We booked our third trip to the Lake District just before Christmas 2000, as we wanted to go back to the Grasmere Hotel. In February, Foot and Mouth broke out in the Lake District and everywhere else, and of course it was still around by May, which meant fell-walking was not an option. We decided not to cancel, and to go ahead with the holiday as planned, but just walking on the roads wherever we could do and just enjoy the views.

We were staying from Friday until Tuesday, and on Saturday the 19th we went to Ravensglass and had a ride on the steam railway to Eskdale, where we walked as far as we were allowed towards Hardknott Pass.

Not being able to wander off the tarmac, did not give us the best chance of views, but there was still plenty to see and we had a lovely walk in splendid weather.

Before long we reached the barrier on the road, which meant we could go no further by foot, so we turned round and walked back to Dalegarth Station, where we caught the train back to Ravensglass.