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Epilogue
This was the last walk of those we first started so many years ago, which ended with some magnificent views to match the weather. When I look back to the many days which we have spent on the fells, and the conditions we had to put up with at times, I think we had more misty and rainy days than sunny days. We have walked a lot of miles from those early days to achieve our goal. Where do we go next, you ask? It's like a first love, you like what you see and you don't want to lose it. Many times when I speak to other fell walkers, they say to me, "Why not go walking in the Dales, or Scotland, or Wales?" But in life you only have one love, and mine is the Lake District. Maybe there is one place we may go walking and that’s in the Howgills (since this write up we have been to the Howgills, to Snowdon, the Dales, and back to the Lakes again!) When you compare this with what other people have done in their lives, it seems very trivial, but at the same time I feel that perhaps we have contributed to help someone in their hour of need. If all that I have written here helps only one person who is in a difficult situation off the fells, I will be more than satisfied. That would be reward in itself.
If you have read my Diary from the first walk to the last (an achievement in itself!) I hope that, even if you are not a fell walker, you will go out and experience some of these walks. I am sure you would find one to suit you, be it down in the valleys or up on the high ground. I think that by reading what I have written, and also one or two of the many good Fell Books which are around today in most book shops, we could between us inspire you to go and enjoy the great outdoors. No matter where you live or what you do, it's there for your pleasure. One last proverb, The best things in life are free. If you, too, complete all the summits referred to in my Diary, you could be a member of the Top One Hundred Club, exclusive only to those who accomplish this great feat. But then again, you may be a member now...
Sadly, this grand fell walker, my Dad, passed away in the early hours of Sunday 11th January 2004, in hospital, after contracting a very rare disease through the bite of a tiny sand fly. Click here for information. Dad spent many hours on his notes, which he used to compile this record of his/our walks. It was his fervent desire to inspire a love of fell walking in others, and to perhaps prompt those who have never walked the fells to do so. If you knew Dad, or would like any information about any of the walks highlighted here, please email me and I will respond. Mark Farnworth |
