Hiley Website

Whilst in the UK for his sister's wedding celebrations, Tim also wanted to show his partner Meile

as much of the UK and Europe as their short visit would allow.

Consequently, quite soon after the trip to Bradford, I had a return visit from the Ilkely branch of the Hiley Family



In between to two dates the dogs and I had a birthday to celebrate . . .	. . . Dougal (laying down) looking regal before accepting his cake !

Dougal was four on August 1st and Dylan (his uncle) eight and a half, he will be nine next January.

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My brother Stephen and sister in law Elaine were in Loweswater this week as well. They have brought their caravan and a tent

and so were able to accommodate their children Rachel with Jay and Tim with Meile, all together at the campsite in Lorton.



Tim and Meile, wanted to try out their fellwalking hats !	Our walk started from home, quickly passing the pub before we got distracted.

A late morning start on this sunny day, the weather held the prospect of a fine walk.



The long and winding lane that brings you up to the start of the climb.	No, we're not doing Hen Comb today, we're off to Mellbreak.

Jay and Elaine passed on the walk today

so that meant five of us made the ascent of the steep north face of this favourite and classic fell.

Looking down on the Lorton Valley and the Low Fell group, with the Kirkstile Inn now far below us.

A 'must' was a peep around the corner and with it, the first view of Buttermere.

Meile was delighted to be out on the fell . . . complete with the heather coloured hat she had recently aquired.

From the north top we diverted over to view the Pinnacles and the steep view down to Crummock Water.

After the dogs had vacated the viewpoint, Tim and Meile also walked over to admire the view

which includes the slopes of Grasmoor opposite.

South top also conquered, it was time to descend the southern end of the fell.

In the distance, surrounded by the trees, is the deep, hidden valley that holds Scale force . . . but first a spot of lunch on the way down.



Tim wanted to climb up to the waterfall . . .	. . . so with care in the slippery conditions, we entered the rocky cleft.



Despite the promise of cold water, Tim insisted on a quick dip . . .	"It will be warm I'm sure" he's saying . . . it wasn't !

To warm up it was decided to have a swim in the lake as well,

so after the walk down to the lake, alongside Scale Beck, we found ourselves at Low Ling Crag beach.

That rogue shower I alluded to at the start of this page then blew over and those that were not in swimming also got wet from the downpour.

Funnily enough, it was remarkably warmer swimming low in water than it was standing head and shoulder above it during the heavy rain shower.

Getting dry afterwards was a extended chore.

Still, the heavy showers that had swiftly crept up and over Mellbreak, headed equally quickly away to the south.

Consequently we had a warm and sunny end to the walk, just around the beach and across the fields now and we're home.

Stephen and family headed back to their caravan at Lorton then home to Ilkely.

Tim and Meile has a train to catch in order to see some of Europe before they flew home.

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A few days later I had the pleasure of another local walk, on a beautiful morning once again.



For the summer there's a short Poetry Trail in the woods . . .	. . . set along the main track from Scale Hill car park to the lake.

The poems were inspired by the thoughts and recollections of local valley folk,

which were drawn together in poetry by Melissa Davies, helped by a grant from Allerdale 'Festivals and Events' Fund.



The reflections on the river today (11th Sept) were superb.	In the main swimming pool there was a great splash.

'Twas only a young dog chasing a stick . . . once again.

Up at the lake, as I reached the bridge, there was a large walking group also enjoying the morning light.

The weir and fish ladder, with the bobbled eel mat forming the geometric design on the central section.

Finally one of the lake with a group sitting on the gravel at the outflow of Park Beck.

A peaceful morning view of Crummock Water, Rannerdale and the High Stile Ridge, to close this set.

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