Autumn 2012 with KR Guided Walks

Strange old weather this Autumn.  We've had some beautiful days but unpredictable with wonderful sunshine interspersed with wind and rain.  Here are a few high lights some of which I will put on in more detail later.

from Catbells ridge across Derwentwater to Blencathra in the distance

A glorious morning on Catbells with superb lighting for photos both down to Dewentwater and into the Newlands Valley

Across Newlands Valley to Ard Crags and Causey Pike

One of the windiest days I've been out in - over 50mph on Ard Crags. Joan and Margaret were both bracing themselves against the wind and moments later Margaret's hat made off into the distance never to be seen again!








Another day of glorious skies! Walking from Portinscale a great 12 mile circuit took in Rowling End, Causey Pike, Scar Crags, Sail, Crag Hill and Wandope. A steep descent via Wandope's east ridge enabled us to return by Rigg Beck and back along by Newlands Beck.  By the way this footpath is now open again after long awaited repairs following the 2009 floods.

from Walla Crag looking across Derwentwater to Maiden Moor

 Last weekend a tinge of autumn colour was in the trees but within a few days the beech trees in particular were becoming a glorious sight

from Catbells terrace - lavely colours but no sun

Newlands Valley at its best

Anyone who loves walking in the northern Lake District will have a soft spot for the Newlands Valley.  On either side of Newlands Beck green fields separated by ancient hawthorn hedges rise gently towards the surrounding fells with a scattering of white farmsteads steeped in history. 



grassy path through Newlands Valley with Skiddaw beyond

 Today it was at its best; clear air gave fantastic views of the surrounding hills set off by clear blue sky and fluffy white clouds.  Wind was still a bit keen though and Barry wished at times that he had worn his hat!



looking up the valley towards Robinson & Newlands Hause

 If you would like to join me on this walk later in the summer I shall be leading it with Keswick Rambles on June 14th as a half day morning walk and again in September

Misty Barrow



Little Braithwaite Bridge on the day it reopened

 Skye and I ran up Stile End and Barrow today with a friend and her Border Terrier Oscar - well, I walked uphill rather than ran; still suffering from the remains of a chesty cold!.  Oscar is just a year old and Skye is just two so they enjoyed themselves and were able to be off the lead quite a lot.  No views today I'm afraid since there was low misty cloud on the tops of even these little hills.
It's much easier to reach Barrow from Portinscale now that the bridge over the Newlands Beck has been replaced. It was one year to the day since the floods when the bridge reopened in November.  At the moment the footbridge over the beck a bit closer to Braithwaite is in the process of being rebuilt which will reopen another path for Skye and I to trot along.  What we really want is the path along the side of the beck up the Newlands Valley to be repaired because it is a very popular path. I'll keep you updated on progress.