WHEN planning my next walk and knowing that every field would be sodden and every footpath awash, I puzzled just where it would be possible to go.

Even driving from my home to start a walk would be difficult because of the many bridges that were broken, or to which access was denied, because of the battering they had taken from the torrents.

Workington, Cockermouth, Keswick and Millom were cut off. Parts of Ulverston, Kendal and much of Backbarrow were flooded. In the end I decided that I would try a lane walk, fairly close to my home and start from a parking area above the floods.

Park in part of the old road, by-passed by the A5092 and lying to its west side (opposite the Farmer’s Arms), grid ref 302850.

1 From the parking area walk south for a few steps along the A5092. There is no pavement, so tuck in well. Turn right into a narrow lane and climb gently to pass a tiny church. Continue up the lane and follow it as it winds right, ignoring any signed footpaths into the flooded fields or woods. Carry on past several dwellings at Wood End, and go ahead along a signed walled track.

2 Follow the track as it descends to pretty Beck Bottom, through rolling pastures, many with floods shining silvery in the weak sunlight. Go with the track as it winds right and rises to a narrow road. Turn acute left and walk the traffic-free way for a mile as it climbs over the lower slopes of Lowick Common and then below Lowick Beacon, with glorious views across green pastures, criss-crossed with drystone walls.

3 After descending to a valley, take a right turn, climbing to a large sign indicating a cattle grid. Stroll this gated narrow lane past Nettleslack farm and ascend steadily. Continue on the narrow lane as it curves round more high slopes, to the right, to reach Knapperthaw farm.

At the signpost, wind right along a little stretch of the Cumbria Way to reach a wider lane. Bear right and walk for a mile along the hedged way, which has no pavements and very little traffic. Enjoy the views across the valley as you pass the small complex at Wood Gate and press on to reach the A5092.

Cross with care and head on down a similar lane with a little more traffic. Look ahead as you go to see Lowick Church towering up beyond the trees. Remain on the lane ignoring a right and then a left turn.

4 Pass the entrance to Lowick Hall and then the church. Just beyond is the very fine ‘green’ village hall, charming to look at and with a walled area open sided to the lane. It has fine seating and is just the place for a break. Continue down the lane to pass the Red Lion Inn. Cross the A5084, with care, and walk ahead to stand on splendid Lowick Bridge over the River Crake.

5 Beyond the bridge, where the road splits, wind right and walk this lovely lane for one and a quarter miles, high above the Crake, with dramatic views of its fury and of its flooding. The almost traffic-free road gradually winds down to reach the hamlet of Spark Bridge. Cross the bridge over the River Crake once more. Continue past the welcoming Royal Oak, and then on up to the A5092. At the also welcoming Farmer’s Arms cross to the parking place.

Information Distance: 6 1/2 miles/10.5km Time: 3 hours Terrain: All lane walking except for track from Wood End to Beck Bottom Map:OS Explorers OL 7 and 6 NB: restrictions on space mean that this article provides a general summary of the route. It is advisable for anyone who plans to follow the walk to take a copy of the relevant Ordnance Survey map.