Devils Bridge to Whittington

I had anticipated the days between Christmas and New Year being clear, crisp frosty days, totally conducive to walking. They aren’t, so far at least. But having a dog means going out just the same. Some walking has been in areas I have already mentioned and photographed, though slightly different routes, Arnside and Farleton Knot. Today I ventured further. I was given an AA book 1001 walks in Britain, note the theme of walking in my presents. Which reminds me, I can recommend The Way, strongly. The mist hung around like dirty cotton wool and the visibility was zilch, so mountains, I thought would be a bit pointless and possibly dangerous. So I followed a route from Kirkby Lonsdale, Devils Bridge from my new book, but you can find the route description and map here:

Although I am sure this is a delightful walk on a dry day. I would strongly advise against going on a rain sodden December day. The track from points 8 – 9 was around 15cm deep in water and farm yard gunk. The lane was just wide enough for a tractor and so the sides had been scraped vertical almost to the hedge, much of it thorn. The only way to pass was to balance on the foot wide ledge above the water and before the hedge, clinging to any thorn free branch. I had visions of myself landing bum first in the farmyard soup at any moment. Thankfully I made it. My dog paddled through, which added a delightful aroma to the usual damp dog on the way home.

As for photos; there were certainly no great vistas, some fungi caught my eye, and the noise of the Oyster Catchers piping their warning gave a pleasant lift to the muffled grey mist.