Langcliffe to Stainforth (and Back!)

Todays stroll was conducted under almost cloud free skies. We left Langcliffe and walked down to cross the River Ribble and head North on its West bank before crossing Stainforth Bridge. Our return was through the old quarry and Hoffmann limekiln, a must visit for anyone who appreciates industrial archaeology.

Looking North from the footbridge over the Ribble, below Langcliffe.

Quite alot of water in the Ribble this morning

Stainforth Bridge from Stainforth Force.

Inside the Hoffmann limekiln, and this is less than half of it!

The quarry which supplied the limestone for the kiln, now being reclaimed by nature.

The beech trees today in the wonderful light gave the appearance of being on fire!

Lowther

We had in mind a walk elsewhere today, but as we drove over Shap the weather deteriorated rapidly. Somewhere relatively sheltered was the requirement. Having parked in Hackthorpe we set off on a circuit of Lowther Park using bridleways, footpaths and permissive paths. There was quite alot of rain, and a few sunny spells, umbrellas were deployed! You've got to make the most of precious time off!

The hamlet of Whale, the rain stopped long enough for us to have a quick buttie, and the sun highlighted this little Beech tree.

The manicured parkland contains some wonderful trees, many still changing colour.

The path starts to climb as it leaves the  River Lowther and enters a plantation to eventually arrive at Lowther Castle. 

The castle has laid empty since 1937,  renovation only starting in 2012.  Here in the courtyard with the old coachhouses and stables we had Hot Chocolate in the rather splendid cafe.

A Night at Gregs Hut

This has been a long time on the to do list...So yesterday evening with @ianwood2011 we parked at Kirkland under the dark slopes of Cross Fell. It was tipping it down as we set off up the bridleway which contours round the North side of Cross Fell. There aren't any Photo's of the walk up...my camera stayed in the dry!

We arrived at Gregs Hut just before it got properly dark. (Sorry about the grainy pic, it's a miracle it took one at all!)

Ian keeping an eye on the stove, the MBA (no doubt Dick Phillips in particular) have improved Gregs Hut immeasurably since I first visited this shelter over 30 years ago.

The weather was considerably better this morning, the view to the East lit up by the early morning sun.

Here just entering the low cloud which was sat stubbornly on Cross Fell. We made a beeline for the summit.

It wasn't long before we were in the shelter on the summit of Cross Fell. A compass bearing roughly Southeast, led us off in the direction of Litttle Dun Fell.

Turning Southwest at the col on the indistinct bridleway we soon dropped below the cloud. The upper Eden valley enjoying a sunny morning.

The bridleway becomes more obvious the further you walk along it, as we looked out to the West to the Lakes hills Blencathra had recieved a scattering of snow or hail overnight.

Here we are just about to drop off  Wild Boar Edge to descend to the Eden valley. 

In the centre of the picture are the "Hanging Walls of Mark Anthony".....not worthy of a visit on there own in my humble opinion!

Back almost at the car, in the lane which we had walked up 24hrs before in rather different conditions.

Dale Head and Hindscarth

Out with @ianwood2011 today for a walk from Littletown in the Newlands valley today. The route changed several times as we walked! A great day! I'll let the pictures do the talking....

Leaving Littletown, Scope End, with Robinson in the background.

Following Newlands Beck, looking West to the bizarrely named Squat Crags

Back towards Littletown 

A last minute change to our plan saw us crossing the boulder field below Great Gable (the large crag under Dale Head) not the Hill!

Once across the boulders we picked up the old miners path. This brought us to the derelict mine directly under the upper slopes of Dale Head. The sun was finally making an appearance lighting up Hindscarth

Ian on the summit of Dale Head....just a bit windy here!

As we descended from Dale Head,  Buttermere comes into view with the High Stile hills beyond. 

Looking back to Dale Head from the col 

After a snack in the large wind shelter at the lower Northern top of Hindscarth we started the descent.

The path weaves its way through the heather along the ridge to Scope End before a final steep descent to Low Snab and then to Littletown

We arrived back at the car just as the last of the light disappeared, the sun setting beyond Robinson.

Disappointment!

After a great day walking in the Lakes, I arrived home to find a large manilla envelope on the doormat! Sadly it contained a letter to tell me that I had been unsuccessful in the draw for the TGO Challange. I am on the standby list, my email is ripping through the ether to find out how far up this list I lie.