Countrystride #52: CUMBRIA WAY with Paddy Dillon

...in which we track the undulating west shore of Coniston Water from Sunny Bank to Coniston Hall with backpacker, long-distance walker and prolific outdoors author Paddy Dillon. As we wander, through woods and over meadows, we discuss the origins and delights of the Cumbria Way – the Lakes' only dedicated long-distance footpath; we challenge Paddy to sum-up each of the UK's National Trails in just one word; we consider why patience may be the best approach to tackling problem campers; and we discuss two great Lakeland eccentrics: W. A. Poucher and George Constantinescu.

• Paddy's guide to the Cumbria Way, published by Rucksack Readers, can be bought from www.rucsacs.com/book/cumbria-way/

• You can find Paddy's extensive list of Cicerone-published titles at https://www.cicerone.co.uk/authors/paddy-dillon

• The Backpackers Club can be found at http://www.backpackersclub.co.uk

Coniston Hall, with its distinctive chimneys.

Paddy Dillon.

Paddy on the shores of Coniston Water.

Brantwood.

Herdwicks in the lakeside meadows.

Approaching the Yewdale fells.

Mark and Paddy in front of Coniston Hall.

Paddy and Dave approaching Coniston.

Our route for the day.