At first glance, the prospect of lugging a coffin through the terrain of the central Lake District is not a pleasant one. The ancient ways set as routes to ‘mother’ churches in medieval times were often remote and hazardous. However, those dwelling in Rydal who needed to transport a casket to St Oswald’s in Grasmere had one of the best routes going. It’s doubtful there would have been a competition for the best route, but the parishioners of Rydal certainly had it relatively easy – they chose one of the more sedate paths above Rydal and Grasmere Water, sheltered by large beech and oak trees with mostly Lakeland slate underfoot.
Preparing for the funeral run.