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....
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.
The southern slopes of Fell End, strewn with large limestone boulders, some of which must weigh several tonsHawthorns above the golf course - note the newly mown fairwayAfter 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!
Approaching Hampsfell HospiceNot much point in going up on the roof, so I went inside:
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.
Pristine Limestone Pavement near the HospiceEarly Purple Orchids were everywhere - in places I had to be careful not to stand on themHawthorn sprawling over the limestone pavementThe tree covered pavement is like a miniature Lost World - but is no place to go when tethered to a lively dog!Arnside Knott from the bridleway that crosses the northern part of HampsfellA mini Howff on the edge of the pavement - not big enough to lie down in, unfortunatelyThis shapely sycamore caught my eye as I headed north into Bishop's AllotmentTess having one of her mad momentsThe young bracken is such a lovely greenInto Eggerslack WoodsI 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.
Bluebells beneath a fine tree near the northern gate in the previous pictureA birds eye view of a fernBluebells still looking good under a fresh green canopyBluebells, ferns and young sycamoresI 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.
StrangleholdTall trees above a carpet of Dog's Mercury - such a vivid greenThe path skirts below a line of overhanging limestone cragsThe clifftop viewpoint near the top of Yewbarrow, Grange over Sands below, Humphrey Head and Heysham in the distanceDense tangled yew rich woodland that makes Yewbarrow so specialAnd finally....I think that these are tawny owl chicks - Gorgeous, but I didn't linger long on account of the dogSo 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.