Home Page : Archive 2017

28th December 2017 -  Sale Fell and a Brumston Pickle

It was a lovely winter's day and the sky was blue, the visibility superb, the air crisp and the walking easy . . . apart from the occasional ice where the land had been wet or where a culvert had overflowed. Time for a walk . . .

27th December 2017 -  Snowy Tops and Harry's Pool

The weather forecast was true to its word last night and we had a deep frost followed by a sunny morning. Too good to stay in so we took a Harry type stroll to Harry's Pool and continued on round, marvelling at the sights.

26th December 2017 - Boxing Day to the Pine Tree

A damp Christmas Day but by the next afternoon the weather has changed, as the rain went away and the breeze turned northerly, bringing cold weather. Snow on the high fells gave a lovely Christmassy feel to the afternoon.

24th December 2017 - We wish you a Merry Christmas

The year has nearly gone full circle and it is time to post a page dedicated to you the viewers.  With the 1.5 millionth view recorded last night (ten past midnight Loweswater time) may we wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year with a few pictures from recent days.

23/24th December 2017 - Pre-Christmas Crummock

Two walks, one at either end of Crummock Water.  The first was combined with a visit to Syke Farm to buy eggs, the second where we were encouraged out by the sheer blustery nature of the weather . . . it was rather impressive.

12th December 2017 - The 2017 Web Counter Competition

Can you be our 1.5 millionth Loweswatercam viewer

and win a super prize . . . The results are here

16-18th December 2017 - Pre-Christmas to Camberley

A trip down south to see our other daughter and her family before Christmas.  She has a house full for Christmas so we see her for a few days this week. On the way back we call on Hilton for a night and friends for lunch next day.

10/11th December 2017 - A cool weekend with Hilton

The weather has entered a deep, cold spell with overnight temperatures one night down to -10 degrees C. The ground is hard, it's not wet and all is well with the world. The sunshine even made an appearance for Hilton on Sunday

8th December 2017 - A cold walk for a Friday !

The forecasts have been threatening snow for some time but when it arrived last night it was more like a heavy sleet which has just about covered the houses and fields, but it has coated the high Fells in a winter blanket.

3rd December 2017 - Fangs Brow Coffin Road

Information for potential walkers of Loweswater about the closure of a local bridleway and a walk at the other end of the same track at the end of a short winter's day.  Well there is a bit of a connection between the two !

30th November 2017 - The Thirlmere Valley

A trip over to Thirlmere on a day that started with sunshine and continued in similar form until we started our walk along the lakeside path at Thirlmere.  Still the scenery was quiet, peaceful and beautiful, but the walk held a twist !

28th November 2017 - Askill Knott from the Grey Phone Box

We often get asked 'where Loweswater Lake is' when visitors stop outside our house. The confusion arises from the National Parks Suggested Walks leaflet which says start at the grey phone box . . . ours is red !

25th November 2017 - First Snow in Loweswater

Well, its been a funny old year. We seem to have had a very early spring in February and then several bursts of summer on April and June. The summer months were rather wet so what will November be remembered for ?

19th November 2017 - Paula and Al Crummock Walk

Better weather greets Paula and Al and family who are up for the weekend.  They are staying in Rose Cottage with Sue and Mark but our grandson and daughter sleep over with us, one in the house, the other in the Pod.

14th November 2017 - Holme Wood Bothy

As friends leave so family arrives.  We were delighted to entertain our grandson Jack and his girlfriend Catherine for a few days.  Unfortunately the weather has turned so the walking was less than perfect.

12th November 2017 - Castle Crag for Remembrance 2017

With the prospect of a fine day ahead and a 9.30am start, 8 of us climbed towards the summit of Castle Crag to join about 200 other people in a short Service of Remembrance, on the 100th Anniversary of the Battle of the Somme.

11th November 2017 - Sale Fell with Sherran and Bill

A visit to Sale Fell with Sherran and Bill brought three 'sports' into close contact.  Ourselves walking the fell coincided with the Vintage car weekend and a spell of light but steady cold breezes making soaring an option.

2nd November 2017 - St Bees Head and Fleswick Bay

My two brothers and their wives have decided to visit Cumbria. Our daughter Jenna is also here as well, so it's a real family day out. We take advantage of the sunny weather and head to the coast at St Bees Head.

1st November 2017 - History Society Trip to Carlisle

An invitation to join the Lorton and Derwent Fells Local History Society on a visit to the city of Carlisle. On the agenda, a visit to the Museum of Military Life inside the castle and the Guildhall Museum in town.

29th October 2017 - Happy New Year Gordon

The end of October / beginning of November is the time the sheep farmer's year starts once again.  It's nearly tupping time again and time to prepare for the season ahead.  We manage an afternoon walk in the sunshine too.

27th October 2017 - Holme Woods and Crummock

Visitors pick a lovely day to drive to the Lakes and join us for the afternoon. Richard, Hilary and Peter arrive for lunch and together we enjoy not one but two walks because the conditions are so nice.  The best weather for weeks !

25th October 2017 - From Trees to a Pod in a week

This is the story of how a patch of garden was transformed in seven working days. We have been wanting to add a nice summer house to the garden and following a sudden phone call those plans we brought quickly forward.

16th October 2017 - Sideswiped by Storm Ophelia

On Monday there were weather warnings out for Storm Ophelia, an ex-hurricane that was heading towards Britain and Ireland. How much we would be affected by the wind and rain would depend on its course.

1st October 2017 - Rhossili and Gower

We're on holiday for a week and exchange "Britain's best views" for "Britain's 2nd best views". We travel south from the Lake District to the Gower Peninsular, located to the west of our old home town of Swansea.

28th September 2017 - Scout Scar in the South Lakes

We were down in Lancaster on a visit and headed back north to take the opportunity to walk in limestone country at Scout Scar.  We looked at the calendar and realised it was six years since we walked this particular fell.

25th September 2017 - Cinderdale with Jill and Nigel

Jill and Nigel are up in the Lakes and drive over to spend the afternoon with us. We needed a walk they haven't done before but one that still offers variety along the way and is suitable for an ageing dog too.

16th September 2017 - Latrigg with Dee and John

Dee and John, with a bit more time for themselves, are over in their flat in Keswick.  We join forces for a walk up Latrigg despite a poor forecast and then head back for an evening at their home. Let's hope it doesn't rain.

12th September 2017 - Helen  and Garden Wildlife

While Helen was here she spent quite some time looking out of our window, marvelling at the difference in her surroundings compared to her Australian home.  Her patience was rewarded with a whole range of local visitors.

10th - 11th September 2017 - Helen in Loweswater

Sadly the good weather Helen enjoyed on he first evening here was short lived and the weather took a backward step, more in line with recent weeks. Still, it didn't rain all the time and we were able to enjoy some local walks.

9th September 2017 - A Friend from afar - Helen

We are in Penrith today to collect a friend from the train.  Helen is over from Australia visiting her family and has been able to find a few days to join us here in the Lakes.   She will be with us for three nights.

8th September 2017 - Mellbreak with Richard & Peter

Our two visitors at the end of the week were Richard (who we've walked with before) and Peter his son, whom we haven't. Their first afternoon we took a stroll to the lake then next day Dylan led an ascent of our local fell.

3rd September 2017 - The Loweswater Calendar 2018

We are proud to launch the Loweswatercam Calendar 2018. Click to order your calendar now.  £1 from each sale goes to the Air Ambulance and local Mountain Rescue charities.       Special offers available for extra copies.

3rd September 2017 - The Loweswater Show 2017

It's that time of year again and after a poor forecast, all eyes are on the sky for an ounce of consideration. As it happened the weather was better than expected and raincoats weren't required till quite late in the day.

1st / 2nd September 2017 - Two local walks with the Family

A change of family as Paula and her children Abi and Tom come to stay.  Tom is on a 4 day D.of.E Gold hike from Windermere to Keswick so for the first two days day it is just Abi who stays with us here in Loweswater.

31st August 2017 - Harry's Pool and Crummock

Cathy and our grandson are up for a few days and their visit coincides with a week of fine weather.  After sunny Ling their weather luck continues with an extended local walk to Harry's Pool and then across to Crummock Water.

30th August 2017 - Ling on Ling with Cathy

After a day of subdued colour on our Hope Beck walk yesterday, today's forecast was better so we have the chance to catch the rich purple colours of the heather on a walk with our daughter and grandson . . . Ling on Ling Fell.

27th August 2017 - Colourful Hope Beck Valley

We go in search of some heather in order to appreciate the change in the seasons.  Sherran and Bill join us for a walk up Hope Beck Valley where the purple heather lines the slopes of Hopegill Head and Whiteside.

13th August 2017 - To Harry's Pool and Beyond

Anne and family are over in Loweswater again and we join them, or they join us, for a walk towards the Mosedale Holly Tree.  How far we gets depends on the capacity of the slowest of our group . . . most likely Harry.

12th August 2017 - Local with Ian and Meg

Back home and the first of three sociable weekend days.  Ian and Meg came over on Saturday but the weather was poor.  We waited a while and then enjoyed a local walk to the lake, suitable for all today, including Harry.

3rd Aug 2017 -

Gareth & Rhian's Wedding

24th July 2017 - Round Mellbreak with Peter

Peter Burgess is up for a few days and we venture out along the shores of Crummock to Ling Crags. In order to do a round walk we keep climbing and returned by the back of the fell.  Chance for Dylan to stretch his legs too.

24th July 2017 - Buttermere to the Tunnel

I passed on cutting the grass, even though it was now dry, in favour of a trip to Buttermere.  A walk along the lakeside and back, then buying some Buttermere free range eggs was a much more agreeable option all round.

19th July 2017 - High Rigg with Trevor and Gill

The weather for our walk is poor but nevertheless it's warm and dry today. Harry stretches out on a longer walk across the top of High Rigg Fell, perhaps encouraged on by his friend, Finlay of Borrowdale.

13 - 16th July 2017 - Askill, Staveley and Low Ling

A changeable week of weather with hot and humid for a couple of days then clear and sunny. Harry can manage the shorter walks so we do an Askill Round, but I visit Low Ling Crag with Dylan in an attempt to tire him out.

14th July 2017 - A Confusing Walk at Gasgale

A few pictures of the garden as all my spare growing spaces are full of things growing. On Friday Jo came over for lunch and a walk as she is up in the Lakes for a few days. We chose a local walk suitable for the occasion.

12th July 2017 - Loweswater Ladies Summer Walk

Our Loweswater Ladies meet each month, usually to listen to a guest speaker or enjoy some other indoor activity.  However each summer we also arrange an evening walk, which was blessed with brilliant weather again this year.

9th July 2017 - Sandy Yat with Dee & John

No desire for a long walk today so its a local walk with friends down to Crummock Water.  To save Harry a lot of road walking we took the car a short distance to Park Bridge. Supper with Joan the following evening.

8th July 2017 - Seafarer's 24 Peaks Event - Saturday

I'm marshalling again, this time for the Seafarer's Charity 24 Peaks event.  I'm covering Haystacks on the first day of this weekend's two day walk across 24 of the highest fells of the Lake District . . . a big ask by any standard.

7th July 2017 - Holme Wood with Richard and Christine

With Harry's walking ability improving after his recent illness, we were able to have a slightly longer walk today with our visitors.  Friday's weather should stay dry but the signs were that it was not going to be the case.

24th/25th June 2017 - Gareth's Stag Weekend in Bristol

Gareth's wedding is less than six weeks away and his 'Best Man' has organised a weekend in Bristol for male friends and male family members.    I join them after their first activity but was soon part of the happy crowd.

19th June 2017 - Mellbreak and a Swim

Called 'Mellbreak and a Swim' but this report includes a shorter walk for Harry along the shores of Crummock Water. As he recovers he is walking further. A first walk for Dylan was an attempt to wear him out . . . no chance.

17th June 2017 - South to Arnside Knott 

Arnside is a village in South Cumbria. It faces the estuary of the River Kent on the north-eastern corner of Morecambe Bay, but outside the National Park. It is a great little limestone hill with great views all round and as we were in the area today we stopped off for a walk in the sunshine.

16th June 2017 - Railway Children 2017 Three Peaks

Global Challenge have again organised a Charity Three Peaks sponsored walk in aid of the Railway Children Charity. The teams will climb Snowdon, Scafell Pike and Ben Nevis, travelling by train over the long weekend.

14th June 2017 - Loweswater Ladies Summer Outing

The Loweswater Ladies social group, who meet monthly here in Loweswater, have planned their Summer Outing for June 14th.  It is now June, the day is upon us and the bus awaits . . .

10th/12th June 2017 - A busy 10th June Weekend

While I was away to Sheffield to help our daughter settle in to her new home, Ann stays at home and entertains visitors and walks the dogs.  It was a busy weekend for both of us . . . but in different ways.

3rd June 2017 - Ennerdale lake with Pete, Ian and Nicky

A walk with Ian and Nicky was augmented when Peter B (now able to travel over in his Land Rover) joined us on a walk alongside Ennerdale Lake, to the Old Anglers Hotel site and back. We 'Gather' for a cup of tea afterwards.

25th May 2017 - Loweswater Farmers Trip 2017

It's May again and the Loweswater Discussion Group have organised their annual summer outing.  The 'Farmers' have planned two visits, one industrial, one agricultural, liberally interspersed with refreshment on this very hot day.

24th May 2017 - Low Ling Crag with Jo and Alan

Our first extended walk on our return was decided by committee.  Jo, Allan (Kilduff) and ourselves studied the weather, the angle of the sun, the time and the various preferences and ended up with a lake walk to Low Ling Crag.

11th to 20th May 2017 - Our Scottish Holiday 2017

Off to Scotland for a week's self catering at a rather nice location.  When living in the Lake District the one thing we miss is lovely views of the wild blue seas and rugged coastline.  Plenty to come on this holiday.

5th to 9th May 2017 - Crummock, Bikes and Bath

A mixed set of events again as the weather in Loweswater continues to be superb. A walk to the lake shows how dry it has been recently. The other photos reflect the recent Loweswater events and our activities.

8th May 2017 - The Rannerdale Bluebells 2017

It's one of the Lake District classic walks . . . a visit to the Bluebells at Rannerdale. It may not be the biggest, brightest or easiest to reach by visitors but the nature of the setting makes it an impressive sight at this time of year.

4th May 2017 - Staveley and Retson Scar

Peter is back in the Lakes and we travel over to Staveley to see him and Barbara and Peter joins us for the launch of Andy Beck's Wainwrights in Colour event.  Lunch is followed by a classic Staveley walk up Reston Scar.

4th May 2017 - Darling Fell to home with Trevor & Gill

Trevor and Gill arrived after an early lunch for a walk on another day of perfect weather.  "No great plans for where to go" gradually morphed into a linear walk from Mosser Road back to the cottage via Darling Fell.

28th April 2017 - Visitors, Weddings, History and Walks

An interesting and busy week sees us entertaining and being entertained, learning of village history, walking the fells and hearing of other people's walks, being late for a wedding and very early for another ... what a week !

26th April 2017 - Hen Comb with Richard and Hilary 

Another sunny day in paradise, albeit with a cool breeze on the fells. Richard and Hilary are up in the Lakes and travel over to Loweswater. They haven't climbed Hen Comb for a while so we walk directly from the cottage.

23rd April 2017 - Low Ling Crags with Ann

Sunday afternoon, the sun is shining and the skies are reflected in the length and breadth of Crummock Water.  Ann and I decide on a slightly longer dog walk out to Low Ling Crags or just as far as we get this fine afternoon.

22nd April 2017 - Binsey with Chris and Jeff 

After a leisurely morning and an 'al fresco' lunch with friends over from Ireland we headed off to Binsey to take advantage of the beautiful sunny weather and panoramic views extending nearly 50 miles.

14th/16th April 2017 - Two local walks - Friends and family

The first with Pat and Mike who came over to see Catherine and Alexander. The second, on a damp Easter Sunday, was with Richard this time, up in the Lakes for the weekend with Cathy for a friend's daughter's 18th.

13th April 2017 - Rannerdale with Cathy & Alexander

Back home in the Lake District and Cathy and Alexander join us here for a few days before they are joined by Richard on Saturday.  Today we stretch our legs on a local Wainwright fell, Rannerdale Knotts.

1st to 10th April 2017 - Swansea Visit to see Luke

A new arrival to the Hiley Family as Luke Michael is born to Gareth and Rhian, seventeen days overdue. First pictures by proxy then we have chance to drive down to see him and enjoy a real family weekend in Swansea.

4th April 2017 - Hopegill's Dodd with Jo, Ian and Mike

Jo is over from her caravan near Ullswater and Mike and Ian from their place in Seascale and after lunch we pile everyone in one car for a short drive down the Lorton Valley to climb Hopegill's Dodd Fell.

27th March 2017 - Sale Fell via Kelsick Farm

Sunny weather has been temporarily on hold this last few days but on Monday afternoon, before it turned stormy, we managed to climb Sale Fell. We chose the more indirect ascent, via Kelsick Farm and Lothwaite Fell.

25th March 2017 - Stickle Pike and Great Stickle

The forecasted sunshine was almost guaranteed from the weather charts so we pack some lunch and head down to the south western corner of The Lakes, down to the Dunnerdale fells of Stickle Pike and Great Stickle.

24th March 2017 - Late Afternoon in the Hope Gill Valley

After a busy morning at home we venture out for a walk in a valley which has been very much in the shade all winter.  Now the sun is higher in the sky the Hope Gill Valley is enjoying more sunshine and is welcoming once again.

23rd March 2017 - Cinderdale to Home with Jo

A simple local walk but a bit longer this time as we complete the linear walk from Cinderdale, part way along Crummock Water, to the foot of the lake then on to home where a birthday cake and celebratory dinner awaits.

21st March 2017 - Mellbreak North End with Fred

Occasionally some of our regular correspondents gives us a shout to say he, she or they are over in the Lakes and would like to walk with us, or just call in and see the dogs. The offer of a cup of tea and some cake was enough to encourage Fred to travel over from the Skipton area to see us today.

19th March 2017 - Padley Gorge - Grindleford

Sunday finds us in Sheffield. Our daughter Jenna has invited us over on our way back from Tickhill in order to see the house she is hoping to buy.  First we take advantage of the sunny morning to go for a local Peak District walk.

18th March 2017 - Sherwood Forest and Robin Hood

We're away for a few days to catch up with family in person rather than on the phone.  Paula invited us down to Tickhill near Doncaster and Saturday found us in Sherwood Forest . . . Edwinstowe Village to be precise.

15th March 2017 - Low Fell on a Wednesday

A day of un-forecasted sunshine and we take the chance to do a longer local walk, modified slightly as we went along to give Dylan a chance of an extra run. The weather improved as the day progressed, right through to sunset.

10th March 2017 - Keswick and Isthmus Bay

Yesterday's Ennerdale sunshine is replaced by low cloud and drizzle as we venture over to Keswick to meet Dee and John and fit in some retail therapy around a walk for the dogs . . . Dee and Ann go one way, John and I the other.

9th March 2017 - Sunny Ennerdale Lake

On a recent visit to the lakeshore at Ennerdale we were greeted with high winds and wintery showers.  Today the weather was exactly opposite, sunny and warm with blue skies and no wind. We walk the section of path from Bowness to the old hotel.

1st March 2017 - The Five Faces of Harrop Tarn

We knew about Harrop Tarn many years ago but had heard that the forestry damage and subsequent clearance of trees had spoilt a delightful upland lake.  However Trevor and Gill said that they would love to see how it had changed over the years.

18 - 26th February 2017 - Doris, Ewan and Jenna

The title this time comes from two less welcome visitors to the Lakes at Half Term. Fortunately Storm Doris missed us here in Cumbria but Ewan has "topped up the lakes" to say the least. The third name is our daughter's of course.

24th February 2017 - Knott Rigg and Ard Crags

This time last year Jenna and I had a fabulous walk up Skiddaw in perfect snow conditions. This half term the weather hasn't been so kind, but there is a covering of snow on the high fells that she still wanted to experience.

22nd February 2017 - Aira Force with Jenna

Our daughter is with us for the week of her half term, but unfortunately so is the poor weather.  Thursday was forecasted for Storm Doris, but before that we managed a walk over at Aira Force which was delightful.

14th February 2017 - Harrot Fell from High Armaside

Never two days the same as the bright morning sunshine gives way to gloomy conditions that fly in and blanket the sky from the west like that spaceship in "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" ... just as we are ready for our walk !

13th February 2017 - Scale Hill from Lanthwaite Green

The wet weather gives way to sunshine and a cool breeze due to a fresh fall of snow on the high fells.  Today Ann and I take a local walk up to Scale Hill to admire this major view from this minor fell.

12th February 2017 - Blustery Ennerdale Lake

On Sherran and Bill's second full day in the Lakes we decided to avoid the tops once again. A trip round to Ennerdale Valley and a lakeside walk would do the trick.  How far we got rather depended on weather conditions.

11th February 2017 - Loweswater Garden Birds

It was the Great British Bird Watch weekend recently and though we didn't take part in the survey it did inspire me to try and record what birds have been visiting our garden. This weekend Bill and I spend time at the lounge window.

10th February 2017 - Local with Sherran and Bill

It has been a changeable week for weather including fresh snow on the high fells and sunshine in between the clouds. However, a period of cooler weather arives just as we have visitors for the weekend.

1st February 2017 - Rannerdale with Jo

After the snow on the high fells that we saw from our last outing we are back to mild weather and a thaw. Jo was in Loweswater overnight and enjoyed a late morning walk with us on Rannerdale before driving for home.

30th January 2017 - Lake Distillery Visit and Lunch

We had planned a Tuesday visit and lunch at the Lakes Distillery but Dee and John rang as they had had the same idea for Monday. They would be returning home Tuesday so we booked four places on the next available tour.

28th January 2017 - Late January Walks and Visitors

No major events and outings but a generally sociable week with friends. The walks were shorter due to the normal day to day commitments or the recent poor weather.  Last week it was Harry's birthday, this week Dylan's.

24th January 2017 - Loweswater's Burns Night

This is the first year this Cumbrian Village has really celebrated Burns Night Tickets were sold, posh clothes and even a few kilts brought out from the old dressers. The tables were laid to celebrate the life of Scotland's famous poet.

21st January 2017 - Dale Head in Winter Sunshine

With a forecast of clear winter sunshine in the north west of England and being a Saturday the car parks were all full, but there was plenty of space and fine views on offer as we ventured up to our lofty summit today.

13th January 2017 - Lanthwaite Hill with Ian

Wainwright mentions it as a "less fashionable as an attraction for tourists" but that the view from this "insignificant mound" is still superb.  We often climb it but this is Ian's first time up this local wooded hill.

12th January 2017 - Whitheaven and a Darling of a Walk

Possible heavy snow showers were forecasted but only the tops were covered when we left by car for Whitheaven. By the time Ann walked on Darling Fell later in the afternoon a more extensive snow cover had fallen.

5th January 2017 - Binsey - Just a Walk at Twilight

We started off early enough for an afternoon walk but with the short days and a bank of clouds from an approaching cold front, it meant we lost the sun prematurely & with it went the late afternoon sunlight and the warm colours.

4th January 2017 - The Lad Hows Holly Tree

Another busy morning in paradise leaving a short afternoon for a walk.  A trip to Buttermere was required to buy some free range eggs from the farm that has the chickens running all over the road and a walk was needed too.

2nd January 2017 - Sunset on a Western Fell

We fancied another walk in the sunshine so we headed west to Knock Murton and climbed the fell at what would be normally considered an early afternoon start time. Warning . . . this set has seriously doggy and sunset-ty pictures. 

1st January 2017 - Low Fell on New Year's Day

The day after the fireworks and the weather is fine for a stroll out along Low Fell.  A cool north easterly is bringing clouds over but we start the walk in lovely sunshine. However there's fresh snow on Gable by the end of the day.

January 2017 - The 2017 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.