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Two shorter walks on different days, with different friends, in different directions and at different times of day,

but the walks were within sight of each other as they were both 'elderly-dog friendly' outings in our local area.

Welcome to Lanthwaite and Loweswater.

The rather nice Lanthwaite House soon after the start of our walk, as seen from the path alongside Lanthwaite Green Farm.

It's midday and the lambs are sitting down, presumably after they have run around all morning.

The forecast is for rain later so we fit our walk in after our guests arrive for coffee and before a "delayed lunch".

This is Grasmoor seen across the Lanthwaite fields.

The weather though bright here, is looking rather murky further up the valley.

Our guests for the day . . . Hilary, Peter and Richard,

the photo taken once were walking through Lanthwaite Woods.

	- - - o o o - - - Heavy winds during the winter have brought down this fine old Scots Pine. By the look of the inner trunk, the wood was fairly rotten, which has led to its weakness and subsequent downfall. Richard was talking about a "photographic" school trip that he supervised many years back. One of the topics his school group covered was "texture" which prompted this photo of this tree all these years later. - - - o o o - - -

On the summit of Lanthwaite Hill, Ann and Hilary spot the camera !

That murkiness looks like another April Shower heading our way.

Normally from here the view includes all or part of over twenty Wainwright fells . . . but not today.

Chance of a last group photo before we are encouraged away from the top by the cool breeze.

Our route back was back via the shorter bridleway to the car at Lanthwaite Green.

- - - o o o - - -

After lunch (which allowed the rain shower to blow through) we had time for a second walk . . .

but then a little log chopping might 'exercise' the lads a little more.

Chose your weapons . . . hand axe, felling axe or log splitter . . .

An excellent afternoon's entertainment . . . all those logs were cut . . . and my log pile is looking healthy once again.

Time for supper soon, they deserve it for all the effort they put in.

- - - o o o - - -

This is a rather nice looking house.

It's not our house . . . but it is still a rather nice looking house.

During the week Ann and I had visited Overwater Hall Hotel (near Binsey)

to celebrate our 39th wedding anniversary (you don't look old enough I hear you email !)

No pictures of mine from the evening as it is so naff to take selfie's in posh surroundings.

You'll have to make do with archive pictures from their web site.



The lounge where we had afternoon tea in February this year.	The dining room . . . but tonight it had dark skies and the curtains drawn.

It must be said that it was the nicest "nouvelle cuisine" meal we have ever had.

Six courses, each with a good quantity so you could taste and enjoy each aspect of the chef's culinary skill.

Consequently it was excellent value for money as well as being a top dining experience.

I include this blatant plug for the Overwater Hall Hotel because we were seriously impressed.

	- - - o o o - - - On Monday we enjoyed the company of Dee and John who were staying in Keswick for a few days. An afternoon walk was in order so we drove the short distance to Maggie's Bridge and walked the low level circuit to High Nook, Watergate Farm and back. - - - o o o - - -

You'll recognise the faces from previous walks.

Walking the farm track towards High Nook Farm . . . Harry and Dylan stop to check out the smells.

These three sheep hardly looked up from licking/eating their vitamin block food supplement as we passed close by.

Winter storm damage has resulted in this complete branch being broken from the tree

and blown down next to the track.

Further on another tree was toppled . . . and took the wall with it as it fell.

A careful circumnavigation of two beef cows and their calves as we make our way towards Watergate.

A bit of consideration on both sides and they wandered off up the field, leaving our path clear to continue.



"Sparks Row" . . . three times trees here have fallen on our power lines.	Daffs in Watergate Barn paddock, with Darling Fell behind.

Textures again as I stop for a photo of the old clematis stems that adorns the fence.



Spring comes to an old barrel at the farm.	Two texel gentlemen . . . should they be in the garden ?

We turn the corner once again . . . and head back on the track across the meadows.

There's a cool breeze but the weather is basically fine.

Loweswater lake is rippled from the wind and coats are firmly closed against the breeze.

John has the glasses out to check on the wildlife . . .

Maybe he was looking at these Graylag Geese or some distant swans (out of picture).

Mellbreak ahead as we reach the end of today's walk.

Maggie's Bridge car park is on the other side of the wooden fence ahead.

The warmer weather has encouraged the catkins on this goat willow (pussy willow) to bloom.

[ Helmut has kindly provided the fine detail: Salix_caprea ]

"Last one through the gate sits in the back of the car" . . . that's you Harry and Dylan.

Nothing new there then !

- - - o o o - - -

Talking of dogs, we had a lovely email from a Yorkshire viewer, Ann Darby recently.

She had done a pastel painting of Harry and Dylan based on pictures on our web site.

What could be nicer than to meet up for a coffee in Abrahams Cafe in George Fisher to accept the gift.

Ann is on holiday with family in the area and her drawing will very shortly be gracing the walls of our home.

Many thanks indeed Ann.

- - - o o o - - -


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