Last of the Autumn Colours in the Lowther Valley

A really beautiful day, we've barely seen the sun up here for ages!....It's grim Up North!!
This is another walk we've done many times, it's one of P's favourites. Not very far, and mainly on the level which is kind to poorly knee joints. We parked in Askham  and wandered up the valley.

Beside the River Lowther near Crookwath bridge

Further on looking upstream from the footbridge below Whale

Back through Lowther Park with the trees showing the last of their Autumn colours

Almost back at the car, we lingered in the warm afternoon sun at Askham Bridge. Just a short walk up through the village stopping for coffee on the way.
Lets hope there are lots more sunny days in the near future :-)

Out With Old Mate Tim For a Days Mountainbiking

Tim and I have been trying to get out for a day on the Mountain Bikes for almost 6 months. Today was the day! We parked near Force Mills, the weather almost perfect. We headed South on varius bridleways towards Rusland, visiting the ford at Rusland Pool. I didn't take many pics...we were to busy chatting about adventures we'd had 40 years ago on these same trails! Here's one or to anyway...

This is a vehicle trap!!  "Get me out says Fatty!"
The idea being that no vehicles should use the ford at this time of year to help the fish.
We had no intention of crossing anyway, and turned and continued our route.
We climbed up to High Ickenthwaite and over to Nibthwaite. The Parkamoor Road was next...

Here as we climbed up the old track the views over to the Coniston Fells was excellent.

After lunch just South of Parkamoor, we continued on the bridleway high above Coniston Water.
This is one of the best viewpoints I know of the Coniston Fells (its above Heald Brow)
From here we dropped down to Bank Ground, before climbing back over Grizedale Moor.
A bit of "North Face Trail" led us back to Grizedale, then more bridleways back to the car.  

Back at the car and bike washed...Fatty was tired I think, had to sit down!
We'd had a great day, in great weather!
Thanks Tim! :-))
Should anyone want to follow our route, the Strava track is here 

A Bit of a Hike...Followed By a Bit of Bike

Finding myself free for the day at short notice and with the weather looking superb, I decided on a walk first then a ride on the bike later. Having parked on the top of Kirkstone I headed east.....

Once on St. Ravens Edge the way forward is laid out before you, together with a grand view down towards Patterdale.

As the path dips to the head of Woundale there were a number of bags of rocks...looks like the path is going to be repaired.

I had lunch here sheltering behind the wall from the stiff breeze.
The Southern reaches of Windermere is visible in the distance.

The summit of Caudale Moor. The Helvellyn range seen to the left of the cairn.

I then crossed over some very wet ground (its done nowt but rain for ages!)to Stoney Cove Pike.
As a lad I knew all this area as "John Bells Banner"....it was what my Grandad called it!!
I reversed the route back to the car.
After the short drive home I had a coffee and slab of Soreen (other maltloafs are available!) got changed and went out on the bike towards Warton Crag. 

Beside the view indicator on Arnside Knott looking Northwest.
There was as ever recently a hell of a wind!
This is my 60th Birthday present to myself, (albeit a bit after the fact) a Spa Elan. Not purchased to replace any of my other machines but for a specific purpose.....which I think it will suit admirably. There will be more posts on this in the future I'm sure This was my first proper ride on it and I must say so far I'm very pleased :-)

From high on the Knott it was back to sea level, after a pause on the Stone pier I headed back home well satisfied with my use of the day.