Top lakes views

Feeling like Autumn

Dragonflies at the tarn

Sitting quietly at the side of Moss Eccles Tarn near Claife Heights to the West of Windermere, a dragonfly came to sit in the sun on the tip of my boot. I felt very privileged.

These are the 'new' boots which I bought at New Year - looking pretty well worn after just 8 months, but still really comfortable and still waterproof. So I'm relieved (given the price of boots these days) to be able to say that they were a good buy.

This is a little known area, judging by how few people were there, with some tranquil tarns and tremendous views: this one looks towards Crinkle Crags and Bowfell, a destination for later in the week.

Over Stake Pass from Langdale to Langstrathdale

I had wanted to walk from the South lakes to the North, from Langdale to Borrowdale, for ages. There is no road between the two so it's a logistical challenge which, in the end, had to be overcome by a rather expensive taxi as the journey by road is a lot further than on foot, but it was a fantastic experience. It feels different to walk a linear route rather than a circular one, more purposeful somehow, rather than walking for the sake of it.

The views were tremendous in both directions; the photo above looks back down Langdale from Stake Pass. At the top is a curious plateau with lots of moraines (humps of soil and rock left behind by a moving glacier) which make it look a bit like Teletubby Land:

The Scafells were visible to the left as I headed down into Langstrathdale, where there were very few other walkers even at this peak holiday time, even though this is a section of the Cumbria Way long distance path. The view North along the valley looks towards Skiddaw (I think):









Right at the bottom in the valley was a large group of children, perhaps scouts, enjoying swimming and messing around in the clean clear (icy cold) waters of the river. The temptation to cool off hot feet with a paddle was irresistible.










The terrain proved slightly more challenging than expected so the walk ended in Stonethwaite instead of getting all the way along to Borrowdale proper, but a pint in the lovely pub there was ample consolation.

Acers in the Lakes

I don't think of acers as being a typical Lakeland tree,for obvious reasons, but when on top of Loughrigg Fell, it became clear that they're very popular with local residents. Little patches of deep red are visible all over Ambleside and surrounding areas.

Here is one of the biggest and most beautiful, from close up in the garden of the Baptist Church (I think) in Ambleside. For a small tree, it makes a big impact.

New jetty

A new jetty has appeared on a favourite walk along the shore of Windermere. I assume the idea is that bikers can cross the lake by ferry from the visitor centre at Brockhole on the East shore, and ride through the woods without the need for lots of riding on the road. Cyclists, cars and narrow roads are not a good combination, so this seems an excellent idea.

 

It also happens to make a great picnic spot with views of the Fairfield Horseshoe and the Kentmere Round.

Unfortunately, by the summer, the jetty has been covered in barriers and notices saying you can't go on it unless the boat is waiting. The usual excessive health and safety nonsense. Grrr.

Ambleside to Grasmere

This walk over Loughrigg Fell takes in some quintessential Lakeland terrain and scenery without being too lengthy or taxing; I never tire of this view of Grasmere looking roughly North, with Helm Crag/the Lion and the Lamb, in the background:

 

A nice half day's walk to Grasmere heads for the Miller Howe Cafe, a favourite for a late breakfast, lunch or tea. The village itself is not a favourite though, and I can't quite say why. Maybe it's that the tourist business here is much more hotel-focused, and those staying in hotels seem to stay in those hotels leaving the village quite empty in the evenings. It's not that Ambleside has a hugely vibrant nightlife, but there are lots of people out and about which creates a good atmosphere.