Wednesday 27 September 2023

Day 2 Carnforth to Carlisle

Having a call to make in Carnforth later in the day I decided to do a linear walk from Levens Hall to Bowston near Kendal. This would take in Sizergh Castle and Scout & Cunswick Scars 13m 1700ft

Parking here at Levens Bridge I set off through the deer park following the river Leven....
....and again
I just managed a quick shot of these, which I think are red deer, as they heard me coming
Passing under the A590 Kendal to Barrow road
Plenty of water in the river after all the rain
Leaving the river my route climbed through the grounds of Sizergh Castle.....
....part of the castle gardens....
....I was too early for the cafe and visitor centre
Further gentle climbing brought me to St John the Evangelist church Helsington....
....from which a conveniently placed seat afforded views into the Winster valley....
The river Winster had burst it's banks a couple of days before. Whitbarrow Scar is the ridge behind
Another climb and I was on top of Scout Scar....
.....which has quite a dramatic edge into the valley....
.....and again
At the highest point on the scar is this view point from which there are often superb views north to the Lakeland fells and south to Morecambe bay. 
However the low cloud and little rain prevented worthwhile photos today.
On the inside perimeter of the shelter is the relief outline of all that can be seen through 360 degrees
Continuing north along the ridge I crossed onto Cunswick Scar with a hazy view down to Kendal....
....and was amazed to see this elderly couple taking photos having driven over the almost pathless tops the highest point!!!!

Lunchtime approaching I descended to Burneside and sat outside St Oswalds church for my lunch
The church was also used by the local community and had a food bank including refridgerated foods. It was also today open as a partime post office! 
Leaving Burneside by the river Kent....
....I followed a short stretch of the 'Dales Way' long distance path before finishing....
....in the hamlet of Bowston near the railway line to Windermere.
From time to time I may return to this area and start my own long distance walk  called 'C' to 'C' ie Carnforth to Carlisle! Today's walk would then fit in as 'Day 2'

 

Friday 22 September 2023

 Place fell from Patterdale

9Miles, 2550ft

Setting off from the village of Patterdale
Crossing Goldrill Beck heavily swollen after nearly 10cm of rain fell here just yesterday
Glimpses of sunshine across the valley....
....and a rainbow over Ullswater
....and again
Looking up Grisedale with Fairfield rising prominently
Zooming in on Glenridding steamer landings....
.....and the very nice hotel and bar 
'The Inn on the Lake'
The rainbow now rising out of Glenridding
Sheffield Pike
Nearing Place fell summit with a view west to 
St Sunday Crag and the Fairfield ridge
Looking north from the summit trig point (2156ft)....
.....and south to Brotherswater
Starting the descent to the north across the summit plateau....
Looking down on Glenridding
The one remaining wall of an old quarryman's hut had this window forming an original picture frame!
Descending to the lake besides Scale How beck....
....and crossing the beck....
....with a view to Scale How force. This is not a natural waterfall as it was created with dynamite by the landowner to improve the view from his home!
Having stopped for lunch I was joined by a feathered friend hoping to share it with me!
Looking down on the lake from where I was sat...
....and again
The path I was on forms part of the Ullswater Way circuit. This section passes through these attractive Silver Birch trees....
....and finishes back where I started in Patterdale.
After waiting most of the week for a decent fells forecast I was rewarded with this beautiful day with some great views and no rain!

Monday 11 September 2023

Day 6 the Final Day

St Mary's Way Sponsored Walk

Ennerdale Bridge to St Mary's Cleator

6.5miles  500ft 

Here we are about to set off from Ennerdale Bridge.
We were accompanied on this final day by Peter & Jacob Robinson. Peter and his family were responsible for the idea of the 
St Mary's Way and devised its route
They live locally and and were very informative about the history and geology of the local area
Mark & Peter as we passed through 'Nannycatch' valley....
....before stopping for lunch by the river Ehen.....
....and again
Soon after lunch we had our first view of St Mary's church....not too far to go now!
Arriving at the church and shrine with the Grotto of
Our Blessed Lady as at Lourdes
The altar and Grotto domain
Jacob & Peter in front of the Grotto
St Bernadette....
.....and a final prayer to Our Blessed Lady for our families and friends and for completing a safe journey

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Thank you.