Day Three: Askham to Pooley Bridge

Horses, standing still

Another beautifully warm and sunny day so we decided to take another walk.  Straight out of the front door and up the hill and down the other side to Pooley Bridge at the northern end of Ullswater, three miles away.  A long steep climb up the hill to start with and then a flat bit and then a steady descent to Pooley Bridge with a great view of Ullswater on the way.  Towards the start of the walk we came across a group of horses standing by a wall.  They were strangely still and didn't show any interest in us.

Ullswater in the distance

At Pooley Bridge I tried and failed to buy walking trousers and we had fish and chips at the pub.  The portions were positively American!  Neither of us could finish the chips but the huge pieces of cod were delicious.  Really fresh fish, not previously frozen!

Back down to Askham

The climb back up from Pooley Bridge on a full stomach was not great.  My legs were burning and I made frequent stops, ostensibly to look at the scenery.  Peter just walked on and waited when he realised I wasn't in sight.  However, despite the pain, the scenery again was wonderful and at least the way back home, once we had skirted the last hill, was downwards.  We passed the horses again.  Some had moved away from the group, but not far, and a couple were grazing but the rest were still immobile in group.  Supper at home including salad picked fresh from the garden, followed by rhubarb, also from the garden.

PS I have now done my homework and the 'horses' are Fell ponies bred for their stamina and ruggedness.  There are fewer and fewer breeders now and the Fell ponies are on the endangered list of the Rare Breeds Survival Trust. Apparently the Queen rides one....well!