A Personal Motorcycle History....Or A Misspent Youth? Part 6

 A quick recap on where I was in Spring 1981. I still had the Honda CX500 road bike and the Suzuki PE400 off road/enduro bike. Plus my car! My interests waxed and waned as has been evident throughout these posts. From memory off road riding was losing its appeal (as it often did during the Summer) and the Honda CX500 was worthy....but the lure of a larger, more powerful bike was irresistible.
 I decided to part exchange both the CX500 and PE400 for my first "Superbike"

Suzuki GSX1100
(This image is taken from the internet apologies for any copyright infringement)
Mine was the same as the one pictured except the "stripes" were Blue

 Bought new, the GSX1100 was the most powerful (and fastest) mass production bike at the time. Powered by a 4 stroke, 4 cylinder DOHC engine boasting a 4 valve TSCC head....this produced according to the specs close to 100bhp. It did weigh 260kg though...suspension was air forks with adjustable pressure and damping, the rear shocks adjustable for damping and preload. 

 Once the original tyres were swapped for some stickier Michelins it handled really rather well, especially when I look at the diameter of those fork legs! This was a mixed blessing it encouraged you to exploit the plentiful power...and still in my early 20's I thought myself invincible.

 2 days off a week, split...Thursdays and Sundays..Thursdays were for the hills...peak bagging, and Sundays...well during the Spring/Summer/Autumn of 1981 the GSX was blasted up and down the Motorways and A roads to race meetings. Often to see modified versions of the very same bike as mine race, proper superbike racing...flat barred tuned monsters ridden to the edge of adhesion and beyond by some of the greatest racers in the world, such as Graeme Crosby, Wayne Gardner. This youtube video from back in the day gives an idea of what these bikes were like to ride. 

 I loved the "buzz" of riding the GSX1100, and the fun continued during the Spring and early Summer of 1982. I was with hindsight riding it in an ever more crazy fashion...and after being stopped by the police one evening near Ambleside (and let off!) I started thinking perhaps I should buy something a bit more sedate....

BMW R80 g/s
(This image is taken from the internet apologies for any copyright infringement)
 Mine was the same as the bike in the image, but with custom Dream Machine paintwork. Rather than the White/BMW motorsport colours it was a classic BMW combination of Red with Black Smoked highlights.

 Late July 1983, I traded the GSX1100 in for the BMW R80 g/s at Allan Jefferies in Shipley, I picked it up on the 1st August. Could 2 bikes be much different? The R80 g/s was powered by a horizontally opposed 800cc twin cylinder 4 stroke engine with shaft drive to the rear wheel via a single sided swing arm...relatively common place now, but a rarity then. The engine in a low state of tune produced 50bhp, but in a very usable way. Ideal for long easy days out...a much more sensible way to ride.

 It went to the Isle of Mull in the Autumn for a very wet week but I didn't keep it for very long. This was one bike I've always had regrets about selling, in the intervening years prices have rocketed for this model...the Grand Daddy of all the "Adventure Bikes". April 1984 and I was thinking of a bigger bike again..

BMW K100
(This image is taken from the internet apologies for any copyright infringement)
Mine was identical to the one pictured

 Bought new, again from Allan Jefferies. BMW's first departure from the horizontal twin configuration they had become synonymous with. The engine an inline 4 cylinder 4 stroke DOHC unit, watercooled and again shaft drive using a single sided swingarm. They would prove to be very capable bikes with generally excellent reliability. Mine certainly was.

It was used again for travelling to spectate at motorcycle events and for many mini tours over the 2 years I owned it.

Kawasaki KL250

(This image is taken from the internet apologies for any copyright infringement)

Mine was identical to the one pictured

 I'm not sure of the timeline here, but I think I bought it (new) in late Spring 1984. No trade in, this was owned in addition to the BMW K100. I remember very little of this bike, indeed it was only in a recent conversation with Tim on the phone that he reminded me I'd sold it to him! Bought as an easy to use off road bike and for the narrow lanes in the Lakes where the K100 was not that happy. It was powered by a single cylinder 4 stroke engine producing about 20bhp it certainly wasn't a ball of fire, but was quite a good "green laner", good suspension and quiet.

 Not sure how long I owned it, but probably sold it to Tim in late 1985/early 1986 to help fund a new car...I was back to one bike, the K100. Walking was becoming more of a "thing" and I felt a large bike was a bit of a waste, I had a new car for transport after all. So....

Yamaha SRX 600

(This image is taken from the internet apologies for any copyright infringement)

Mine was identical to the one pictured

   Spring 1986 i sold the BMW K100 in part exchange for the Yamaha SRX600, a lightweight single cylinder 4 stroke engine, in a lightweight chassis. I suppose in hindsight I felt that as the motorbike was purely a "leisure" vehicle, I may as well have a fun type bike. About 45bhp pushing 170kg ish meant lively performance. The handling should have been excellent, Japanese bikes had left their poor handling behind in most cases...however the SRX600 felt oversprung at the rear...I only weighed 65kg at the time which made matters worse I think.

  I hadn't put many miles on the SRX (maybe 2000) when one evening I set off to go bouldering in Great Langdale. A beautiful sunny Summer evening, wearing light polycotton trousers, trainers and a ski jacket things all went wrong.

 Making the most of the evening I took the Crook road to Bowness, and then Rayrigg Road (national Speed limit in those days). Climbing up below the Miller Howe Hotel there is a steepening in the road (slightly flattened since). Opening the throttle to pull the wheel up as it crested the rise, the back wheel kicked up and pitched me off, it all felt like slow motion...how fast...I'm not sure...probably 70mph? I landed heavily on my head and shoulder (tarmac is hard at that speed) and slid up the hill and across the road coming to rest against the kerb maybe 50 metres or so from the start of the accident. It was no exaggeration to say I was a bit of a mess...and the SRX was a write off.

 I can tell you that light trousers and a ski jacket provide very little protection against tarmac. Remarkably I wasn't seriously hurt, no broken bones or sprains. My helmet had taken a lot of the impact, I had a few cuts and a fair bit of skin missing, a huge friction burn down one side of my body.  

 No mobile phones in those days, so having picked myself up, I wheeled the mangled SRX into an unoccupied garden and walked/hobbled up to Windermere to phone home. I asked Dad to come and pick me up...and to bring a towel for the car seat to protect it. I dismissed the idea of hospital...they'd ask to many awkward questions! Mother cleaned up the cuts and gravel rash...where upon Dad said my backside looked like a plate of mince!

 I was back walking/running ( bagging all the Wainwrights in 8 months in that year) in a week. But that would be the end of motorcycling for a while. 

Once again you've done well if you have stuck with it to here. Thanks for reading, I've documented this for myself really before the old fool forgets any more!

Tek Care and Stay Safe

Fatbike Today...Mixing It Up...Maintaining Enthusiasm

 Today is the 37th "lockdown" day for me, so in order to keep things fresh I decided to make today's daily exercise a Fatbike ride.
 Straight out on to the towpath and I headed South. This a section I rarely ride...but have walked many times over the last few weeks. Rain was forecast in the afternoon so I was out late morning, under overcast skies and with dampness in the air...a lot cooler as well. Again much of the terrain has been featured in previous posts, there's one or two new bits though (Sorry for all the Fatbike intrusions)....

The towpath is dryer than I've ever seen it, and this morning not a single person was seen.

I left the canal where the M6 cuts it near Cinderbarrow and after crossing the A6 I rode through Yealand. Then down onto Thrang Moss. This is a lovely quiet area, a real haven for flora and fauna. Years ago it used to boggy, but now the tracks have been improved...all weather proof infact.

The Bluebells through here are superb at the moment.

Dryad’s Saddle... I think? growing on a fallen and decaying tree trunk.

A bit of tarmac up to Slackhead, then the offroad descent of Dollywood Lane. Through Carr Bank and onto the old railway trackbed/sea defence on the coast.

Northwards along the sea defence and beach to Sandside.
Whitbarrow Scar the prominent hill across the estuary. 

Back home via Haverbrack Lane, I always like to stop here to see the Lakes hills beyond the tidal River Kent...so near yet so far.
Down to Beetham and back through Hangbridge, Elmsfield and Old Lanes to Holme.
Good to be back on the Fatbike....it make this 62 year old feel like he's 12 again!
Tek Care and Stay Safe 

A Change of Pace...29er On the Northern Reaches

 As per the title, a change of pace today. I've had an hour or so on the 29er mountain bike. An out and back basically on the towpath of the Lancaster Canals Northern Reaches. The weather is still excellent, although looking at the forecast today may have been the last good one for a few days.
 Much of this terrain has featured on recent posts, so there are only a few photographs from the ride...

The Ramin 29er on the towpath near Crooklands

One of a series of new milestones on the Northern Reaches, part of the renovation taking place to celebrate the 200th anniversary

Looking North from the Wakefield Wharf near Crooklands. Built to enable the gunpowder produced at Gatebeck to transported away.
As an aside the Wakefield family were also major shareholders in Castrol Oil.

This is an overhead view of the Stainton aquaduct. the work has being going on now for 12 months (halted at the moment due to Covid 19). The original damaged in 2015 in Storm Desmond. it is heartening to see such investment.

Only a couple of hundred metres further on the Lancaster Canal was derelict and filled in until a couple of years ago. As you can see in the image above it has been dug out and now contains water again. I wonder how long before the "earth plug"in the foreground is removed and thenext section can be used?
I returned home much the same way, a short but enjoyable ride in the sun..."change as good as a rest!"
Tek Care and Stay Safe

A "Lockdown" Walk from Home to Ploverlands...Hutton Roof Crags

After 7 day's daily exercise on the bikes, (when I've taken very few photographs) it was time to use my feet as the good lord intended. This afternoon I set off from home to make my way across to Hutton Roof Crags. I'd only just got on the canal adjacent to home when I realised I'd forgotten my binoculars...oh well! The Spring flowers are looking great, my photo's really don't do them justice...anyway on with some pics...

Just a few metres from home and I was pleased to see that this family of Mallard ducklings were growing up and appear to be doing well.

Moorhen

Through Curwen Woods and across to Slape Lane...the woods carpeted with Bluebells

Orchid...but which one?

Hartshead Fern

I left Slape Lane and entered Pickles Wood...managed by the Cumbria Wildlife Trust.
It ha apparently had continuous cover since the medieval period and therefore a unique habitat.

Higher up the fell in Lancelot Clark Storth, this old front axle was beside the track. Off a Grey Fergie perhaps? No doubt left after it had been used to demolish some of the Limestone Pavement in this area. Those wheel bearings look past it to me! 

Cowslips

The summit Trig on Hutton Roof Crags, or more correctly Ploverlands...it's a Marilyn as well.

Lots of Gorse on the way back to Newbiggin Lane...a wonderful coconut aroma through here

Naughty Cows...this one in the foreground most definitely the ring leader!
I walked back across Home Park Fell arriving back just as a few spots of rain fell...the first for about a month from memory.
Tek Care and stay Safe

A Personal Motorcycle History....Or A Misspent Youth? Part 5

Following on from the last post I now had a car for daily transport. This meant I could have a less practical motorbike for leisure use on the road. I had after all owned the MZ for 2 years!  Enter the....

Yamaha RD350LC

(This image is taken from the internet apologies for any copyright infringement)

Mine was identical to the one above

 Purchased used, although only a month or so old and less than 600 miles on the clock. Powered by a 350cc liquid cooled 2 stroke twin cylinder engine. A wet weight of 150kg and 47bhp made for very lively performance. It also handled very well (there was a one make race series which started the careers of a number of future world class racers). I ran it for a short time on wet racing tyres which gave it unbelievable handling for an otherwise stock road bike. 

 It was a complete departure from anything I'd owned, great for an after work blast...but wearing over a long day out. Perhaps this wasn't right for my type of riding. We'll return to this thread later in the post...

Suzuki SP370
(This image is taken from the internet apologies for any copyright infringement)
Mine was the same model as above, but silver rather than red.

 Meanwhile I still had the KTM, and as I'd discovered not a practical bike at all. I needed to get rid of it, so part exchanged it for the Suzuki SP370. I took a massive hit moneywise but was pleased to see the back off it...owership was definitely a mixture of Type 1 and Type 2 Fun!

 I bought the Suzuki SP370 new they were being offered at a very good price £795 if I remember correctly. Powered by a docile 370cc single cylinder 4 stroke engine, it was a complete...and welcome...contrast to the KTM. It made a very civilised trail bike, and a more than capable light touring bike. I replaced the high front mudguard with a lower tyre hugging item, this stopped most of the spray at the risk of blockage by mud.

 Overall I enjoyed the ownership of the SP370, it went on a very wet tour of the West Coast of Scotland to Durness. It rained everyday, but didn't miss a beat. It was also very frugal, especially compared to the RD350LC I owned at the same time. 

 This post has a confusing timeline (to me at least) due to the way the bikes were bought and sold. Indeed I have had a couple of phone conversations with Tim trying to get things in the correct order! 

Honda CX500
(This image is taken from the internet apologies for any copyright infringement)
Mine was exactly like the one pictured above

 Summer 1981...I think! and I swapped the RD350LC for a Honda CX500. Bought new from Sapphire Motorcycles, and a complete change from the Yamaha. The CX500's engine is a watercooled 80 degree 4 stroke V twin producing just under 50bhp. Considerably heavier than the Yamaha and with poorer handling...doesn't sound great does it? 

 The CX500 could certainly munch miles though, a large fuel tank, comfy seat and the convenience of shaft drive meant I used it for the longer rides I preferred.

Meanwhile on the off-road front things were about to change again...

Fantic 175 Trials
(This image is taken from the internet apologies for any copyright infringement)
Things are a bit hazy about this one, I'm confident mine was this model...but mine didn't have lights

 Another bizarre move in hindsight...I part exchanged the SP370 (slightly battered, and modified) for a used Fantic 175 Trials bike. The engine a 175cc 2 stroke engine in a soft state of tune. (it also occasionally would fire in reverse!..disconcerting to say the least!)

 I bought it, not to compete on but to use really as a "playbike". Tim had a Bultaco Trials bike at the same time. It was used for a few trail rides, other than the restricted fuel capacity it helped to make any obstacle east to surmount. It was the only Italian bike I've owned, and against their reputation at the time was reliable...except for the right footrest falling off... but that could have been contributed to by user error!

 I'm nit sure how long I kept the Fantic. An impractical extravagance, it had to go...

Suzuki PE400

(This image is taken from the internet apologies for any copyright infringement)

Mine was the same as the one above

 I part exchanged the Fantic for the Suzuki PE400. The PE400 was used, but from memory had had an easy life and was generally in good order. Powered by a single cylinder 400cc 2 stroke engine, although an off road racing bike it was a much less focused machine than the KTM I'd owned previously.

 Memories are again hazy of this bike, I used it for trail riding with the Trail Riders Fellowship and don't remember an reliability issues...indeed I can only really remember a couple of rides on it. Although I'm sure it was used a lot more than that.

I'll leave this post here, thanks for reading...we'll reconvene in a day or so.

Tek Care and Stay Safe

A Personal Motorcycling History....Or A Misspent Youth? Part 4

Although the Honda CB400 Dream was quite a capable bike it was a bit bland perhaps. I'd probably only owned it about 4 months at the most. Anyway I was earning quite a bit more money so decided I should upgrade to something a bit larger...and more powerful...

A Yamaha XS750
(this photo taken from the internet apologies for any copyright infringement)
Mine was exactly like the image above

 Bought used from Sapphire Motor Cycles in Staveley. It had less than 1000 miles on...barely used! The XS750 has a 4 stroke, 3 cylinder engine with shaft drive and triple discs to slow its not inconsiderable weight down...a real grown-ups bike! It produced round about 67 bhp, and was supposed to have a top speed of 110 mph. I certainly never had it up at that speed mind. The handling was typical of large capacity Japanese bikes of this era. Just look at the super skinny forks.

 Very comfortable over longer rides, I can't remember what it was like on fuel...it was way more powerful than anything else I'd ridden before, but didn't encourage "spirited riding". My mate Tim was still into off road riding, and as I liked the idea of keeping the XS750 in good order I thought a small easily manoeuvred off road bike would be a good idea...Oh dear... 

A Honda SL125
(This photo is taken from the internet apologies for any copyright infringement)
Mine was exactly like the image above

 It had taken over 5 years but eventually I had a Honda SL125, having being seduced by one back on the Windermere Ferry all those years ago. I bought it used (well used in fact!) from James Walker's in Kendal. Powered by a single cylinder 4 stroke engine, developing perhaps 12bhp (when new) quite a contrast to the XS750 in my parents garage (which I was slowly taking over). It was very light though..which made it ideal for the use I had in mind.

 The SL125 was used throughout the Winter of 78/79 with minimal maintenance Daily commuting the short distance to work and off road on days off, including "Runs" with the TRF (Trail Riders Fellowship). It was indeed ideal for this purpose, incredibly reliable considering the abuse it received...it snapped it's chain twice from memory...but I always carried a repair link so no worries there. It did however break a piston ring...reducing it's power,  but actually not stopping it!

 I was enjoying the off road stuff, the SL125 was doing a great job. Winter is fraught with error and I had a lot of money tied up in the XS750 parked in the garage not being used (I think I only owned it for 4 months) I felt I should change it for a proper off road bike. (My parents thought I was Mad...so do I now!) So....

KTM 400 GS
(This photo is taken from the internet apologies for any copyright infringement)
Mine was for all intents and purposes the same as the image above

 I traded the XS750 in at Sapphire Motorcycles for the KTM 400 GS, a full on off road racing motorcycle. Mine was used, but not if that makes sense. I'll explain...I'd called and asked Sapphire if they could get me a new KTM 400 GS, they couldn't. Off road bikes are introduced as new models/versions every year with the latest innovations and modifications learned from the previous seasons racing. They told me that the importers, Comerfords in London had a bike which had been prepared and run in for their sponsored rider Vic Allen to ride in Enduro's. I can't remember why he'd never used it...perhaps injury?

 I agreed to buy it...they sent it on the train! to Oxenholme. So I now had 2 off road bikes. I think looking back I'd lost the plot. The KTM was a thoroughbred racing machine...ridden by the human equivalent of an old nag! The 2 stroke engine had more power than any normal rider could cope with, top quality suspension components a very capable fully road legal machine in the right hands. It was also fully road legal

 I had a love/hate relationship with the KTM, it wasn't a bike to potter about on. But if you were in the mood to press on it could certainly do it....70 mph off road feels quick believe me. It was very well made and adorned with neat touches to make "in the field" maintenance.

Probably not the most practical bike I've ever owned....

MZ250 Supa5
(This photo is taken from the internet apologies for any copyright infringement)
Mine was the same as the image above

 But this one was! Massively underrated at the time and an object of fun to many. In the Spring of 1979 I realised that owning 2 off road biased bikes was silly...so part exchanged the Honda SL125 at James Walker's in Kendal for this MZ250. An East German (Crikey...before the "Wall" came down!) very  well priced 2 stroke single cylinder engine tuned for torque and long life rather than performance. Having said all that, there was at the time a one make race series for them! 

 I really enjoyed owning the MZ it was very reliable and economical on fuel (as you'd expect). The only failure was on the kickstart lever, which was an easy fix. I used the MZ both for the daily commute, day trips way and as transport to the hills for walking trips. I think from memory I rode it for about 12000 miles. 

 I hadn't bothered with car ownership or even had lessons to take a car test up to this point. It was whilst I owned the MZ that I felt owning 2 motorbikes and no car was perhaps a bit limiting when away from bikes I enjoyed walking...and skiing in the Winter. But these posts are about motorcycles not cars....

Well done if you've read this far..and if you've kept up! I'M struggling to remember dates so goodness knows how anyone else make anything of it.

Tak Care and Stay Safe

My Last 3 Daily Exercise Cycle Rides....Back Up to Date!

These are from Wednesday, Friday and today. All on the Elan with its wider tyres to deal with the off road/gravel sections. As mentioned yesterday the amazing weather continues, although it's always cooler on the bike even with a light wind. Much of the terrain has been traversed before and similar images have appeared in previous posts...there may be something of interest.

On top of Bridge 159 looking North, on my way to ride the lanes below Lupton.

Lot of Ramson flowers now.

Friday and I was again heading North to ride basically a loop encircling Farleton Knott.
I stopped here only a couple of hundred metres from home to take this picture. This pair haven't nested here for a couple of years...I think the increased traffic on the towpath (due to Covid 19) may frighten them off....we'll see.

This junction is called 19 Trees by the locals...I wonder why?

Back home along the canal towpath above Hilderstone Lane.

Today with all the metalled lanes traversed within my 5k limit I was free to do a bit of  "Gravel Grinding". This is on Dollywood Lane near Slackhead. the elan is quite capable as long as you take it slowly and show a bit of mechanical sympathy!

I linked a few bridleways and minor lanes together, then rode South back home on the canal.
Farleton Knott omnipresent as always!
Take Care and Stay Safe

A Personal Motorcycle History.....Or a Misspent Youth? Part 3

As described in the previous post on the subject, I was frustrated with the Honda XL250. Spring is a great time to change your bike (this would be a recurring theme!) together with my fondness for travelling further afield swayed me towards a pure road bike. March (I think!) 1976 saw me the proud owner of a brand new....

Honda CB250 G5
(Apologies for the use of the photo taken from the internet and any copyright infringement)
Mine was the same as the one pictured except on a P reg (hence no front plate required)

 This felt like a much larger bike than it actually was. A 250cc twin cylinder engine, SOHC fed by twin carburettors and an electric starter! Plus a disc front brake, although from memory it wasn't the best to say the least. A max speed of just over 80mph in real terms, was with hindsight more than enough.

 I piled the miles on this machine travelling to motorcycle events across the North of England and had a short camping tour round Kintyre in Scotland. I also used it for transport for work and to go walking and fishing in the Lakes. The summer of 1976 was of course one of the best, from memory it didn't rain in Kendal during the day from 1st April until mid July, motorcycling heaven. If I wasn't hooked before I was during this period of fantastic weather.

 Up till now motorcycling had been a mainly solitary experience, moving to Kendal away from Bowness meant I had lost touch a bit. I learnt that Tim Wray (from Bowness) had the same bike...in the same colour as well. I called round to see him and to have a chat...people with motorbikes always have plenty to talk about. Tim also had a Kawasaki KE175 trail bike...motorbike mad! We would become great fiends....and still are. 

 Tim was keener on trail/trials riding than the road, lots of time was spent exploring the capabilities of various off-road bikes over the following years. 

 The Honda was used mercilessly, I clocked up about 14000 miles in the 12months or so I owned it. I only came to grief once more by good luck than skill, colliding with a Wine & Spirits delivery van a couple of 100 metres of home...resulting in a rather battered Honda...and no damage to the van at all...Dad had been right!! I was a bit cut and bruised, but remember straightening up the Honda in the garage during the evening to be ready to ride over to Scarborough the next day for the road racing.

So the following Spring, March again I think I traded in a rather battered CB250 for another Trailbike....

A Yamaha DT250 Monoshock
(Apologies for the use of the photo taken from the internet and any copyright infringement)
Mine was identical to the image above.

 Bought brand new in March 1977, and another 250cc engine, it was the first 2 stroke bike I'd owned. It was used again without mercy both off road and on and from memory never missed a beat. Lots of fun was had...including a 2 up trip to Hereford and back in the day from Kendal. It spent many days caked in mud and hammered over rocks. 

 It did however in early December bite back (perhaps it was over enthusiastic throttle use) spinning up on frozen grass and falling and trapping my right foot. This happened on the Garburn Road...a favourite area in those days. Barely able to walk, I eventually rode home. Mother decided I should go to the hospital, a severely sprained ankle which resulted in a plaster cast and 3 weeks off work. The cast was removed on Boxing Day. 

 Something which I'd almost forgotten...I had taken up skiing in the Lakes, self taught (like motorcycling!) and without a car...this bike was ideal for ploughing through the snow to get to Kirkstone...Skis and poles across my back and a rucksack with skiboots etc also on my back...I'm shivering now typing this!

 I kept the Yamaha for 13 months I think (Tim will correct me if I'm wrong!) I cant quite remember why I felt I should forget about the trail riding?...I certainly enjoyed it...perhaps I thought there was more chance of injury? Anyway it was Spring....new bike time! So off to James Walker for the 5th time and I bought a....

Honda CB400T

(Apologies for the use of the photo taken from the internet and any copyright infringement)

Mine was the same as the one above.

 Back to a Honda and a 4 stroke engine 400cc SOHC with 3 valve heads, not a performance machine really 27bhp and would reach mid 90's with a following wind. Tim had also bought one, although he still had an off road bike as well. He sold his quite quickly.

 The Honda Dream name was revived for this model (which I think only lasted 1 year) but in all honesty this wasn't really the bike of my dreams. It was still my daily transport and was used again for light touring, including a holiday to Galloway with Tim he still had his red version of the same bike. Strangely Tim and Ang now live on the Mull of Galloway so I know he liked the area!  

 I can't remember how many miles I clocked up or in fact exactly when I sold it. What I can say is things were going to get a bit crazy.

Thanks for reading

Take Care and Stay Safe

Social Distance Walks 017/018/019

The dry weather is still with us...and sadly so is Covid 19. So the Social distancing continues, daily exercise is still allowed..from home. Here are the latest walks, there have been some bike rides in between them which will feature in a future post.

Tuesday, and I headed Southeast towards Curwen Woods. This fine Limekiln is in the grounds.

Ash Flower

Danelion Clocks are appearing, this one in Pipers Lane

Honeysuckle is getting going the hedgerow beside Pickles Wood was covered with it, there'll be a grand show when it flowers later in the year.

Wood Anemone. 

The woodland floor covered with spring flowers

Another limekiln near Oakwood Farm, back home through Curwen Woods

Thursday was not the best day mentally...don't know why..along the canal to Farleton and back.
I did capture this Mallard with an impressive brood (is that correct?)

Today (Saturday) I set off with a specific target in mind...but I was distracted by the Cherry Blossom on the trees as I left the village.

Along the canal to Farleton, then onto Nook Lane. My target today the hill in this view...Scout Hill

Leaving Nook, a number of bridleways led ever upward. This gate is one of hundreds which mark the line of the Thirlmere Aquaduct as our precious Lake District water makes it's way to Manchester.

A trig point!...how long is it since we saw one of them! Scout Hill is 285m high and provides a great viewpoint. This is broadly South, Farleton Knott in the mid ground, Arnside Knott the bump in the distance on the right.

To the East, Barbon Fells, Great Coum and Ingleborough in the distance.

To the North things are rather more cluttered.  A repeater station and the Hood Ridding Wind Farm.
In the distance the Howgill Fells to the left of the Trig.

Back much the same way, a last look back at Scout Hill between the trees from the canal near Farleton...3 hours there and back...only 1 person (with 2 dogs) seen...at a very safe distance!
Take Care and Stay Safe