree routes, slipping occasionally on the mud, but happily following the Dales Way signs. This time, the path didn’t disappear.

Back down to the road, we emerged from the Dales Way footpath onto a narrow road, coming out by the River Rawthey, an old stone bridge to our right.

We turned left, up and over Loftus Hill and back into Sedbergh. Our walk ended, where our day had started; a covered cricket field and no more prospect of play. Happy though, that the rain had stopped long enough for a little bit of exploration.

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50 for 50 #4: 50 posts for my 50th birthday to be posted before I’m 51.