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Lakeland walls generally have one or more layers of ‘through-stones’ laid across the wall to increase stability. Some have small rectangular ‘smoots’ at their base so hares and rabbits can pass from one field to the next. Others have larger holes in them variously known as sheep runs, cripple holes or sheep smoots to allow sheep to pass from one pasture to another.

Plants and wildlife

Cumbrian fell ponies still live wild in the Eastern Fells, ospreys nest in the woods above Bassenthwaite and a solitary golden eagle inhabits the hills around the head of Haweswater. However, you are unlikely to see them from your bike. Nevertheless, there is plenty of wildlife to see if you stay alert. The cavities in stone walls provide both shelter and hunting ground for the insect eating wren. Their constant movement makes them difficult to spot, but if you hear their trilling call, stop and you will catch sight of them bobbing about ahead of you. After the wood pigeon and the chaffinch, it is one of the commonest birds in the UK with an estimated population of seven to eight million; its success due to its ability to thrive in a varied range of habitats.