A German wanderer who proved a talking point on the East Fellside said he had been overwhelmed by the friendliness of local people.
The man stopped for a night or so at a crossroads near Kirkoswald with his horse and bowtop caravan, prompting passers-by to stop and chat with him – although one or two were at first slightly suspicious, believing him to be heading for the New Fair at Appleby, which has been postponed until August.
One of those he spoke with was Stu Harper, from Lazonby, who said the visitor was a rather private person and did not give his name, but was friendly and did reveal some details about himself – including that he was born in South Africa, moved to Germany in his teens, worked as a motorcycle stunt rider and later went into the oil rig industry.
Stu said: “This chap came over from Germany to the North East and is making his way through North Cumbria. He intended to visit last year but COVID put a stop to that.
He has stationed himself at Park Head crossroads in order to enjoy the view of the northern and eastern Lake District fells.
“He stated that he had been overwhelmed with the kindness of the local people, and made particular reference to the Park Head and Kirkoswald community. He has been visited by lots of well-wishers bearing gifts, including one chap who gave him a bottle of whisky.”
Stu added that the visitor planned to take his horse to a vet to get it treated for a mite problem before heading into the Lake District to stay at a camping site.
