Home Page : Archive 2016
   

28th December 2016 - Great and Little Cockups

Those who know the Back O'Skiddaw fells will not be surprised by the title, others need not be offended either as these two summits are beautiful grassy tops which are easily accessible for a winter afternoon walk like today.

     

25/26th December 2016 - Christmas and Boxing Day

Two local walks which fitted in with forecasted clear and dry spells in the weather.  No white Christmas for us, more dull and grey but the biggest problem was the wind which rattled the rafters ... and the decorations.

     

24th December 2016 - Season's Greetings

An amalgamation of photos from recent days to set the scene for the holiday ahead. Recently we saw all our children prior to Christmas so the quiet life is ours over the next few days. Do enjoy whatever you plan to do.

     

15th December 2016 - Walking North for Christmas Lunch

Not really a Christmas Lunch, more a lunch at Christmas time as we may not meet up with Trevor and Gill between now and next Sunday.  Pre-arranged walks often turn out to be wet but not this one, as we walk the lakeshore path.

     

The weather forecasts are getting more accurate and this week was predicted to be the last of the current winter high pressure before a mild but stormy period.  Better get up early for a sunrise picture or two before the weather turns.

     

22th - 29th November 2016 - A Pre-Christmas Grand Tour

We now complete the quadruple and more as we take a quick trip "down south" to see family and friends on a pre Christmas Grand Tour of our address book.  Presents exchanged, meals enjoyed, we returned home.

     

19th November 2016 - Paula's Family Weekend

Our daughter and family are up in the Lakes for the weekend and with friends Al and Mark have decided to spend the day road cycling 45 miles around the area but Paula, Sue and our grandchildren Tom and Abi prefer a local walk.

     

November 2016 - Autumn and First Snow

A compilation of local photos of the last few weeks taking the camera out on dog walks or frosty mornings.The changeable nature of the weather has been a delight and the autumnal storms have thankfully stayed away.

     

13th November 2016 - Remembrance at Castle Crag 2016

On Sunday we joined approximately 200 others on a walk to the War Memorial on Castle Crag on Remembrance Sunday. People travelled from all directions and met on the summit at 11am including our group of 5.

     

11/12th November 2016 - Bowness Knott and a Party

The start of a busy weekend with a party to celebrate Ann's birthday on the Friday night and a walk for six of us on Saturday, before the Remembrance Walk to Castle Crag on Sunday. Let's start at the beginning . . .

     

6th November 2016 - Muncaster fell Jill and Nigel

We were unable to join Jill and Nigel on their 214 ascent of Yewbarrow yesterday but as an alternative, they invited us over for a walk with them today. In view of the weather, Muncaster Fell would be a good option.

     

2nd November 2016 - Rannerdale and a Duck

On a previous walk this year we met up with a Panda, now a more feathered friend graces the summit of our fell today.  Mark completed his Wainwrights a while back but now it is Gill's turn to try. Ian and Mike join us for the walk.

     

1st November 2016 - Autumn walks and a Sunset

Three walks out and about the extended local area.  The quiet weather has allowed most of the leave to stay on the trees and provide us with a display of Autumn colours ... just a little more sun would show them at their best.

     

19th October 2016 - Knock Murton with Trevor and Gill

A planned visit by Finlay of Borrowdale to see his mates Harry and Dylan. Trevor and Gill come over to Loweswater and we suggested a walk up Knock Murton, a local fell for us but one un-walked by them.

     

10th October 2016 - Darling Fell with Jo

This time Jo came over to us today.  It was beautifully sunny day and so a fell with good local views was needed. With the changing colours of the season a climb up Darling Fell through the woods would be just about right.

     

8th October 2016 - Pikeawassa and a Sunset

Over to Ullswater today to to meet up with Jo and have a walk in her area.  Steel Knotts is a steep climb and has an interesting rocky summit known as Pikeawassa and we haven't been over here for a while.

     

6th October 2016 - Crosscanonby Salt

After a quick chat with Margaret Dickinson of the little Cumbria Magazine we find ourselves heading to the Allonby coastline for a walk, a photo and a bit of an exploration on the Solway Coast.

     

29th September 2016 - First Walks now we are Home

After our Scottish holiday we are back home and re-establishing our normal day to day routines here in Loweswater ... busy, busy, busy.  Still, still the dogs have to be walked and on some days we had extra company.

     

16th to 26th September 2016 - Applecross and Gairloch

We've heading north for ten days to Scotland's west coast. No air flights or ferry boats on this one as we take the road north past Glasgow and on towards the Western Isles to the villages of Applecross and Gairloch.

     

 

 

5. North to Gairloch

 

10th September 2016 - The Coniston Challenge Day

Over to Coniston again acting as support crew for a three event Challenge Day for teams from Travis Perkins and others, raising money for "Whiz Kids".  An early start and a late finish but an interesting day in the fells.

     

4th September 2016 - Loweswater Calendar 2017

Also at the Show we were proud to launch the Loweswatercam Calendar 2017.  Click here to order your calendar now for just £10 a copy.  £1 of every calendar sold goes to the Air Ambulance and local Mountain Rescue.

     

4th September 2016 - The Loweswater Show 2016

It's that time of year again and after a poor Saturday for weather all eyes are on the sky for an ounce of consideration.  As it happened the weather was better than forecast and raincoats gave way to sunhats as the day progressed.

     

24th August 2016 - Keyworth and Rushcliff Park

The sunny weather continues and on the way home from Suffolk to took up the invite for two nights as our friends in Keyworth, Nottingham.  Pat and Mike have known Ann longer than I . . . so that is a bit special.

     

24th August 2016 - Pin Mill and The Clamp

The second full day at Pin Mill and the forecast is for a hotter day again.   Our walks are local and relatively short and the woods (plus the odd cool shower) offer a respite from the 34 degrees on the thermometer.

     

22nd August 2016 - Pin Mill and Woolverstone

An invite for a few days in Suffolk with our daughter and grandson. A very sociable time which started with a refreshment stop half the way down the country.  The forecast this week was for the hottest two days of the year.

     

18th August 2016 - Crummock with Becca and Alex

A sociable week continues as Becca, Alex and daughter Izzy join us for lunch and a short local walk.  They are up on holiday from London, and as Becca is expecting a second child imminently, long walks are not on the agenda today.

     

17th August 2016 - High Nook with Richard & Hilary

Richard and Hilary are quite familiar with the Lakes and so the challenge is on to find them an afternoon walk that includes something they haven't done before.  I borrow Richard's lighter camera to see how it performs for me.

     

15th August 2016 - Low fell with Anne, Pal and Mila

After a busy family week, life continues on a pace with friends calling and suggesting we walk locally.  Today Anne and family are over and our choice of walk is decided by offering them two new Wainwright tops to climb.

     

6 - 11th August 2016 - A Week with Gareth & Rhian

All this week Gareth and Rhian have been staying here in Loweswater. Not the best weather over the week but we were able to get out and enjoy some local walks and a visit to Maryport Aquarium before they returned home.

     

8th August 2016 - Round Mellbreak with Jack & Catherine

Our Grandson and his girlfriend were up in the Lakes for a week and call over for a visit to Loweswater. They asked for a walk with a waterfall so where better on a sunny day than a walk round the base of Mellbreak.

     

5th August 2016 - Walla Crag and Bleaberry Fell

We meet up with Jo for a slightly longer walk that doesn't have too much climbing, but the Walla Crag walk plan gets extended as it is a nice afternoon and Harry is coping well. Our walk now includes a 2nd Wainwright summit

     

1st August 2016 - Fangs Brow Walk to the Chair

It was a lovely walk after a few days of very changeable weather.  The rains often painted grey skies but then cleared with dramatic effect. On the Monday Ann and I ventured out on a late afternoon with guaranteed sunshine.

     

23rd July 2016 - Latrigg with Ian and Steve

Recently Ian tried to include Latrigg in a walk from Castlerigg on the other side of the valley but he was blocked by the bridge closures. Today he tries from Spooney Green and invites Steve and us along to enjoy it with him.

     

14th July 2016 - Long Meg and Lacy Caves

Intrigued by my recent visit with the Loweswater Farmers to the area, Ann and I return to Little Salkeld to see the water mill and Long Meg stone circle. The information suggests a visit to Lacy Caves would be interesting too.

     

11th July 2016 - Grange to Watendlath

Long standing arrangements for walks often come unstuck with the weather but despite rather overcast skies we have a great linear walk with Trevor, Gill and 'Finlay of Borrowdale' and a lovely meal at their house afterwards.

     

4th July 2016 - Honister Mine Tour

Barbara mentioned that she's like a visit to the Honister Mines.  She had been in caves before but never a working mine, so this was a great chance to get below ground.  Placed booked and then a drive to Honister and we're ready.

     

3rd July 2016 - Eskdale with Barbara

Ann sister is up in The Lakes for the first time and so over the next six days we have chance to show her around and enjoy some shorter walks. Let's hope the weather stays fine for her to see this county at its best.

     

30th June 2016 - The Loweswater Double

Gill and Nigel are up in the Lakes and have the opportunity to finish off some of the final tops of their outstanding Wainwright Fells list. Today in Loweswater they have a shot at Mellbreak and Hen Comb and ask me along.

     

25th/26th June 2016 - Lorna's Picnic in the Park

We have a weekend in Leicestershire at the invitation of our good friend Hilton. The main purpose of the weekend is to attend a memorial picnic on Sunday but we enjoy a couple of local walks with Hilton along the way.

     

24th June 2016 - The Railway Children Challenge 2016

Today we meet up with an impressive group of fellwalkers who are climbing the three highest peaks of the mainland UK, raising money for the Railway Children Charity.  This is their Scafell Pike climb.

     

20th June 2016 - Visitors from Oz

Meg was our holiday guide to Emma Gorge,Kimberley, Australia, way back in pre-digital 1998.  We've kept in touch and when she wanted to visit the Lake District it was a perfect chance to be her guide to our part of the world.

     

A local walk with our visitors 

Meg's World Tour of the Lakes

Meg's Roman Wall Tour

13th - 18th June 2016 - Our Northumberland Holiday

Five nights in Beadnell with Ann and the Dogs. We stay at our favourite B&B on the harbour front and visited the beaches and local sights but our visit to the Farne Islands had to be cancelled due to the weather.

     

Beadnell -1- Bamburgh

Beadnell -2- Low Newton

Beadnell - 3 - St Abb's Head

4th June 2016 - Coniston Challenge 2016

I'm on hand, this time as radio relay, for a three-event challenge for teams from Taylor Wimpey North West.  They are raising money for the Youth Adventure Trust & I'm on Carron Crag overseeing the cycling part of the day

     

24th May 2016 - Loweswater Farmers 2016

May sees the summer outing of our Loweswater Discussion Group.  Known locally as the Loweswater Farmers,they meets fortnightly during the winter with this one extra get together to visit somewhere of interest  to the group.

     

21st May 2016 - Ravenglass Walk with Jo

Something old, something new . . . always nice if you can walk somewhere different and explore new finds, today we do both over at Ravenglass.  A few local pictures complete the set today as we walk and talk with friends.

     

14th May 2016 - Rannerdale Bluebells - 2 -

A couple of  short visits culminating in an evening walk at prime bluebell time.  It has been a good showing this year for this unusual display of the late spring flowers as further south they are normally a woodland species.

     

13th May 2016 - 3 Peaks challenge - Esk Hause

On the fells again at the request of Global Challenge UK to help provide safety cover for a charity " Three Peaks" event. Twenty two teams set out to climb the three highest peaks, one in each of the regions of the UK Mainland.

     

9th May 2016 - The Red Phone Box at Loweswater

Passers-by may have noticed that our local phone box has recently been re-painted. Now the metamorphosis is complete and out of the shell of the old box a new emergency phone system has emerged.

     

6th May 2016 - Rannerdale Bluebells - 1 -

First walk back (of any consequence) was a trip over to Rannerdale to see how the iconic bluebells have coped with the winter floods and the recent cold spring.  Two companions, Harry and Dylan.

     

23rd to 30th April 2016 - West Wales and Swansea

A full day's travel finds us near the western tip of West Wales, at Abercastle, after a delightful trip down via Bala, Aberystwyth, Cardigan and the Irish Sea coast road. Ten days in Pembrokeshire and Swansea are in prospect.

     

 

 

 

1. Abercastle
2. Porthgain
3. St Justinian's
4. Traeth Llefn

5. Abereiddi

6. Swansea
 

16th-21st April 2016 - Local walks and Grange Tea

No great aims this week, just enjoying the weather and busy with the many jobs and activities that need doing along the way. Visits from friends and the " Queen's afternoon tea" at the Grange Hotel with the village group to finish.

     

14th April 2016 - Stanley Gill Force Walk

A second walk in the mid afternoon takes us up the hidden valley of Stanley Gill to the waterfalls tucked away on the side of the Eskdale Valley. Famous for its firns and trees, this valley offers a delightful second walk today.

     

14th April 2016 - Hard Knott and the Eskdale Needle

With Richard and Hillary today, who have travelled over from their holiday caravan sited at Coniston.  Two walks, the first of which climbs Hard Knott Fell from the top of the pass and ends up at Mediobogdum, the Roman Fort.
     

10th April 2016 - Whin Ben with Harry

A local afternoon walk on a beautiful day in the Lakes.  It's a busy Sunday and the car parks are full, but our garden delightfully relaxing in the before lunch. Afterwards we take Harry and Dylan to another local outlier summit.
     

5th April 2016 - DW2 - Derwent Walk and a Canoe

Some of Cathy's family are up for a few days and after several April showers the weather on Tuesday seemed settled enough for the two older boys to hire a Canadian canoe on Derwent Water.  We go over later to watch them.
     

2nd/3rd April 2016 - Stanbrook and a local Dog Walk

While Jenna and I took Tom and Abi to Clumber, Ann and Paula ventured north to Wass in North Yorkshire to visit Ann's friend and ex-teaching colleague Lorna for her anniversary celebration at Stanbrook Abbey.
     

2nd April 2016 - Tickhill Weekend - Clumber Park

A weekend with our daughter and family at Tickhill in South Yorkshire.  Something for everyone as four of us go south to Clumber Park whilst Ann and Paula go north to Wass to see her friend Lorna (more of that to follow).
     

27th March 2016 - The Hopegill Valley and Dodd

A series of photos of recent walks, the main photographic one being Sunday's outing in the sunshine up the Hopegill Valley.  Shorter local walks reflecting the preferences on the day and the nature of the weather outside the window.
     

25th March 2016 - St Bees Head and Fleswick Bay

Based on an idea in the George Fisher's Update Magazine we adapt the "Walk of the Month" into a shorter round walk starting and ending at the same place.  Some familiar sights but some new ones too.
     

19th March 2016 - Miterdale and Boat How with Ian

Ian and his brother Mike were up in the Lakes and invited us out for a walk close to their Seascale base. A return trip on La'al Ratti meant a linear walk was on the cards again . . . they are getting popular.
     

17th March 2016 - Talkin Tarn and the Roman Wall

A day away from the Lakes today as we had the car serviced in Carlisle. With the kind offer of a courtesy car and more sunny weather, we took ourselves off for a few hours exploring the old Roman border country.
     

14th March 2016 - Haystack with Sherran and Bill

Sherran and Bill would like a walk up the head of the valley as the culmination to their 'long weekend' stay in Loweswater.  Today the weather came up trumps for this classic Fleetwith and Haystacks walk.
     

13th March 2016 - Askhill Knott with Sherran and Bill

After some brilliant weather the sunshine took a slightly back seat for our first walks with our long standing OFC friends Sherran and Bill, who were over to stay with us in Loweswater for an extended weekend break.
     

7th/8th March 2016 - Low fell and Rannerdale

Two walks, the first while Roger was up in the snow of Dale Head and the second next day when we arranged to meet up with Trevor and Gill and Finlay of Borrowdale.

     

7th March 2016 - Dale Head in the Snow

It was a great afternoon and the views were superb.  I took the chance of giving Dylan a run out on a more strenuous walk and myself the chance to get up into the snow to enjoy the panorama from the top of Dale Head.

     

5th March 2016 - Blake - Over the Top

With Jo here for the weekend and a second car available we opt for a linear walk from the other side of the fell to the other, from the road below Knock Murton over the top to home. We'll fetch the other car later.

     

28th February 2016 - Whiteside in the afternoon

A few jobs done, lunch enjoyed at home and there was still enough nice weather to take Dylan for a more serious walk.  Leaving Harry to sleep off his lunch, Dylan and I did an out-and-back walk, Whiteside via Whin Ben.

     

28th February 2016 - Buttermere Pines Morning

It was such a glorious morning that I dragged myself out of bed and within an hour I was walking the shores of Buttermere.  Early morning is always the best time to catch the light on the pines . . . good weather helps too !

     

24th February 2016 - Walla Crag above Keswick

Over in Keswick in the afternoon, we planned a walk up Walla Crag.  The weather suggested the possibility of a shower but it won't be a long walk so that shouldn't be a problem. Hopefully the views from the top will be fine.

     

23rd February 2016 - Waterend and Askill Knott

It's a beautiful day in the valley and after all the jobs have been done there's still the one that involves walking the dogs.  Rainy trips to the lake take a back seat to a sunny climb to a local high spot, starting at the other phone box

     

15th February 2016 - Rannerdale from the Middle

Back to just two at home but the weather is holding well so Ann and I chose a local fell but walk it from a slightly different angle.  It is the local half term this week and car parks are full but the Rannerdale top is not busy.

     

13th February 2016 - Cold Grasmoor with Jenna

It was a steep climb up Lad Hows but you gain height quickly to the summit of Grasmoor and into another world on a day like this.  A round walk starting and ending at Lanthwaite Green is full of adventure and surprises.

     

12th February 2016 - Low Fell with Jenna

The weather is great again with sunshine and blue skies.  No need for a big walk today after yesterdays outing so Jenna suggested a local stroll on the fell she could see from her bedroom window.

     

10th February 2016 - Skiddaw under Snow with Jenna

With our daughter requesting a snowy walk on a high fell we split resources today. Ann takes Harry on a lower fell which more suited his requirements whilst Jenna and I take the second car over Whinlatter towards Keswick.

     

9th February 2016 - Scale Force with Jenna

Reasonable weather is becoming more frequent and coincides with our daughter's arrival over her half term.  The recent rains are still causing high water levels so a trip over to see the waterfalls seem a good idea.

     

3rd February 2016 - Long How, Buttermere

A brighter afternoon so chance to get out without full waterproofs.  We stay low and relatively local as we drive to Buttermere.  The car park at Long How leads down to Crummock and the newly extended gravel beach.

     

29th January 2016 - St Bees and Whitheaven in a Blow

During Thursday night's Storm Gertrude we were safely tucked up in bed but on the Friday the weather eased slightly and we took a drive over to St Bees to check out the waves as they reached across the Irish sea towards Cumbria.

     

27th January 2016 - Whit Beck Scheme 16mths on

Back into a very consistently wet period of winter weather and walking most places has to be done with waterproof footwear.  Today I 'increased the anti' and donned wellington boots for a walk in Lorton Valley.

     

16th January 2016 - Sale Fell in the Snow

A beautiful day with superb long distance visibility.  An afternoon walk finds us climbing Sale fell because of the extensive views from this north western fell. The high tops are still covered with pristine, white snow.

     

16th January 2016 - Barrow Fell with Jo and Snow

This was a case of reasonable walking weather being pushed away by a cold wintery shower which was building to the west as we climbed.  A simple route so no navigation problems, except finding our way to the start !

     

14th January 2016 - Low Fell and the 1st Snow of 2016

Overnight snow greeted us as we awoke and despite the bright sunshine of the day the fells have held onto their white blanket of winter.  After a busy morning Ann and I take a walk up to the snow line on Low Fell.

     

11th January 2016 - A Cold Rannerdale Knotts

A break in the weather and we extend the dog walk to include a local summit.  The wind has changed to a northerly and it has become much colder. The rain is less frequent but showers have turned wintery, with snow on the high fells.

     

10th January 2016 - Village Hall & the Tethera Players

The fall of the tree at the village hall reminded me I had a series of photos all about the hall, taken from William & Marion's scrapbook file which they hold.  With their permission I reproduce it here.

     

6th January 2016 - An Old Mosser Road Stroll

Ann takes a stroll out onto the flanks of Darling Fell with the dogs to celebrate the first consistent spell of fine weather, seemingly for weeks.  The sunshine is still not sure of itself as it passes in and out of the high clouds.

     

January 2016 - The 2016 Calendar Results

With your help we were able to offer the Cockermouth and Duddon Teams and the Air Ambulance a grand total of £380 . . . ably assisted the Lorton Village Shop and the Kirkstile Inn who both offered the calendars for sale.

     

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