Yes I know how peterws feels, I was trying to pedal up a very steep short hill last year & a blonde women jogger went past me !!! Admittedly she was about 1/3 of my age. I would really like to try a light weight carbon bike just to see how much difference it would make, as I cannot gear any lower.

By the way I'm several hours further east than the lake district & its summer here all the time.