Dearest,

I saw, alone in my office, the bleak sun shining over rooftops. Indifferently I knew 
people walked the streets down below.
But you came along, took me by the hand, and led me to the park where people talked and 
people played: the human condition. I saw with your eyes, heard with your ears.
All these people, so alike, so apart. The vast and ever changing flow of consciousness 
absorbs all my thoughts and renders me immobile. The intense gaze tires my eyes and
hurts my spiralling mind, ever hunting for clues and causes. In the dark of your eyes 
I wander; on your words I'm lost. I wish a simple gesture could bridge the gaping abyss.
Alas, we are alone.
Now I long back for the silent books, the mind-absorbing formulas. However, the human
condition lingers on.

And brings us to:

KESWICK, Lake District                                            27 September 1997 

[BLENCATHRA] Starting 5 miles before Keswick at Scales Farm, up Blencathra
via the exposed ridge of Sharp Edge. Going down along the south-west edge, looking
out over Keswick valley, contouring around the feet of Blencathra and Skiddaw until
the Cumbria way, which takes us into Keswick.
(17 km, 750m ascent) [Graham H., Paul]
Note that Sharp Edge is difficult. One needs to scramble, it is for experienced 
walkers only. If it rains or if there is a strong wind, Blencathra will be approached 
south of Sharp Edge, instead of Sharp Edge itself. 
[SKIDDAW] Skiddaw is one of the highest mountains of the Lake District. We approach
it from the south via the villages of Applethwaite and Millbeck on the Allerdale
Ramble. A bit of scramble on the scree brings us to the top of Skiddaw. On the way
back we pass the lower top on the shoulder of Skiddaw called Little Man. Again the 
Cumbria Way brings us into Keswick. For people who like to walk up high tops.
(16km, 850m ascent) [Richard C., Tracey]
[HIGH SEAT] Through some small forests along the east shore of Derwent Water
we reach Ashness Bridge. From there we go up the hill to the top of High Seat
which allows us a view over the valleys around us. On the way back we pass Bleaberry
Fell and the edge called Walla Crag. A walk with views and variety.
(14km, 550m ascent) [Catherine, Chris]
[CAT BELLS] The lowest hill near Derwent Water is Cat Bells. It is included in
this walk which takes us along the river called Newslands Beck, up the north side
of Cat Bells, off the south-east side and back along the west shore of Derwent Water.
A bit of everything on this walk. 
(16km, 250m ascent) [Will, Mark A.]
[AROUND THE LAKE] Around Derwent Water. Starting from Keswick, going up 200m 
for some nice views, dropping back to the shore and following it all the way around, 
Through farmland, open fields and  forest; part of it on the Cumbria Way. 
Basically a low level walk with views onto the lake from all directions. 
(16km, 300m ascent) [John, Alison]
[RAILWAY] Following the valley of the river Greta until a path brings us to
the disused railway. We walk on this path for three miles. Back via the stoney 
fields of Low Rigg and the Stone Circle outside Keswick. Walking along 
river valleys and old railways has something special.
(15km, 200m ascent)  [Who? Oh, who?]
[FOREST WALK] A walk through the forests of the National Trust south of Keswick,
with a variety of rare plants and trees. Part of it along the shore of the lake, and
a part of it higher up, below the edge of Walla Crag. For those who like to get
out and enjoy nature, but do not like to sweat. 
(11km, 100m ascent) [Norbert] (sic)

Yours truly,

Norbert (Hikes Organiser, and maybe, just slightly, deranged.)