Reasons for Reasons
I was ‘raised’ – to use a phrase from our American friends – in south Lakeland and it has always remained home. Even though I left to study when I was 18 and didn’t return untill September 2010. A lot of years.
During those interim years I have had a great life, travelled and met some wonderful people and also have a managed to bring up my son fairly successfully. So, it although it was sort of ‘on the plan’, my move back North was not without trepidation.
As part of my ‘self affirmation’ that I had made the right decision I started a Facebook album ‘Reasons To Move North’. This has had wonderful comments from my friends but I never had the courage to make it public. Then recently I went on a Travel Writing Course with Zoe ,and much to my delight and surprise received more affirmation from positive comments on my travel writing. Something else which has always remained strictly within closed leaves.
A mindful review of my first year here followed and I realised that I had had an amazing twelve months. Yes, I have travelled away, but I have also done more here in the North West than I would have previously thought possible. And I have had so many visitors! People like it here! I have become a guide for friends and acquaintances who then spread the word about how wonderful the Lake District is. This led to my providing itineraries for weekends or longer visits. Some I accompanied, others I simply provided a ‘bespoke’ itinerary, with or with accommodation booked.
So, now it’s time to go Global!
And now I have built my own blog I have used my technical, from a previous life in IT, to build one for the Howgill Harriers. If you would like one put together then please contact me for a quote.
Fairfield
Low cloud and an overnight thaw changed the scenery, from pure white to patch work. Short winter days meant the full horseshoe would turn to a gallop. A short circuit up from Grasmere, with a slight deviation to Alcock Tarn Cloud thinning to shine, drifting over Rydal and Hart Crag, adding a touch of atmosphere to Great Rigg. Hiding the valleys then quickly bringing Easedale tarn to within an arm’s reach. Fickle as ever, the cloud couldn’t keep away and all but obliterated Cumbria from view. Drifting tantalisingly over Seat Sandal and...
read moreHelvellyn
Days don’t often come along that are so, perfectly still. Blue sky. Snow on the hills and autumn colours cling to the trees Morning mist hung over Thirlmere. Shadow still hung over the valley. Snow crisp and ice topped until low winter sun crept over the skyline. No one could resist the splendour Everyone was out to play. Though this guy had come up a slightly harder route than us. Not many days I have sat and enjoyed any kind warmth on the top of Helvellyn, let alone in November The services of the shelter for once rendered redundant....
read moreSheep Dogs and Farmers
A day out in the snow. Laden down, as usual, with backpacks full of ‘stuff’ just in case. Poles to hike up the hills, food, warm clothes and other paraphernalia. So, trudge up. Admiring the white world unfolding, enjoying the quite of a weekday walk. When whistles, and shouts began to pervade the silence. Looking back down Corra Breast striding towards us, a farmer and an unusual looking sheepdog. Not the usual collie. This big friendly dog called Bruce was a New Zealand Huntaway. Bred to bark on command and gather the sheep this way....
read moreSnow has Arrived
The snow has arrived on the hills. The weather forecast is full of the impending storm ‘down south’ Our snow has been ignored. Despite the slush tracks on Shap, deep white on tops with light dusting as far south as Kendal. Hey ho, whats new. But now there is multicoloured lowlands and monochromed hills with much in between from every direction. With fickle sunshine casting rainbow shadows as storm clouds crept in and drifted away...
read moreFabulous Fells
This time I got lucky. Thwarted a couple of weeks ago at my second attempt to see Red Pike and High Stile, while on them. This week views unfolded over hills and valleys as I hiked up Haystacks from another direction. Staying at the YHA, Borrowdale made an early start and a long day possible without running to darkness. Thick frost coated everywhere as we crunched up from Honister. Remnants of snow lingered after the first snow and thaw a day or two ago. Buttermere in view before Fleetwith was even reached. High Stiles bulk hanging over the...
read moreIn to November
Colour in Cumbria this year has lingered. From deep red trees in geometrically designed gardens of Rydal Hall Around slightly rippled waters and over higher hills. With water falling through copper stained valleys Leaving behind faded undulations and tarns. As the first light dusting of snow traced the top of the higher hills. Then washed in saturation again to green.
read moreAutumn Colours and Mist
High pressure stillness let autumn seep slowly over the lakes this weekend. Days where nothing much moved. Wonderful if the cloud wasn’t around. Friday’s early morning mist burnt off with blue sky and clarity letting Lords Plain stretch endlessly on to Whitbarrow Scar and the gold of Brigsteer woods almost glimmer. Saturday the cloud loitered. Sat firmly over the hills with no intention of moving. Not exactly what I’d been hoping for. A walk from Buttermere up to Red Pike and on, perhaps as far as Haystacks. Calm reflected a...
read moreHindscarth and Robinson and Camping Barns
I’ve got used to mountain huts with rows of bunks, Youth Hostel dorms, And when in Vietnam, wooden benches with dilapidated mats on which I slept, wedged in a sardine line. But I’ve never slept in a shippen, until Friday that is. Bar the fact there was a wonderfully hot stove I think I’d rather sleep in my tent. But for those of you wanting to give it a go, look up Catbells Camping barn for the ultimate in economical accommodation. Every experience is worth trying once. Location was definitely its best feature. And it did...
read moreYorkshire Colour Contrast
A dull day traipse over the moors from Grassington. A walk which I’m sure would be lovely if the sun were shining and the skylarks were soaring. As it was, my legs were stretched and my brain power exercised just a little finding my way around. Lead mines littered the area. The most significant sights were those of industrial heritage. Down a little from moors towards Harrogate, made rich when lead and wool were important commodities, the RHS at Harlow Carr splashes colour across the landscape. Deep reds and bright yellows transformed trees....
read moreMaps, Contours and Camping
Maps have become one of my vague obsessions. I have stacks of them. No matter how tatty or full of holes they become. Stuck together with tape and wrinkled from rain I can never bring myself to throw them away. One day I may have a room which I can paper the walls with. But this was a whole new level of map. No rivers, walls, roads or car parks. Just contours and crags. The aim of the day. To make navigation better. To be able to find my way around using the shape and features of the land. Before attempting I’d thought it would be...
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