Pandemic Peregrinations: Brigsteer, Cumbria, Winter
After the recent wonderful wintery scenes of snow in and around Kendal, things have somewhat changed.
After the recent wonderful wintery scenes of snow in and around Kendal, things have somewhat changed.
Storm Christoph has arrived over the British Isles, as well as all the flood warnings. Whilst we’re not expecting Storm Desmond-levels of rain, there will be enough to induce mild panic and anxiety within us Desmond-survivors.
Thankfully, before the storm arrived, we had a clear day on the 17th so Lisabet and I gleefully utilised it by enjoying a 12 km hike.
We took the quiet country lanes from near the Westmorland General towards the delightfully idyllic village of Natland. Then we carried on towards the River Kent, crossing it at Hawes Bridge (and stopping for photos of the gorge, of course), carried on over the A591 and back up the fellside towards Brigsteer.
This was a part of the local area we’ve nearly properly looked at before and we were happily surprised. We essentially tracked the road that scanned northwards alongside the back of Scout Scar, with some beautiful scenes along the way. We mentally bookmarked this area for when spring and summer finally arrives.
I hope you enjoy this walk too.
All photos taken on my Fujifilm X-T2 using a Samyang 35mm f/1.2 lens. Developed using one of RNI’s Kodachrome film profiles.
I always enjoy this view down Kirkland from Highgate in Kendal, and rarely resist an opportunity for a photo. The scene almost has a timeless quality to it.
Some yarn bombing alongside the River Kent has definitely seen better days.
All in a row…
Arriving at Natland we slowed down for photos of the idyllic village and its old buildings. This big old building was once Natland Hall Farm, a relatively large farmhouse.
Riders and their horses near Hawes Bridge enjoy the lack of rain.
The River Kent was full and raging at Hawes Bridge, where it turns on its side and gouges out this little limestone gorge.
As we ascended the fell side towards Brigsteer and the back of Scout Scar, we passed through Low House Farm and snapped a few photos. I saw this old barn door and pondered the passage of time.
Once we ascended Whetstone Lane we joined Brigsteer Road and followed it northwards back towards Kendal. Here the views really opened up, including this scene of the winding dry stone wall. And you know what I’m like we a good dry stone wall…
Another variation of the above composition, picking out some of the flora in the hedgerows.
A beautifully wooded lane. One to come back to in spring and summer.
Following along the back of Scout Scar we came across these rather noisy cows, bellowing at each other.
I love her hair…
Heading back into Kendal. It’s hard to make out in the photo but in the distance we could see the snowy tops of the Kentmere fells.
Another one of my favourite Kendal scenes, heading down the steep Beast Banks back into Kendal town centre.
Kendal clock tower, still being repaired and thus still stuck at 12pm.
Isolation: Natland, Cumbria, Spring 2020
There is a global pandemic. Coronavirus (COVID-19) is here.
This is the point where the wide and lazy River Kent drastically narrows into a limestone gorge. The colour of the water was mesmerising.
There is a global pandemic. Coronavirus (COVID-19) is here.
The world has paused.
People are falling ill, and others are dying. Businesses are closing and jobs are lost. Towns and cities fall quiet as people self-isolate and quarantine themselves inside their homes.
I’ve become one of those practising self-isolation and thus working from home. As a Type 2 diabetic, I fall under the category of “vulnerable person” as my condition makes me immunocompromised. I’ve spent the past week almost completely inside the house.
Today, with care, Lisabet and I ventured out into the open countryside, taking care to keep our distance from people where needed.
We hiked south out of Kendal and followed the River Kent for a riverside walk. Along the way we discovered woods filled with wild garlic, future wild swimming spots, and a gorgeous ravine where the River Kent narrows down a limestone gorge underneath Hawes Bridge.
Times are confusing and scary. I hope these photos offer you some respite.
My lovely Lisabet leading along the lane as we rejoin the riverside. For once, today, it was not raining.
Looking back north along the River Kent. Probably a good spot for a swim when the weather warms up.
We found what we were guessing to be an old section of Kendal Canal, now extinct. Part of the wall that separated the canal from the river has succumbed to outside forces, and a cascade has formed.
Lisabet has an eye for finding bits of pottery along river banks and on beaches. Today was no exception.
The River Kent from Hawes Bridge. Here the river narrows into a limestone gorge, cutting down deep channels.
Lisabet’s photography style summarised: get close.
Hawes Bridge crossing over the limestone gorge at the River Kent. Best bet to stay away from the edges…
A couple enjoy a little wander in the gorge. Who knows how deep the river gets here…
For the highland/fell breeds in Cumbria, lambing typically doesn’t start until around the beginning of April. But for the lowland breeds, lambing is in full swing.
Take care everyone, and stay safe.