THE origin of place names has always fascinated me and the two main stops on the route are self explanatory.

Brock was the old name for a badger and this beast had it's hole (sett) hereabouts long before human beings took over the environment.

Townend is a little more difficult to understand. Troutbeck is more of a hamlet than a town and Townend House is at the end of the settlement.

Firstly be sure to enjoy the visitors centre gardens with well signed access down to the pier from which pleasure craft operate. The gardens have been designed to provide interest and colour throughout the year. From the car park approach and carefully cross the A591. At this point a bridle path sign can clearly be seen.

Pass along Mirk Lane (which can indeed be muddy after wet weather) and pass Merewood Cottages and house on the left. This is a delightful and obvious stretch and passed the well named Wood Farm. About half a mile along a narrow path lined with trees approach Holback Lane, which is a narrow but quiet road. Follow this for a very short distance and then turn left.

This leads to the delightfully named Robin Lane. Examine this very closely because there is evidence of an ancient Celtic settlement, recognised by grassy mounds which local people still refer to as The Castle. Ascend gently past a National Trust sign indicating Martin’s Wood. Robin’s Lane is also of ancient origin, connecting Troutbeck with Ambleside and was a Roman highway connecting their fort at Ambleside to the Penrith area and on to Hadrian's wall.

Robin’s Lane meets the minor roads in the hamlet of Troutbeck. Turn right and continue along this road to a road junction. Turn right and in a few yards look for National Trust car park and entry to Townend.

Time should be allowed to visit Townend, which is open from March 23 to October 30 from 11pm to 4.30pm, except on Mondays and Tuesdays. This is one of the most atmospheric and scenically beautiful areas in the Lake District. It is described as the 17th century home of the prosperous yeoman but it is much more than this because these are barns and farm buildings but with a modern touch provided in the form of well-kept gardens. The interior is blessed with oak panelling, contemporary furniture and lots of utensils of the period. From Townend turn right along the narrow motor road for about 0.25 miles.

Find a bridleway sign and turn left along Wain Lane. Descend towards Brockhole, with wonderful views of Windermere ahead while to the right and left are magnificently solid barns. Near the 18th century house called Middle Rigg is a man-made tarn, excavated for farm stock in the early 1900s. This is the place for birdwatcher to keep a wary eye open for heron and wildfowl, but during the warmer months botanists travel miles in search of mosses, flowers and autumn fungi.

Wain Lane reaches the A591 and a right turn with Brockholes reached in around 300 yards.

This walk always inspires me to end by another view of Brockholes and to think about Brock the badger, our long-cost cotton industry and the wonders still to be enjoyed by strolling through our countryside.