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.
Latvia Revived
Latvia has moved on. Trebi’s are no longer the prime form of transport. You are more likely to be burned off the road by a Landcuriser than blocked in by a Soviet traffic jam. Hidden in tiny alley ways with deftly painted doorways Riga hosts tasteful food and tasteful restaurants. Stag parties are discreetly removed from view. Renowned for its music the opera house now gleams in gold. Packed performances play to a trans European Audience. Leave the capital behind, step away from the crowds. There is a tourist trail. Or at...
read moreRural Latvia
Tourist may have discovered Riga Latvia’s capital city but wander out and you will find Vast lakes Empty forests Fine white sand Fauna Flora Intriguing towns Wonderful scenery and not a lot of people. Exploring for a week – detail to follow
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Steel Fell from Wythburn
Steel Fell from the south end of Thirlmere. Quick but a bit steep! Walk by the farm and cottages. Wiggle around the wood and then just head straight up the grassy slope to the top. Glancing back down the ridge Thirlmere reflected blue away in the valley. Colour enhanced by the bright greens of spring on either side. Cloud clung stubbornly to the top of the higher neighbours of Helvellyn and Nethermost, only clearing after drifting over us and throwing a sharp squally shower. The curtain lifted to show the Lion and Lamb sitting on Helm Cag...
read moreWetherlam Revisited
With with web of paths and tracks crossing Cumbria there is always more than one way of going up a hill. August 2012 was the last time I went up Wetherlam by a circuitous route over Blake Rigg. Despite being ‘high summer’, the mist came down over Blake Rigg blanking out the northern fells. This time we went straight up the Gill from Tilberthwaite, the weather keeping its distance until well on the way back. Langdale valley and its peaks provided a dramatic back ground to the final easy scramble to the top. Much...
read moreQuarry
Every so often the most unexpected, spur of the moment photo turns out so well. Holme quarry this evening was still being worked and by luck I the light just right and even the dust rising up from the tracks. And a little further on was the limestone before destruction
read moreWeekend Visitor
Reasons to go North began a few years ago as a FB album of photos called Reasons to Move North. Trying to convince my very sceptical friends from the south, and myself, that moving up to this damp, rainy place really was a good idea. Four years later I have absolutely no regrets and sceptical friends have ‘gotten’ used to the idea that it’s ok up here. Especially when I entice them up on weekends as we have just had. Rain, what rain? Three days of wall to wall sunshine with entertainment thrown in. Great Tew (Cornbury) and Lowther (Kendal...
read moreCause for Celebration
This week my son is 24 and my father, well to quote him ‘will be 100 in 12 years time!’ Much to be grateful for. Both my parents alive and well I am sure my mum won’t mind my telling you she is a mere 78. To celebrate we went to Borrowdale. Excellent Sunday lunch at the Borrowdale Hotel followed by a drive! For a change, round Borrowdale. Conservatory for coffee Stroll to the Bowder stone. Mum made it to the top. Then Ashness Bridge above and below. Then Watendlath and its residents. Finally the sun came out at the end of a wonderful day...
read moreWoodland Valley from Broughton in Furness
Click image for full size Woodland Grove Woodland Valley Broughton in Furness Woodland Grove Woodland Grove Broughton Park Latter Rigg Broughton Park Broughton Park Broughton...
read moreWalk for a Bad Weather Day
Broughton in Furness sits just within the park. With the rugged hills of the central fells so close why bother with a small market town at the top end of the Duddon Estuary. Try the weather forecast. With ‘considerable buffeting’, thunder storms and heavy rain high on the agenda a low level walk was quite attractive. Staying indoors was not an option. We even sat in the car to put our boots on, the rain was pretty torrential. The brightly painted buildings in the square seemingly the only colour. But only 5 minutes walk and rich deep grass,...
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