The summit of Gummer’s How rises above the fresh Lincoln-green of the larches overhanging the path from Astley’s Plantation car park. Nearby is Fell Foot Brow road over to Strawberry Bank. Several kestrel falcon’s plummets below are the wooded shores of the southern end of England’s longest lake, resplendent with its Windermere “steamers” (actually motor-driven) tethered for the evening to the Lakeside Pier like ocean-going liners compared with the yachts sailing nearby.
It was here on the Gummer’s How path that physiotherapist Heather Rhodes had agreed to check my progress after a year of my using the trekking poles she designed with their contoured handles. How they have helped me to learn to walk again following my hip revision procedure of two and a half years ago.
Not that I was ready to ascend Gummer’s How (elevation 321m) yet. My recovery from the major surgery needed after having my previous hip replacement suddenly break still has some way to go. For now, traversing the footpath to where the slopes steepen before returning to the car was quite sufficient.
Thankfully my leg muscles are regaining strength, due in no small part to the help Pacerpoles give on slopes. “No!” Heather had initially remonstrated those months before as I reached too far ahead on being introduced to the poles. “Remember, posture is key. Your trunk is a box balancing on legs. Keeping your spine vertical allows the rib cage to expand for better breathing. Don’t be like that age-ist road sign showing a stooped elderly couple crossing the road. Keep your shoulders back.”
Her verdict now was more approving. “Better. You look inches taller and are pushing against the handles rather than gripping them tightly.” She gives me to understand that I now need to keep being patient – like one of the hardy Luing cattle from Argyll that have been introduced to Gummer’s How. She stops to watch the beast slip down a steep banking among the trees, then plant its hooves in the rugged ground and arrest its rapid descent. “Persistence is everything.”
