Fence Climbing

                                              Who Would Ever Guess

     I quickly learned England,s Lake District was quite hilly and that the small mountains were called fells. The sometimes badly eroded paths wove up and down everywhere we hiked. English National Parks are very different from our National Parks in the U.S. In England many people live in the parks and farm their plots. However, the right of way laws prohibit them from secluding the public to trespass their lands. It was not unusual for us to find a sign  reminding us to shut the gate, or to head us in the right direct: as in follow to the beck. (Small stream.)

     I walked through many sheep pastures with sheep most of the time ignoring our presence. Sometimes we entered a pasture through a gate in a fence. Many of the gates were kissing gates which have two sections and two gates to them. You can only enter one section at a time and shut that gate before proceeding through the second gate. These gates are very effective as the gate really can’t be left open.

    I climbed over more than one fence in the several days of hiking while in England.  Most times there was a step, frequently a large rock or  log, to make it easier to swing a leg over the fence. Most of these fences were about four-feet high. I had not climbed a fence since I was a child ---at least 50years ago—so this was a bit  of a surprise, but one I conquered easily.

     The cantilever stone walls took a bit of concentration until I mastered the climbing technique, Stones protrude on each side of the wall providing a foothold as one progresses up the wall. At the top is a space between two rocks wide enough for one foot, so one  can swing around and step down on the protruding rocks on the other side.

     The combination of climbing fences and the constant undulations made hiking through the English Lake District a bit more than a stroll, more what Americans consider a hike, but less than a trek. But the lakes, lovely scenery and views from up high were wonderful. Walking through the bracken, a fern-like plant, was pleasant. At times the plant grew 3-4 feet tall, so all one could see  of the hiker  in front was his upper torso. Bracken is an aggressive plant and is threatening sheep pastures in some areas.

     Our lead hiking guide was a sweetheart with a great since of humor. He enhanced this wonderful interesting trip.