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Regions - Trip reports, destination advice, recommended routes, etc. => Lake District => Topic started by: richardh1905 on 22:53:48, 29/03/20

Title: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: richardh1905 on 22:53:48, 29/03/20
Day 1 - 24th March 2020

I've decided to keep a diary of my local walks during lockdown, to remind you all that the hills still exist!

(https://i.ibb.co/gmc7BnF/000-Map.png)
A local map so that you can get some idea of where I am walking

After dropping off the car for a much needed service and MOT, I walked back home with Tess through Eggerslack Woods and over Hampsfell. Beautiful weather. 4 miles.

(https://i.ibb.co/wCgwWJ9/001s-Tess-in-the-woods.jpg)
Tess in Eggerslack Woods

(https://i.ibb.co/LzqjcrQ/002s-Magnolia.jpg)
A magnificent magnolia in the evening - the flowers are almost 8" across (200mm), and smell gorgeous.


Day 2 - 25th March

A decent 5 miles meandering through Yewbarrow Woods, along the Prom and back. The dozen people that I met on the Prom kept their distance - I had a 2 metre long stick! Beautiful weather again, but I forgot my phone, so no photos.


Day 3 - 26th March

An evening walk up Fell End and on to Hampsfell, back into Grange by torchlight for the 8 O'Clock NHS clap; quite uplifting. 4 miles.


Day 4 - 27th March

Yewbarrow Woods again, then Eggerslack Woods to a spring where Tess drank her fill, then up and over Hampsfell in the sunshine. I never tire of the view. 5 miles.

(https://i.ibb.co/61fgvjq/003s-Yewbarrow-Woods.jpg)
Yewbarrow Woods

(https://i.ibb.co/VMd7kpY/004s-Grange-from-Yewbarrow.jpg)
Grange-Over-Sands and Morecambe Bay from the Yewbarrow viewpoint

(https://i.ibb.co/ZJyhRMC/005a-Larch.jpg)
An unusual larch tree on the eastern flanks of Hampsfell

(https://i.ibb.co/1Lg5fJT/006s-Tess.jpg)
Tess enjoying a well earned rest!

(https://i.ibb.co/ydGLTgs/007a-Limestone-Country.jpg)
Classic Lakeland limestone - north from Hampsfell. Red Screes is the distant dark hill centre left.

(https://i.ibb.co/xm3B9Fd/008a-Limestone-Pavement.jpg)
Limestone pavement on Hampsfell - Coniston Old Man in the distance

(https://i.ibb.co/tHCLc7Y/009a-Hampsfell-Hospice.jpg)
Hampsfell Hospice

(https://i.ibb.co/6tzkhhM/010s-Kent-Channel.jpg)
The channel of the River Kent cutting through Morecambe Bay

(https://i.ibb.co/dGL5KCC/011a-Lesser-Celandine.jpg)
Lesser Celandines in a hedgerow near our house
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: staggerindragon on 01:18:03, 30/03/20
More Tess, please.  :)
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: sunnydale on 07:21:41, 30/03/20
Lovely photos Richard O0
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: vghikers on 07:26:28, 30/03/20
Beautiful local walks and pics  O0
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: richardh1905 on 08:01:16, 30/03/20
More Tess, please.  :)
Happy to oblige. As is Tess  :) .

Lovely photos Richard O0 
Thanks Tracey  :)  . How are you getting on?

[/size]Beautiful local walks and pics  O0 
Thanks, vghikers - I am very fortunate to have all of this on my doorstep in the current situation.

Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: Dovegirl on 08:18:22, 30/03/20
Tess looks happy    :)    Lovely to see the celandines
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: Ridge on 08:29:54, 30/03/20
Great photos Richard  O0
Jess looks to be having a good time, I guess we only get photos of her lying down because the rest of the time she would just be a blur across the shot.
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: pdstsp on 09:01:48, 30/03/20
Nice to see some undulations - in the flatlands of Liverpool there is only the occasional railway bridge to break the monotony!  My plan to walk every road in the area has brief moments of interest and many more of semi-detached sameness.  Keep 'em coming please.
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: richardh1905 on 09:06:03, 30/03/20
Tess looks happy    :)    Lovely to see the celandines
Tess is always happy when she is out - unless there is a lot of traffic - or other dogs!
I love celandines - a much overlooked flower, in my opinion. Great to see them fully open in the sunshine.

Great photos Richard  O0
Jess looks to be having a good time, I guess we only get photos of her lying down because the rest of the time she would just be a blur across the shot.
Thanks Ridge - difficult to catch Tess on camera when she is on the move!

Nice to see some undulations - in the flatlands of Liverpool there is only the occasional railway bridge to break the monotony!  My plan to walk every road in the area has brief moments of interest and many more of semi-detached sameness.  Keep 'em coming please.

Will do  :) 
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: richardh1905 on 09:18:02, 30/03/20
Day 5 - 28th March

An evening walk along quiet roads to Cartmel and Allithwaite. No pint in the Pig and Whistle this time!
4 miles.


Day 6 - 29th March

The clocks have gone forward at last! Evening walks in the sunshine  8)

A fantastic evening stroll over Hampsfell via Fell End to catch the sunset - the short steep climb immediately repaid by the stunning views of distant hills bathed in the evening sunlight. Back through the woods in the twilight - beautiful bird song. 4 miles or so.

(https://i.ibb.co/SwJksRs/012a-Ingleborough.jpg)
Ingleborough behind sunlit Arnside Knott

(https://i.ibb.co/QJ8xySX/013a-Sunwashed-Howgills.jpg)
Sunwashed Howgills in the distance - this photo does not capture the sheer gorgeousness of the view

(https://i.ibb.co/tLV6Rxb/014a-Coniston-Old-Man-from-Fell-End.jpg)
Coniston Old Man from Fell End

(https://i.ibb.co/JHvFDYp/015a-Sunlit-Yorkshire-Dales.jpg)
Sunlit Yorkshire Dales - Tess having a good snuffle off the lead as the sheep have been moved off the hill for lambing.

(https://i.ibb.co/tMDpwc7/016a-Hampsfell-Hospice.jpg)
Hampsfell Hospice

(https://i.ibb.co/b5PbNLh/017a-Sunest.jpg)
Sunset from Hampsfell

(https://i.ibb.co/RyWybwW/018a-Almost-Gone.jpg)
Almost gone. The hill is Black Combe.

(https://i.ibb.co/bBnJV6h/019a-Venus.jpg)
Venus
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: karl h on 11:16:39, 30/03/20
Lovely stuff Richard. Keep 'em coming  O0
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: ninthace on 12:33:53, 30/03/20
Don't forget, ground nesting bird and lambing time now!  Free ranging dogs should now be on a lead.
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: pdstsp on 14:17:26, 30/03/20
Some lovely views there Richard - I particularly like the last two.  (If there is a demand for it I will post pictures of bungalows taken on my urban plod this evening.)
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: richardh1905 on 14:38:57, 30/03/20
Don't forget, ground nesting bird and lambing time now!  Free ranging dogs should now be on a lead.

"Tess having a good snuffle off the lead as the sheep have moved off the hill for lambing."

Quite agree about the ground nesting birds - skylarks are starting to nest higher up on Hampsfell (where Tess is kept on a lead). And Tess would be quite capable of snatching (and killing) a fawn in the woods (Roe deer give birth May-June).
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: richardh1905 on 14:41:45, 30/03/20
Lovely stuff Richard. Keep 'em coming  O0

Thanks Karl - will do.

Some lovely views there Richard - I particularly like the last two.  (If there is a demand for it I will post pictures of bungalows taken on my urban plod this evening.)

Thanks pdstsp - the sunset was gorgeous.  :)

..but plenty of bungalows here in Grange!
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: pdstsp on 15:01:16, 30/03/20
Ok then I'll keep the camera in the pocket. ;D
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: fernman on 15:43:40, 30/03/20
I love celandines - a much overlooked flower, in my opinion. Great to see them fully open in the sunshine.

They're alright until you accidentally introduce them into your garden, as I unknowingly did some years ago. Since then they have spread to almost all parts of it, and in my fertile soil they grow as huge plants that swamp everything else in Spring, until they die down at the end of May/start of June. If you try to weed them out the little tubers on the roots easily fall off to grow anew, and I believe they are also spread by wood pigeons who like to eat them.
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: ninthace on 15:46:08, 30/03/20
When I was poor and a student, I shared a flat in Morecambe in my second year.  We used to sit on the front, look across the bay and wonder what it would be like to be rich and living in Grange.  Now I know - thank you.  You have fulfilled a lifetime's longing.
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: richardh1905 on 16:18:57, 30/03/20
When I was poor and a student, I shared a flat in Morecambe in my second year.  We used to sit on the front, look across the bay and wonder what it would be like to be rich and living in Grange.  Now I know - thank you.  You have fulfilled a lifetime's longing.


I now know what it is like to live in Grange, but I doubt that I will ever find out what it is like to be rich and live in Grange.  ;)


PS - the really rich people live in Cartmel - or at least own second homes there....
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: richardh1905 on 16:21:27, 30/03/20
They're alright until you accidentally introduce them into your garden, as I unknowingly did some years ago. Since then they have spread to almost all parts of it, and in my fertile soil they grow as huge plants that swamp everything else in Spring, until they die down at the end of May/start of June. If you try to weed them out the little tubers on the roots easily fall off to grow anew, and I believe they are also spread by wood pigeons who like to eat them.


I welcomed celandines in Orkney, and I have introduced them into our garden in Grange - a young plant was growing in some gravel that I was clearing, so I saved it.


PS - I also welcome dandelions in my lawn - my keen gardening neighbours have yet to find this out....
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: April on 18:15:54, 30/03/20
Lovely pics Richard  O0
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: Mel on 18:35:44, 30/03/20
Lovely pics Richard.  Really like the sunset shots  :)
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: richardh1905 on 19:19:17, 30/03/20
Thanks April, Mel.  :)
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: richardh1905 on 19:30:59, 30/03/20
Day 7 - 30th March

A morning walk through the woods today, with my eldest son and Tess. First up through Yewbarrow Woods to the viewpoint, then eastwards to a minor road, passing a lime kiln. Entering Eggerslack Woods, we followed paths northwards, without too much height gain or loss, to a spring in the limestone, somewhat depleted after the recent dry spell - still plenty for Tess, though. We backtracked towards Grange on a lower path, passing masses of Ramsons (wild garlic) - took a few leaves for culinary purposes. Down to Grange, past the duck pond and along the Prom before returning home. A few people about on the Prom, 3 wearing face masks. 4 miles the total for today.

(https://i.ibb.co/m8RJjbL/020a-Lime-Kiln.jpg)
The lime kiln at the eastern edge of Yewbarrow Woods

(https://i.ibb.co/Bw20MT6/021a-Eggerslack-Woods.jpg)
The path traverses pleasantly across the hillside through the woods. Delightful walking

(https://i.ibb.co/HqzGC1R/022a-Tess-drinks-her-fill.jpg)
Tess drinks her fill from the spring

(https://i.ibb.co/YtfsPZX/023a-Grange-Prom.jpg)
Oh we do like to stroll along the prom prom prom.....
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: beefy on 19:36:43, 30/03/20
Great pics richard  O0
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: Dovegirl on 22:02:18, 30/03/20
Love the photo of Tess on the prom     :)    I visited Grange some years ago. Lovely seafront.
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: richardh1905 on 07:58:54, 31/03/20
Thanks beefy, Dovegirl.
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: Ridge on 08:37:37, 31/03/20
More great pictures.


How are you finding home schooling? That looks like history and geography covered for today.
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: richardh1905 on 09:37:59, 31/03/20
More great pictures.

Thanks.  :)

Quote
How are you finding home schooling? That looks like history and geography covered for today.

Easter holidays. And my eldest who accompanied me is 22! He had just started an apprenticeship the week before the lockdown, so has time on his hands  :( .

...but my 13 year old adapted well to it last week - his school had prepared lots of work, and he roughly followed his existing timetable using on-line resources.
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: pdstsp on 09:47:27, 31/03/20
Nice route again Richard - Tess looks like she's enjoying lockdown - our two are getting more walks than normal as we each take them out for our permitted exercise!  No more "it's not my turn".
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: richardh1905 on 10:54:02, 31/03/20
Nice route again Richard - Tess looks like she's enjoying lockdown - our two are getting more walks than normal as we each take them out for our permitted exercise!  No more "it's not my turn".

Indeed - my wife is on the morning dog walking shift today - I'll be out later to catch the sunset  :)

I would say that Tess is getting about the same amount of exercise as normal, and I am managing to maintain my '4 miles a day' average. Before lockdown I would have good days and bad days - now I make sure that I get my 4 miles in every single day.
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: richardh1905 on 21:47:29, 31/03/20
Day 8 - 31st March

A 4 mile walk with my youngest son this evening - Hampsfell and back alongside Eggerslack Woods. Weather rather drab so no sunset, but by way of consolation, the air was remarkably clear.....

(https://i.ibb.co/YbsqpVW/025a-Snowdonia.jpg)
Yes - that is Snowdonia in the far distance!

(https://i.ibb.co/WG9MsyC/024a-Snowdonia.jpg)
Zoomed in a bit more - there is only so much that you can do with a phone camera
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: richardh1905 on 09:07:42, 01/04/20
Tess getting up to some mischief in Eggerslack Woods a couple of days ago.

https://youtu.be/W_oq4k5KUI0 (https://youtu.be/W_oq4k5KUI0)

And yes I know that dogs shouldn't be mixing right now, but when a dog comes bounding up to us, the best thing is to let Tess loose so that she can fend for herself. Usually she slinks away and cowers, sometimes snaps and snarls if the other dog is pushy, and just occasionally she'll decide to have a play!
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: pdstsp on 09:19:37, 01/04/20
Love that - like letting my two off the lead in the mornings - they go berserk chasing each other.  Joy to watch.
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: Ridge on 09:34:34, 01/04/20
Tess looks to be having fun.
Should dogs not be mixing? I had't heard that.
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: ninthace on 10:10:59, 01/04/20
Tess looks to be having fun.
Should dogs not be mixing? I had't heard that.
There is a theoretical risk.  If there are viral particles in your home the dog is contaminated.  If dogs form different households play together the particles are transferred between dogs and Fido takes them back to your house.  When you get home, you wash your hands but Fido doesn’t and spreads it on to you and surfaces in your house.
Of course, cats going between households could do the same thing but I have seen nothing on that.
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: Jac on 12:36:50, 01/04/20
There is a theoretical risk.  If there are viral particles in your home the dog is contaminated.  If dogs form different households play together the particles are transferred between dogs and Fido takes them back to your house.  When you get home, you wash your hands but Fido doesn’t and spreads it on to you and surfaces in your house.
Of course, cats going between households could do the same thing but I have seen nothing on that.

I have been observing the recommendation fastidiously though  finding it quite saddening not to stroke friendly dogs that I meet on walks but until yesterday I never thought about the cat that visits from the house backing onto mine and probably visits several others as well.
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: richardh1905 on 10:20:41, 03/04/20
Day 9  - 1st April

A drab day, so not the best for distant views. However, the more muted light is better for photographing rock features and tree trunks than dappled shade. After a circuitous meander through Yewbarrow Woods, I cut down through Eggerslack Woods, then past the duck pond and onto the Prom. Back along minor roads and through some more woods. Discovered a new off piste route through Yewbarrow Woods, on which I found a lost child's wellie - also found the owner and her mother, so was able to lead them to the spot - at a safe distance, of course.

About 5 miles in total.

(https://i.ibb.co/r6ykGhg/026a-White-Violets.jpg)
Spotted some white violets beside the path

(https://i.ibb.co/MR5KGt9/027a-Yewbarrow-Rock-Formation.jpg)
One of the overhanging limestone crags in Yewbarrow Woods

(https://i.ibb.co/fXPj24v/028a-Yew-Trunk.jpg)  (https://i.ibb.co/nkQvZXw/029a-Contorted-Pine.jpg)
A gnarly yew trunk and a contorted pine, Yewbarrow Woods

(https://i.ibb.co/0ydqbd2/030a-Dawn-Redwood.jpg)
A characterful Dawn Redwood tree (Metasequoia glyptostroboides) by the Grange Duck Pond

(https://i.ibb.co/dmZ5SBL/031a-Scilla-Grange-Prom.jpg)  (https://i.ibb.co/JpBHMg6/033a-Euphorbia-Grange-Prom.jpg)
Scilla and Euphorbia on Grange Prom. The gardens along the Prom are maintained by volunteers.

(https://i.ibb.co/QPGpQmf/032a-Ancient-Rosemary.jpg)
A contorted ancient Rosemary bush on Grange Prom

(https://i.ibb.co/CJR4gfT/034a-Wood-Anemone.jpg)
Wood Anemone in the woods
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: Ridge on 10:28:37, 03/04/20
Nice to see all the flowers appearing.
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: richardh1905 on 10:38:51, 03/04/20
Day 10 - 2nd April

Drizzle!  :(

But the dog needs walking, so into the woods again (no point in going up Hampsfell in these conditions).

Dropped down into Grange before heading into Eggerslack Woods, pretty much walked the full length of the woods, past the spring and on up to the NW gate leading out onto more open country. Didn't like the weather out in the open, so retreated back into the woods, descending along a path new to me which bought me out above the rather grand Merlewood House (now posh apartments) - this path was a delight, traversing along the crest of a small limestone ridge above the house, before bringing me back out at the spring.

Returned via a meandering route through Eggerslack Woods and Yewbarrow Woods, the weather improving - I seem to be doing a lot of meandering lately! Best part of 5 miles walked.

Not many photos because of the drizzle, but snapped a few of some flowers and of Tess.

(https://i.ibb.co/M28pszh/035a-Blackthorn.jpg)
Close up of some Blackthorn in flower in Grange. Really quite beautiful, and much underrated.

(https://i.ibb.co/crg13NP/036a-Tess.jpg)
Tess giving me a bit of a sly look in Eggerslack Woods

(https://i.ibb.co/2hsk9N8/037a-Ive-got-a-leaf.jpg)
"I've got a leaf - what are you going to do about it?"

(https://i.ibb.co/4ZQfXhz/038a-Aubretia.jpg)
A stunning display of Aubretia on a limestone wall
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: ninthace on 10:41:45, 03/04/20
Great pictures again.  Clearly you have a beneficent micro-climate in Grange.  I wish my Aubretia looked half as good.  It fell victim to the gales.
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: richardh1905 on 11:14:36, 03/04/20
Nice to see all the flowers appearing.

Indeed - just waiting for the bluebells and ramsons in the woods. But better still will be the limestone specialists on Hampsfell.


Great pictures again.  Clearly you have a beneficent micro-climate in Grange.  I wish my Aubretia looked half as good.  It fell victim to the gales.

Thanks ninthace. Yes, there is a beneficent micro-climate in Grange - close to the sea yet sheltered from the South Westerlies - very benign conditions.
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: Dovegirl on 22:03:11, 03/04/20
Nice to see the spring flowers.  I love seeing clouds of blackthorn blossom on the hedgerows

Tess is adorable    :)
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: richardh1905 on 22:22:42, 03/04/20
Nice to see the spring flowers.  I love seeing clouds of blackthorn blossom on the hedgerows

A mass of blackthorn can be amazing - I drove through blackthorn petal confetti on the A15 north of Lincoln last year. Ethereal.

Quote
Tess is adorable    :)

She can be when she wants to be!
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: richardh1905 on 22:31:21, 03/04/20
Day 11  - 3rd April

A 4 mile wander up Hampsfell with Tess this evening in the fading light. No sunset - in fact the clouds were down on the fells to the north and west, rather threatening, but the rain held off. Birdsong beautiful as I dropped off the summit and traversed across the scrubby eastern flanks of the hill, the light fading. Magical.

(https://i.ibb.co/jVTWgYB/039a-Ingleborough.jpg)
Ingleborough and Arnside Knott across the Kent Estuary, sunlit Hutton Roof centre left (I think)

(https://i.ibb.co/n3PKwRj/040a-Big-Skies.jpg)
Big sands and big skies - Morecambe Bay from Fell End

(https://i.ibb.co/vQBJjpq/041a-Yorkshire-Hills.jpg)
Yorkshire Hills

(https://i.ibb.co/nM6j9cY/042a-This-Stick-Is-MINE.jpg)
"This stick is MINE!" - the whites of her eyes told me that I wasn't having this one!

(https://i.ibb.co/kyXnShS/043a-Windswept-Hawthorn.jpg)
Windswept hawthorn in the evening light

(https://i.ibb.co/QdyHqYv/044a-Limestone-Pavement.jpg)
Pristine limestone pavement

(https://i.ibb.co/5LR4RKT/045a-Light-Fading.jpg)
Light fading fast - the bright lights of Morecambe and Heysham across the bay
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: Ridge on 22:49:37, 03/04/20
2 lots of great pics to catch up on.
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: April on 06:11:42, 04/04/20
Great pics Richard  O0 Thanks for your updates, helping us on the forum stay sane  :)
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: sunnydale on 06:27:13, 04/04/20
You’ve taken some really lovey photos over the last week or so Richard, thanks for posting :)

 
Thanks Tracey   :)   . How are you getting on?


 
Sorry Richard, I’ve only just seen the above...
I’m getting on ok thanks, enjoying my local walks from home & starting to appreciate them so much more than I did :) 
But I’m upset, anxious, scared...
These are difficult times for us all.
I said elsewhere that Derbyshire has the highest number of cases of the virus in the East Midlands, which of course is a great concern to all who live here.


Anyway, keep posting your lovely photos ! O0


Tracey :)





Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: vghikers on 07:08:03, 04/04/20
Very nice views and local features  O0
The Hampsfell area is one of the few corners of Cumbria we nevre explored.
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: richardh1905 on 07:39:51, 04/04/20
2 lots of great pics to catch up on.

Great pics Richard  O0 Thanks for your updates, helping us on the forum stay sane  :)

You’ve taken some really lovey photos over the last week or so Richard, thanks for posting :)

Very nice views and local features  O0

Thanks for all of the positive feedback, folks - I'll keep posting.

Will be interesting for me to look back on in years to come (note to self - must update my local copies of all my TRs).
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: richardh1905 on 07:43:06, 04/04/20
Sorry Richard, I’ve only just seen the above...
I’m getting on ok thanks, enjoying my local walks from home & starting to appreciate them so much more than I did :) 
But I’m upset, anxious, scared...
These are difficult times for us all.
I said elsewhere that Derbyshire has the highest number of cases of the virus in the East Midlands, which of course is a great concern to all who live here.

Anyway, keep posting your lovely photos ! O0

Tracey :)

Good to hear that you are doing OK, Tracey - just remember that you are not alone in feeling that way. But the Lockdown -will- bring the outbreak under control.

Stay safe - Richard
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: richardh1905 on 07:45:43, 04/04/20
The Hampsfell area is one of the few corners of Cumbria we nevre explored.

I always used to flog past on the A590. Hampsfell and the woods are a good place to spend a half day if the clouds are down on the higher fells. Humphrey Head is worth a look, too - a limestone finger jutting out into Morecambe Bay.
And, in more normal times, it is worth diverting to Grange for Higginson's pies alone!  :smiley6600:
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: richardh1905 on 07:59:35, 04/04/20
DAY 11 - continued...

Manage to squeeze in a 'wild' camp during lockdown:

(https://i.ibb.co/Hr1C3mv/046a-Lockdown-Wild-Camping.jpg)

Good practice for the real thing, once lockdown is lifted. I enjoyed the absolute quiet in the middle of the night, no noise except for the wind gently sighing in the tops of the nearby trees - and then it started to rain. I didn't hear any owls in the night, unfortunately, but the dawn chorus was lovely. Arose to a gorgeous fresh morning, and slipped back into the house for a cup of tea ...
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: pdstsp on 11:49:43, 04/04/20
That's my idea of a wild camp ;D ;D
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: April on 15:05:13, 04/04/20
That isn't a bad idea  ;D
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: Mel on 16:43:30, 04/04/20
Oh! Now then. I never realised this was an ongoing/rolling trip report  :-[


Really enjoyed reading the updates - them gnarly old trees are fantastic, and loving the wild-camp idea  ;D

 
   
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: Ridge on 16:56:05, 04/04/20
That isn't a bad idea  ;D
I thought the only reason you went wild camping was so that the drunken singing didn't disturb your neighbours.
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: April on 17:15:36, 04/04/20
I thought the only reason you went wild camping was so that the drunken singing didn't disturb your neighbours.

 ;D It might start a bit earlier this evening. Wine opened at 4pm  :-[
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: Percy on 17:19:07, 04/04/20
;D It might start a bit earlier this evening. Wine opened at 4pm  :-[
The clocks went forward last week so 4pm is perfectly acceptable for an extended transition period.
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: Ridge on 17:31:00, 04/04/20
The clocks went forward last week so 4pm is perfectly acceptable for an extended transition period.
But doesn't that mean that last week April would have opened the wine at 3pm?
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: April on 17:32:23, 04/04/20
The clocks went forward last week so 4pm is perfectly acceptable for an extended transition period.

 ;D

But doesn't that mean that last week April would have opened the wine at 3pm?

I didn't know about this transition period. Otherwise I would have  :D
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: ninthace on 17:51:17, 04/04/20
The clocks went forward last week so 4pm is perfectly acceptable for an extended transition period.
The sun is always over the yardarm somewhere.
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: richardh1905 on 18:23:16, 04/04/20
Day 12 - 4th April 2020

Headed south today, mostly along lanes to Kents Bank, returning via Allithwaite. Managed to fit in a few short sections of footpath, including a couple new to me. 5 miles.


(https://i.ibb.co/7jgVbJL/47a-Violets.jpg)
These violets were a particularly rich colour

(https://i.ibb.co/zr6nwLr/048a-Forget-Me-Not.jpg)
Forget-me-not in the verge

(https://i.ibb.co/jftGnzB/049a-Alpacas-and-Donkeys.jpg)
Forest of Bowland hills far right

(https://i.ibb.co/2Z5n7Vj/050a-Alpacas-and-Donkeys.jpg)
Shaggy Alpacas and some unusually coloured Donkeys

(https://i.ibb.co/R721pyN/051a-Early-Bluebells.jpg)
Early bluebells in Kents Bank wood

(https://i.ibb.co/vkYwWZ7/052a-Ash-Bark.jpg)
The bark on this ash tree caught my eye

(https://i.ibb.co/4srq5D3/053a-Cherry-Blossom.jpg)
Cherry blossom in Allithwaite

(https://i.ibb.co/k9m9VTd/054a-Distant-Hill.jpg)
Name the distant hill

(https://i.ibb.co/GHXnFLp/055a-Red-Campion.jpg)
A very early Red Campion. In fact, this particular male plant has been in flower all through the winter.
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: richardh1905 on 18:27:25, 04/04/20
Oh! Now then. I never realised this was an ongoing/rolling trip report  :-[

Really enjoyed reading the updates - them gnarly old trees are fantastic, and loving the wild-camp idea  ;D

Thanks Mel - I'll keep them coming!
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: Percy on 20:54:58, 04/04/20
But doesn't that mean that last week April would have opened the wine at 3pm?
When it comes to clocks changing and wine consumption logic is of no use to us.
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: sunnydale on 22:10:18, 04/04/20
More lovely photos Richard :)
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: richardh1905 on 07:33:02, 05/04/20
More lovely photos Richard :)


Thanks Tracey. It's lovely this morning, so I'll be off out again soon. This time with a decent but bulky digital zoom camera that I inherited - the phone camera is good for general landscape shots, not bad for close ups, but is pretty useless for telephoto shots, so I am hoping to grab dome good shots of distant hills with the camera zoom. Maybe even Snowdonia again, if I am lucky.  :)
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: April on 07:44:38, 05/04/20
Lovely pics Richard. Name the hill? My first thought was Coniston Old Man? I'm trying to work out what hills you will see from GOS. The hill may not be in the Lake District!

The sun is always over the yardarm somewhere.

I shall be quoting this from now on  O0
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: richardh1905 on 07:54:59, 05/04/20
Lovely pics Richard.

Thanks April.

Quote
Name the hill? My first thought was Coniston Old Man? I'm trying to work out what hills you will see from GOS. The hill may not be in the Lake District!

Nice try, but no cigar.  :D
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: April on 08:01:28, 05/04/20
Nice try, but no cigar.  :D

 ;D

No clue as to which county the hill is in then?

Scafell?  :-\
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: richardh1905 on 08:06:51, 05/04/20
;D

No clue as to which county the hill is in then?

Scafell?  :-\


Getting cooler. A clue - the hill in the centre of the pic is in the Lake District National Park.
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: April on 08:15:48, 05/04/20
Red Screes?
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: richardh1905 on 08:17:08, 05/04/20
Red Screes?


Now you are resorting to wild guesses, April - miles out!  ;)
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: April on 08:18:43, 05/04/20
 ;D

I have never been to GOS so I don't know what you can see from there. I'm going out soon, I will have a think as I go  :)

One last try before I do go

Wetherlam?
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: richardh1905 on 08:19:28, 05/04/20
Time for me to take Tess out too - enjoy your walk.

Wetherlam?

Nope - but closer than Red Screes.
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: Brandywell on 08:29:51, 05/04/20
Could be Caw  :-\
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: richardh1905 on 08:47:35, 05/04/20
Could be Caw  :-\


Correct!
Taken from the footpath that crosses the western flanks of Wart Barrow.
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: April on 14:34:01, 05/04/20
Could be Caw  :-\

Well done Brandywell, I would never have got that.
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: Brandywell on 17:55:27, 05/04/20

Correct!
Taken from the footpath that crosses the western flanks of Wart Barrow.
I've often been along that path while heading for Hampsfell from home via Applebury Hll.  Great photo Richard  O0
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: Brandywell on 18:07:37, 05/04/20
Well done Brandywell, I would never have got that.

Allithwaite is just over the hill from me and I recognised Tracey's Black Horses white homestead in the middle distance. Sadly she has to shut down her business due to the lockdown - with 17 Friesians to look after with no income, it's so sad.  :(
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: richardh1905 on 18:10:41, 05/04/20
I've often been along that path while heading for Hampsfell from home via Applebury Hll.  Great photo Richard  O0


Thanks  :)  A bit of a sneaky one!


It was my first time on that path, despite moving into the area 5 months ago.
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: April on 18:12:32, 05/04/20
That is sad Brandywell  :(

However fed up I am, at least my income won't be affected by this. I am lucky compared to those who have lost their jobs or had to close down their businesses.
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: richardh1905 on 18:19:14, 05/04/20
Allithwaite is just over the hill from me and I recognised Tracey's Black Horses white homestead in the middle distance. Sadly she has to shut down her business due to the lockdown - with 17 Friesians to look after with no income, it's so sad.  :(


Grim.


There have been deaths locally, so I am told.  :(
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: Rob Goes Walking on 18:35:24, 05/04/20
Looks lovely Richard. I can see local fells from a distance on my weekly long run but it's been way too long since I ascended one. I could run to Murton Fell or Dufton Pike then plod up I suppose? They'll probably ban us fron exercising outside soon, better get a move on...
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: richardh1905 on 18:45:51, 05/04/20
Looks lovely Richard. I can see local fells from a distance on my weekly long run but it's been way too long since I ascended one. I could run to Murton Fell or Dufton Pike then plod up I suppose? They'll probably ban us fron exercising outside soon, better get a move on...


Thanks Rob - go for it!
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: Brandywell on 18:49:45, 05/04/20

Grim.


There have been deaths locally, so I am told.  :(
Yep, One in Field Broughton in The Cartmel Valley and two in Flookburgh.  I fear they may be more before this is over :(
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: ninthace on 19:28:51, 05/04/20
Yep, One in Field Broughton in The Cartmel Valley and two in Flookburgh.  I fear they may be more before this is over :(
Cumbria has 698 confirmed cases in a population of 499,000, that is worrying, especially when you consider that Cumbria has such a low population density.
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: Ridge on 19:37:08, 05/04/20
Cumbria has 698 confirmed cases in a population of 499,000, that is worrying, especially when you consider that Cumbria has such a low population density.
Confirmed cases don't tell you much.
Sheffield, where both my Dad and son live, has a large number of cases but they have done 10% of the testing in the country.
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: Rob Goes Walking on 19:41:49, 05/04/20
Cumbria has 698 confirmed cases in a population of 499,000, that is worrying, especially when you consider that Cumbria has such a low population density.

What Ridge said, and I recall there have been cases in Carlisle so not all sparsely populated.
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: ninthace on 19:50:30, 05/04/20
What Ridge said, and I recall there have been cases in Carlisle so not all sparsely populated.
Confirmed cases are the tip of the iceberg but are the only guide we have.  Despite centres such as Carlisle, which is not actually that big, Cumbria is one of the least populated counties in England.  For comparison, Devon excluding Plymouth and Torbay, which are separate Authorities, has 207 cases in a population of 795,000.


Please can we go back to the pretty pics?  This is depressing.
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: Rob Goes Walking on 19:55:28, 05/04/20
Confirmed cases are the tip of the iceberg but are the only guide we have.  Despite centres such as Carlisle, which is not actually that big, Cumbria is one of the least populated counties in England.  For comparison, Devon excluding Plymouth and Torbay, which are separate Authorities, has 207 cases in a population of 795,000.

OK. I wonder if it's concentrated in centres in Cumbria rather than being dispersed? I know of no way of telling.

Some infection boffin said it's basically guaranteed 4 out of 5 of us will get it now anyway, so I'm thinking we can probably only control when, not so much if?
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: ninthace on 19:56:54, 05/04/20
OK. I wonder if it's concentrated in centres in Cumbria rather than being dispersed? I know of no way of telling.

Some infection boffin said it's basically guaranteed 4 out of 5 of us will get it now anyway, so I'm thinking we can probably only control when, not so much if?
The answer is no but take it to another thread Rob
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: richardh1905 on 17:47:14, 06/04/20
Day 13 - 5th April 2020

A 3 mile evening walk up Hampsfell today. I lugged my inherited bulky digital zoom camera up the hill, an unpleasant walking companion banging against me in it's shoulder bag. Waste of time, as clouds to the west ruined any chance of a sunset. Tried out the camera anyway, a telephoto shot of Scafell peeping out between Dow Crag and Coniston Old Man.

(https://i.ibb.co/vw4FyJP/056a-Distant-Scafell.jpg)

Monochrome as I inadvertently had the camera set on some 'Advanced' function! D'oh.


Day 14 - 6th April 2020

Up early and out the door at around 0630, the morning bright after overnight rain, again lugging the zoom camera in anticipation of some decent telephoto shots of distant hills. But as I climbed up Fell End, I realised that it was not to be - the air was really 'thick', for want of a better word, and visibility was poor, despite the clouds clearing. Well at least I had the camera under control in a rucksack this time - where it stayed, as my phone camera is much more convenient to use.

(https://i.ibb.co/NLjmZzG/057a-Sunrise.jpg)
A watery sun peeps out from behind the clouds. No view of Ingleborough behind Arnside Knott today!

(https://i.ibb.co/9vmKcyD/058a-Tess-finds-a-hole.jpg)
Tess investigating a hole beneath the Fell End cairn

(https://i.ibb.co/gZsTjQw/059a-Hawthorns.jpg)
Hawthorns silhouetted against the morning sun

(https://i.ibb.co/QMxkcN4/060a-Hawthorns.jpg)
More windswept hawthorns in the morning sun

After climbing the last stile before the Hospice, my attention was drawn to some wind sculpted hawthorns on a limestone terrace leading around the western edge of the summit plateau, so I took a wander. I re-joined the main path skirting the limestone pavement, and had a poke around....

(https://i.ibb.co/K5rfhqb/061a-Sunlit-Limestone-Pavement.jpg)
Limestone Pavement thrown into relief by the morning sun

(https://i.ibb.co/NVDRMGL/062a-Secret-World-Of-Grykes.jpg)  (https://i.ibb.co/ZMHgztB/063a-Secret-World-Of-Grykes.jpg)
The secret world of Grykes - Ferns, Ramsons and Dog's Mercury

Instead of dropping off down to the east along the public bridleway, my normal route, I struck off to the north, looking for a path that is hinted at on the 1:25000 OS map. I couldn't find the path, but my wandering took me into a less frequented area, with juniper growing in the limestone pavement. But I was bought to a halt by a well built limestone wall - I looked for a stile but no joy, and I had to pick my carefully westwards over patches of limestone pavement, before dropping down to the kissing gate in the wall and the right of way heading north into Hampsfell Allotment, the northern slopes of Hampsfell. This area was like a 'Lost World', different in character to the more open land to the north. I am told that there were some conifers on these slopes, but they were cleared some years ago, and a few cows are used to keep the vegetation down a bit - they are doing so with a light touch. I climbed back eastwards over a limestone escarpment into the Lost World of pavement, juniper, holly, yew, the vegetation getting thicker the further east I went.

(https://i.ibb.co/mtCq0H5/064a-Orchid.jpg)
An orchid on the limestone slopes - I'll be back to see it in flower.

(https://i.ibb.co/kSFTdQY/065a-Juniper.jpg)
One of many juniper trees growing on the limestone pavement

(https://i.ibb.co/P4V2k2K/066a-The-Lost-World.jpg)
The Lost World

(https://i.ibb.co/9qq4D3N/067a-Natural-Topiary.jpg)
Natural topiary - what do you think that this cow nibbled yew tree looks like?

As I headed north the ground dropped away slowly, and the trees grew in height. I eventually hit the remains of an old track which took me north westwards and re-joined the public footpath that descends the north western flank of the hill. This is a worthwhile path in it's own right, following a limestone terrace and giving fine views of the Cartmel valley below. I passed through the kissing gate again, having completed a loop, and took the bridleway eastwards over the northern shoulder of Hampsfell, descending to Eggerslack Woods. Time to go home for my breakfast!

(https://i.ibb.co/j4y4v2s/068a-Dogs-Mercury.jpg)
Dogs Mercury forming a green carpet in Eggerslack Woods - unfortunately the flowers have no petals.

(https://i.ibb.co/k9jzpWr/069a-Stitchwort.jpg)
Stitchwort in a hedgerow beside Spring Bank Road
 
(https://i.ibb.co/ch98SSC/070a-Blackthorn-Hedge.jpg)
Blackthorn hedge in flower

6 miles - an excellent start to the day, despite the lack of distant views.

(https://i.ibb.co/pW75W0V/071-Map.png)
Today's route                                                   Copyright opentopomap.com
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: April on 17:54:07, 06/04/20
Great stuff Richard  O0 The views to the LD fells are still very hazy I noticed on the way home.
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: karl h on 18:23:49, 06/04/20
More grand pics Richard O0
I bet that cow nibbled topiary would frighten you to death if you stumbled across it on a misty day  :)
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: richardh1905 on 20:35:04, 06/04/20
Thanks April, Karl  :)


I would be more worried about breaking my leg in a gryke!
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: sunnydale on 20:56:24, 06/04/20
More lovely photos Richard O0
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: ninthace on 20:58:52, 06/04/20
Thanks April, Karl  :)


I would be more worried about breaking my leg in a gryke!
That limestone can get surprisingly slippery when wet.  Nice pics again  O0
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: richardh1905 on 21:21:40, 06/04/20
Thanks Tracey, Ninthace.

Yes, wet limestone can be deadly. I did some forestry work on Whitbarrow earlier this year, repeatedly carrying an armful of logs over wet moss covered limestone pavement is not my idea of fun, and requires great care!

..but strangely, this does not apply in caves - no algae, you see. Active stream passages are great fun!
Note to self - must take my sons down Dow Cave or Upper Long Churn Cave when the lockdown lifts.
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: ninthace on 21:28:11, 06/04/20
Thanks Tracey, Ninthace.


Yes, wet limestone can be deadly. I did some forestry work on Whitbarrow earlier this year, repeatedly carrying an armful of logs over wet moss covered limestone pavement is not my idea of fun, and requires great care!


..but strangely, this does not apply in caves - no algae, you see. Active stream passages are great fun!
Note to self - must take my sons down Dow Cave or Upper Long Churn Cave when the lockdown lifts.
I've done those, great fun.  I think it was one of those that I walked through the exit chamber without realising it until I looked up and saw stars.  We had been down so long the sun had set.  I can say from experience that several hours in a wet cave is a great way of breaking in a new set of boots.
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: Ridge on 21:51:02, 06/04/20
Lovely pictures Richard, like the silhouetted trees particularly.
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: richardh1905 on 06:21:37, 07/04/20
Thanks Ridge - I have a thing about trees after living in Orkney for 17 years!
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: Mel on 17:06:22, 07/04/20
All this limestone pavement is making me hanker after a trip to the Dales after all this is over.


Did Tess find what she was looking for under that cairn?


I'm enjoying these updates so keep 'em up  O0
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: Jac on 18:38:23, 07/04/20
I love that first, monochrome pic of the hills.  Isn't it often the unplanned shot that turns out best.
Also like the low sun across the limestone pavement.

Re the orchid leaves - saw my first Early Purple a couple of days ago.
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: richardh1905 on 18:52:14, 07/04/20
All this limestone pavement is making me hanker after a trip to the Dales after all this is over.

Did Tess find what she was looking for under that cairn?

I'm enjoying these updates so keep 'em up  O0


Thanks Mel - plenty of limestone pavement in Cumbria too.  :)

Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: richardh1905 on 18:53:39, 07/04/20
I love that first, monochrome pic of the hills.  Isn't it often the unplanned shot that turns out best.
Also like the low sun across the limestone pavement.

Re the orchid leaves - saw my first Early Purple a couple of days ago.


Thanks Jac - sometimes that is the way.
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: richardh1905 on 22:24:41, 07/04/20
Day 15 - 7th April 2020

A beautiful morning here in Cumbria, so off up Hampsfell with Tess again. I was up at 6, but the skies were cloudy so I decided to wait for the promised sunny weather, which didn't disappoint. Away around 9.

There are two ways up the southern slopes of Fell End - this time I took the rightmost path, which passes some large limestone boulders perched on the steep slope.

(https://i.ibb.co/ZX3T3PM/072a-Limestone-Boulder.jpg)
I cannot help but think of the opening sequence in 'Sexy Beast' when I pass these boulders!

(https://i.ibb.co/DD1V1vF/073a-Vale-of-Cartmel.jpg)
The Vale of Cartmel with Coniston Old Man just visible in the distance

(https://i.ibb.co/QrFNdZB/074a-Hawthorns.jpg)
Hawthorns silhouetted against bright skies and shimmering sands

I walked north for perhaps half a mile, but I didn't continue on up to the Hospice, instead taking a path to the east which traversed around the south eastern slopes of the fell. This led through some trees to a lovely quiet corner with a remote feel to it, steep scrubby slopes of limestone scree with a line of crags curving around above.

(https://i.ibb.co/HTQn30G/075a-Limestone-Crag.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/prLc1br/076a-Limestone-Crag.jpg)
Limestone crags with unusual diagonal grooves

(https://i.ibb.co/Rvk7B3W/077a-Limestone-Crags.jpg)
Looking back along the line of crags - a lovely hidden corner well off the beaten track

I crossed a stile, and continued along a limestone terrace before dropping down through blackthorn, hazel and larch to the byway that skirts the western edge of Eggerslack Woods. Found some interesting plants on the terrace:

(https://i.ibb.co/WnTvCZp/078a-Rue-Leaved-Saxifrage.jpg)
Rue Leaved Saxifrage, a tiny plant growing on the limestone terrace

I carried on along the byway, heading north, before entering Eggerslack Woods. I was passing along the eastern edge of an area named as 'Bishop's or Tithe Allotment' on the OS map, scattered trees on limestone pavement.

(https://i.ibb.co/Qmctw7c/079a-Wounded-Larch.jpg)
A wounded larch tree

(https://i.ibb.co/HxsW30x/081a-The-Track-North.jpg)
The byway heads north, Bishop's Allotment to the west, Eggerslack Woods to the east. Very pleasant walking.

(https://i.ibb.co/jG6NL8r/082a-Bishops-Allotment.jpg)
The trees and pavement of Bishop's Allotment - a good place to lose yourself for half an hour or so

(https://i.ibb.co/TYDNbPQ/083a-Bishops-Allotment.jpg)
Another view of Bishop's Allotment  - nice to see the gorse in flower

The byway continues northwards towards Lindale, but I descended into Eggerslack Woods, taking the Merlewood path to the spring in the woods, where thirsty Tess drank her fill. I managed to squeeze in a quick visit to Yewbarrow Wood on my way back too - a lot packed into a 5 mile walk.

(https://i.ibb.co/b7dk1bh/084a-The-Way-North.jpg)
The byway continues on towards Lindale, but I turned off into the woods

(https://i.ibb.co/sJNwZRN/085a-Thirsty-Dog.jpg)
Tess slakes her thirst at the spring

(https://i.ibb.co/JFLVChw/086a-Yewbarrow-Wood.jpg)
Off Piste in Yewbarrow Woods

(https://i.ibb.co/8MtbZmT/087a-Green-Alkanet.jpg)  (https://i.ibb.co/8P8WDZ4/088a-Beautiful-Dandelions.jpg)
Green Alkanet and beautiful but much maligned Dandelions in the verges on my way home

Later that day whilst sitting in the sun with a mug of tea, I heard an unusual buzzing in our garden, and I spotted this strange insect hovering skilfully amongst the flowers:

(https://i.ibb.co/rcj8pkF/089a-Bombylius-Major.jpg)
Bombylius Major, the Dark-Edged Bee-Fly (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bombylius_major), on a Primula in our garden - magnification about x 10

Edit - I have been reading up a bit about Bee-flies; they have a darker side. They mimic bumblebees so that they can approach their nests to lay eggs nearby - when the larvae hatch they make their way into the nest to feed on the bumblebee larvae.

(https://i.ibb.co/Drf8DRx/090-Map.png)
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: sunnydale on 22:27:25, 07/04/20
Lovely photos Richard O0  Is that not Green Alkanet in your pic? I didn’t know there was a blue variety!
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: Ridge on 22:29:07, 07/04/20
Lots more lovely pics Richard.
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: richardh1905 on 22:34:56, 07/04/20
Lovely photos Richard O0 

Thanks Tracey  :)

Quote
Is that not Green Alkanet in your pic? I didn’t know there was a blue variety!

Aargh - and do you know, I even double checked before I uploaded the photo.  :-[  Now corrected  :)
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: richardh1905 on 22:35:36, 07/04/20
Lots more lovely pics Richard.

Thanks - I'll keep them coming  :)
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: April on 07:57:35, 08/04/20
Yep, more lovely and interesting pics  O0 I think we all may be "seeing" more than we normally do walking near where we live  :)
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: richardh1905 on 08:05:43, 08/04/20
Yep, more lovely and interesting pics  O0 I think we all may be "seeing" more than we normally do walking near where we live  :)


Thanks April - I'm certainly getting to know Hampsfell and the woods like the back of my hand.   :)
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: karl h on 08:21:24, 08/04/20
Grand photos Richard O0
The weather looks as nice as it was a bit further south  :)
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: pdstsp on 09:39:37, 08/04/20
Lovely stuff Richard - very envious of those open spaces.  Here we have some nice, but flat, coastal walking but the hoards are heading that way so it can be virtually impossible to keep isolated.
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: richardh1905 on 10:09:08, 08/04/20
Thanks Karl, pdstsp  :)

Here we have some nice, but flat, coastal walking but the hoards are heading that way so it can be virtually impossible to keep isolated.

The secret to avoiding the hordes is to get up early - very early if need be. Then you will in all likelihood have the coast to yourself  :)
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: pdstsp on 11:37:39, 08/04/20
I do try to but it's still fairly busy - many of the people I used to see and wander with with the dogs in the morning are all doing just that!  Also - I have had had a couple of lies in, not starting work till nine.  :-[ 
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: vghikers on 15:47:44, 08/04/20
The limestone landscape is very appealing, similar to Whitbarrow Scar  O0
Maybe a possibility for a backpack there.
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: richardh1905 on 15:57:00, 08/04/20
Hampsfell is like Whitbarrow in miniature, and has it's own charm.

I have scoped out Hampsfell for good discreet wild camping spots - can be a challenge to find a hidden pitch amongst all that limestone, but a few do exist......
...for when the lockdown lifts, of course. Until then, I'll make do with my back lawn.
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: richardh1905 on 23:18:15, 08/04/20
Day 16 - 8th April 2020

A 3 mile wander up Hampsfell in the evening to catch the sunset. Having some success with my telephoto zoom camera at last.

(https://i.ibb.co/TWshKCY/091a-Howgills.jpg)
The Howgills

(https://i.ibb.co/ysjx30r/092a-Western-Fells.jpg)
Buck Barrow and Whitfell on the skyline, Great Burney centre middle distance (monochrome - deliberately this time)

(https://i.ibb.co/5L2NWLY/093a-Arnside.jpg)
Arnside

(https://i.ibb.co/0rkkQ2D/094a-Evening-Hawthorns.jpg)
Evening Hawthorns

(https://i.ibb.co/db1YGkQ/095a-Sunset.jpg)
The sun about to go down behind Black Combe

(https://i.ibb.co/Y0RZv9B/096a-Sunset.jpg)
A wider shot with Coniston Old Man to the right, Caw below the contrail

(https://i.ibb.co/nPxYtQ9/097a-Sunset.jpg)
Beautiful Clouds

(https://i.ibb.co/SBffKM1/098a-Coniston-Old-Man.jpg)
Coniston Old Man

(https://i.ibb.co/HX5bc8c/099a-Evening-Fells.jpg)
Evening panorama, from White Maiden on the left to Red Screes far right, with Pike of Stickle visible below the contrail
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: Mel on 12:18:14, 09/04/20
More lovely pics Richard - cheers for letting me have a "virtual" roam around distant pastures  O0
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: richardh1905 on 19:43:28, 09/04/20
More lovely pics Richard - cheers for letting me have a "virtual" roam around distant pastures  O0


Thanks Mel - get your virtual walking boots on - here comes another!   ;)
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: richardh1905 on 19:57:28, 09/04/20
Day 17 - 9th April 2020

A varied 4 mile walk today, hazy sunshine and light cloud but next to no wind, so very pleasant. My route took me through Yewbarrow Woods, beneath some overhanging crags, then down to the Grange ornamental duck pond and on to the Prom. After walking the full length of the prom in the sunshine I took a minor road up the hill - more spring flowers every time I come this way.

(https://i.ibb.co/vzy6bfv/100a-Tess-Yewbarrow.jpg)
Tess likes Yewbarrow

(https://i.ibb.co/F8KVzwN/101a-Yewbarrow-Overhang.jpg)
The path passes below a series of overhanging limestone crags - this shelving rock requires care when wet!

(https://i.ibb.co/74FFgmH/102a-Yewbarrow-Overhang.jpg)
Overhanging limestone crags in Yewbarrow Wood

(https://i.ibb.co/Nxrffzy/103a-Violet-And-White.jpg)
Violet and white violets together
(https://i.ibb.co/wLdDBCs/104a-Bar-Headed-Goose.jpg)
A bonny Bar-Headed Goose by the duck pond

(https://i.ibb.co/gFFwjCM/105a-Cherry-Blossom.jpg)
Gorgeous cherry blossom

(https://i.ibb.co/MPfjftB/106a-Name-That-Hill.jpg)
Name that hill (Edit - Strider has correctly identified the hill as Crag Hill, Yorkshire. Notched Farleton Fell is in the middle distance)

(https://i.ibb.co/zfS69Fj/107a-Ivy-Leaved-Toadflax.jpg)   (https://i.ibb.co/hyZPQ4K/108a-Ivy-Leaved-Toadflax.jpg)
Ivy leaved toadflax growing in the wall by the Prom. I found a white flowered version in Arnside last autumn.

(https://i.ibb.co/McFPLhM/109a-Grange-Seafront.jpg)
Grange-over-Sands from the footbridge at the end of the prom. Humphrey Head to the left - a finger of limestone jutting out into Morecambe Bay.

(https://i.ibb.co/fNDZKWV/110a-Stitchwort.jpg)   (https://i.ibb.co/KsJ0WqB/111a-Cuckoo-Flower.jpg)
Stitchwort and Cuckoo Flower
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: Ridge on 20:07:24, 09/04/20
Lovely. Don't know what the hill is but nice pic.


The path under the crags looks to have a fair camber to it.
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: April on 20:26:00, 09/04/20
I love the pic of Tess, adorable  :smitten:

Don't tell Squeaky  ???

Nice "keeping us sane" pics Richard

My rather inebriated punt at "name that hill'

Black Combe?  :-\
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: richardh1905 on 22:55:17, 09/04/20
Thanks, Ridge, April. :) 


The path under the crags looks to have a fair camber to it.
It does - nasty when wet.

I love the pic of Tess, adorable  :smitten:
Don't tell Squeaky  ???
I won't tell if you won't  :-X

My rather inebriated punt at "name that hill'

Black Combe?  :-\
I fear that your judgement has been impaired. :D
Here's a clue: Grange faces east.
Try again tomorrow  ;)
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: Dovegirl on 23:24:46, 09/04/20
Great photos, Richard     :)     Tess is lovely!   

Those overhanging crags remind me of some of the dales I've walked in the Peak District
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: Strider on 00:24:15, 10/04/20
Nice pics :)

I think the hill may be Crag Hill, Barbon High Fell?
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: richardh1905 on 07:12:40, 10/04/20
Nice pics :)

I think the hill may be Crag Hill, Barbon High Fell?


Absolutely correct, Strider.  O0   Western Yorkshire Dales, for the benefit of those that do not know.

The sneaky picture was taken with a telephoto lens from near the footbridge at the northern end of Grange Prom. In the middle distance is Farleton Fell, the prominent limestone hill that you pass on the M6. The pine trees on the right are actually on Holme Island (private), linked to the shore by a causeway.
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: richardh1905 on 07:18:09, 10/04/20
Great photos, Richard     :)     Tess is lovely!   

Those overhanging crags remind me of some of the dales I've walked in the Peak District

Thanks Dovegirl - she has her 'less than lovely' moments too! As does any dog.
Yes, they are similar - Carboniferous Limestone both, although no limestone pavement in the Peak District as far as I am aware.


Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: April on 10:49:37, 10/04/20
My rather inebriated punt at "name that hill'

Black Combe?  :-\

I fear that your judgement has been impaired. :D
Here's a clue: Grange faces east.

 ;D I would never have got it, even totally sober  :)
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: ninthace on 13:17:57, 10/04/20
Are you sure Barbon High Fell is not Middleton Fell?  I was up there in July 2015
https://osmaps.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/route/1911486/150716-Middleton-Fell (https://osmaps.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/route/1911486/150716-Middleton-Fell)
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: vghikers on 13:55:41, 10/04/20
Quote
Are you sure Barbon High Fell is not Middleton Fell?

On the OS 1:25000 map, Barbon High Fell is marked as the slopes of the high ground on the eastern side of Barbondale that contains Crag Hill (more accurately, the highest point - and the Nuttall summit - is Great Coum).
Middleton Fell is on the western side of Barbondale, aka Calf Top.
From Grange, Calf Top would appear slightly left of Great Coum, if both were separately discernible.
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: richardh1905 on 14:04:17, 10/04/20
Are you sure Barbon High Fell is not Middleton Fell?  I was up there in July 2015
https://osmaps.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/route/1911486/150716-Middleton-Fell (https://osmaps.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/route/1911486/150716-Middleton-Fell)


Pretty sure that I am right, ninthace, but you sowed a seed of doubt in my mind, so I checked the line of sight on OpenTopoMap, easy because of distinctive Farleton Fell in the middle distance.


(https://i.ibb.co/5xycgQR/112-Crag-Hill-Line-Of-Sight.jpg)
Click on the map to zoom in a bit
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: richardh1905 on 14:10:24, 10/04/20
On the OS 1:25000 map, Barbon High Fell is marked as the slopes of the high ground on the eastern side of Barbondale that contains Crag Hill (more accurately, the highest point - and the Nuttall summit - is Great Coum).
Middleton Fell is on the western side of Barbondale, aka Calf Top.
From Grange, Calf Top would appear slightly left of Great Coum, if both were separately discernible.


You can see them both from the majority of Grange Prom, but I cunningly chose a spot where Middleton Fell/Calf Top was hidden by a tree! Using a powerful telephoto lens also muddies the waters, by foreshortening the view.... >:D
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: sunnydale on 22:54:07, 10/04/20
Really enjoying your photos Richard O0
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: richardh1905 on 08:46:23, 11/04/20
Glad to hear it, Tracey  :)

More incoming shortly....
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: richardh1905 on 09:17:22, 11/04/20
Day 18 - 10th April 2020

My eldest son was keen to go for a walk with the dog in the woods to the west of Cartmel. We climbed the road out of Grange and then followed a footpath cutting above and then through the Grange Fell Golf Course, now closed, but a greenkeeper was busy keeping the grass short on his sit on mower. Gorse in flower on the flanks of Fell End above.

(https://i.ibb.co/Lk49MMB/113a-Tess-With-Stick.jpg)
Tess enjoying a munch on a stick by the golf course

The path re-joined the road, and we followed it down into Cartmel, pleasingly quiet - just as well as there are a couple of nasty blind bends to negotiate. We walked into the village and took a path which bought us out onto the banks of the River Eea, a delightful spot with mature weeping willows gracefully hanging over the water. We wandered along the flower strewn banks for a short distance before doubling back into the village.

(https://i.ibb.co/8d1qBD5/114a-River-Eea.jpg)
The River Eea, which runs through the centre of Cartmel. A lovely spot, and a good place for Tess to have a drink.

(https://i.ibb.co/Jk1ndDL/115a-Tess.jpg)
Tess amongst the flowers

We passed through the deserted village onto the Racecourse, the normally busy car park empty. We headed south west from here, through a field known as Seven Acres, and into the woods beyond, past some forestry workers planting trees in a recently felled plantation. On up a hill, and then onto more open level ground, a few people out walking here reducing my photo opportunities. Some had come in cars (shock horror), but I suspect that they were locals. We entered the woods again, now heading north, then east back into Cartmel, popping out onto the Racecourse again.

(https://i.ibb.co/9sDZZ1W/116a-Wood-Anemones.jpg)  (https://i.ibb.co/xXcP2nv/118a-Celandines.jpg)
Wood Anemones by the racecourse, Celandines beside the road

(https://i.ibb.co/9WZZzmv/117a-Seven-Acres.jpg)
The field known as Seven Acres. We walked into the woods beyond.

(https://i.ibb.co/bW6BJ4N/119a-Tall-Trees.jpg)
Mature woodland

(https://i.ibb.co/PGTj9yX/120a-Forest-Track.jpg)
Forest track - the grass is suddenly so green, and nice to see the young birch trees in leaf - such a fresh green!

(https://i.ibb.co/KrPgmnX/121a-Early-Bluebells.jpg)
Some early bluebells - Not many yet, but they will soon be out en masse

We walked back through the empty village, normally crowded with tourists, and popped into a small shop to buy some water (it was hot) and a couple of Higginsons Sausage Rolls - social distancing rules in force, I was glad to see. £5 well spent.

(https://i.ibb.co/4TdxB9v/122a-Cartmel-Arch.jpg)
Vaulted arch in Cartmel (I am told that this building is the Priory Gatehouse)

(https://i.ibb.co/gJk5yKp/123a-Cartmel-Priory.jpg)
Cartmel Priory

We had intended to return via a footpath that climbs up the western flanks of Hampsfell, but we came across this notice:

(https://i.ibb.co/Kh1tMN3/124a-Walkers-Not-Welcome.jpg)

I did wonder about ignoring it, as the path does not go right through their farmyard, but I decided to backtrack and return via the golf course. I was initially a bit miffed, but these are difficult times and for all I know there might be a particularly vulnerable person in the household. No real hardship for us to go around. And we ate our sausage rolls walking up the hill!

(https://i.ibb.co/n39h8vM/125a-Gorse.jpg)
Gorse in flower on the southern flanks of Fell End. Almost home now.

(https://i.ibb.co/QDWDLg4/126-Cartmel-Map.png)

7 miles in total. The sign at the farm has got me thinking a bit - I do wonder whether I strayed a bit over the lockdown boundaries today. Is 7 miles too far?


Back in the garden, someone unwisely gave Tess a Pampas Grass seed head - it didn't last long!
(https://i.ibb.co/m6ZBFMW/127a-Tess-Being-Destructive.jpg)
Tess in destructive mode
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: Ridge on 09:23:58, 11/04/20
You've a fair variety of countryside to walk in  O0


I don't know Cartmel so did a bit of googling to find out about the priory gate house.
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: richardh1905 on 09:46:11, 11/04/20
You've a fair variety of countryside to walk in  O0


I don't know Cartmel so did a bit of googling to find out about the priory gate house.


Indeed I do - I'm really appreciating that fact right now. :)


Cartmel is lovely - but is normally swamped with tourists, and it reeks of money.
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: Ridge on 09:55:11, 11/04/20
Cartmel is lovely - but is normally swamped with tourists, and it reeks of money.
Looks like just the sort of place we would go and visit if it was somewhere else, but I never go looking at interesting churches and stuff like that in Cumbria, the call of the fells is too strong.
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: April on 12:03:00, 11/04/20
More lovely pics Richard, love the weeping willow shot  O0

I don't think 7 miles is too much Richard. You did a there and back walk with a bit of a loop so you didn't stray too far from home. I did 6.25 miles yesterday and did the same walk today. The furthest I got from home as the crow flies was 1.25 miles. For me my mental health is just as important as my physical health. The walks I'm doing at the weekends are only just enough to keep me from losing it.
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: richardh1905 on 12:42:28, 11/04/20
Looks like just the sort of place we would go and visit if it was somewhere else, but I never go looking at interesting churches and stuff like that in Cumbria, the call of the fells is too strong.


Indeed - looking at churches whatever is something for a day when I can't get on the hill.


The country to the west of Cartmel is quite different in character to the limestone pavement and yew woods of Hampsfell, more typical South Lakes geology, I suspect.
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: richardh1905 on 12:45:12, 11/04/20
More lovely pics Richard, love the weeping willow shot  O0

I don't think 7 miles is too much Richard. You did a there and back walk with a bit of a loop so you didn't stray too far from home. I did 6.25 miles yesterday and did the same walk today. The furthest I got from home as the crow flies was 1.25 miles. For me my mental health is just as important as my physical health. The walks I'm doing at the weekends are only just enough to keep me from losing it.

Thanks April. :)

Regarding the 7 miles - it was more of a rhetorical question posed to myself, in response to the sign on the farm path, I suppose. I certainly wouldn't feel comfortable going further afield.
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: Dovegirl on 13:46:16, 11/04/20
Enjoyed Tess's latest adventures!    :)   

I went to Cartmel some years ago and had a wander round, and the photo of the pretty weeping willows by the river looks like a spot I came across. I'm a lover of church architecture so the Priory Church was a highlight.  Thank you for the reminders of a lovely visit   :)
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: richardh1905 on 14:14:51, 11/04/20
Enjoyed Tess's latest adventures!    :)   

I went to Cartmel some years ago and had a wander round, and the photo of the pretty weeping willows by the river looks like a spot I came across. I'm a lover of church architecture so the Priory Church was a highlight.  Thank you for the reminders of a lovely visit   :)


A pleasure, Dovegirl.  :)
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: Brandywell on 14:44:09, 11/04/20
Thanks Richard for the photos of Cartmel.   We used to walk into the village every day before the lockdown for coffee at the Priory Hotel and a chat with the villagers, not been back since.  You should go back to photograph the willows from Church Bridge when they are in full leaf and trailing into the Eea.  They are going to put a footbridge over the river which will spoil that view from the bridge.  The footpath which is 'closed' is very popular with visitors as it also a part of the Cistercian Way LDP between Grange and Barrow.  I've lost count of the number of misplaced walkers I've directed up Priest Lane towards the steps in the wall and that gate.  The 'new' gatehouse is the only surviving part of the domestic buildings of the priory, the upper story became a court room and later a schoolroom after the Dissolution.  Check out the grooves scraped into the roof of the arch, they were caused a few years ago when they tried to drive a lorry through it which was piled high with parts for Tom Jones's concert stage, they had to let some air out of the tyres to free it. :)
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: richardh1905 on 16:30:17, 11/04/20
Thanks for the local knowledge, Brandywell - I'm still a relative newcomer to the area so it is appreciated. Your story about Tom Jones's lorry getting stuck made me smile  :)

Yes, I was aware of the Cistercian Way - I've been up that path once before - missed the steps initially! I'll be checking that the sign has been removed once the Coronavirus crisis is over, but I'll steer clear for now - it will keep.
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: karl h on 17:04:53, 11/04/20
More lovely pics Richard  O0
Keep 'em coming.. I know it's a tough job but somebody has to do it  ;)
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: richardh1905 on 18:36:40, 11/04/20
More lovely pics Richard  O0
Keep 'em coming.. I know it's a tough job but somebody has to do it  ;)

Thanks Karl.
Don't tell me about it, it was hellish walking through the ramsons and celandines to the Brown Robin Reserve today  :D

Account of today's trials and tribulations coming shortly.
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: sunnydale on 18:59:26, 11/04/20
Another lovely set Richard O0
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: Brandywell on 19:20:36, 11/04/20

 I'll be checking that the sign has been removed once the Coronavirus crisis is over, but I'll steer clear for now - it will keep.

I'm sure it will be though I don't think Pitt Farm have ever been very welcoming to walkers.  The place is always busy with the attached racing stables and training gallops (separate business I think).  Thanks for the heads up about the sign.  O0
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: richardh1905 on 19:30:59, 11/04/20
Another lovely set Richard O0


Thanks Tracey - another set incoming shortly!
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: richardh1905 on 20:25:42, 11/04/20
Day 19 - 11th April 2020

A shorter walk today, 4 miles. The weather was very warm so I decided to head into the woods, Eggerslack to the spring, then down on to the Brown Robin Nature Reserve, across the Windermere Road. https://www.cumbriawildlifetrust.org.uk/nature-reserves/brown-robin (https://www.cumbriawildlifetrust.org.uk/nature-reserves/brown-robin)

(https://i.ibb.co/F6cbWyC/128a-Ransoms-Close-Up.jpg)
The Ramsons are starting to come out. This close up was taken in the woods above the Community Orchard

(https://i.ibb.co/gr0MkbX/129a-Wild-Cherry-Blossom.jpg)
Wild Cherry blossom in Eggerslack Woods.

(https://i.ibb.co/xD1qXqP/130a-Beech-Tree.jpg)
A fine beech tree in Eggerslack Woods

(https://i.ibb.co/gd8BnxP/131a-Bad-Hair-Day.jpg)
Tess having a bad hair day. Serves her right for rolling in something smelly amongst the beech leaves!

(https://i.ibb.co/2vLGdjd/132a-Tall-Trees.jpg)
Tall trees in an incredibly peaceful spot - all I could hear were a few birds singing - VIDEO (https://youtu.be/_b3VgeMLCjA)

(https://i.ibb.co/q0cv4qj/133a-Fern1.jpg)   (https://i.ibb.co/j35ykfg/134a-Fern2.jpg)
Spotted these ferns unfurling beside the path to the spring. Can anyone identify them?

Edit - my best guess is Scaly Male Fern and Harts Tongue Fern.

Edit 2 - new word for the day: Crozier - the curled top of a young fern

(https://i.ibb.co/72Vm1f3/135a-Green.jpg)
After Tess had a drink at the spring, I headed down towards Windermere Road. Ramsons and Dog's Mercury under Sycamore trees that are coming into leaf - everything is suddenly so green!

(https://i.ibb.co/VCctPrb/136a-Brown-Robin-Reserve.jpg)
Gorse in flower on the Brown Robin Nature Reserve - my wife did some conservation work here in February

(https://i.ibb.co/ZgMGh8s/137a-Cowslip1.jpg)   (https://i.ibb.co/RB9mwty/138a-Cowslip2.jpg)
Close up of cowslips in the Brown Robin Reserve

(https://i.ibb.co/Tg7xF8P/139a-Eggerslack-Woods.jpg)
Looking back towards Eggerslack Woods

(https://i.ibb.co/PGX4wzm/140a-Beech-Bark.jpg)
Snake skin bark - unusual markings on the trunk of a Beech tree

(https://i.ibb.co/G0gbjZc/141a-Netherwood-Topiary.jpg)
I popped out of the reserve on what I hoped was a permissive path by the Netherwood Hotel

(https://i.ibb.co/zR3zbKn/142a-Community-Orchard.jpg)
I returned via the Community Orchard - beautiful blossom

(https://i.ibb.co/r4KFtVb/143a-Old-Chestnut-Tree.jpg)
An elderly Horse Chestnut surrounded by Celandines
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: Ridge on 20:31:52, 11/04/20
Lovely  O0


Good to see the wild garlic, as far as I know we don't have any within walking distance of our house.
We have a cowslip in our lawn which flowers for most of the year.


Nice to see a picture of your house too.
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: richardh1905 on 20:34:51, 11/04/20
Lovely  O0

Good to see the wild garlic, as far as I know we don't have any within walking distance of our house.
We have a cowslip in our lawn which flowers for most of the year.

Nice to see a picture of your house too.

Thanks, it was. So peaceful in the woods today, only met one other walker.

Cowslips are lovely. First time that I have spotted some in this area.

As if! Very posh - and the topiary is very striking.
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: Mel on 23:38:22, 11/04/20
Horribly jealous of your lovely walks Richard.


The one a page back of Tess munching on a stick - so funny the way she's laid all puppy dog splay legged.  It always makes me smile when a dog lays like that  :)


Keep 'em coming  O0
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: April on 07:33:55, 12/04/20
Lol at Tess rolling in smelly stuff. Squeaky does that too. Why?  ;D

Yep, nice pad you have Richard  :) Great pics Richard, trees are lovely  O0
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: sunnydale on 08:28:07, 12/04/20
More lovely photos Richard O0
I think fernman would be the best one to identify your ferns! :D
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: Jac on 08:51:15, 12/04/20
Beautiful :)

I have Hart's Tongue fern round my little garden pond. The new word - crozier - is also the name for a bishop's crook
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: richardh1905 on 09:23:27, 12/04/20
The one a page back of Tess munching on a stick - so funny the way she's laid all puppy dog splay legged.  It always makes me smile when a dog lays like that  :)
Keep 'em coming  O0
Will do Mel - Tess is a constant source of amusement and pleasure, occasionally frustration and disgust too! But mostly pleasure  :)


Lol at Tess rolling in smelly stuff. Squeaky does that too. Why?  ;D
Yep, nice pad you have Richard  :) Great pics Richard, trees are lovely  O0
Thanks April  :)  Opinion is divided as to why dogs behave in such a disgusting manner. Tess used to have a particular liking for rotting fish on our local beach in Orkney  :P
http://www.bbc.com/earth/story/20170608-the-many-reasons-why-dogs-might-roll-in-smelly-poo (http://www.bbc.com/earth/story/20170608-the-many-reasons-why-dogs-might-roll-in-smelly-poo)


More lovely photos Richard O0
I think fernman would be the best one to identify your ferns! :D
Thanks Tracey - I would be happy to be corrected - pretty sure about the Harts tongue, but less certain about the first, especially as the croziers have not unfurled.


Beautiful :)
I have Hart's Tongue fern round my little garden pond. The new word - crozier - is also the name for a bishop's crook
Thanks Jac - yes the scroll on the end of a Bishop's staff - I had come across that use of Crozier before - looks a lot like a fern tip!
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: richardh1905 on 22:44:10, 13/04/20
Day 20 - 12th April

A short 2 mile evening walk over the southern and western flanks of Fell End, a new route onto the hill for me. It was a late start after watching the 'slow TV' balloon flight through the Lake District, and I didn't bother taking the phone as the sun had gone down, which was a pity as the skies were gorgeous. As was the gorse.


Day 21 - 13th April

I returned to the path that I had found the previous evening, a rising traverse through the gorse and hawthorn around the south western corner of Fell End (the southern spur of Hampsfell).

(https://i.ibb.co/XDDZf0b/144a-Tess-Gorse.jpg)
Mind your nose, Tess!

(https://i.ibb.co/dK7xPy6/145a-Gorse.jpg)
Gorse and Hawthorn on the western flank of Fell End

The path climbs the hillside, but I left it, and traversed across the hillside to the north, climbing over a gate. A trod continued northwards through some lovely country, stunted hawthorn scattered across the steep hillside. Fine views to the west over the Cartmel Valley, with hazy mountains beyond.

(https://i.ibb.co/DkRcsnq/146a-Field-Broughton.jpg)
The church at Field Broughton in the verdant Vale of Cartmel

(https://i.ibb.co/DKw0wG1/147a-Cartmel-Priory.jpg)
A telephoto shot of Cartmel Priory

(https://i.ibb.co/ZKgHRmL/148a-Hawthorn.jpg)
A windswept hawthorn bursting into leaf with the Irish Sea beyond

(https://i.ibb.co/h7DzWx1/149a-Hoad.jpg)
The Hoad Monument (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hoad_Monument) above Ulverston

(https://i.ibb.co/HBNPzKK/150a-Folly.jpg)
Longlands Tower folly

The trod bought me to a footpath leading down the hillside towards Cartmel, part of the Cistercian Way. This path passes through a farm which is discouraging walkers due to Coronavirus fears. I crossed the path and continued northwards instead, across some delightfully rough scrubby country - limestone scree, hawthorn, blackthorn - and came across a rough path leading north westwards down the hillside, overgrown with thick scrub in places. At the bottom, I was confronted with a wall covered in barbed wire - no option but to return, but I really didn't mind - I was enjoying myself exploring. As a reward for my efforts I spotted some orchids in flower on my way back up the hill. I branched off into more open country, passing more orchids, and climbed up beside the wall to the stile on the crest of the hill.

(https://i.ibb.co/D7NNj9J/151a-Scrub.jpg)
The path descended across the hillside into heavy scrub

(https://i.ibb.co/0BvYdFZ/152a-Orchid.jpg)
Spotted several orchids underneath the hawthorn on my way back up the hill - Early Purple Orchid, I believe

After crossing the stile and giving Tess a drink, I headed back down the hill, following a well established path into the scrub again. This path met a bridleway at the bottom of the hill; this I followed back up the hill again, a route that could best be described as circuitous!

(https://i.ibb.co/172vK5m/154a-Thirsty-Dog.jpg)
Thirsty Tess drinking from a natural dog bowl in the limestone

(https://i.ibb.co/RNS22mp/155a-Nice-Pad.jpg)
Longlands Hall with it's impressive walled garden - the bridleway passes through their grounds so best avoided during the pandemic

(https://i.ibb.co/zsJqMrd/157a-Climbing-Path.jpg)
The bridleway climbs back up the scrubby hillside - lovely country

(https://i.ibb.co/2FN7hTV/158a-Bonsai-Blackthorn.jpg)
Bonsai Blackthorn in flower - the cattle keep them pruned - absolutely beautiful

After climbing onto the Hampsfell plateau, I dropped down eastwards towards Eggerslack Woods and returned to Grange along the byway that skirts the woods.

(https://i.ibb.co/qJv9vzh/159a-Morecambe-Bay.jpg)
I never tire of the view across Morecambe Bay

(https://i.ibb.co/HDB6syc/161a-Byway.jpg)
The byway back to Grange-over-Sands

A very pleasant meandering 5 miles, which took me a leisurely 3 hours - quality is more important than quantity!
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: Ridge on 22:56:55, 13/04/20
Great stuff. Careful on the gorse Tess!


I'd forgotten about the Hoad, walked up to it a few times years ago when me and Mrs R were first together as her brother live in Ulverston briefly.
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: richardh1905 on 06:31:11, 14/04/20
Great stuff. Careful on the gorse Tess!
I'd forgotten about the Hoad, walked up to it a few times years ago when me and Mrs R were first together as her brother live in Ulverston briefly.

Thanks Ridge - I have yet to climb the Hoad. Been along England's shortest canal, though, a lovely short walk to squeeze in after shopping at our posh local supermarket.
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: sunnydale on 06:33:14, 14/04/20
Blimey, your Orchids are early! :o
Love the pic of Tess with her nose in the gorse bush! O0
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: richardh1905 on 06:39:44, 14/04/20
Blimey, your Orchids are early! :o
Love the pic of Tess with her nose in the gorse bush! O0


Thanks Tracey  :)
Just been checking the identification - appropriately it is an Early Purple Orchid. The flowers on this specimen had 4 spots arranged in a square - not sure whether this is a regional variation, or just that plant. I'll be on the lookout to check.


PS - if anyone thinks that I am wrong about the orchid, please let me know.
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: sunnydale on 06:42:41, 14/04/20
Well I’d assume it to be an Early Purple Richard, as they are (usually) the first off the block to bloom!
Looking forward to ours flowering & luckily, I can find some within reasonable walking distance! O0
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: April on 06:54:18, 14/04/20
Lovely pics Richard  O0

I do like your meandering route, it is the sign of the times  :) The countryside is very pretty down there, the place names are only names I've heard but never seen before.
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: richardh1905 on 07:01:57, 14/04/20
Lovely pics Richard  O0

I do like your meandering route, it is the sign of the times  :) The countryside is very pretty down there, the place names are only names I've heard but never seen before.


Thanks April - yes I'm poking around in odd corners that I would never normally consider - luckily Hampsfell and the woods are (mostly) open access land. Another lovely day today - saw the sun rise at 0618 - so off on another walk soon.  :)
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: April on 07:26:56, 14/04/20
Enjoy it Richard, I am back at work today  :(
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: Jac on 07:41:08, 14/04/20
Enjoy it Richard, I am back at work today  :(

Sort of (I don't know what you do)envious you can work. I've been retired five years and never thought I'd miss going out to work! Until now there were always nicer things to do.
Neither my daughter or partner can work just now which is a worry. The Govt scheme for the self employed doesn't seem to be helping them at all.
Sorry, Richard - off topic. Early Purples are in flower down here and some green winged.
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: April on 07:50:09, 14/04/20
Sort of (I don't know what you do) envious you can work.

You are right, I am lucky really, I am still able to work and earn money. I'm just not enjoying the work I'm doing at the moment, it is so stressful.

Sorry Richard, off topic too! I hope you are enjoying your walk it is really lovely in north Cumbria.
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: Dovegirl on 08:30:31, 14/04/20
Love the photo of Tess burrowing in the gorse!    :)   


The view over Morecambe Bay looks beautiful



Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: richardh1905 on 12:21:40, 14/04/20
Sorry, Richard - off topic. Early Purples are in flower down here and some green winged.


I spotted a different type of orchid on my walk to and over Humphrey Head today - might be green winged; I'll do some checking and post photos later.
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: richardh1905 on 12:22:53, 14/04/20
Love the photo of Tess burrowing in the gorse!    :)   
The view over Morecambe Bay looks beautiful


She was lucky not to get a spiked nose!
..and I never tire of that view across the sands. More coming shortly...
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: richardh1905 on 12:24:54, 14/04/20
Sorry Richard, off topic too! I hope you are enjoying your walk it is really lovely in north Cumbria.
Glad to hear it - had a cracker of a walk this morning, down to Kents Bank and along the shore to Humphrey Head nature reserve. Orchids, cowslips, bluebells, marsh marigolds, and beautiful views across the sands. Report coming soon! :)
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: Mel on 13:55:30, 14/04/20
Enjoyed your latest update on my lunch break browse.  Cheers  :)
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: richardh1905 on 16:21:36, 14/04/20
Enjoyed your latest update on my lunch break browse.  Cheers  :)


Glad that you enjoyed it Mel - this morning's walk incoming shortly  :)
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: richardh1905 on 16:50:49, 14/04/20
Day 22 - 14th April 2020

I was up not long after the dawn chorus, but too late to get up the hill to catch the sunrise - the sun rose from behind Middleton Fell at 0618.

I got an early start though, a bite to eat and a cup of water, and out the door just after seven. Today I decided to head south and visit Humphrey Head Nature Reserve (https://www.cumbriawildlifetrust.org.uk/nature-reserves/humphrey-head) - a finger of limestone jutting out into Morecambe Bay. I walked through sleepy suburbia to Kent's Bank Station, where I crossed the line and gained the shore.

(https://i.ibb.co/5W37FNb/162a-Kent-Estuary.jpg)
An early morning view of the Kent Estuary - the Forest of Bowland hills visible to the right

(https://i.ibb.co/MG0fJCZ/163a-Cuckoo-Pint.jpg)
Cuckoo Pint in the verge - is there a weirder British flower?

(https://i.ibb.co/Cnp75H0/164a-Kents-Banks-Station.jpg)
Kents Bank Station, Humphrey Head in the background

(https://i.ibb.co/yPp8jpY/165a-Humphrey-Head.jpg)
Along the embankment to Humphrey Head - a concrete ledge has been built near the top of the embankment - perfect for walking

The walking along the shore was easy to start with, along a concrete ledge thoughtfully constructed 3/4 of the way up the embankment. I passed around a small rocky headland, which was clad in blackthorn, but then the path got rather muddy - some work has been carried out on the railway embankment and machinery had churned up the mud. I cut inland on an old track after Wyke Farm, before climbing the northern ridge of Humphrey Head.

(https://i.ibb.co/CvYW3qw/167a-Old-Lane.jpg)
An old lane cuts across the northern end of Humphrey Head

(https://i.ibb.co/5vG0H4z/169a-Arnside-Knott.jpg)
Arnside Knott from the northern slopes of Humphrey Head

(https://i.ibb.co/F8X8XcN/171a-Salt-Marsh.jpg)
A birds eye view of the salt marsh - the cliffs drop away vertically to the west

(https://i.ibb.co/T05ny8j/172a-Cowslip.jpg)
The grassy ridge was studded with cowslips

(https://i.ibb.co/VpRvCP5/173a-Trig-Point-View.jpg)
Trig point view from Humphrey Head

After taking a photo at the Trig Point (53m), I continued southwards, the ridge dropping away slowly into the sands. I visited the southern tip of the headland, and then returned through the native woodland that cloaks the more sheltered eastern slopes. The bluebells were out.

(https://i.ibb.co/Pmxxbdy/175a-Rock-Garden.jpg)
Looking north along the ridge - Stunted Blackthorn sprawling across the limestone, Coniston Old Man just visible in the distance

(https://i.ibb.co/p4bHGKj/176a-Orchid.jpg)   (https://i.ibb.co/cDPFdTY/177-Orchid-Close-Up.jpg)
Green Winged Orchid - I think

(https://i.ibb.co/rFJXC7v/178a-Hawthorns.jpg)
The hawthorns get a real battering here - Heysham Nuclear Power Plant visible across the sands

(https://i.ibb.co/zrzJ3sc/179a-Sands.jpg)
The sands of Morecambe Bay - if the quicksand doesn't get you, the tide will

(https://i.ibb.co/vqFJ8Sk/180a-Bluebells.jpg)
Bluebells in the woodland that cloaks the eastern slopes of Humphrey Head

I returned home along minor country lanes via Allithwaite. Very few people about.

(https://i.ibb.co/zGxHQS4/182a-Flat-Land-Big-Sky.jpg)
Returning along country lanes - the land at the southern tip of the Cartmel Peninsula is very flat - I could be in Lincolnshire!

(https://i.ibb.co/DtwkwHN/183a-Marsh-Marigold.jpg)
March Marigolds - such an intense yellow

(https://i.ibb.co/dWyR1BW/184a-Boarbank-Bluebells.jpg)
Bluebells in Boarbank Woods

(https://i.ibb.co/pZVgYyx/185a-Humphrey-Head.jpg)
A last look at Humphrey Head from the Boarbank Road

Quite a long walk by lockdown standards - just over 8 miles. Hardly saw a soul.


Edit - Map showing Humphrey Head added
(https://i.ibb.co/WBnwX6X/186-Map-Humphrey-Head.png)


Edit 2 - heard Curlews AND Lapwings by the shore on this walk - sounds that will forever remind me of Orkney.
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: April on 18:52:51, 14/04/20
Great stuff Richard  O0 I've never heard of or seen a cuckoo pint before, they look alien  :o

Love the bluebells and I didn't know that was Heysham Power plant. I have seen it many times from the southern fells but didn't know what is was.
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: vghikers on 19:15:13, 14/04/20
Great variety of clear pics again, lovely walk  O0

Quote
...a concrete ledge has been built near the top of the embankment - perfect for walking
Not so hot if you meet a group part way along coming the other way!  :)

Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: Bigfoot_Mike on 19:24:17, 14/04/20
This has been an interesting series Richard. You are good at identifying the wildflowers. I might have to see if I can get a picture of the flowers I saw on the banks of the Don last weekend to see if you can identify them. I have tried online identification guides without success. I suppose it is possible that they are not actually wildflowers, but escapees from a garden a mile or so away.
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: richardh1905 on 19:37:20, 14/04/20
Great stuff Richard  O0 I've never heard of or seen a cuckoo pint before, they look alien  :o

Love the bluebells and I didn't know that was Heysham Power plant. I have seen it many times from the southern fells but didn't know what is was.

Thanks April - Latin name for Cuckoo Pint is Arum Maculatum - you may have spotted the clusters of red berries on a short stalk in the Autumn - doubt that they are good to eat!


Edit - Cuckoo Pint is known by lots of names. From Wikipedia:

It is known by an abundance of common names including snakeshead, adder's root, arum, wild arum, arum lily, lords-and-ladies, devils and angels, cows and bulls, cuckoo-pint, soldiers diddies, priest's pintle, Adam and Eve, bobbins, naked girls, naked boys,  starch-root, wake robin, friar's cowl, sonsie-give-us-your-hand, jack in the pulpit and cheese and toast. The name "lords-and-ladies" and other gender-related names refer to the plant's likeness to male and female genitalia symbolising copulation.
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: richardh1905 on 19:39:38, 14/04/20
Great variety of clear pics again, lovely walk  O0
Not so hot if you meet a group part way along coming the other way!  :)


Thanks vghikers.  :)
Someone did come the other way - I just carefully picked my way down the embankment onto the marsh grass as the tide was out!
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: richardh1905 on 19:41:21, 14/04/20
This has been an interesting series Richard. You are good at identifying the wildflowers. I might have to see if I can get a picture of the flowers I saw on the banks of the Don last weekend to see if you can identify them. I have tried online identification guides without success. I suppose it is possible that they are not actually wildflowers, but escapees from a garden a mile or so away.


Thank you Mike.  :)


I'm no expert but I do take an interest, and am happy to have a stab at identifying them. Perhaps just stick the pictures in the Flora photography thread?
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: Brandywell on 20:03:06, 14/04/20
Great report Richard, I can see Humphrey Head from my lounge window.  There is a lot of history there, it's thought that it is named from an early Angle settler called Hunfrith.  Legend has it that the last wolf in England was hunted down and killed there by one of the Harringtons of nearby Wraysholme Tower in the 14th century  Check out the weather vane of Cartmel Priory which is a wolf's head.  Also Sir Edgar's cave, the Holy Well and William Peddar's memorial n the western cliffs. on your next visit. :)
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: richardh1905 on 21:10:22, 14/04/20
Great report Richard, I can see Humphrey Head from my lounge window.  There is a lot of history there, it's thought that it is named from an early Angle settler called Hunfrith.  Legend has it that the last wolf in England was hunted down and killed there by one of the Harringtons of nearby Wraysholme Tower in the 14th century  Check out the weather vane of Cartmel Priory which is a wolf's head.  Also Sir Edgar's cave, the Holy Well and William Peddar's memorial n the western cliffs. on your next visit. :)

Thanks Brandywell, most interesting. I have been along the base of the cliffs to the west a couple of times, in the pre-lockdown era, which seems like ages ago. Also been up the steep scrambly path direct from the car park - the dog had to be helped up! My wife and I also walked along the shore to the east from the headland - this was fine to start with but degenerated into a bog trotting shambles, and I ended up losing my dignity, dryness and some skin from my shin!

Thanks for the local info - I spotted Wraysholme Tower on my walk today.


PS - I'll be on the lookout for Goldilocks Aster in September.
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: sunnydale on 21:24:32, 14/04/20
I enjoyed your latest photos Richard. O0
The orchid is very pretty. I don’t think we get Green Winged around my way, although some rarer varieties do spring up here & there occasionally.
I once spotted a Chalk Fragrant orchid in Cressbrook Dale, which is a typical lime stone dale. Quite a surprise find in that area. :)
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: Bigfoot_Mike on 21:39:23, 14/04/20

Thank you Mike.  :)


I'm no expert but I do take an interest, and am happy to have a stab at identifying them. Perhaps just stick the pictures in the Flora photography thread?
If I do get some pictures, I will post them in the Flora thread.
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: richardh1905 on 21:54:58, 14/04/20
I enjoyed your latest photos Richard. O0
The orchid is very pretty. I don’t think we get Green Winged around my way, although some rarer varieties do spring up here & there occasionally.
I once spotted a Chalk Fragrant orchid in Cressbrook Dale, which is a typical lime stone dale. Quite a surprise find in that area. :)


Glad to hear it, Tracey. I'm no expert on orchids, but I'm learning fast!
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: Dovegirl on 21:56:29, 14/04/20
Lovely photos Richard    :)    The views of the bay look ethereal in the morning sunlight
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: richardh1905 on 22:26:55, 14/04/20
Thanks Dovegirl  :)
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: Mel on 23:14:01, 14/04/20
A nice bedtime story for me to read this time Richard  O0


Thanks, once again, for posting  :)
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: richardh1905 on 06:51:44, 15/04/20
A nice bedtime story for me to read this time Richard  O0

Thanks, once again, for posting  :)

Glad that my reports are effective as a soporific, Mel  ;)

I'm on the 'Sunset Shift' for walking Tess today - missed a beautiful sunset last night, judging by the colour the sky went after it had gone down. My wife and son missed it too, as they took Tess down the hill to the east, rather than up on to Fell End to the west. Hopefully tonight's will be a cracker - the forecast is good.
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: April on 08:01:35, 15/04/20
missed a beautiful sunset last night, judging by the colour the sky went after it had gone down

There was a glorious sunset last night, I can't see if properly from where I live but I could see the sky was red. I hope it is as good tonight so we can all see it from your photos  :)
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: richardh1905 on 22:10:06, 15/04/20
Day 23 - 15th April 2020

On the evening shift today, walking the dog with my youngest son. Weather gorgeous, so we wandered up Hampsfell for the sunset. 3 miles.

(https://i.ibb.co/n1hDWcy/190a-Sunset.jpg)


(https://i.ibb.co/JnZySbW/191a-Sunset.jpg)


(https://i.ibb.co/NWvPc1s/192a-Sunset.jpg)


(https://i.ibb.co/Gk7C9TZ/193a-Sunset.jpg)


(https://i.ibb.co/s2BKwHH/194a-Sunset.jpg)


(https://i.ibb.co/93QJCcb/196a-Sunset.jpg)


(https://i.ibb.co/r7mJwMs/197a-Sunset.jpg)


Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: Ridge on 22:16:58, 15/04/20
Lovely sunset shots.  O0
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: sunnydale on 22:21:16, 15/04/20
Beautiful photos Richard 8)
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: April on 22:27:22, 15/04/20
Great sunset shots Richard  O0
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: Mel on 22:33:20, 15/04/20
Lovely  :)
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: richardh1905 on 06:50:46, 16/04/20
Thanks, Ridge, Tracey, April, Mel  :)


It was a gorgeous evening but very few people were out on the hill. I also spotted some more Early Purple Orchids on the western flanks of Hampsfell - lovely in the evening light - but my phone refused to focus on them!
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: pdstsp on 14:26:20, 16/04/20
Lovely shots Richard.  I just want to walk into that view.
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: richardh1905 on 15:34:54, 16/04/20
Lovely shots Richard.  I just want to walk into that view.


Thank you pdstsp - hopefully in a month or so you will be able to!  :)
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: pdstsp on 16:14:05, 16/04/20
Certainly hope so.  Lots more water under the bridge till then though.
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: photonut on 10:13:55, 17/04/20
Great pics Richard.  I'm amazed I haven't seen you yet on Hampsfell.
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: richardh1905 on 10:22:26, 17/04/20
Great pics Richard.  I'm amazed I haven't seen you yet on Hampsfell.


Thanks Photonut - I was up up Hampsfell for the sunrise this morning  8)
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: richardh1905 on 10:45:52, 17/04/20
Day 24 - 16th April 2020

A 3 mile evening walk up Hampsfell with my wife. We found yet another path that was new to us, traversing along the top of the cliffs that flank the south eastern edge of the plateau, then down to the byway past Eggerslack Woods, blackbirds and blackthorn in the fading light. Missed the sun setting over Black Combe, but found this lovely old hawthorn on the plateau - full of character.

(https://i.ibb.co/Cb45h5N/199-Characterful-Hawthorn.jpg)


Day 25 - 17th April 2020

I woke very early, so decided to get up and catch the sunrise. Out of the house by 0530. I climbed up on to Fell End, and then along to Hampsfell, taking a meander around the eastern edge of the limestone pavement for the sunrise, then cutting through Bishop's Allotment to Eggerslack Woods, so that Tess could have a drink at the spring. The bluebells were just starting to make a show. Returned along Spring Bank Road in the morning sun - cowslips, herb robert, red campion, stitchwort, celandines, violets, wood sorrel - even spotted some naturalised Soloman's Seal in the hedgerow.

5 miles, and back home before 8!

(https://i.ibb.co/VpD37hk/200a-Sunrise.jpg)
An early start

(https://i.ibb.co/d06bBwq/201a-Sunrise.jpg)
The moon over the Forest of Bowland

(https://i.ibb.co/Mg6cZFY/202a-Sunrise.jpg)
Getting brighter....

(https://i.ibb.co/mT953sN/214a-Sunrise.jpg)
The view over the Kent Estuary, Ingleborough visible in the distance

(https://i.ibb.co/2v3ysH1/208a-Sunrise.jpg)
Sunrise over the Yorkshire Dales

(https://i.ibb.co/9yGsVmS/210a-Sunrise.jpg)
Sunrise - this tree lost it's struggle for survival

(https://i.ibb.co/DMs1gN6/211a-Sunrise.jpg)
Helvellyn and Red Screes to the north, Gummers How in the middle distance

(https://i.ibb.co/hHyjLmL/212a-Sunrise.jpg)
Coniston Old Man capped by a wisp of cloud

(https://i.ibb.co/hX5mvNT/218a-Clints-And-Pines.jpg)
Clints and Pines in Bishop's Allotment

(https://i.ibb.co/rcSpjYm/220a-Tall-Trees.jpg)
Larches and Pines line the path above the Merlewood

(https://i.ibb.co/mGPz5hg/221a-Bluebells.jpg)
Bluebells in Eggerslack woods - not at their best yet, by any means

(https://i.ibb.co/qx1WmxM/222a-Barn.jpg)
Traditional South Lakes barn
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: pdstsp on 10:55:03, 17/04/20
Cracking pics - I love the light in the one with Coniston Old Man in the background - my favourite time of day in the hills, and particularly at this time of year.
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: ninthace on 11:19:38, 17/04/20
Reminds me of the time I was an impoverished car less student living in digs in Morecambe. I used to walk down to the front and look longingly across the bay to the fells. They were beautiful, especially in winter, but inaccessible in my financial state, living on a grant.  Then my mate’s dad gave him an old A30 which was odd because he only had a provisional licence. I had a full one however ....
Things improved after that.
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: Ridge on 12:39:38, 17/04/20
Another great set of pics Richard.
I used to be always up at 6.30 in the time I can just about remember when I went to work. But, having still woken at that time for the first 2 weeks of furlough, I am slowly getting later and later.
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: richardh1905 on 16:41:23, 17/04/20
Then my mate’s dad gave him an old A30 which was odd because he only had a provisional licence. I had a full one however ....
Things improved after that.


Made me smile. One of my friends had an A40 - I remember the windscreen heater being particularly useless.
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: richardh1905 on 16:45:20, 17/04/20
Thanks for the replies  :)

Cracking pics - I love the light in the one with Coniston Old Man in the background - my favourite time of day in the hills, and particularly at this time of year.

Yes - there's something about that magical half light early in the morning, with the promise of the day ahead - especially if I am up early whilst wild camping.

Another great set of pics Richard.
I used to be always up at 6.30 in the time I can just about remember when I went to work. But, having still woken at that time for the first 2 weeks of furlough, I am slowly getting later and later.

I never have trouble getting up early, for some reason - I seem to have a built in alarm clock. Catching early ferries in Orkney or worse, Stornoway, has given me plenty of practice.
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: ninthace on 17:12:42, 17/04/20

Made me smile. One of my friends had an A40 - I remember the windscreen heater being particularly useless.
IIRC It had the engine out of an A35 and the gearbox out of a Morris 1100.  The bodywork pretty was much solid Isopon from the windows down.  We went all over the place in it.
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: April on 17:48:58, 17/04/20
More lovely pics Richard   O0 My favourite is the view of Red Screes and Helvellyn  :)
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: richardh1905 on 17:52:40, 17/04/20
More lovely pics Richard   O0 My favourite is the view of Red Screes and Helvellyn  :)


Thanks April  :)   - forbidden territory to us at the moment.
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: vghikers on 21:01:36, 17/04/20
Yet more great photos, sunsets and strolls  O0
You know, if such wild land and views were so close to our door, I'm not at all sure we could resist the temptation to pitch up there last thing and be damned!.  :)
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: richardh1905 on 21:53:39, 17/04/20
Thanks VG - a temptation that I am going to resist - I've always got my back garden.
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: Mel on 22:36:27, 17/04/20
More really lovely views for my "bedtime story".  You can almost feel the peacefulness of the early morning/sunrise pics  :)
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: richardh1905 on 08:18:25, 18/04/20
Glad that you are enjoying your bed time reading, Mel  :)
 
Must have been the wind direction or something, but my attempt to record a blackbird singing it's little heart out from the top of a tree in Bishop's Allotment was spoilt by distant traffic noise from the A590. Can't have everything, I suppose.
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: Bigfoot_Mike on 10:19:30, 18/04/20
Glad that you are enjoying your bed time reading, Mel  :)
 
Must have been the wind direction or something, but my attempt to record a blackbird singing it's little heart out from the top of a tree in Bishop's Allotment was spoilt by distant traffic noise from the A590. Can't have everything, I suppose.
An ex-colleague of mine who lives in Barrow described the A590 as the longest cul de sac in the UK. I must admit that it is a long way to drive only to find Barrow at the end of it. There are good views though of the sands when driving past.
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: richardh1905 on 21:17:54, 18/04/20
Day 26 - 18th April 2020

Something a little different today - a walk along Meathop Road. 7 miles in total.

First of all I cut through Yewbarrow Woods and the Community Orchard, to take a look at the Apple Blossom. I then cut down through the gardens around the Ornamental Pond to reach the prom. As the tide was out, I went down on the shore to have a look at the main channel, which appears to be changing course and has in recent years been cutting into the layers of silt that have built up over several decades. My wife tells me that as a child she remembers collecting crabs from rock pools along the shore below the Prom, so the silt is relatively recent.

(https://i.ibb.co/Mph2Qr7/224a-Ramsons.jpg)
Ramsons in the woods above the Community Orchard

(https://i.ibb.co/Ln8KGqf/225a-Apple-Blossom.jpg)
The apple trees are starting to flower in the orchard

(https://i.ibb.co/VpMtKCD/226a-Cherry-Blossom.jpg)
...as are the cherry trees

(https://i.ibb.co/N7D87Xt/227a-Western-Red-Cedar.jpg)
A multi-trunked Western Red Cedar by the Duck Pond

(https://i.ibb.co/7rJ20LD/228a-Down-On-The-Shore.jpg)
The main channel of the River Kent is moving back towards the Prom, and is eroding the layers of silt that have built up in recent decades

At the northern edge of Grange I turned off onto a minor road that runs past the Grange Golf Course and runs parallel to the railway line. A few cyclists and occasionally a car, but the road was quiet enough for me to let Tess off the lead. After a long straight section the road crosses the River Winster. There is a limestone hill beyond the river, with a disused quarry on it's western flank - a good place to give Tess a drink before retracing our steps to Grange.

(https://i.ibb.co/TMB4L51/230a-Red-Screes.jpg)
View across the River Winster, Red Screes in the distance

(https://i.ibb.co/Vx0v0cy/231a-Wynster.jpg)
The River Winster is still rather full, despite the recent dry weather

(https://i.ibb.co/nBKYSkV/232a-Apple-Blossom.jpg)
I came across a self seeded apple tree in a disused quarry by the road - exquisitely beautiful blossom, gorgeous scent too

(https://i.ibb.co/qpWX7GB/233a-Meathop-Road.jpg)
Returning along the Meathop Road - quiet enough to let Tess off the lead

(https://i.ibb.co/7V2LdHw/235a-Garlic-Mustard.jpg)
Garlic Mustard beside the road

(https://i.ibb.co/1swKZyh/234a-Distant-Hills.jpg)
A view of distant hills across Grange Golf Course

Back in Grange, I walked the full length of the Prom - not many people about, perhaps because the weather is a bit colder. I returned via a minor road and a footpath through an almost deserted caravan park.

(https://i.ibb.co/MhYHMTJ/236a-Stumparium.jpg)
Grange Stumpery on the Prom - Stumperies were popular in Victorian times for growing ferns

(https://i.ibb.co/NnwPNkJ/238-map.png)
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: Ridge on 21:22:47, 18/04/20
Nice pictures again Richard
By the end of lock-down we'll all be able to find our way round Grange Over Sands like locals.
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: Dovegirl on 23:09:27, 18/04/20
Enjoyed the photos, Richard    :)    The blossom looks beautiful

Nice to see the ramsons  -  the ones I was hoping to see this spring are too far for a walk from my door
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: April on 07:12:32, 19/04/20
Love the apple blossom  :) Meathop Road looks like nice road to walk along, with there being so few cars about at the mo.
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: richardh1905 on 07:18:24, 19/04/20
Thanks Ridge, Dovegirl, April.


Gorgeous here this morning, so off out with the dog again shortly.  :)
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: Brandywell on 09:30:48, 19/04/20
Love the promenade gardens, they are a real credit to the people of Grange.  O0
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: richardh1905 on 10:22:10, 19/04/20
Love the promenade gardens, they are a real credit to the people of Grange.  O0
Indeed they are. I'm thinking of volunteering to do some work in the Community Orchard.
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: richardh1905 on 10:50:21, 19/04/20
Day 27 - 19th April 2020

Up early today, awakened by the dawn chorus. Not early enough to catch the sunrise, but I set off up the hill with my eldest son reasonably early none the less, bright sunshine and clear blue skies, without the usual haze.

Hampsfell was our destination, for the views, so we climbed up Fell End past the 2 large limestone boulders poised on the steep slopes - the "Sexy Beasts" (from the film).

(https://i.ibb.co/LNzqHdY/238a-Sexy-Beasts.jpg)
The Sexy Beasts perched on the side of Fell End - Lockdown must really be getting to me!

(https://i.ibb.co/cJnSJm4/239a-Tess-Beat-Me-To-The-Top.jpg)
Tess beat me to the top of Fell End - I had to put her on the lead shortly afterwards as the farmer has put the sheep back on the hill

(https://i.ibb.co/QcxNRRx/240a-Sublime-View.jpg)
The view of the mountains to the West and North was sublime - I wished that I had lugged the chunky telephoto camera up the hill

(https://i.ibb.co/ByyRQ2s/241a-Coniston-Old-Man.jpg)
Beautiful clouds and blue sky above Coniston Old Man

(https://i.ibb.co/TYbtLtX/242a-Hampsfell-Hospice.jpg)
Hampsfell Hospice in the early morning sunshine

We turned east towards Eggerslack Woods, dropping down off the summit plateau into birdsong and bluebells in the dappled shade. I wanted to visit the spring in the woods as Tess was thirsty. After sating ourselves on bluebells, we returned via Yewbarrow Woods - different in character.

(https://i.ibb.co/WBMdnTQ/244a-Yorkshire-Dales.jpg)
The Yorkshire hills to the east across the Kent Estuary

(https://i.ibb.co/9YyXVQY/245a-Woodland.jpg)
We took a different path down to the spring, a new route for me

(https://i.ibb.co/Sr0YqXf/246a-Bluebells.jpg)
Bluebells in the sunshine

(https://i.ibb.co/nfZ8hxF/247a-Bluebells.jpg)
There's nothing quite like a British bluebell wood

(https://i.ibb.co/t3kZnv8/248a-Rocks-Trunks-Shadows.jpg)
Rocks, trunks and shadows in Yewbarrow Wood

A lot squeezed into 4 miles!


(https://i.ibb.co/MSjJqQ3/243-Panorama.jpg)
I tried 'panorama' mode on my phone camera - quite pleased with the result  - click on the photo to zoom in then use the scroll bar below
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: Ridge on 11:07:57, 19/04/20
Lovely.
The views from the top of the fell are much appreciated as there is nothing like that for me to see at the moment.
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: rural roamer on 13:47:20, 19/04/20
Lovely photos as always Richard, I see you’ve got bluebells!  O0
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: April on 15:20:49, 19/04/20
More lovely photos, love the panorama shot  O0
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: richardh1905 on 19:22:29, 19/04/20
Thanks for the replies, Ridge, rural roamer, April - I do appreciate how privileged I am to have such lovely country literally on my doorstep.


I'm going to see if I can do a panoramic video with a camera strapped to the 'gun sight' on the roof of the Hospice.
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: Krotteotr on 19:49:38, 19/04/20
IIRC It had the engine out of an A35 and the gearbox out of a Morris 1100.  The bodywork pretty was much solid Isopon from the windows down.  We went all over the place in it.


You're supposed to keep to the left !! ;)
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: Mel on 23:15:18, 19/04/20
Just catching up on your last couple of adventures... please stop posting pictures of Red Screes  :'(


Seeing it from afar is just as tormenting as not being able to see it whilst walking up it  :D 


Despite all that, I'm still enjoying my bedtime story  O0
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: Bigfoot_Mike on 05:21:59, 20/04/20
This is one of my favourite threads of the lockdown. I am not familiar with this area of the Lake District, apart from driving along the A590 and it is good to see the scenery. I have some flower photos for ID that I will try to extract from my phone and post in the photos thread or a mini TR of my own.
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: richardh1905 on 07:52:08, 20/04/20
Seeing it from afar is just as tormenting as not being able to see it whilst walking up it

 ;D 
Red Screes will still be there when Lockdown is lifted, Mel, and think of how pleased you will be when you finally do get to climb it - anticipation sharpens the pleasure.

Quote
Despite all that, I'm still enjoying my bedtime story  O0

I'll keep them coming, and I will try to limit my reference to 'the hill that shall not be named'.  :)


Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: richardh1905 on 07:53:22, 20/04/20
This is one of my favourite threads of the lockdown. I am not familiar with this area of the Lake District, apart from driving along the A590 and it is good to see the scenery. I have some flower photos for ID that I will try to extract from my phone and post in the photos thread or a mini TR of my own.


Thanks Mike, that is praise indeed  :)


I'll keep a lookout for your flower photos.
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: richardh1905 on 22:21:19, 20/04/20
Day 28 - 20th April 2020

Another glorious day, another walk up Hampsfell and through Eggerslack Woods. 5 miles today.

(https://i.ibb.co/VTGqPKc/249a-Lambs-Fell-End.jpg)
Lambs on Fell End - your days of off lead freedom are over, Tess!

(https://i.ibb.co/342DkhQ/250a-Caw.jpg)
Caw from the western flanks of Fell End - I was experimenting with the telephoto zoom again

(https://i.ibb.co/3RmpzdW/251a-Langdale-Pikes.jpg)
Pike of Stickle

(https://i.ibb.co/tLhvHzt/253a.jpg)
Mystery Hill - can you name it?

(https://i.ibb.co/DpYPwDx/255a-Disused-Path.jpg)
I followed a disused dead end path diagonally down the hill to the North West

(https://i.ibb.co/YWY1GNS/256a-Early-Purple-Orchid.jpg)
..and was rewarded for my efforts - Early Purple Orchids in profusion

(https://i.ibb.co/7n7zhM5/259a-Helvellyn.jpg)
TAfter traversing back up to the top of the hill to the Hospice, I enjoyed fine views to the north - the Helvellyn group and the High Street hills

(https://i.ibb.co/ZgB7yB3/260a.jpg)
Another mystery hill for you to name

(https://i.ibb.co/k6ZWGcx/261a-Troutbeck-Hills.jpg)
Stony Cove Pike and the Troutbeck Hills


(https://i.ibb.co/yFQnKVt/262a-Morecambe-Bay.jpg)
Morecambe Bay came into view as I headed east

(https://i.ibb.co/ZT0JNpd/263a-Pavement-Larch.jpg)
A larch growing in the Limestone Pavement of Bishop's Allotment

(https://i.ibb.co/DRw2ch2/264a-Bluebells.jpg)
After visiting the spring so that Tess could have a drink, I went in search of Bluebells - their scent filled the air

(https://i.ibb.co/N3fsxhK/265a-Tess.jpg)
Tess being obedient for once - she blotted her copy book by rolling in something disgusting a few minutes later

(https://i.ibb.co/2YBJz9W/266a-Bluebells.jpg)
More bluebells near the edge of Eggerslack Woods

(https://i.ibb.co/G2pcQyF/268a-Spring-Bank-Road.jpg)
Returning along Spring Bank Road in the late morning sun

(https://i.ibb.co/y5222v3/269a-Welsh-Poppy.jpg)  (https://i.ibb.co/1TVN00b/270a-Dandelions.jpg)
Welsh Poppy and Dandelions

(https://i.ibb.co/CPWSWz9/271-Panorama.jpg)
And finally, another panorama, from Black Combe all the way around to Ingleborough - click and scroll to view


Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: Ridge on 23:14:21, 20/04/20
Amazing shot of Pike o Stickle.
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: Dovegirl on 08:42:15, 21/04/20
Lambs and bluebell woodlands   :)   lovely


The dandelions are such a cheerful splash of colour    :)   I think it's an unappreciated flower
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: pdstsp on 09:15:35, 21/04/20
Amazing shot of Pike o Stickle.


What would you give to be up there right now?


Great shots again Richard.
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: karl h on 09:18:40, 21/04/20
Really great pictures once again Richard. O0
I'm really rubbish at the guess the fell game,  I always say "of course it is " when someone who does know tells me  ;D
The first one I've not really any idea although the top does look at bit like Harter fell but then it doesn't really look mountain shape enough  ???
The second one I've convinced myself that it's Haycock at the back with Yewbarrow and Whin Rigg  and Muncaster fell with the trees but I wouldn't bet my mortgage on it  ;D
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: richardh1905 on 09:42:05, 21/04/20
Thanks Ridge, Dovegirl, pdstsp, Karl  :)

Would be lovely up there on a fine spring morning, wild camping kit in my rucksack, a couple of day's food and no particular deadline to keep to....
[/daydream]

Will be some time before that happens, I fear - but you can be sure that I will grab the chance just as soon as lockdown is eased sufficiently.
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: richardh1905 on 09:43:40, 21/04/20
Really great pictures once again Richard. O0
I'm really rubbish at the guess the fell game,  I always say "of course it is " when someone who does know tells me  ;D
The first one I've not really any idea although the top does look at bit like Harter fell but then it doesn't really look mountain shape enough  ???
The second one I've convinced myself that it's Haycock at the back with Yewbarrow and Whin Rigg  and Muncaster fell with the trees but I wouldn't bet my mortgage on it  ;D


Nice try but no cigar for the first one Karl. If I recall correctly, you have been quite close to this hill recently [/clue]


Second one - now you're just wildly guessing!
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: karl h on 09:51:21, 21/04/20

Nice try but no cigar for the first one Karl. If I recall correctly, you have been quite close to this hill recently [/clue]


Second one - now you're just wildly guessing!


Told you I was rubbish :D
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: Brandywell on 10:20:03, 21/04/20
You certainly need a tough suspension if you drive along Spring Bank Lane. I'm thinking the mystery hills might  be Green Crag and Skiddaw.  :)
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: Ridge on 10:26:48, 21/04/20
Looking at them again, with the benefit of Brandywell's answers, the first one could well be Green Crag. Not sure about the second, it looks right but could he really see all the way through to Skiddaw
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: richardh1905 on 12:21:48, 21/04/20
Brandywell gets the cigar for Skiddaw (2nd mystery mountain).  O0
No cigar for Green Crag, though (Green Crag is hidden behind Caw).

Yes I really can see it, Ridge - it is on the list of bearings by the "gun sight" mounted on the roof of the Hospice.  :)  You can clearly see Little Man to the right. Distance from Hampsfell Hospice to Skiddaw trig point is 32.1 miles.
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: karl h on 12:36:48, 21/04/20
Is the first one Stickle Pike ?



Amazing that you can see Skiddaw  :o
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: April on 12:40:16, 21/04/20
Yewbarrow?  :-\  just a quickie lunch nearly over  :)
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: richardh1905 on 12:58:07, 21/04/20
The dandelions are such a cheerful splash of colour    :)   I think it's an unappreciated flower


I love dandelions - beautiful flowers, tough as old boots, long flowering season - what is not to like? They are most welcome in my garden.


But as you say, unappreciated by most, and vilified by the weedkiller companies as a means of selling their chemical cocktails.
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: richardh1905 on 13:00:32, 21/04/20
Is the first one Stickle Pike ?
Amazing that you can see Skiddaw  :o

Karl gets the second cigar. Well done - a tricky one that.  O0  The telephoto shot was taken low down on the western flank of Fell End, any higher and Stickle Pike would not be on the skyline.

https://www.bing.com/maps?osid=9f840e0f-a609-4068-b97f-4350de3550aa&cp=54.324158~-3.211831&lvl=15&style=s&v=2&sV=2&form=S00027 (https://www.bing.com/maps?osid=9f840e0f-a609-4068-b97f-4350de3550aa&cp=54.324158~-3.211831&lvl=15& class=bbc_link target=_blank)

Yewbarrow?  :-\  just a quickie lunch nearly over  :)

You are off your game, April  ;)  Better luck next time  :)

Which Yewbarrow did you have in mind, by the way? I know of three  :D
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: April on 18:16:48, 21/04/20
You are off your game, April  ;)  Which Yewbarrow did you have in mind, by the way? I know of three  :D

 :) The Wasdale Head one.

More fab pics and that is some zoom lens you have  :) I really should've got Skiddaw; I can see it from outside where I live, just not the same angle you see it from  :)

Still laughing at Tess rolling in something disgusting.
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: richardh1905 on 18:21:14, 21/04/20
:) The Wasdale Head one.


I suspected so. We have a small Yewbarrow here in Grange, covered in, you've guessed it, yew trees, and there is a Yewbarrow SW of Whitbarrow, overlooking the beautiful Winster valley, where we camped last July whilst househunting.
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: richardh1905 on 18:47:41, 21/04/20
More fab pics and that is some zoom lens you have  :) I really should've got Skiddaw; I can see it from outside where I live, just not the same angle you see it from  :)

Still laughing at Tess rolling in something disgusting.

Thanks April - I inherited the camera - up to 20x optical zoom - but a bit of a big chunky beast to lug up the hill, and to be honest, my phone is better for general landscape shots.


As for Tess - I can assure you that it was no laughing matter!
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: vghikers on 18:49:20, 21/04/20
A splendid walk, great views and pics of the flowers O0
The larch in the limestone is particularly good, seemingly growing out of rock.
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: Brandywell on 19:48:43, 21/04/20

I suspected so. We have a small Yewbarrow here in Grange, covered in, you've guessed it, yew trees, and there is a Yewbarrow SW of Whitbarrow, overlooking the beautiful Winster valley, where we camped last July whilst househunting.
Indeed, we are well endowed with Yewbarrows here in the South lakes there is another one to the north-west of Newby Bridge.  O0
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: richardh1905 on 22:22:49, 21/04/20
A splendid walk, great views and pics of the flowers O0
The larch in the limestone is particularly good, seemingly growing out of rock.


Thanks for the feedback  :) 
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: richardh1905 on 22:23:24, 21/04/20
Indeed, we are well endowed with Yewbarrows here in the South lakes there is another one to the north-west of Newby Bridge.  O0


So there are FOUR Yewbarrows!  :)
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: richardh1905 on 22:34:12, 21/04/20
Day 29 - 21st April 2020

My eldest son took Tess for a walk up Humphrey Head this morning, whilst I took the evening shift with my wife, Hampsfell for the sunset.

(https://i.ibb.co/gVP4qQh/272a-Troglodite-Tess.jpg)
Tess enjoying the woods on Humphrey Head - looks as if the bluebells have come on a bit since I was there a few days ago

(https://i.ibb.co/379rMzN/273a-Sunset.jpg)
The sun dipping towards the horizon beyond Black Combe

(https://i.ibb.co/Y3sw9nh/274a-Gunsight-View.jpg)
The 'gunsight' on the roof of Hampsfell Hospice - the bearings of prominent peaks are listed on the board to the left

(https://i.ibb.co/WxMFVHZ/275a-Sunset.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/wKmxLrj/276a-Sunset.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/cCktMQd/277a-Sunset.jpg)

Another gorgeous evening - 3 miles.
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: Ridge on 23:04:40, 21/04/20
Lovely picture of Tess in the tunnel.
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: richardh1905 on 07:20:58, 22/04/20
Lovely picture of Tess in the tunnel.

You have my son to thank for that one!
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: richardh1905 on 18:25:01, 22/04/20
Day 30 - 22nd April 2020

Day 30 of the Lockdown!  :o

Away at 9 this morning, just me and the dog this time - glorious sunshine and not a cloud in the sky. I headed west up the hill from Grange, not quite sure exactly where I was going to go. I fancied a change from Hampsfell, so I cut across around the southern slopes of Fell End before dropping down towards Cartmel through the deserted golf course.

(https://i.ibb.co/4gv4M7C/278a-Tree-Peony.jpg)
A beautiful Tree Peony in flower in a roadside garden

(https://i.ibb.co/ts4dj4P/279a-Welsh-Poppy.jpg)
I always like to see Welsh Poppies as they remind me of my time in Snowdonia

(https://i.ibb.co/wNGpkqq/280a-Fuscia-Magellanica.jpg)
A pale form of Fuscia Magellanica - these grew well in Orkney

Near Cartmel I hopped over a broken wall into Hesketh Woods, and entered Bluebell heaven.

(https://i.ibb.co/dLc7tys/281a-Bluebell-Heaven.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/0F80qc9/282a-Bluebell-Heaven.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/5R2hbr8/283-Hesketh-Woods.jpg)

After drinking in the sight and smell of the bluebells, the best that I have seen this year so far, I rejoined the road and headed into Cartmel. By now I had decided where I was going - to climb gorse covered How Barrow to the west of Cartmel, this would be one of my longer Lockdown walks. Tess was hot so I stopped off at the river to give her a drink, before heading out of the village on the road past the racecourse. I turned left onto a minor road and climbed up past Hill Mill Pond towards my objective, stopping to give Tess another drink.

(https://i.ibb.co/mN1DTn8/284a-Racecourse.jpg)
Cartmel Racecourse - we were looking forward to spending a day at the races

(https://i.ibb.co/fG4pkZr/285a-White-Ivy-Leaved-Toadflax.jpg)
A beautiful white form of Ivy Leaved Toadflax

(https://i.ibb.co/6wTVh2R/286a-Ramsons.jpg)
Ramsons in the wood beside the How Barrow road

(https://i.ibb.co/GFZ4X3w/287a-Mill-Pond.jpg)
Hill Mill pond

(https://i.ibb.co/hDys2dZ/288a-Beck.jpg)
Shady Hill Mill Brook

(https://i.ibb.co/3vQh7Bj/289a-Tess-Cooling-Her-Feet.jpg)
Tess cooling her feet in the beck

(https://i.ibb.co/BcNMVPh/291a.jpg)
Looking North East from Howbarrow Farm - delightfully intimate country that reminds me of rural North Wales

There were a few people about on How Barrow, including someone who had a dog on a long lead - they lacked the sense to 'reel it in' as they approached us, and it pursued Tess around and around me until I was entangled by its lead - I was less than happy - so much for social distancing etiquette.

The climb up the steep gorse covered southern flank of How Barrow was short and steep, and the views were well worth it, despite some haze in the distance. We returned through woodland to Cartmel - more bluebells - and then returned to Grange up the road, as frisky cattle with calves had occupied the field through which the path to the Golf Course runs.

(https://i.ibb.co/rHTBrwD/292a-How-Barrow.jpg)
Gorse covered How Barrow - I had to wait for a couple of people to walk out of the photo

(https://i.ibb.co/10T1tmm/293a-View-SW.jpg)
The ground drops away steeply to the west  - Holker Park with Morecambe Bay beyond

(https://i.ibb.co/Gd69KhZ/294a-Tess-Trig-Point-Roll.jpg)
Tess beat me to the summit and celebrated in style!

(https://i.ibb.co/wCLX2ys/295a.jpg)
The view of the Levens Estuary to the North West - Caw visible to the right

(https://i.ibb.co/pbW59Lv/297a.jpg)
Descending How Barrow through the vivid gorse - Hampsfell visible in the distance

A short VIDEO (https://youtu.be/P6YSzJCuOEg) of walking along the woodland track south of How Barrow - no noise but birdsong and the sound of my footfall

(https://i.ibb.co/3k2Fpfs/298a-Tess-Rolling.jpg)
Tess playing the fool again

(https://i.ibb.co/vzmZ5Tb/299a-Woodland-Track.jpg)
Yaw Yeat Wood

(https://i.ibb.co/HdLKRWJ/300a-Woodland-Track.jpg)
The track descends through Yaw Yeat Wood towards Hill Mill

(https://i.ibb.co/sQ62QCn/301a-Wood-Sorrel.jpg)
Wood Sorrel beside the track

(https://i.ibb.co/sqjd97s/302a-Bluebells.jpg)
More bluebells in Park Wood

(https://i.ibb.co/h9bLSfc/303a-Priory.jpg)
Cartmel Priory with Hampsfell beyond

(https://i.ibb.co/L9BG3Qz/304a-River-Eea.jpg)
I stopped at the willow lined River Eea again to give Tess a much needed drink before climbing up the road to Grange

(https://i.ibb.co/Fzt7CPp/305-Map.png)

Quite a big walk today by Lockdown standards - around 8 miles.
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: Ridge on 18:50:05, 22/04/20
Very nice. Love the bluebells.
Tess looks to be enjoying herself!
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: April on 19:07:40, 22/04/20
Fab pics Richard, first the sunset ones, then the lovely bluebells and Tess enjoying herself. (Thumbs Up)

I have logged on Edge because Explorer didn't seem to want to work. The emojis don't work on Edge. I wonder why?

What a lovely area it is you live in Richard (Smile)
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: Brandywell on 19:12:08, 22/04/20
Wonderful report Richard.  Tom Barron used to, and may still, live in a yurt in Hesketh Wood, a great guy and very talented, he made a large stone sign for our house.  That track down to Hill Mill we call Adder Hill because of the warning signs to beware of adders ( never seen any in over thirty years of walking up and down there)  When we first moved here the locals referred to How Barrow as Lordy's Seat, the seventh Duke of Devonshire had a large wooden seat erected there on the slope overlooking the Leven Estuary (and his deer park) in the mid 1800's he was much respected by the locals, who recall him as 'The Old Duke'. Sadly it has long since disappeared.  I think we saw the person with the the dog on a long lunge rope alongside the River Eea in Lane Park Wood, we kept well away!  Keep up the good work, the maps help those who may not be familiar with 'The Land of Cartmel'  O0   
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: richardh1905 on 19:36:20, 22/04/20
Very nice. Love the bluebells.
Tess looks to be enjoying herself!


Thanks Ridge - Tess would walk all day given half a chance.  :)
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: richardh1905 on 19:40:13, 22/04/20
Fab pics Richard, first the sunset ones, then the lovely bluebells and Tess enjoying herself. (Thumbs Up)

I have logged on Edge because Explorer didn't seem to want to work. The emojis don't work on Edge. I wonder why?

What a lovely area it is you live in Richard (Smile)


Thanks April - yes, I really appreciate the country around Grange - especially during Lockdown. Good walks from the door was a factor in our choice, but we were lucky in that the Cartmel secondary school had spare places - not many do in Cumbria, it would appear - chaotic for someone moving into the area from Scotland.


I have the same problem with Edge - which is why I now use Chrome  :)
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: richardh1905 on 19:42:29, 22/04/20
Wonderful report Richard.  Tom Barron used to, and may still, live in a yurt in Hesketh Wood, a great guy and very talented, he made a large stone sign for our house.  That track down to Hill Mill we call Adder Hill because of the warning signs to beware of adders ( never seen any in over thirty years of walking up and down there)  When we first moved here the locals referred to How Barrow as Lordy's Seat, the seventh Duke of Devonshire had a large wooden seat erected there on the slope overlooking the Leven Estuary (and his deer park) in the mid 1800's he was much respected by the locals, who recall him as 'The Old Duke'. Sadly it has long since disappeared.  I think we saw the person with the the dog on a long lunge rope alongside the River Eea in Lane Park Wood, we kept well away!  Keep up the good work, the maps help those who may not be familiar with 'The Land of Cartmel'  O0


Thank you Brandywell  :)


Yes I saw Tom's encampment in the woods; I sneaked past as unobtrusively as possible. And I do suspect that 'Beware of Adders' sign is there to encourage people not to wander off the paths.
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: Brandywell on 20:31:18, 22/04/20

 I do suspect that 'Beware of Adders' sign is there to encourage people not to wander off the paths.
Yes that was my impression when I first came across it. :) Hill Mill Pond was created when the brook was dammed to power a corn mill, which  goes back to Elizabethan times or even earlier,  although it was rebuilt in 1780's. All traces of it were thought to have disappeared when the house at the foot of 'Adder Hill' was built in 1979  untill Nick who bought and redeveloped it a few years ago cleared some of brushwood behind the house and discovered quite substantial ruins of it. 
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: richardh1905 on 20:45:02, 22/04/20

Yes that was my impression when I first came across it. :) Hill Mill Pond was created when the brook was dammed to power a corn mill, which  goes back to Elizabethan times or even earlier,  although it was rebuilt in 1780's. All traces of it were thought to have disappeared when the house at the foot of 'Adder Hill' was built in 1979  untill Nick who bought and redeveloped it a few years ago cleared some of brushwood behind the house and discovered quite substantial ruins of it. 

Fascinating - the area is packed with history. There's quite a head of water from the dam to the mill.
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: Ridge on 20:55:02, 22/04/20
Tess would walk all day given half a chance.  :)
She's not the only one.
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: richardh1905 on 08:14:19, 23/04/20
Added a short video to give you a flavour of walking in the woods with Tess, accompanied by birdsong. This was on the woodland track leading south into Hill Mill Coppice from How Barrow.


https://youtu.be/P6YSzJCuOEg (https://youtu.be/P6YSzJCuOEg)
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: richardh1905 on 22:48:26, 23/04/20
Day 31 - 23rd April 2020

Another evening wander up Hampsfell, some cloud around so I didn't have high hopes of a good sunset. How wrong I was!

I cut around the southern end of Fell End to take a look at the gorse covered lower slopes that I spotted when I was walking through Cartmel yesterday. I skirted along the bottom of the gorse, just above the fields, briefly climbing into the field to rescue a riggwelter (sheep stuck on it's back). I don't know how long it had been on it's back, poor thing, but it hobbled off, and I was pleased to see it get it's head down and start to eat, always a good sign. I continued on northwards, the gorse being swapped for hawthorn scrub, before tackling the steep hillside to reach the plateau above. I must have seen Early Purple Orchids by the hundred amongst the hawthorn, and I spotted some Birds Foot Trefoil in flower at the foot of a south facing wall.

I pretty much had the top of the fell to myself, so I loitered for the sunset, unspectacular at first, but after the sun had disappeared, it was as if the sky had been set ablaze. So good that I lingered on Fell End as the colours deepened. 3 miles.

(https://i.ibb.co/CJ5mbT4/306a-Helvellyn.jpg https://i.ibb.co/BfqWzPG/307a-Gorse.jpg https://i.ibb.co/G7j4MbF/308a-Sunset.jpg https://i.ibb.co/5hnd6wt/309a-Ewe-And-Lambs.jpg https://i.ibb.co/bFwx4yw/310a-Fell-End.jpg https://i.ibb.co/1bsghTD/311a-Sunset.jpg)
Sunlit Helvellyn to the north - I hopped over the gate - Tess squeezed under!

(https://i.ibb.co/BfqWzPG/307a-Gorse.jpg)
The gorse covered slopes that had caught my eye from Cartmel yesterday - well worth the detour down the hill

(https://i.ibb.co/G7j4MbF/308a-Sunset.jpg)
Sunset from near the Hospice

(https://i.ibb.co/5hnd6wt/309a-Ewe-And-Lambs.jpg)
Mother and her twins silhouetted against reddening skies

(https://i.ibb.co/bFwx4yw/310a-Fell-End.jpg)
It was as if the sky had been set ablaze - the view south from Fell End

(https://i.ibb.co/gwzhCG4/313a-Fell-End-Triplets.jpg)
Fell End Triplets

(https://i.ibb.co/1bsghTD/311a-Sunset.jpg)
Spellbinding skies - rivalling the best that I have seen in Orkney

(https://i.ibb.co/FqxRv00/312a-Sunset.jpg)
Zooming in a bit - Sublime
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: karl h on 06:59:10, 24/04/20
Lovely again Richard O0
The silhouetted sheep photo is brilliant  ;)
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: richardh1905 on 07:51:12, 24/04/20
Lovely again Richard O0
The silhouetted sheep photo is brilliant  ;)

Thanks Karl - the sunset was spellbinding. I sat behind the cairn on Fell End just taking it all in and found it hard to tear myself away.


PS - I've added a couple more shots.
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: April on 07:51:46, 24/04/20
Smashing pics Richard  O0

Sometimes cloud enhances the sunset, one the best sunsets we have had was on Lingmoor Fell. When it clouded over we thought it was going to be rubbish but it was fab.
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: richardh1905 on 07:54:17, 24/04/20
Smashing pics Richard  O0

Sometimes cloud enhances the sunset, one the best sunsets we have had was on Lingmoor Fell. When it clouded over we thought it was going to be rubbish but it was fab.


Thanks April  :)
Yes, just the right amount of cloud is needed for that perfect 'Goldilocks' sunset - too little and they are a bit bland, too much and no sunset!
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: Ridge on 09:29:40, 24/04/20
Lovely, particularly the Mum and twins silhouette  O0 
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: vghikers on 09:42:14, 24/04/20
Gorgeous pics again, the woolly family is a fortuitous shot against the sky.  O0
Quote
...briefly climbing into the field to rescue a riggwelter (sheep stuck on it's back).
That's a new word for me, though we have met the scenario among our many woolly rescues. It's an odd situation, when we got her upright she was so top heavy she could barely walk without rolling back again.
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: pdstsp on 10:16:50, 24/04/20
Lovely sunset - rescued a few sheep over th years but only from man made obstacles.  Will have to remember riggwelter!!
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: richardh1905 on 12:56:42, 24/04/20
Lovely, particularly the Mum and twins silhouette  O0

Thanks Ridge  :)


Gorgeous pics again, the woolly family is a fortuitous shot against the sky.  O0That's a new word for me, though we have met the scenario among our many woolly rescues. It's an odd situation, when we got her upright she was so top heavy she could barely walk without rolling back again.

Thanks vghikers - Not fortuitous - I had to stalk them for about 5 minutes before I got the shot that I wanted! Not so easy when you have an excited spaniel tethered to your waist with a bungee and carabiner!

The ewe that I rescued was certainly in need of a shear, and was not that steady on her legs. But she soon got her head down and started eating - as a former keeper of a small flock I generally regard that as a good sign.


Lovely sunset - rescued a few sheep over th years but only from man made obstacles.  Will have to remember riggwelter!!

I've rescued a couple that had their heads stuck in a fence, and one entangled in a loose strand of barbed wire about 6 foot long - tricky one to subdue that, with the sheep panicking and the barbed wire whipping back and forth.

Riggwelter (https://untappd.akamaized.net/site/beer_logos_hd/beer-1427_9e6cd_hd.jpeg) <---- this link explains all....  :D
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: pdstsp on 14:51:22, 24/04/20
Never tried that beer  ;D   Yes those are my main rescues, though I had an interesting time getting one out which had caught its hind leg in a gate, in such a way as I had to twist it two ways to release it.  Thing ran ff without so much as a thank you afterwards.



Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: richardh1905 on 17:17:04, 24/04/20
I think that the best sunset I ever saw was on the Lerwick to Kirkwall ferry one summer evening - this sets off at 1730 (I think) and gets into Kirkwall at 2300. The summer sun sets late that far north, and the skies for the last hour of the voyage were gorgeous - mackerel clouds set on fire by the setting sun. Sadly no photo.
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: richardh1905 on 17:17:59, 24/04/20
Sometimes cloud enhances the sunset, one the best sunsets we have had was on Lingmoor Fell. When it clouded over we thought it was going to be rubbish but it was fab.


Do you have a link to a TR, April?
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: Brandywell on 19:08:48, 24/04/20
Lovely sunset photos Richard.  When this pandemic is over you should have a trip to the other side of the bay, given the right conditions the sunsets from there are quite spectacular.  One question, was the gorse bush and hawthorn slope to the south of the Cistercian Way above Pit Farm ? 
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: richardh1905 on 19:20:52, 24/04/20
Lovely sunset photos Richard.  When this pandemic is over you should have a trip to the other side of the bay, given the right conditions the sunsets from there are quite spectacular.  One question, was the gorse bush and hawthorn slope to the south of the Cistercian Way above Pit Farm ?


Thanks Brandywell - in answer to your question - Yes. You can see the gorse behind the Priory in the previous day's report. The hawthorn was mostly to the north of the path - that is where the best orchids were.
Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
Post by: Brandywell on 20:14:52, 24/04/20

Thanks Brandywell - in answer to your question - Yes. You can see the gorse behind the Priory in the previous day's report. The hawthorn was mostly to the north of the path - that is where the best orchids were.
Thanks Richard. A friend of ours from Grange (72years old but very fit and active) had tried to descend the Cistercian Way today on her permitted daily excerise walk only to be confronted by a padlocked gate and a sign 'turn back' above Pit Farm.  She felt obliged to comply and retraced her walk. As I said in earlier reply Pit Farm has in the past never been welcoming to walkers i.e placing cattle feeders widely across the paths so you have to walk through slurry.  I've copied below the official guidelines for England as posted on the Ramblers Association website for England and highlighted/underlined the relevant sections of particular concern in this instance.
 Under existing legislation and in normal circumstances, Local Authorities in England cannot close footpaths for public health reasons nor can landowners close footpaths which run across their land. However, due to the Coronavirus, Defra and Natural England have published new guidance covering very limited circumstances where large numbers of people are using such routes. This guidance allows for landowners to consider the following measures:
  • tying gates open if it is safe to do so, so that walkers do not need to touch the gate.
  • temporarily displaying polite notices that encourage users to respect local residents and workers by following social distancing guidelines and consider using alternative routes that do not pass through gardens, farmyards or schools.
  • offering an alternative route around gardens and farmyards only where it is safe to do so provided that the original right of way is maintained.
  • These temporary measures must be lifted as soon as social distancing measures are relaxed. Additionally, under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000, landowners have no right to close or obstruct a public right of way. Should walkers come across a public right of way that has been closed or blocked, it can be reported directly to the local highway authority (county councils or unitary authorities).

    Enough said . . . I will be reporting this to Cumbria Highways
    Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
    Post by: richardh1905 on 22:38:38, 24/04/20
    I saw a sign on the gate where the Cistercian Way path comes down off the hill and into the fields yesterday evening, but I didn't realise it was padlocked as I wasn't going that way. Very irritating for your friend to have to return up the hill, I'm sure.
    Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
    Post by: Mel on 23:37:01, 24/04/20
    Just been having a catchup  O0


    Love the gorse covered hill and the final sunset pics.


    Cheers for posting  :)
    Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
    Post by: richardh1905 on 14:05:35, 25/04/20
    Thanks Mel, always a pleasure.  :)
    Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
    Post by: richardh1905 on 21:31:22, 25/04/20
    Day 32 - 24th April 2020

    A short walk around Grange in the evening sunshine. 3 miles.

    (https://i.ibb.co/LQ9ywJX/314a-Arnside-Evening-Sun.jpg)
    Arnside Knott and Silverdale From Grange Prom


    Day 33 - 25th April 2020

    Hampsfell, Eggerslack Woods and Yewbarrow. Unusual conditions this morning, hazy to the south and east, somewhat clearer to the north and west. 5 miles.

    (https://i.ibb.co/1fqLc46/315a-Kent-Estuary.jpg)
    The Kent Estuary - low cloud appeared to be spilling through the gap between Ingleborough and the Forest of Bowland

    (https://i.ibb.co/FgBVvgR/316a-Eggerslack.jpg)
    Tess in Eggerslack Woods

    (https://i.ibb.co/DrsP88z/317a-Bluebells.jpg)
    The bluebells were magnificent
    Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
    Post by: Ridge on 21:39:20, 25/04/20
    Great to see more pics.
    I was having a completely mojo-less day today, barely moved off the sofa apart from to stagger to the beer cupboard.
    Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
    Post by: Dovegirl on 22:45:13, 25/04/20
    Beautiful coastal views and bluebell woodlands    :)
    Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
    Post by: richardh1905 on 05:37:08, 26/04/20
    Great to see more pics.
    I was having a completely mojo-less day today, barely moved off the sofa apart from to stagger to the beer cupboard.


    Not so many this time - I'm struggling to find new places to.
    I painted our pergola yesterday, so feeling a bit virtuous  :angel:  ...and a bit frazzled. Beer was consumed afterwards.
    Lazy day today!
    Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
    Post by: richardh1905 on 05:38:08, 26/04/20
    Beautiful coastal views and bluebell woodlands    :)


    Thanks Dovegirl - yes I'm really appreciating them - the bluebells are pretty much at their best now.  :)
    Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
    Post by: vghikers on 06:47:53, 26/04/20
    Lovely views from this fine Spring weather, all change this week  O0

    Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
    Post by: Bigfoot_Mike on 11:50:31, 26/04/20
    It must be wonderful to have such countryside so close to home. I wouldn’t get bored repeating those walks, as there is so much variation and different weather makes each day a new experience. I too am fortunate to have direct access to some countryside. There is limited choice without driving, but I don’t get bored of it.


    PS I managed to identify the strange looking flowers I found on the river bank as Butterbur.
    Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
    Post by: richardh1905 on 11:59:00, 26/04/20
    Lovely views from this fine Spring weather, all change this week  O0


    Thanks vghikers - must finish painting the pergola before the weather turns... :)
    Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
    Post by: richardh1905 on 12:09:52, 26/04/20
    It must be wonderful to have such countryside so close to home. I wouldn’t get bored repeating those walks, as there is so much variation and different weather makes each day a new experience. I too am fortunate to have direct access to some countryside. There is limited choice without driving, but I don’t get bored of it.


    PS I managed to identify the strange looking flowers I found on the river bank as Butterbur.


    I appreciate that I am very fortunate to have such a variety of lovely countryside on my doorstep - coast, limestone plateau, country lanes, woodlands - even the woodlands are very variable - and in no way am I becoming bored, Mike. I am struggling to find new places to photograph for the benefit of forum users though - I don't know how many times I have snapped that shot of the Coniston Old Man range.
    Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
    Post by: Mel on 22:15:06, 26/04/20
    More nice pics Richard.  The Kent Estuary looks a tad nicer than the Humber  :-[



    Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
    Post by: richardh1905 on 22:18:09, 26/04/20
    Thanks Mel.  :)
    Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
    Post by: Bigfoot_Mike on 22:19:57, 26/04/20
    More nice pics Richard.  The Kent Estuary looks a tad nicer than the Humber  :-[
    But the Humber is quite a bit nicer than the Tees.
    Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
    Post by: richardh1905 on 22:33:54, 26/04/20
    Day 34 - 26th April 2020

    An unpromising day, low cloud and a spot of rain in the afternoon, so I didn't hold out much hope of any decent photo opportunities on my evening walk. But as I climbed up the road out of Grange, I could see that Ingleborough was remarkably clear, except for a small shapely cap of cloud. And as I climbed up Fell End, I spotted Snowdonia far to the south, and the views unfolded to the west and north....

    (https://i.ibb.co/Y20nNn9/318a-Black-Combe.jpg)
    Cloud capped Black Combe framed by a windswept hawthorn. I like the texture of the muted grey clouds.

    (https://i.ibb.co/LzXdW5p/319a-Helvellyn.jpg)
    Helvellyn and 'the-hill-that-shall-not-be-named' silhouetted against brighter skies to the north

    (https://i.ibb.co/ryG9GVN/320a-South-Western-Fells.jpg)
    Cloud capped South Western Fells - Black Combe, Buckbarrow, Burn Moor and Whitfell

    (https://i.ibb.co/HK0GMVq/321a-Lakeland-Panorama.jpg)
    A wonderful Lakeland panorama from near the Hospice - I stood here for 15 minutes or more, captivated by the changing light

    (https://i.ibb.co/dG1zzQ6/322a.jpg)
    The sun making a brief appearance just before it disappeared over the horizon


    3 miles
    Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
    Post by: Mel on 22:38:02, 26/04/20
    Kwoooorrr, love that last sunset shot  O0



    Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
    Post by: Ridge on 23:20:55, 26/04/20
    Amazing shots today  O0
    Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
    Post by: karl h on 06:56:50, 27/04/20
    Thanks Richard, they are lovely photos O0
    Looks like the weather has changed to a more varied outlook so hopefully you will see plenty more of those sunsets.
    Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
    Post by: April on 07:19:02, 27/04/20
    More lovely shots Richard  O0  as to your question if there is a link to a report about Lingmoor fell sunset, you will have to wait till my broadband is back up. Still struggling with on off WiFi signal 😣
    Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
    Post by: richardh1905 on 07:38:40, 27/04/20
    Thanks for the feedback, Mel, Karl, Ridge, April  :)
    The quality of the light was exceptional - I was particularly captivated by the view north towards Helvellyn and through the Dunmail Raise gap - the skies in the distance were brighter, and I think that some weak orange sunlight was bathing the top of Skiddaw. I regret that I didn't lug my telephoto zoom camera up the hill, I just wasn't expecting anything much. Can't be helped, and there will be plenty of other opportunities, I'm sure. Well pleased with the photos that I did get.



    Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
    Post by: richardh1905 on 07:42:04, 27/04/20
    More lovely shots Richard  O0  as to your question if there is a link to a report about Lingmoor fell sunset, you will have to wait till my broadband is back up. Still struggling with on off WiFi signal 😣

    How frustrating, but I look forward to that, April. Did you catch any late sun yesterday evening? The skies looked brighter up your way.
    Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
    Post by: Ridge on 07:58:24, 27/04/20
    More lovely shots Richard  O0  as to your question if there is a link to a report about Lingmoor fell sunset, you will have to wait till my broadband is back up. Still struggling with on off WiFi signal 😣
    I thought it would be easy to find with a quick search but there are so many TRs from April that include Lingmoor Fell and sunset.
    It could be either of these

    http://www.walkingforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=36276.0 (http://www.walkingforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=36276.0)

    http://www.walkingforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=35540.0 (http://www.walkingforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=35540.0)





    Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
    Post by: April on 12:18:50, 27/04/20
    Thanks Ridge, it was the second of your links that I remembered as being one of the best  :)
    Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
    Post by: richardh1905 on 13:13:51, 27/04/20
    Thanks Ridge, it was the second of your links that I remembered as being one of the best  :)


    Thanks Ridge, April - yes, pretty spectacular.  O0
    Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
    Post by: rural roamer on 17:34:05, 27/04/20
    Great pics Richard
    Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
    Post by: richardh1905 on 18:10:07, 27/04/20
    Thanks Rural Roamer - more incoming.  :)
    Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
    Post by: April on 18:16:03, 27/04/20
    Looking forward to your pics crap WiFi allowing. I didn't notice the sunset last night had my head stuck in a book lol
    Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
    Post by: richardh1905 on 19:27:26, 27/04/20
    Day 35 - 27th April 2020

    A lovely sunny day, so off I went with Tess again, visibility good so I took my telephoto camera. I wandered into Yewbarrow Woods, glad of the shade, but came across the remains of a clandestine boozy meeting, beer bottles and cans dumped at the side of the woodland path. This dampened my mood somewhat, not helped by me coming across some abandoned bags of dog **** shortly afterwards  >:( . You will be glad to hear that I did not photograph those!

    (https://i.ibb.co/5j8c5TB/323a-Litter.jpg)

    But it is impossible to stay in a dark mood for long when you are walking in the woods with Tess.

    (https://i.ibb.co/wMrZHvq/324a-Tree-Trunks.jpg)
    Tangled trunks on Yewbarrow

    I climbed up to the viewpoint, and got busy with the telephoto.

    (https://i.ibb.co/JzdNhBH/333a-Heysham.jpg)
    Heysham Nuclear Power Plant across the sands

    (https://i.ibb.co/Q9t67hr/334a-Kirk-Head-Tower.jpg)
    Kirk Head Tower south of Grange

    (https://i.ibb.co/Hn8mBb5/338-Blackpool.jpg)
    Blackpool Tower in the distance, so clear that I can even see the rollercoaster 28.7 miles away!

    After descending a bit off piste through the lovely woods, I dropped down through a patch of woodland full of Ramsons to the Community Orchard - the cherry blossom was past it's best, but the apple trees were lovely. Many old local varieties are grown here.

    (https://i.ibb.co/zHhDcbp/325a-So-Green.jpg)
    The woods are suddenly so green

    (https://i.ibb.co/54cHqbj/326a-Tess-Playing-The-Fool.jpg)
    Tess playing the fool - she likes to roll in scratchy beech mast

    (https://i.ibb.co/NxYRQh5/327a-Ramsons.jpg)
    Ramsons look their best in deep shade

    (https://i.ibb.co/SsjJvy1/328a-Apple-Blossom.jpg)
    Apple blossom in the Community Orchard - gorgeous

    (https://i.ibb.co/hFqL923/329a-Grange-Duck-Pond-Memorial.jpg)
    The Great War memorial at the Ornamental Pond

    Tess had a drink from the ornamental pond, and then we hit the Prom. The salt marsh foreshore had dried out nicely, so we walked down to the waters edge - signs of very recent erosion of the silt bank; probably the last high tide.

    (https://i.ibb.co/FKW90Rq/330a-Arnside-Knott.jpg)
    Holme Island (left) and Arnside Knott from the foreshore

    (https://i.ibb.co/MPfnhsZ/335a-Mirage.jpg)
    Mirage across the bay

    Walked along the Prom admiring the flowers in the volunteer maintained gardens - a spectacular show, before returning along minor roads. 4 miles.

    (https://i.ibb.co/B3hGDSv/339a-Grange-Seafront.jpg)
    Grange-over-Sands seafront

    (https://i.ibb.co/9byh8Jm/331a-Promenade-Flowers.jpg)
    Promenade flowers

    (https://i.ibb.co/SwvTDnk/336a-Grange-Lido.jpg)
    Grange Lido - there are plans afoot to redevelop it

    (https://i.ibb.co/mtMQD7s/337a-Mystery-Hill.jpg)
    And finally - name the mystery hill - not expecting this one to be too difficult
    Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
    Post by: April on 19:32:08, 27/04/20
    Nice pics Richard, laughing at Tess rolling around  O0


    I won't try name the fell because I have no idea which one it is  ;D

    Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
    Post by: richardh1905 on 19:43:04, 27/04/20
    Nice pics Richard, laughing at Tess rolling around  O0


    Thanks April - perhaps I should describe Tess's motion as writhing rather than rolling! :)
    Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
    Post by: Dovegirl on 22:45:30, 27/04/20
    The ramsons and apple blossom look beautiful     :)    I saw the Ornamental Pond - very pretty - on my fleeting visit to Grange a few years ago

    Trees seem to be coming into leaf all of a sudden  -  I love the fresh vibrant greenness of spring    :)
    Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
    Post by: richardh1905 on 07:29:20, 28/04/20
    The ramsons and apple blossom look beautiful     :)    I saw the Ornamental Pond - very pretty - on my fleeting visit to Grange a few years ago

    Trees seem to be coming into leaf all of a sudden  -  I love the fresh vibrant greenness of spring    :)


    So do I, Dovegirl. All seasons have their merit, but spring is my favourite - everything bursting into life and so full of promise.  :)
    Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
    Post by: richardh1905 on 07:30:27, 28/04/20
    TR edited to add Blackpool Tower - I can even see the rollercoaster!


    (https://i.ibb.co/Hn8mBb5/338-Blackpool.jpg)
    Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
    Post by: GnP on 08:03:39, 28/04/20
    TR edited to add Blackpool Tower - I can even see the rollercoaster!


    Morning Richard. Great detail. !
    Can I ask what lens.?
    Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
    Post by: richardh1905 on 08:10:28, 28/04/20
    Morning Richard. Great detail. !
    Can I ask what lens.?

    Thank you.
    This is the camera that I used - I inherited it a few years ago from a dear friend whose walking days are over.

    https://www.photographyblog.com/reviews/fujifilm_finepix_hs50exr_review (https://www.photographyblog.com/reviews/fujifilm_finepix_hs50exr_review)

    A bit of a chunky beast for taking on the hill (my phone does fine for general landscape shots), and I am still getting to know it. The Blackpool Tower shot must have been on or near maximum zoom, around 20x or 1000mm equivalent for a 35mm camera.
    Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
    Post by: GnP on 08:19:06, 28/04/20
    Thank you.
    This is the camera that I used - I inherited it a few years ago from a dear friend whose walking days are over.

    https://www.photographyblog.com/reviews/fujifilm_finepix_hs50exr_review (https://www.photographyblog.com/reviews/fujifilm_finepix_hs50exr_review)

    A bit of a chunky beast for taking on the hill (my phone does fine for general landscape shots), and I am still getting to know it. The Blackpool Tower shot must have been on or near maximum zoom, around 20x or 1000mm equivalent for a 35mm camera.
    Nice.!
    & I have read articles on Photography Blog so many times, over the years. Very informative.

    Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
    Post by: richardh1905 on 16:37:12, 28/04/20
    Day 36 - 28th April 2020

    A wander over the southern half of Hampsfell this morning, weather a bit muted with the occasional spit of rain. I explored some hawthorn covered slopes below the cliffs to the south east of the Hospice, a corner that I have not poked into before. The hawthorns were a lovely green, and there were patches of bluebells beneath some of them - lovely. I visited the steep slopes directly beneath the cliffs - masses of Early Purple Orchids and a Rock Rose coming into flower. Returned via the southern edge of Eggerslack Woods - masses of bluebells, which looked fantastic even in the gloomy weather. Popped into Yewbarrow Woods too on my way back - different again. 4 miles.

    (https://i.ibb.co/QmST2s8/340a-Yewbarrow.jpg)
    Yewbarrow with Morecambe Bay beyond taken from the scrub covered south eastern slopes of Hampsfell - the hawthorn is such a fresh green

    (https://i.ibb.co/DpGLpT9/341a-Early-Purple-Orchids.jpg)
    A group of Early Purple Orchids - there were masses of them on the limestone slopes

    (https://i.ibb.co/x3YPYL3/343a-Early-Pink-Orchid.jpg) (https://i.ibb.co/Ltnj5ZX/344a-Early-Pink.jpg)
    An 'Early Pink' orchid - there were some other interesting colour variations nearby

    (https://i.ibb.co/4KCVtz7/345a-Cowslip.jpg) (https://i.ibb.co/kgDYg9J/346a-Rock-Rose.jpg)
    A large Cowslip and a Rock Rose coming into flower on the limestone scree

    (https://i.ibb.co/JdwWdL3/348a.jpg)
    Back in the woods - Tess giving me a quizzical look as I am messing with the camera - her right lip curls up a bit

    (https://i.ibb.co/KwXLBZn/350a-Bluebells.jpg)
    Into the southern edge of Eggerslack Woods for a Bluebell fix

    (https://i.ibb.co/HHv32Wb/351a-Tess-Bluebells.jpg)
    Tess amongst the bluebells

    (https://i.ibb.co/SKXTnP9/352a-Bluebells.jpg)
    More bluebells! Lovely despite the muted weather

    (https://i.ibb.co/9b7XrL7/353a-Welsh-Poppies.jpg)
    A fine display of Welsh Poppies near Yewbarrow Woods
    Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
    Post by: watershed on 16:43:19, 28/04/20
    lovely photos Richard.
    Spring is still a bit behind up here, as you will remember.
    I was in the hills above Lerwick, today and see the Hares are still white.
    Our flowers will hopefully catch up with yours in a few weeks.
    yuns a cracking peerie dog doo haes
    Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
    Post by: richardh1905 on 17:01:03, 28/04/20
    lovely photos Richard.
    Spring is still a bit behind up here, as you will remember.
    I was in the hills above Lerwick, today and see the Hares are still white.
    Our flowers will hopefully catch up with yours in a few weeks.

    Thanks Watershed - yes I've really noticed the difference - winter seems to last a long time in Orkney and Shetland, and spring is so short - but the 'time of plenty' is just around the corner. Grange does seem to have a particularly mild climate.

    Quote
    yuns a cracking peerie dog doo haes

     :)  made me smile!
    You know, I seemed to be able to 'tune in' to Shetland dialect without too much bother.
    Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
    Post by: April on 18:15:50, 28/04/20
    Lovely pics especially of Tess, the bluebells and poppies  O0

    yuns a cracking peerie dog doo haes

    I have tried and failed to translate this  :)
    Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
    Post by: Dovegirl on 21:56:09, 28/04/20
    Tess and bluebell woodlands  -  a winning combination!    :)
    Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
    Post by: Mel on 22:59:06, 28/04/20
    Catching up on your last couple of adventures.  Loving the wild garlic woodland carpet and Tess having a DIY back scratch.


    I reckon the hill's Ingleborough.

    Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
    Post by: richardh1905 on 23:10:49, 28/04/20
    Thanks April, Mel

    (https://i.ibb.co/gtX4kZx/348b-Mad-Dog.jpg)

    There's something just a little bit scary about this photo - Tess showing the inner wolf that exists in all dogs
    Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
    Post by: forgotmyoldpassword on 13:40:23, 29/04/20
    Day 36 - 28th April 2020


    Absolutely stunning.  Appreciate you taking the time to take the photos - especially the lovely flora after such a good period of weather.  It's looking like a wet period is forecast for the next week or so - but the many pics of weeks of sunshine fuelled dog (and man!) happiness in the outdoors would make even the most ardent forum curmudgeon crack a smile, I'm sure  ;D
    Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
    Post by: richardh1905 on 21:13:46, 29/04/20

    Absolutely stunning.  Appreciate you taking the time to take the photos - especially the lovely flora after such a good period of weather.  It's looking like a wet period is forecast for the next week or so - but the many pics of weeks of sunshine fuelled dog (and man!) happiness in the outdoors would make even the most ardent forum curmudgeon crack a smile, I'm sure  ;D


    Thanks  :)
    Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
    Post by: billy5WM on 11:07:32, 30/04/20
    Great dog, buddy! :)
    Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
    Post by: April on 19:07:04, 30/04/20
    What? No pics?  :o Get ya finger oot Richard  :D
    Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
    Post by: richardh1905 on 21:37:16, 30/04/20
    What? No pics?  :o Get ya finger oot Richard  :D


    Patience, April, patience....  8)
    Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
    Post by: Mel on 22:01:53, 30/04/20
    Yes, c'mon Richard.  I was looking forward to my bedtime story  :)
    Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
    Post by: Toxicbunny on 22:05:46, 30/04/20
    Thanks April, Mel

    (https://i.ibb.co/gtX4kZx/348b-Mad-Dog.jpg)

    There's something just a little bit scary about this photo - Tess showing the inner wolf that exists in all dogs
    Was it a poop roll ? I have dog and when he has that expression he's rolled in something nasty  ;D 
    Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
    Post by: richardh1905 on 22:08:45, 30/04/20
    Day 37 - 29th April 2020

    Up Hampsfell with my wife and Tess this evening, bright sunshine but the clouds were down on the higher hills, so we didn't wait for the sunset, dropping down eastwards towards Eggerslack Woods instead. My wife spotted a Whitebeam, quite possibly a rare Lancastrian Whitebeam, but they can be difficult to identify. Back along Spring Bank Road as the skies coloured up nicely - we missed a decent sunset if Karl's photos are anything to go by. 3 miles

    (https://i.ibb.co/J5GDkp5/354a-Morecambe-Bay.jpg)
    Morecambe Bay from the steep path up Fell End - Forest of Bowland hills in the distance

    (https://i.ibb.co/Vq5hX2t/355a-Lambs.jpg)
    The sheep have been allowed further up the hill - lambs enjoying the evening sun

    (https://i.ibb.co/Nj6JZ7r/356a-Rough-Hillside.jpg)
    Rough country, dramatic clouds

    (https://i.ibb.co/KcZsghN/357a-Howgills.jpg)
    Sunlit Howgills across the Kent Estuary, Arant Haw and Winder far right

    The area of light coloured dead grass in the foreground is Foulshaw Moss (https://www.cumbriawildlifetrust.org.uk/nature-reserves/foulshaw-moss). a 'raised mire' lowland peat bog. Osprays nest here - WEBCAM (https://www.cumbriawildlifetrust.org.uk/wildlife/cams/osprey-cam)


    Day 38 - 30th April 2020

    A short meander through Yewbarrow Woods with Tess today, rain from time to time, but I was back home before the thunderstorm arrived! The woods aren't particularly large, but they are full of interest, and I wandered off the path into the trees, finding another Whitebeam and a yew tree with a monstrously large burr. A modest 2 miles.

    (https://i.ibb.co/j6z5wGy/358a-Yew-Burr.jpg)
    I found a yew tree with a massive burr on it's trunk - even Tess looks surprised by it

    (https://i.ibb.co/7yxYN5n/359a-Crab-Apple-Blossom.jpg)
    Gorgeous Apple Blossom on the way home - I think that this is a crab apple
    Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
    Post by: Ridge on 22:22:18, 30/04/20
    About time
    I mean, very nice pics again Richard, loving the sheep and tree  O0

    Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
    Post by: Mel on 22:33:16, 30/04/20
    Ahh, I can go to bed happy now.


    Love the dramatic cloud and Tess' slightly puzzled face  :)
    Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
    Post by: April on 07:55:26, 01/05/20
    Thanks Richard but be a little quicker next time will you?  ;)

    Love the Rough country, dramatic clouds shot  O0

    The look on Tess's face is priceless  :) She is saying WTF?  :)
    Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
    Post by: karl h on 08:08:51, 01/05/20
    Lovely light on those pics Richard O0


    Sheesh... the sense of entitlement on these young whippersnappers.  It's all gimme, gimme, gimme  ;D
    Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
    Post by: Jac on 08:14:01, 01/05/20
    Love the boiling clouds and rugged rocks.
    Thank you for the link to the Ospreys too.
    Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
    Post by: pdstsp on 08:49:17, 01/05/20
    Nice pics again Richard - love that picture of the boiling up clouds. O0
    Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
    Post by: richardh1905 on 09:53:01, 01/05/20
    Thank you for the replies  :)


    Patience and the mulberry leaf become a silk robe  ;)



    Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
    Post by: richardh1905 on 20:21:24, 01/05/20
    Day 38 - 1st May 2020

    My son decided that a walk in the woods would count as the PE on his school rota, so he accompanied me on my morning dog walk. We climbed up out of Grange and then headed north along Spring Bank Road. Flowers lined the road and I spotted my first swallow of the year in a field dotted with Cuckoo Flower.

    (https://i.ibb.co/Fm2TZqD/360a-Caterpillar.jpg https://i.ibb.co/DD889qf/361a-Cowslips.jpg https://i.ibb.co/RgVvN6N/362a-Cowslip-Ruff.jpg https://i.ibb.co/LPzq6PX/363a-Hawkweed.jpg https://i.ibb.co/XVt0wM3/364a-Eggerslack.jpg https://i.ibb.co/fChPZYr/365a-7-Trunk-Sycamore.jpg https://i.ibb.co/fdx18hC/366a-Bluebells.jpg https://i.ibb.co/2KTKRHQ/367a-Kent-Valley.jpg https://i.ibb.co/TrTKWvz/368a-Whitbarrow.jpg https://i.ibb.co/NLX2g8q/369a-Tess-At-Spring.jpg https://i.ibb.co/8dWRnPq/370a-Bluebells.jpg https://i.ibb.co/JjSKQC3/371a-More-Bluebells.jpg https://i.ibb.co/QcCH8YD/372a-Tess-With-Stick.jpg)
    Caterpillar on Blackberry leaf - anyone know what it is?

    (https://i.ibb.co/DD889qf/361a-Cowslips.jpg)
    There were lots of wild flowers in the hedgerows - Cowslips being photobombed by Herb Robert

    (https://i.ibb.co/RgVvN6N/362a-Cowslip-Ruff.jpg)
    A cowslip with a ruff of Alchemilla Mollis

    (https://i.ibb.co/LPzq6PX/363a-Hawkweed.jpg)
    A lovely lemon yellow Hawkweed on a grassy bank (Mouse Ear Hawkweed, I believe)

    We entered Eggerslack Woods and made our way northwards along a minor path that stayed close to the western edge. Lots of bluebells!

    (https://i.ibb.co/XVt0wM3/364a-Eggerslack.jpg)
    Into the trees....

    (https://i.ibb.co/fChPZYr/365a-7-Trunk-Sycamore.jpg)
    A seven trunk sycamore

    (https://i.ibb.co/fdx18hC/366a-Bluebells.jpg)
    Bluebells in the north western corner of Eggerslack Wood

    At the northern end of the woods, we dropped down to the spring, taking the interesting path that skirts above Merlewood Apartments

    (https://i.ibb.co/2KTKRHQ/367a-Kent-Valley.jpg)
    A break in the trees above Merlewood gave me this view of the Kent Valley

    (https://i.ibb.co/TrTKWvz/368a-Whitbarrow.jpg)
    Whitbarrow - a bit far for a walk from the door, unfortunately

    (https://i.ibb.co/NLX2g8q/369a-Tess-At-Spring.jpg)
    Tess takes a drink from the spring in Eggerslack Wood - the water level is getting low, despite yesterday's thunderstorm

    (https://i.ibb.co/8dWRnPq/370a-Bluebells.jpg)
    We headed home through some of the best bluebells in the woods - their scent was heavenly!

    (https://i.ibb.co/JjSKQC3/371a-More-Bluebells.jpg)
    More bluebells - Tess leading the way home

    (https://i.ibb.co/QcCH8YD/372a-Tess-With-Stick.jpg)
    Tess enjoying a good chew on a stick

    Back through Yewbarrow Wood in time for lunch. 4 miles.
    Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
    Post by: Ridge on 20:44:55, 01/05/20
    Great photos again Richard.
    I must try to get out again in to the country again next week.
    Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
    Post by: karl h on 20:59:30, 01/05/20
    Lovely pics again Richard I love the variety and the colours. O0


     That's the one thing about my immediate local area. Although the moors are good for views and leg stretching I have realied just how land created for grouse shooting really is a desert when it comes to plants and wildlife ( apart from grouse )
    Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
    Post by: pdstsp on 22:39:47, 01/05/20

    Great pics again Richard

    Lovely pics again Richard I love the variety and the colours. O0


     That's the one thing about my immediate local area. Although the moors are good for views and leg stretching I have realied just how land created for grouse shooting really is a desert when it comes to plants and wildlife ( apart from grouse )


    I know what you mean Karl, and sometimes the damage done to the moors to facilitate the hunting is crap, but I do still love the big sky of moorland walking on a clear day when the vistas open up.  (And then a grouse shoots up between your feet and your heart jumps to 180 bpm.)
    Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
    Post by: April on 06:48:42, 02/05/20
    Lovely pics Richard, love the bluebells in the wood  O0

    Although I've seen a few bluebells it isn't the same as being surrounded by them in a wood.
    Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
    Post by: richardh1905 on 07:43:32, 02/05/20
    Great photos again Richard.
    I must try to get out again in to the country again next week.


    Thanks Ridge - your effort will be repaid, I'm sure.  :)


    Lovely pics again Richard I love the variety and the colours. O0

     That's the one thing about my immediate local area. Although the moors are good for views and leg stretching I have realied just how land created for grouse shooting really is a desert when it comes to plants and wildlife ( apart from grouse )


    Thanks Karl  :)
    I know that I am fortunate to have such a lot of variety on my doorstep during lockdown. And I know what you mean about grouse moors - but you have some nice reservoirs and woods nearby too, if I recall.


    Great pics again Richard

    I know what you mean Karl, and sometimes the damage done to the moors to facilitate the hunting is crap, but I do still love the big sky of moorland walking on a clear day when the vistas open up.  (And then a grouse shoots up between your feet and your heart jumps to 180 bpm.)


    Thanks pdstsp  :)
    Yes, grouse moors are deserts, and there are often reports of suspicious deaths of birds of prey.....all so that some rich ***** can blaze away at hapless birds being driven before them by the beaters. Hardly sport, in my opinion.

    Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
    Post by: richardh1905 on 07:44:57, 02/05/20
    Lovely pics Richard, love the bluebells in the wood  O0

    Although I've seen a few bluebells it isn't the same as being surrounded by them in a wood.


    Thanks April - the bluebells are at their best right now, and it is great being able to get right amongst them, immersed in the sight and smell.
    Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
    Post by: karl h on 10:34:37, 02/05/20





    Thanks Karl  :)
    I know that I am fortunate to have such a lot of variety on my doorstep during lockdown. And I know what you mean about grouse moors - but you have some nice reservoirs and woods nearby too, if I recall.





    I know what you mean Karl, and sometimes the damage done to the moors to facilitate the hunting is crap, but I do still love the big sky of moorland walking on a clear day when the vistas open up.  (And then a grouse shoots up between your feet and your heart jumps to 180 bpm.)


    Both true, although access to the local 'reses is restricted due to logging at the moment.
    Think I was just having a Coronavirus "moment"  :-[
     I should count my blessings, I could be stuck in an inner city high rise with a couple of young kids
    Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
    Post by: pdstsp on 14:20:35, 02/05/20

    Thanks pdstsp  :)
    Yes, grouse moors are deserts, and there are often reports of suspicious deaths of birds of prey.....all so that some rich ***** can blaze away at hapless birds being driven before them by the beaters. Hardly sport, in my opinion.


    Agreed wholeheartedly. I have never understood the enjoyment of killing something.
    Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
    Post by: richardh1905 on 17:34:39, 02/05/20
    I should count my blessings, I could be stuck in an inner city high rise with a couple of young kids
    That would be grim beyond belief.
    Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
    Post by: richardh1905 on 08:31:32, 03/05/20
    Day 39 - 2nd May 2020

    Out in the evening with Tess, beautiful sunshine, Hampsfell for the sunset. 4 miles.

    I wandered around the back of Fell End, climbing up the south western corner of the hill past a solitary hawthorn tree. Once on top, I headed north, then skirted the eastern edge of the plateau for a while; lovely views to the east, but Ingleborough was in shade.

    (https://i.ibb.co/d5gQLrq/382a-Helvellyn.jpg)
    Helvellyn from the western slopes of Fell End - I think that I spy the top of Catstycam peeping out above the slopes of Fairfield, and part of Striding Edge is visible. The dark pudding in the middle of the picture is Seat Sandal, and I think that Loughrigg is visible to the left.

    (https://i.ibb.co/0QGvMYy/383a-Caw.jpg)
    Caw and the curiously named Pikes to the west

    (https://i.ibb.co/DLysx1z/373a-East.jpg)
    The view east across the Kent Estuary - Arnside Knott and the Forest of Bowland bathed in evening sunshine, Ingleborough in shade

    (https://i.ibb.co/0DjKQZg/374a-Sheep-And-Trees.jpg)
    Lambs enjoying the evening sunshine underneath an unusually symmetrical hawthorn

    I headed east again after crossing the final stile before the Hospice, skirting around the eastern edge of the limestone pavement that tops the plateau to get a view of the Howgills - I wasn't disappointed!

    (https://i.ibb.co/F7sG7p1/385a-Borrowdale-Hills.jpg)
    The shapely little hills that form the southern flank of Borrowdale, from left to right - Mabbin Crag, Castle Fell and Whinfell Beacon. In the foreground is the top of Whitbarrow

    Karl walked these hills in March - click for TR (http://www.walkingforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=39990.0). These hills are on my 'to do' list.

    (https://i.ibb.co/qyG9jx1/386a-Helvellyn.jpg)
    Another view of the mountains to the north - I spy the top of Skiddaw to the left

    (https://i.ibb.co/CHncrJw/388a-Howgills.jpg)
    The Howgills bathed in the glorious evening sunshine - Foulshaw Moss in the middle distance, Wild Boar Fell far right

    My wife and I were in the Howgills in early March. We climbed Winder low on the right, then Arant Haw, the shapely triangle, before traversing along the skyline to the left over Calders and The Calf. We descended down the prominent Bram Rigg ridge in the centre of the picture. Trip Report HERE (http://www.walkingforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=39926.0).

    (https://i.ibb.co/HVWcCtq/389a-Middleton-Fell-Calf-Top.jpg)
    Calf Top and Castle Knott across the Kent Estuary, Milnthorpe in the trees, Sandside on the shoreline - more hills on my 'to do' list!

    (https://i.ibb.co/rtRzJ13/375a-Coniston-Old-Man.jpg)
    The Coniston Old Man group in the evening light

    After rounding the northern end of the limestone pavement, I settled myself down in a grassy hollow to enjoy the sunset - Tess took the opportunity to have a roll around in the grass.

    (https://i.ibb.co/fdcffbw/376a-Sunset.jpg)
    The sun disappearing behind Whitfell - Caw and the Coniston Old Man group to the right

    I returned past the Hospice, keeping to the crest of the ridge as I headed south towards Fell End. I dropped off the top of Fell End and lazed in the grass to catch the last of the sunset.

    (https://i.ibb.co/mFFGgzN/377a-Sunset.jpg)
    Skies starting to colour up nicely - can you spot the orca?

    (https://i.ibb.co/VHHG67c/379a-Lazing.jpg)
    Lazing on a grassy bank to catch the last of the sunset - I could have stayed all night!

    (https://i.ibb.co/pJGymgW/380a-Sunset-With-Venus.jpg)
    The colours at their best - as a bonus I could see Venus

    (https://i.ibb.co/Jn48FVt/381a-Lonely-Tree.jpg)
    A lonely hawthorn silhouetted against lovely skies
    Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
    Post by: Ridge on 09:22:07, 03/05/20
    Lovely pics Richard.
    I like orca the sky whale. Poor Seat Sandal, if it is a bit of a pudding it's a nice one, chocolate sponge.
    Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
    Post by: karl h on 09:28:44, 03/05/20
    Great pics once again Richard. The air looks so clear.
    I would never have guessed the Borrowdale fells even though I walked them 6 weeks ago  ;D


    Pikes is a lovely little top, camped there with my kids a few years ago.


    Had another walk up to Cartridge Hill last night, sunset was fantastic and Black Combe to the Langdales was very clear. ( pictures incoming )  :)
    Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
    Post by: April on 14:02:01, 03/05/20
    Nice shots Richard, love the hawthorn shot  O0

    The orca is pretty good too  :)
    Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
    Post by: andybr on 11:40:37, 04/05/20
    Have you had any views of the Foulshaw Moss Osprey's? I have been watching the nest on the CWT webcam and it is working really well.
    Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
    Post by: pdstsp on 12:23:24, 04/05/20

    Lovely pics - really like the sunsets.

    Lovely pics Richard.
    I like orca the sky whale. Poor Seat Sandal, if it is a bit of a pudding it's a nice one, chocolate sponge.


    Love the orca.  I have a soft spot for Seat Sandal too - climbed it one December in lovely clear weather from Patterdale, got to the top and there was a wonderful inversion over Grasmere and Windermere.  Sticky toffee.
    Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
    Post by: vghikers on 13:00:29, 04/05/20
    More fine photos and a lovely end to the day. The windswept hawthorn silhouette is good  O0
    Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
    Post by: BuzyG on 13:46:00, 04/05/20
    Day 39 - 2nd May 2020

    Out in the evening with Tess, beautiful sunshine, Hampsfell for the sunset. 4 miles.

    I wandered around the back of Fell End, climbing up the south western corner of the hill past a solitary hawthorn tree. Once on top, I headed north, then skirted the eastern edge of the plateau for a while; lovely views to the east, but Ingleborough was in shade.

    (https://i.ibb.co/d5gQLrq/382a-Helvellyn.jpg)
    Helvellyn from the western slopes of Fell End - I think that I spy the top of Catstycam peeping out above the slopes of Fairfield, and part of Striding Edge is visible. The dark pudding in the middle of the picture is Seat Sandal, and I think that Loughrigg is visible to the left.


    A great thread Richard. Some wonderful pictures too.  This one reminded me of my mum, rest her soul. O0


    (https://i.postimg.cc/7h2yk0Nb/IMG-20200503-WA0001.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/y3sGhJtz)
    Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
    Post by: richardh1905 on 16:06:15, 04/05/20
    Have you had any views of the Foulshaw Moss Osprey's? I have been watching the nest on the CWT webcam and it is working really well.

    On the webcam only, I'm afraid.
    Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
    Post by: richardh1905 on 16:07:56, 04/05/20
    Lovely pics - really like the sunsets.
    Love the orca.  I have a soft spot for Seat Sandal too - climbed it one December in lovely clear weather from Patterdale, got to the top and there was a wonderful inversion over Grasmere and Windermere.  Sticky toffee.

    Thanks pdstsp. Never been up Seat Sandal, to be honest. Always on my way to either Fairfield or Helvellyn, or on my way down and too knackered!
    Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
    Post by: richardh1905 on 16:14:24, 04/05/20
    More fine photos and a lovely end to the day. The windswept hawthorn silhouette is good  O0

    Thanks vghikers - I had another great evening wander up the fell last night - love just lazing on Fell End as the light fades, and then making my way down the hillside in the twilight.
    Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
    Post by: richardh1905 on 16:16:46, 04/05/20
    A great thread Richard. Some wonderful pictures too.  This one reminded me of my mum, rest her soul. O0

    Thanks BusyG - glad that the Helvellyn picture bought back some good memories  :)

    PS - is that the Brotherswater Inn that I spy in your photo?
    Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
    Post by: pdstsp on 16:17:15, 04/05/20

    Thanks pdstsp. Never been up Seat Sandal, to be honest. Always on my way to either Fairfield or Helvellyn, or on my way down and too knackered!


    Been up a couple of times - and it's always quiet, presumably because of its more famous neighbours, but it does give some nice views.
    Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
    Post by: richardh1905 on 16:36:18, 04/05/20
    Day 40 - 3rd May 2020

    Another fine evening, another wander over Hampsfell for the sunset. 4 miles.

    (https://i.ibb.co/y6mbCD8/390a-Arnside-Ingleborough.jpg)
    I love this dramatic cloud hanging over Arnside Knott and Ingleborough

    (https://i.ibb.co/ZBxJ3X3/391a-Kent-Estuary.jpg)
    North East over the Kent Estuary - Calf Top, Castle Knott, Crag Hill/Great Coum, Whernside in the cloud, Gragareth far right

    (https://i.ibb.co/7bFs44z/392a-Black-Lamb.jpg)  (https://i.ibb.co/VL2cL6J/393a-Lambs-Relaxing.jpg)
    A curious black lamb, and twins relaxing in the evening sun

    (https://i.ibb.co/yhCz1Sx/394a-Bowfell.jpg)
    Bowfell/Crinkle Crags visible over Prison Band

    (https://i.ibb.co/2KfpZSw/395a-Gummers-How.jpg)
    I skirted around to the east of the Limestone Pavement again, this shot of Gummers How and the High Fells taken from the northern edge of the pavement

    (https://i.ibb.co/QPvvJdw/396a-Sunset-Tree.jpg)
    Sunset from the southern edge of Hampsfell Allotment - I never tire of the view of Coniston Old Man

    (https://i.ibb.co/WsBNj8W/397a-Sunset.jpg)
    The sky ablaze. I had dropped down the hill a little and I was rushing to regain height before the sun disappeared

    (https://i.ibb.co/kB3mG3P/398a-Sunset.jpg)
    I sat in the grass with the dog and watched the sun go down behind Whitfell

    (https://i.ibb.co/QFtbc1X/399a-Caw.jpg)
    The corrugated skyline between Whitfell and Caw - I can see the top of Stickle Pike in the middle of the picture

    (https://i.ibb.co/HFmF59h/400a-Venus.jpg)
    I walked back to Fell End and settled down on a grassy bank as the light faded....Venus top left, the bright light of Cartmel in the foreground

    (https://i.ibb.co/86Qz542/401-Panorama.jpg)
    A panoramic shot taken just before the sun went down - click on the image and use the scroll bar below to view






    Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
    Post by: April on 19:11:20, 04/05/20
    Lovely sunset pics again Richard and I love the black lamb  O0

    If you had name the fell for that Bowfell/Crinkle Crags shot, I would never had got it.
    Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
    Post by: Mel on 19:22:31, 04/05/20
    Well I enjoyed catching up with your Lockdown Diary Walks.  I love the nice bright cowslips, the black lamb with what looks like a toothy grin and, of course, the sunset pics  :)
    Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
    Post by: karl h on 20:02:37, 04/05/20
    You captured some fantastic clouds there Richard.  O0

    Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
    Post by: Ridge on 22:05:53, 04/05/20
    Very nice,  I particularly like the sunset with the lone tree.  O0
    Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
    Post by: richardh1905 on 07:10:04, 05/05/20
    Lovely sunset pics again Richard and I love the black lamb  O0 
    Thanks April  :)
    Quote
    If you had name the fell for that Bowfell/Crinkle Crags shot, I would never had got it.
    I didn't want to humiliate you any further!  :D ;)
    Seriously though, it would have been a tricky one to get from that angle, as I think that Crinkle Crags in front of Bowfell breaks up the outline somewhat.

    Well I enjoyed catching up with your Lockdown Diary Walks.  I love the nice bright cowslips, the black lamb with what looks like a toothy grin and, of course, the sunset pics  :)
    Thanks Mel - there's loads of cowslips around at the moment - I keep finding new patches of them. Lovely delicate things. That lamb does have some unusual markings on it's face. :)

    You captured some fantastic clouds there Richard.  O0 
    Thanks Karl - it is the clouds that make a sunset, in my opinion.

    Very nice,  I particularly like the sunset with the lone tree.  O0 
    Thanks Ridge - I've plenty of choice on Hampsfell when it comes to wind blasted Hawthorns - never seen so many!
    Hawthorns are rapidly becoming one of my favourite trees - but they were my most hated when I did forestry work in February - I still have a sore knuckle where I stabbed myself on a hawthorn, they were enemy number one.
    Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
    Post by: richardh1905 on 08:44:41, 05/05/20
    Day 41 - 4th May 2020

    Something a little different today, I was on the morning dog walk shift, so I decided to stick to the country lanes to the west of Grange, and see where my feet took me. Gorgeous weather again, bright sunshine and puffy clouds.

    We started by climbing up Fell Road to the cemetary, where I took a diversion - dogs are allowed on a lead. I continued on down Wart Barrow Lane to Allithwaite, the hedgerows alive with flowers - bluebells, early purple orchids, cow parsley, red campion....

    (https://i.ibb.co/XsMBsKG/402a-Cemetery-Trees.jpg)
    A row of fine pollarded maples outside Grange Cemetery - these are covered by a tree preservation order. I am growing seedlings from them

    (https://i.ibb.co/qpsnHw0/403a-Cemetery-Trees.jpg)
    Beautiful copper beech trees in the cemetery - but I was photobombed by Postman Pat!

    (https://i.ibb.co/GVXNznQ/404a-Stitchwort.jpg)
    Beautiful Stitchwort in a hedgerow

    At Allithwaite someone had kindly left out a dog bowl full of water at the end of their drive so Tess was able to slake her thirst. I took a couple of diversions in Allithwaite, firstly down village lanes to the west, and then up a lane past the playing field - there is an area of access land on the limestone hillside that I had not visited, and I fancied a look. Unfortunately the land was closed due to coronavirus by order of the community council - not quite sure why. But no matter, it will keep.

    I walked through Allithwaite and then turned east down Kirkhead Road, admiring some beautiful established suburban gardens. At the bottom of the hill is Abbot Hall Hotel, hidden in it's own woodland.

    (https://i.ibb.co/ZLCDBnN/405a-Ramsons.jpg)
    An enticing ramson lined path leading into the grounds of the Abbot Hall Hotel, Kents Bank

    I thought that I would take a look at the salt marsh and let Tess have a run off lead, so I crossed the railway line at the station. The ground was very dry, so I took a walk out on to the marsh - this is where the 'Sand Pilot' route crosses the sands - VIDEO and ARTICLE (https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/seven-adventures-days-morecambe-bay-sands-lancashire-cumbria-guided-walk-a9077946.html). A few sheep were about so Tess stayed on the lead until we were well clear - the lambs are fattened and sold as Salt Marsh Lamb in the local butchers. At the edge of the channel of the River Kent was a small beach - no sheep nearby so time to let Tess loose!

    (https://i.ibb.co/b5qCbw3/406a-Salt-Marsh.jpg)
    On to the salt marsh at Kents Bank - Howgills in the distance, Arnside Knott right centre, sheep to the right!

    (https://i.ibb.co/V3VNtR2/407a-Tess.jpg)
    Tess enjoying the sand - the first that she has been on for a while

    VIDEO of Tess on the beach HERE (https://youtu.be/duBAWohdACY)

    Being out on the marsh gave some interesting views from unfamiliar angles:

    (https://i.ibb.co/KzhWYtr/408a-Grange-Over-Sands.jpg)
    Grange-over-Sands from the salt marsh, Hampsfell and Yewbarrow Wood beyond

    (https://i.ibb.co/5LmtK20/409a-Whitbarrow-Crags.jpg)
    A telephoto view of the Whitbarrow Crags that tower above the A590, with mystery hills in the background ....

    I returned to the shore as it would have been difficult to make progress along the waterline due to all the tidal creeks that cut into the marsh - and I was only wearing trainers. I spotted other people walking along the shore below the embankment, and decided to give it a try because it has been so dry.

    (https://i.ibb.co/5nJ6Bxr/410b-Shoreline-Path.jpg)
    The path leading along the shore below the railway embankment - not passable during a spring high tide!

    (https://i.ibb.co/znrDwjQ/411a-Reeds.jpg)
    Reeds against billowing clouds

    (https://i.ibb.co/vZVqj1M/412a-Sea-Campion.jpg)
    Sea Campion on the railway embankment - also present were birds foot trefoil, mouse ear hawkweed, thrift......

    (https://i.ibb.co/xqwzRg4/413a-Humphrey-Head.jpg)
    A view back over the salt marsh towards Humphrey Head and Heysham nuclear power plant

    (https://i.ibb.co/NTzBkZj/414a-Big-Skies-And-Bullrushes.jpg)
    A view up the Kent Estuary - note the bullrushes to the left

    After maybe half a mile of delightful walking, during which Tess managed to find some mud, I made use of a minor crossing over the railway and found myself on Cart Lane, apple trees and wisterias. I returned to the cemetery junction via quiet Cartmel Road, more hedgerows strewn with wildflowers, including forget-me-not and beautiful ground ivy. 6 miles.

    (https://i.ibb.co/gwVw2Yg/415-Map.png)/4
    Map showing my route in red - note that the channel of the River Kent (blue) has moved a lot further west in recent years
    Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
    Post by: Ridge on 08:57:17, 05/05/20
    Lovely, much flatter than your normal walks/photos.
    What is that bonkers dog up to on the video.
    Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
    Post by: pdstsp on 09:05:21, 05/05/20
    Looks like an interesting walk - love the video -  did Tess ever find oil down there?
    Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
    Post by: April on 18:45:26, 05/05/20
    Lol @ Tess and love the sea campions  O0
    Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
    Post by: richardh1905 on 20:06:36, 05/05/20
    Thanks for the replies  :)
    Tess loves to dig - she had plenty of practice on our local beach in Orkney.
    And today she has been barking at waves! Crazy dog - but adorable (well I would say that, wouldn't I)
    Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
    Post by: richardh1905 on 09:32:56, 06/05/20
    Day 42 - 5th May 2020

    A morning walk along the shore to the north east of Grange today. To get there I walked though some woods to the Community Orchard, and then passed the Ornamental Pond - no ducklings yet. The tide was up quite high.

    But before I start - a mini quiz - can anyone identify this flower? Answer later.
    (https://i.ibb.co/gzQTWfV/416-Mystery-Flower.jpg)
    Mystery flower

    (https://i.ibb.co/wcDHf7m/417a-Sea-Of-Ramsons.jpg)
    I walked down to the prom through a sea of ramsons.

    (https://i.ibb.co/zQZ5VQj/418a-Close-Up.jpg)
    Close up of some apple blossom buds in the Community Orchard

    I got down on to the shore below the railway station. The tide was up and waves were being driven by a stiff south easterly breeze onto the shore, eroding the silt that has built up over the last few decades.

    (https://i.ibb.co/vPJhL7f/419a-Tess-Barking-At-Waves.jpg)
    Tess barking at the sea monster - Click HERE for VIDEO (https://youtu.be/TyLXWj8cl40)

    (https://i.ibb.co/LJXVNk0/420a-Erosion.jpg)
    Waves eating away at the silt on the foreshore

    I walked along the foreshore to the end of the prom, and then continued along below the railway embankment as far as the Holme Island causeway (strictly private). I was able to make use of the crossing and get on to the minor road to Meathop, which I walked some days ago. I returned along the Prom. 4 miles.

    (https://i.ibb.co/fnxKVRK/421a-Holme-Island.jpg)
    Holme Island - I followed the path to the left as far as the causeway in the distance

    (https://i.ibb.co/bz1KMHW/422a-Back-Towards-Grange.jpg)
    Looking back towards Grange from a creek near Holme Island, Humphrey Head to the left

    (https://i.ibb.co/ggqx299/423a-Kent-Estuary.jpg)
    A quick look at the estuary upstream of Holme Island - something for another day

    (https://i.ibb.co/dcfGsdL/424a-Crossing-The-Tracks.jpg)
    A quick snap taken whilst crossing the tracks at the Holme Island crossing - no trains were coming!

    (https://i.ibb.co/rF2GLdg/425a-Hawthorn.jpg)
    Close up of hawthorn on the Meathop Road

    (https://i.ibb.co/9nSbK4m/428a-Prom-Gardens.jpg)
    Back on the Prom - the gardens between the railway station and the town are a riot of colour

    (https://i.ibb.co/DQTJz2d/426a-Red-Rock-Rose.jpg)  (https://i.ibb.co/PhRj7t9/427a-Lemon-Rock-Rose.jpg)
    Red and Lemon Rock Roses

    (https://i.ibb.co/N1zcxks/429a-Horse-Chestnut.jpg)
    And finally - the mystery flower reveals itself - Horse Chestnut, a strikingly exotic flower when you look closely
    Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
    Post by: Ridge on 09:48:57, 06/05/20
    I got the flower from the final shot but had no idea with the first.
    Good to see that Tess is sorting out those pesky waves.
    Lovely shot of the wild garlic, it almost looks like it has been snowing.
    Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
    Post by: April on 11:59:31, 06/05/20
    Lovely pics Richard  O0 


    The horse chestnut flowers are so beautiful aren't they?  :)
    There is one near Gelt woods, I wonder if I will be able to see it this year in flower.
    Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
    Post by: Dovegirl on 12:19:43, 06/05/20
    Lovely photos    :)    The ramsons in the woodland look gorgeous

    I wondered if the mystery flower was horse chestnut.  In Brighton we have some magnificent horse chestnuts and it's one of my favourite trees    :)
    Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
    Post by: Mel on 19:10:25, 06/05/20
    More lovely pics (even of the estuary/salt marsh!).  The Horse Chestnuts seem to be going all out on flower displays this year.  I bet it smelled delicious walking through all that wild garlic too  :)
    Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
    Post by: pleb on 21:13:50, 06/05/20
    Tremendous  O0
    Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
    Post by: richardh1905 on 22:22:45, 06/05/20
    Thanks Ridge, April, Dovegirl, Mel, pleb  :)


    Lovely shot of the wild garlic, it almost looks like it has been snowing.
    I've never seen it so thick with flowers.

    I bet it smelled delicious walking through all that wild garlic too  :)

    Hmm, not as nice as the bluebells :P
    Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
    Post by: richardh1905 on 08:48:19, 07/05/20
    Day 43 - 6th May 2020


    (https://i.ibb.co/sJqFrrM/430-Morecambe-Bay.jpg)
    I couldn't fit all of the view of Morecambe Bay in so I took a panoramic shot - click on the image and use the scroll bar that appears below
    Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
    Post by: karl h on 08:52:08, 07/05/20
    More lovely colours and Tess is livin' the dream O0


    That rail journey from Barrow along the coast to Ravenglass must be one of the most beautiful anywhere..it's definitely my favourite :)
    Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
    Post by: richardh1905 on 09:05:40, 07/05/20
    Day 43 - 6th May 2020 continued

    A gorgeous evening, not a cloud in the sky, so I took a wander up Fell End and Hampsfell with the dog. After climbing Fell End, I strayed eastwards a bit and ended up on top of the cliffs that guard the south eastern slopes of Hampsfell.

    (https://i.ibb.co/7NxBDZj/431a-Panorama.jpg)
    Morecambe Bay - I think that the distant subsidiary channel to the right is becoming more pronounced

    (https://i.ibb.co/vVF7J3B/432a-Orchids.jpg)
    The ground was dotted with Early Purple Orchids - I couldn't get them all in!

    (https://i.ibb.co/YQr6VFR/433a-Kent-Estuary.jpg)
    Kent Estuary and Arnside Knott - the moon is almost full

    I had dropped down the hill a bit into shadow, so I hurried back up again to catch the sunset

    (https://i.ibb.co/GQ0bNsQ/434a-Hospice.jpg)
    Hampsfell Hospice

    (https://i.ibb.co/dtk87Qh/435a-Hospice-Moon.jpg)
    Hampsfell Hospice

    I settled down with the dog a few hundred yards to the north to enjoy the sunset. Not a cloud in the sky.

    (https://i.ibb.co/n81XzCN/436a-Going.jpg)
    (https://i.ibb.co/2YmDC8d/437a-Going.jpg)
    (https://i.ibb.co/GdPXk2T/438a-Gone.jpg)
    Going...Going...Gone - the sun is now setting slightly to the north of Whitfell

    (https://i.ibb.co/PCKf02b/439a-Hospice.jpg)
    Hampsfell Hospice

    I returned along the ridge top to Fell End, where I took a last photo of the Lakeland Fells in the twilight. 4 miles.

    (https://i.ibb.co/4RQBQ5h/440a-Twilight-Fells.jpg)
    Evening panorama - how many can you name?
    Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
    Post by: April on 12:26:39, 07/05/20
    Fab shots Richard. I can just see the ball of the sun going down through trees from my window. It has been like that for a few evenings. I wish I could get your view of it  :)
    Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
    Post by: richardh1905 on 12:37:02, 07/05/20
    Thanks April  :)
    Grange being on an east facing hillside, we lose the sun around 1800 or so - a big change from Orkney where the sun went down at 2220 on the 21st June.
    The Going, Going, Gone sequence was taken from near the top of Hampsfell at 2049 last night. But still a way to go to the solstice.
    Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
    Post by: richardh1905 on 16:31:09, 07/05/20
    Day 44 - 7th May 2020

    Another day dawns sunny and clear. This morning I took Tess into Yewbarrow Woods, following faint paths into thick groves of tangled trees, really quite dense in places. Pleasingly disorientating, but it is impossible to really lose yourself in a small wood such as this. Discovered a yew tree that had recently been knocked over by a much larger pine, sawn up to make it safe, but the timber then abandoned in a tangled mess - beautiful for carving, so I'll be back!

    I descended to the Duck Pond through the small patch of woodland above Yewbarrow Lodge (https://www.kentsbankholiday.co.uk/yewbarrow-lodge-and-gardens/), passing the rock garden and then through the Community Orchard.

    (https://i.ibb.co/gwjsNz3/442a-Ramsons-Like-Snow.jpg)
    Ramsons like snow in the woods above Yewbarrow Lodge - this path was new to me

    (https://i.ibb.co/18BXkSr/443a-Azaleas.jpg)
    Stunning Azaleas in the Yewbarrow Lodge Gardens, which were gifted to the people of Grange by Lt.Col. Austin Porritt

    After letting a hot Tess have a drink from Picklefoot Spring beside the Duck Pond (https://grangeoversandshistory.weebly.com/ornamental-gardens.html), I walked along Windermere Road and took the path into Eggerslack Woods; good to be in the shade of the trees again. I climbed up through the woods through bluebells and returned home along Spring Bank Road. 4 miles.

    (https://i.ibb.co/ZVjkyds/444a-Into-The-Trees.jpg)
    Into the dappled shade of Eggerslack Woods - quite a relief after being out in the hot sun!

    (https://i.ibb.co/3yyc00P/445a-Bluebells.jpg)
    I took a diversion along a small path  through the bluebells

    (https://i.ibb.co/b2KDPkB/446a-Tess-Amongst-Bluebells.jpg)
    More bluebells - and a writhing dog

    (https://i.ibb.co/bFbwNny/447a-Oak-Trees.jpg)
    I took a path new to me through oak woodland - profoundly peaceful - birds singing, insects humming, and absolutely nothing else

    (https://i.ibb.co/9NHFz2y/448a-Welsh-Poppies.jpg)
    Welsh Poppies alongside Spring Bank Road
    Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
    Post by: GnP on 17:00:17, 07/05/20
    Very nice Richard.. & that carpet of Ramsons...gorgeous.  O0
    Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
    Post by: Ridge on 17:16:01, 07/05/20
    Lovely pics.
    Does that dog ever stand on her feet or is when she's lying down the only time she is still long enough to get a picture?
    Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
    Post by: April on 18:08:55, 07/05/20
    Lovely photos Richard as usual  O0

    I think our girls would get on very well together (Tess and Squeaky), Squeaky and Tess seem to have the same (dirty) habits  :D

    I have one gripe  ::) Pleasing and disorientating do not belong in the same sentence  ;) I hate not knowing where I am  :D
    Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
    Post by: richardh1905 on 10:04:05, 08/05/20
    Very nice Richard.. & that carpet of Ramsons...gorgeous.  O0
    Thanks G&P - the best that I have seen yet


    Lovely pics.
    Does that dog ever stand on her feet or is when she's lying down the only time she is still long enough to get a picture?
    Thanks Ridge - in answer to your question, the latter - Tess appears to be inexhaustible.


    Lovely photos Richard as usual  O0
    Thanks April  :)
    Quote
    I think our girls would get on very well together (Tess and Squeaky), Squeaky and Tess seem to have the same (dirty) habits  :D
    I'm sure that they would - perhaps they will get the chance once lockdown is over :)
    Quote
    I have one gripe  ::) Pleasing and disorientating do not belong in the same sentence  ;) I hate not knowing where I am  :D
    Have you never been in a maze?  :D
    Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
    Post by: richardh1905 on 18:15:13, 09/05/20
    Day 45 - 8th May 2020


    A 3 mile evening walk up Hampsfell to catch the sunset.

    (https://i.ibb.co/vH0zFTX/449a-Morecambe-Bay.jpg)
    Morecambe Bay from the path up Fell End

    (https://i.ibb.co/FBxvC1P/450a-Ewe-and-lamb.jpg)
    Mother and lamb eyeing me suspiciously - or should I say eyeing Tess suspiciously (she was on the lead, of course)

    (https://i.ibb.co/5M7qpy4/451a-Kent-Estuary.jpg)
    The Kent Estuary - nice clouds over Ingleborough

    Before reaching the Hospice, I cut down the hillside to the west a bit, and traversed across the hillside past stunted hawthorn and patches of limestone scree.

    (https://i.ibb.co/gtqKpQ7/452a-Helvellyn-Hawthorns.jpg)
    Helvellyn framed by wind blasted hawthorns

    I hurried back up the hill to catch the sunset, passing several lovely patches of Early Purple Orchids.

    (https://i.ibb.co/MM0Qn58/453a-Sunset-Hawthorn.jpg)

    (https://i.ibb.co/6JLW80G/454a-Sunset-Hawthorn.jpg)
    I was spoilt for choice when it came to windswept hawthorns!

    (https://i.ibb.co/qjwbC4c/456a-Fading-Light.jpg)
    Fading light
    Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
    Post by: Ridge on 18:30:45, 09/05/20
    Very nice.
    Ah, Helvellyn, when will we see you again.
    Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
    Post by: karl h on 11:54:49, 10/05/20
    Beautiful  O0
    We've had some lovely sunsets recently....but all changed now. Dull and brrrr today
    Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
    Post by: April on 12:11:17, 10/05/20
    More lovely shots Richard  O0

    I haven't bothered going out today, it is really windy and dull here.
    Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
    Post by: richardh1905 on 16:50:44, 10/05/20
    Thanks Ridge, Karl, April. Colder and breezy here too, and a few spots of rain when I was out with the dog this morning.
    Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
    Post by: richardh1905 on 17:11:14, 10/05/20
    Day 46  - 9th May 2020

    Baking hot sun this morning and I was away bit later than I planned, tar starting to melt on Grange Fell Road. Decided to head into the trees to keep out of the sun, but climbed up on to Spring Bank Road first, before heading into the welcome shade of Eggerslack Wood. Note to self - must order that sunhat when I get home.

    (https://i.ibb.co/0VMwthq/458a-Spring-Bank-Road.jpg)
    Spring Bank Road - Tess was able to hide in the shade, whereas I got rather frazzled by the sun!

    (https://i.ibb.co/LCd9fKr/460a-Into-the-woods.jpg)
    Into the dappled shade of Eggerslack Woods - what a relief!


    I skirted along the western edge of the woods, close to the boundary wall, before taking a path downhill towards the spring. I branched off this onto a minor path new to me - this turned out to be a delight, skirting below a continuous line of vertical limestone cliffs about 5m high, and passing through a grove of ancient yew trees. The branches of the oldest yew had drooped down and were touching the ground, creating a natural shady room.

    (https://i.ibb.co/KV7kwqD/461a-Yellow-Pimpernel.jpg)
    Yellow Pimpernel on the forest floor - it doesn't seem to mind the shade

    (https://i.ibb.co/5KtjkLK/462a-Majestic-Yew.jpg)
    I was particularly taken by this majestic yew tree - quite possibly a thousand years old

    (https://i.ibb.co/PZwjg11/463a-Tess.jpg)
    Tess waiting impatiently whilst I am messing about taking photos

    (https://i.ibb.co/gJ27Zxt/464a-Ancient-Yews.jpg)
    Ancient yew trees

    I nearly lost the path, but eventually emerged onto the main path leading to the spring, where Tess drank her fill. I returned along a lower path that ran parallel to Windermere Road through a grove of sycamores carpeted with ramsons. I also managed to incorporate Yewbarrow Wood into my route, trying to stay n the shade as long as possible. The last mile along hot suburban roads was hard work as I had acquired a large holly log from where a fallen tree had been cleared in the woods - holly is a beautiful white wood, ideal for carving.

    (https://i.ibb.co/tYrBnVv/465a-Ramsons-Beneath-Sycamores.jpg)
    Sycamores and Ramsons above Windermere Road

    (https://i.ibb.co/drykt0N/466a-Ramsons-Like-Snow.jpg)
    Ramsons like snow

    (https://i.ibb.co/kKDWM9D/467a-Shady-Yewbarrow.jpg)
    Shady Yewbarrow Wood - I was very reluctant to leave as I knew that the suburban roads would be like furnaces in the sun
    Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
    Post by: Ridge on 17:21:05, 10/05/20
    The last 3 are particularly lovely pics Richard.  O0
    We don't have those masses of wild garlic anywhere that is near enough to count as local.
    Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
    Post by: Bigfoot_Mike on 20:07:03, 10/05/20
    Another interesting local walk. Our temperatures were much lower at about 3 degrees C and our walk included a hail storm and a blizzard, plus some sun as well.
    Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
    Post by: April on 20:20:50, 10/05/20
    I love the look on Tess's face  :) Love the wild garlic too, there is lots of it in Wetheral Woods and along the river Eden footpath.

    It was really hot here yesterday as well but what a change today!
    Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
    Post by: richardh1905 on 22:05:26, 10/05/20
    Thanks Ridge, Mike, April


    Cooler here too today, with a few spots of rain during my morning dog walk.
    Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
    Post by: richardh1905 on 22:41:20, 10/05/20
    Day 47 - 10th May 2020

    Just a short 2 mile walk to Yewbarrow Wood this morning, as I was on shopping duty. And the weather was poor.

    (https://i.ibb.co/Vqfdhcm/468a-Yewbarrow-Path.jpg)
    One of the many paths in Yewbarrow Wood

    (https://i.ibb.co/RycMKg0/469a-Tess.jpg)

    (https://i.ibb.co/wW2wMKn/470a-Tess.jpg)

    (https://i.ibb.co/q08dshp/472a-Tess.jpg)
    Tess up to no good in the woods

    I found a path that I hadn't tried before....

    (https://i.ibb.co/5sDBSNt/473-Wild-Camp-In-The-Woods.jpg)
    Someone has been enjoying an illicit wild camp in the woods! They had even built a fireplace

    (https://i.ibb.co/fDbjJgq/474a-Towering-Beech.jpg)
    Towering beech tree
    Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
    Post by: Mel on 21:04:37, 11/05/20
    Just catching up again.


    Love the wind sculpted hawthorns and the ramson carpet  :)


    After Wednesday I'm hoping for some sunny weather to go to my favourite bluebell and wild garlic woodland walk.



    Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
    Post by: Ridge on 21:36:47, 11/05/20
    Lovely old beech tree, looks like Tess has taken up archaeology.
    Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
    Post by: richardh1905 on 08:33:12, 12/05/20
    Just catching up again.

    Love the wind sculpted hawthorns and the ramson carpet  :)

    After Wednesday I'm hoping for some sunny weather to go to my favourite bluebell and wild garlic woodland walk.


    I'm really spoilt for choice with the hawthorns, there must be a thousand or more on Hampsfell. The hawthorns lower down are coming into bloom, whilst the ones in more exposed positions may be a week or two off yet.


    The ramsons have been spectacular, and are still going strong in places. Sadly the Bluebells are past their best.


    Not sure where I will be going on Wednesday yet - probably not very far but I will use the car, so lockdown (and this thread) will effectively be over for me from a walking point of view.
    Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
    Post by: richardh1905 on 08:35:12, 12/05/20
    Lovely old beech tree, looks like Tess has taken up archaeology.


    Beech trees are such a lovely vivid green in springtime.
    Tess was having a good old dig under the root ball of that fallen tree - she really was in a frenzy, and I had to call her away in the end.
    Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
    Post by: pdstsp on 09:32:30, 12/05/20
    Enjoyed this thread Richard, probably not as much as Tess has though.  Enjoy Wednesday.
    Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
    Post by: Brandywell on 09:42:42, 12/05/20
    Enjoyed this thread Richard, probably not as much as Tess has though.  Enjoy Wednesday.
    Me too, thanks Richard, I'm sure the thread has lifted everyones spirits. O0
    Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
    Post by: karl h on 11:38:14, 12/05/20
    Me too, thanks Richard, I'm sure the thread has lifted everyones spirits. O0
    Yep..certainly helped me with Lake District withdrawal symptoms and shown me some lovely places to walk when the high fells are clagged in  O0    
    Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
    Post by: April on 12:22:15, 12/05/20
    I thought I had replied to your latest pics! Thanks Richard  O0  that wild camp is hardly in the spirit of leaving no trace! Enjoy tomorrow, I don't know what to do, it seems We Are Not Welcome as yet in the National Park. I'm outside the National Park where I live but in Cumbria. Does that make me a local or tourist?  :-\ 
    Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
    Post by: pdstsp on 12:49:57, 12/05/20

    I don't know what to do, it seems We Are Not Welcome as yet in the National Park. I'm outside the National Park where I live but in Cumbria. Does that make me a local or tourist?  :-\ 
    Morning April - BBC news have quoted Richard Leafe this morning saying they are opening the LDNPA carparks and toilets and providing a website on which you can see how full they are (car parks, not toilets O0 ).  Sounds like maybe a more sane response to the inevitable to me rather than yesterday's F Off message, though it may have more to do with him being told by westminster to support central government policy.


    Not sure how much this helps with the inevitable should I/shouldn't I process!
    Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
    Post by: Percy on 13:28:20, 12/05/20
    Morning April - BBC news have quoted Richard Leafe this morning saying they are opening the LDNPA carparks and toilets and providing a website on which you can see how full they are (car parks, not toilets O0 ).  Sounds like maybe a more sane response to the inevitable to me rather than yesterday's F Off message, though it may have more to do with him being told by westminster to support central government policy.


    Not sure how much this helps with the inevitable should I/shouldn't I process!
    The Yorkshire Dales are also opening their car parks and toilets. They reasoned it was preferable for people to park there rather than in villages and on verges outside houses.


    I’m desperate to get up to the Lakes but am going to refrain from doing so at the moment. All being well I’ll be up there quite a lot later in the year.
    Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
    Post by: richardh1905 on 16:23:16, 12/05/20
    Thank you pdstsp, Brandywell, karl, April

    I was surprised to come across that shelter in the woods - unlike most survivalist types, whoever had used this had kept it very tidy - not a scrap of litter around. Not sure of the wisdom of a fire in ancient yew woodland though, even in a well built fireplace.
    Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
    Post by: richardh1905 on 16:37:56, 12/05/20
    Day 48 - 11th May 2020

    A 4 mile walk over the back of Hampsfell, returning via Eggerslack and Yewbarrow woods. Visibility not so good, and a bit chilly on top.

    (https://i.ibb.co/XVN1sYg/475a-Morecambe-Bay.jpg)
    Morecambe Bay from Fell End - lots of sheep and lambs around now so Tess strictly on lead

    After skirting around the hillside north of Fell End, I took the Cistercian Way path westwards towards Cartmel, as I wanted to check out the blocked gate. Quite a drop down a steep hillside, but I didn't mind, as the way back up is lovely and wild. And I was in no rush.

    (https://i.ibb.co/VvM0BwL/477a-Bracken.jpg)
    Fresh green bracken on the hillside beside the Cistercian Way, Coniston Old Man and Helvellyn visible in the distance. The fields in the Vale of Cartmel look so green too.

    (https://i.ibb.co/Ld1Cyq2/479a-Footpath-Closed.jpg)
    Footpath closed, as expected, with a semi official looking National Park Authority closure notice

    I skirted along the edge of the fields northwards, before doubling back up a disused track that led through dense hawthorn and blackthorn scrub. Beautiful birdsong from a bird that I have yet to identify (Edit - Common Whitethroat, I believe). I broke out through the scrub and climbed up between patches of scree and wind blasted hawthorn onto the plateau above.

    (https://i.ibb.co/thxPKn6/480a-Windblown-Hawthotn.jpg)
    A wind sculpted hawthorn in bloom

    I passed the Hospice and then took a track eastwards which led me down towards Eggerslack Woods. I took a brief detour into the northern end of the woods to have a look at the bluebells, which sadly are now past their best. Still a few patches looking good though.

    (https://i.ibb.co/52xJW9C/481a-Eggerslack-Bluebells.jpg)
    Bluebells slightly past their best still looking good under a canopy of bright green

    I returned through Yewbarrow Woods - I had my eye on some Yew branches that had been cleared and abandoned; lovely wood for carving spoons and jewellery.
    Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
    Post by: GnP on 17:01:05, 12/05/20
    Good to see that "fresh green bracken" . :)
    Lovely pics.
    Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
    Post by: richardh1905 on 17:50:11, 12/05/20
    Day 49 - 12th May 2020 - LAST DAY OF LOCKDOWN  :)

    As this is likely to be my last entry into this Lockdown Diary, I thought that I would finish with what I regard as my 'classic' walk over Hampsfell and through Eggerslack and Yewbarrow Woods, packing as much as possible into a 5 mile walk. Unfortunately the weather wasn't the best, with showers over the fells, some of which came my way....

    (https://i.ibb.co/j3v4yrM/515-Classic-Walk-Map.png)

    I headed up Grange Fell Road and walked around the southern and western slopes of Fell End, a better route than just slogging up the hill, as the path traverses around nicely. A green keeper was busy cutting the grass on a fairway below in anticipation of tomorrow's re-opening of the golf course.

    (https://i.ibb.co/YW2TdcH/484a-Fell-End.jpg)
    The southern slopes of Fell End, strewn with large limestone boulders, some of which must weigh several tons

    (https://i.ibb.co/0yLwGFf/485a-Hawthorns.jpg)
    Hawthorns above the golf course - note the newly mown fairway

    After regaining the crest of the hill, I followed the main path northwards to the Hospice, views of the far distant fells spoilt by showers and mediocre visibility. Plenty of examples in earlier entries!

    (https://i.ibb.co/n7wY3X1/487a-Hospice7.jpg)
    Approaching Hampsfell Hospice

    Not much point in going up on the roof, so I went inside:

    (https://i.ibb.co/pZqNwgx/488a.jpg)

    (https://i.ibb.co/wSbWt5n/489a.jpg)

    (https://i.ibb.co/jD0pKx4/490a.jpg)

    (https://i.ibb.co/YRfG8Bs/491a.jpg)
    Something to lift the spirits and cleanse the soul of the weary traveller - I particularly like the last one!

    Continuing northwards, I passed the limestone pavement and then headed eastwards, taking a diversion into Bishop's Allotment before dropping down to the northern end of Eggerslack Woods.

    (https://i.ibb.co/TwJtX0t/492a-Limestone-Pavement.jpg)
    Pristine Limestone Pavement near the Hospice

    (https://i.ibb.co/PMWzxgq/495a-Early-Purple-Orchids.jpg)
    Early Purple Orchids were everywhere - in places I had to be careful not to stand on them

    (https://i.ibb.co/4fdtPWY/496a-Hawthorn.jpg)
    Hawthorn sprawling over the limestone pavement

    (https://i.ibb.co/mHD6dtj/497a-Pavement-Lost-World.jpg)
    The tree covered pavement is like a miniature Lost World - but is no place to go when tethered to a lively dog!

    (https://i.ibb.co/Z6TFxck/498a-Arnside-Knott.jpg)
    Arnside Knott from the bridleway that crosses the northern part of Hampsfell

    (https://i.ibb.co/qDWLj7R/499a-Mini-Howff.jpg)
    A mini Howff on the edge of the pavement - not big enough to lie down in, unfortunately

    (https://i.ibb.co/3vmnGvx/500a-Lovely-Sycamore.jpg)
    This shapely sycamore caught my eye as I headed north into Bishop's Allotment

    (https://i.ibb.co/8Pk11Dh/501a-Writhing-Dog.jpg)
    Tess having one of her mad moments

    (https://i.ibb.co/sVztTbn/502a-Bracken.jpg)
    The young bracken is such a lovely green

    (https://i.ibb.co/N9NnsX6/503a-Into-Eggerslack.jpg)
    Into Eggerslack Woods

    I descended through the woods to the spring, so that Tess could have a much needed drink. I took the left branch of the path which descends towards the Merlewood Apartments, before following the crest of a limestone ridge towards the spring, a very pleasing route, better than the right of way.

    From the spring I headed south across the side of the tree covered hillside, another excellent path, which brought me to the 'crossroads' where the biggest patches of bluebells are. I carried on southwards through more bluebells before popping out onto a minor road near the Hampsfell Hotel.

    (https://i.ibb.co/LxBgfQG/504a-Bluebells.jpg)
    Bluebells beneath a fine tree near the northern gate in the previous picture

    (https://i.ibb.co/8MXscwF/505a-Fern.jpg)
    A birds eye view of a fern

    (https://i.ibb.co/Z6KcnNp/506a-Bluebells.jpg)
    Bluebells still looking good under a fresh green canopy

    (https://i.ibb.co/NFSCB0B/507a-Bluebells.jpg)
    Bluebells, ferns and young sycamores

    I headed down the road past the Hampsfield Hotel, before climbign up a minor path beside an old lime kiln - this led up into Yewbarrow Woods. There is quite a network of paths, so I chose a circuitous route that took in the best of the woods, including the viewpoint.

    (https://i.ibb.co/wd9d1Vc/508a-Stranglehold.jpg)
    Stranglehold

    (https://i.ibb.co/5K4MRYv/510a-Yewbarrow-Tall-Trees.jpg)
    Tall trees above a carpet of Dog's Mercury - such a vivid green

    (https://i.ibb.co/wg6znYg/516a-Yewbarrow-Crags.jpg)
    The path skirts below a line of overhanging limestone crags

    (https://i.ibb.co/vjnYspJ/512a-Yewbarrow-Viewpoint.jpg)
    The clifftop viewpoint near the top of Yewbarrow, Grange over Sands below, Humphrey Head and Heysham in the distance

    (https://i.ibb.co/1qGtpcN/513a-Yew-Barrow-Dense-Trees.jpg)
    Dense tangled yew rich woodland that makes Yewbarrow so special

    And finally....
    (https://i.ibb.co/xXRPWss/514a-Owl-Chicks.jpg)
    I think that these are tawny owl chicks - Gorgeous, but I didn't linger long on account of the dog

    So that's it, Lockdown over. I've enjoyed writing this diary, and I will enjoy reading it in years to come, but I'm glad that this is the end of it, as I find myself writing about the same walks again and again, and a fair bit of work is involved in editing and uploading the photos on a daily basis. And obviously from a walking point of view I am glad that Lockdown has ended - let us hope not prematurely.

    Thank you for reading, and see you on the hill.  :)
    Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
    Post by: April on 18:43:13, 12/05/20
    BBC news have quoted Richard Leafe this morning saying they are opening the LDNPA carparks and toilets and providing a website on which you can see how full they are (car parks, not toilets O0 ).  Sounds like maybe a more sane response to the inevitable to me rather than yesterday's F Off message, though it may have more to do with him being told by westminster to support central government policy.

    Not sure how much this helps with the inevitable should I/shouldn't I process!

    Thanks pdstsp. The government has decided we are allowed to travel anywhere in England so the NP's do have to tow the line. I know what you mean; do we do what we are actually allowed to do, or not?  :-\


    More lovely pics and wow the tawny owl chicks are fab  O0 I will miss your pics from your Lakeland Lockdown thread but there will be more from your other exploits  :)
    Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
    Post by: vghikers on 19:14:19, 12/05/20
    Excellent pics again, especially the owl chicks, amazing that they were within reach of a camera  O0
    Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
    Post by: Brandywell on 19:39:10, 12/05/20
    Great photos looking over Grange from Yewbarrow and the owl chicks O0 , how high was the nest from the ground ?  Re the "closed" path in your Day 48 report, Pit Farm have also chained and padlocked the gate in Cartmel which now displays the same notice.  The notices have been downloaded from LDNPA's website as a sample template for farmers to display.  It states that a temporary permissive path has been provided, please follow the the directions.  Not so, they have simply scrawled on the notice an arrow directing walkers to another PROW which, unlike this one, actually passes through an adjacent farm.  Pit Farm has a long history of antipathy towards walkers.  The blockage of the path has been reported by several people, including me, to Cumbria Highways.  I asked specifically if the path had been closed under a TTRO.  In reply, the question was ignored , they just said that the report was noted but they were only responding to emergencies.
    Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
    Post by: richardh1905 on 20:20:09, 12/05/20
    Great photos looking over Grange from Yewbarrow and the owl chicks O0 , how high was the nest from the ground ?  Re the "closed" path in your Day 48 report, Pit Farm have also chained and padlocked the gate in Cartmel which now displays the same notice.  The notices have been downloaded from LDNPA's website as a sample template for farmers to display.  It states that a temporary permissive path has been provided, please follow the the directions.  Not so, they have simply scrawled on the notice an arrow directing walkers to another PROW which, unlike this one, actually passes through an adjacent farm.  Pit Farm has a long history of antipathy towards walkers.  The blockage of the path has been reported by several people, including me, to Cumbria Highways.  I asked specifically if the path had been closed under a TTRO.  In reply, the question was ignored , they just said that the report was noted but they were only responding to emergencies.

    Thanks Brandywell - yes the alternative routes are hardly viable, both involving climbing back up the hill! Think that I will report this to Cumbria Highways too, not in the hope of getting a fast response, but just for the record. And I wonder how the residents of Longland Farm on the redirected route feel about such selfishness.

    The nest can't have been much more than 3 metres off the ground.
    Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
    Post by: richardh1905 on 20:22:36, 12/05/20
    More lovely pics and wow the tawny owl chicks are fab  O0

    Thanks April  :)
    I was delighted to spot the chicks, the real icing on the cake.
    Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
    Post by: richardh1905 on 20:24:35, 12/05/20
    Excellent pics again, especially the owl chicks, amazing that they were within reach of a camera  O0

    Thanks vghikers - I did use a powerful telephoto, so I wasn't that close!
    Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
    Post by: karl h on 20:36:51, 12/05/20
    A nice way to end your lockdown diary Richard.   O0
     What a treat to see the owls
    Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
    Post by: richardh1905 on 20:46:06, 12/05/20
    Good to see that "fresh green bracken" . :)
    Lovely pics.
    Thanks G&P
    Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
    Post by: richardh1905 on 20:46:48, 12/05/20
    A nice way to end your lockdown diary Richard. O0
     What a treat to see the owls
    Thanks Karl - yes it was a real treat.
    Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
    Post by: Ridge on 22:12:35, 12/05/20
    More great pictures Richard, amazing shot of the owls.
    Thanks for taking the time to do all of the reports.  O0
    Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
    Post by: pdstsp on 22:57:17, 12/05/20
    Wow, those owls O0 O0 O0  stunning.
    Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
    Post by: Mel on 23:00:44, 12/05/20
    What a lovely walk to end your Lockdown Diary.  I've really enjoyed my "bedtime stories" reading it.


    Thanks for taking the time to write/update it.



    Fantastic pic of the baby owls.  That really is a superb ending  :)
    Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
    Post by: rural roamer on 08:53:02, 13/05/20
    Thanks for all your reports and pics Richard, have really enjoyed them, have forgotten what hills are down here! Just a thought, does Tess need her own thread now?  :D
    Title: Re: Lakeland Lockdown
    Post by: richardh1905 on 08:36:52, 14/05/20
    Thank you for the replies, Ridge, pdstsp, Mel and rural roamer - it has been a pleasure.