The North West, off the main tourist trail of the Lake District, is a fairly quiet place, which is why some city people go there for weekends, to chill out. But, go to a country pub and if you can get talking to the locals, or a local who has stories to tell, you may be surprised at what you hear. I'm not talking stuff from the world's biggest liar competition, this is more intimate if there are a few of you in a pub.I've told the story of when I was with a mate in the woods of the beautiful Duddon region, looking in the ruins of a house, which once belonged to a butcher, who was also into witch circles. There was no upstairs floor, only rafters. My mate said, climb up, stand on the rafters and read the death poems someone had written on the wall. I did and was halfway through a poem when I heard a noise behind me. I turned around as quickly as I could without falling, and heading right for me was ... it used to be fun. Enjoy this little collection.