Pandemic Peregrinations: Caldbeck Common, Cumbria, Winter
Today it was time for something a little different.
Today it was time for something a little different.
It’s been about a month since I last saw my Dad, and during that time a 3rd National Lockdown came into effect. My Dad’s in his 60s, lives alone, and has Type II Diabetes, so he’s in our “bubble”. So we thought it we were overdue for a visit, and zipped up to North Cumbria to check in on him, and get some exercise in whilst there.
Dad took us to Caldbeck Common, an area northeast of the northern Lake District fells. We hiked up alongside Carrock Beck and followed the old miner’s track towards High Pike (658 m/2,159 ft), snapping plenty of photos along the way.
Temperatures were around -3°C and there was a strong wind about, so it were pretty raw on the face. Refreshing and invigorating, though. More importantly, we got to hang out with my Dad, which is always a pleasure.
Most photos taken on my Fujifilm X-T2 using a Samyang 35mm f/1.2 lens. The horse photos were taken on my Google Pixel 3XL. All developed using one of RNI’s Kodachrome film profiles.
My lovely Lisabet, shooting some water action. This is Carrock Beck, which begins life from the eastern slopes of High Pike. The beck actually flows over the road here, so vehicles habitually have to ford the river.
Dad and Lisabet, nattering away, getting whipped by the cold winds.
We saw lots of delightful icicle formations by the side of the miner’s track. Miniature worlds of their own.
Looking back the way we came. In the far distance is the snow-capped escarpment known as the North Pennines. It peaks at Cross Fell (893 m/2,930 ft), which is the highest summit in England outside of the Lake District.
Managed to snap this candid shot of Dad, with Carrock Fell (661 m/2,169 ft) behind. I think Dad’s face is testament to the sub-zero temperatures blowing right into our faces.
Carrock Fell from the miner’s track. The fell is fairly unique in England as it’s largely made from Gabbro, a rough igneous rock that’s normally found on the Isle of Skye. Rock climbers like as it’s quite “grippy”.
The head of the Carrock Beck valley, which summits at High Pike. Still a bit of snow around.
Looking back at the Carrock Beck valley from further down. Plenty of gorse (Ulex europaeus) around here, but not yet in flower.
As we started driving out of Caldbeck Common we stopped the car to let a herd of fell horses through. I wound down the window to snap some phone photos when one gorgeous member of the herd stopped and poked through the window for a sniff.
Didn’t have any tasty carrots or apples on me, I’m afraid.
Beautiful creatures.
Pandemic Peregrinations: Cunswick Fell, Cumbria, Spring
Today, we ventured up towards Serpentine Woods, up and over Kendal Fell, and onwards towards Cunswick Fell, with gorgoeus views along the way.
My Lisabet, navigating through a narrow stile in the wall. The yellow fell in the distance on the right is Cunswick Fell, with the jagged peaks in the distance being the Lake District fells.
It’s easy to lose track of time at the moment.
The UK is on a full lockdown. People are to stay in their homes and only venture out to shop for essentials, for medical purposes, to get to and from work, and once a day for exercise.
The Coronavirus (COVID-19) at the time of writing has infected a confirmed 17,000+ people in the UK, killing over 1,000 people. May the dead find peace.
Lisabet and I are immensely fortunate in that for our allocated outdoor exercise time we can walk straight from our front into the open countryside around Kendal.
Today, we ventured up towards Serpentine Woods, up and over Kendal Fell, and onwards towards Cunswick Fell, with gorgoeus views along the way.
I hope you enjoy these photos. May they give you calm during these troubling times.
This gorgeous cottage sits just below Serpentine Woods. You should seeing it during Christmas…
Another cottage that sits at the entrance of Serpentine Woods. This one, unfortunately, hasn’t fared so well.
As the views started to open up you could really get to grips with how Kendal is situated in its valley.
I mostly took this because I enjoyed the way the dip in the field below mirrored the shape of Benson Knott in the distance. That’s all.
Working our way around the shoulder of Kendal Fell.
These are the sort of gorgeous views I’m talking about.
The summit of Cunswick Fell (175 m/574 ft), with the Kentmere fells in shadow in the distance.
A closer view of the Kentmere fells from the summit of Cunswick Fell.
A panoramic view looking back to Kendal Fell, which also houses a golf course.
My little Lisabet looking small in the limestone landscape of Cunswick Fell.
It was super windy on the fells today, meaning that the sun kept playing hide ‘n’ seek throughout our hike. Here the sun illuminated Cunswick Fell.
Two Swaledale ewes, Cunswick Fell, and the Lake District fells in the distance. Such a Cumbrian scene.
It’s still weird to see the roads being empty…
The way back home. Spring has arrived.
Nearly home.
Take care, you. Stay home and stay safe.
This, too, shall pass.