Stormy Ride to the Coast

A late start after a couple of hours at work, mind it was just as well the South Lakes was taking a battering from the wind and rain since the early hours. Things started to look a bit better by 11ish, and I knew the expected high tide would be about noon, so off I wobbled to Arnside and the coast. I rode through sheltered lanes, but even so progress was very difficult. Arnside was taking a real battering the waves were over the stone jetty, salt spray heavy in the air....my camera stayed tucked away. I then rode North towards St Johns Cross and Sandside.

Here at St Johns Cross the sea was well across the road, and so started the first of many detours.

Here at Storth the Arnside to Milnthorpe road was I guess approx 4ft underwater. Even the detour from here to Milnthorpe along the old quarry road was impassable.

The Kent estuary looking very full! Whitbarrow Scar and the Lakes hills beyond.

In the grounds of Dallam Tower the River Bela had burst its banks and another detour required.
Whilst the pictures look dramatic you've got to feel for anyone inundated by the flood water, today it was all to clear how powerful the sea can be even here in a relatively sheltered estuary.

Dallam Park and Hazelslack

Yet another lovely warm evening, these are not to be missed. So I headed West from the village with the sun beaming down on me.

The River Bela at Hanging Bridge. The low buildings were originally built during the Second World War as a POW camp

An unusual name, but the sign explains all

Part of the plan was to get a couple of items from Booths supermarket in Milnthorpe. Very smart, the bridge looks like a reflection.....but the bridge is long gone (Thanks Dr Beeching) its a clever sculpture.

All tranquil in Dallam Park

The touring bike at the entrance to Dallam Park

Minor roads led me past Hazelslack Tower on the way home.

Bottoms Lane & Jenny Browns Point

Another short evening ride, taking advantage of the amazing dry spell. I'd almost forgotton we ever got weather like this. It has been very hazy though, not the best for photos.

The Restored Limekiln at Bottoms Farm. In excellent condition, even open at the top, although on private land.

This is the Limekiln at Jenny Browns Point, again restored just over 10 years ago.

Theres still alot of Wild Roses in the hedgerows hereabouts.

The tide was well out this evening and the haze made for a poor photo, but Jenny Browns is always a pleasent place to be. 

South Lakes Lanes

My evening ride tonight was back to Kendal, (where I work every day!). There was method in my madness, I went to call on my mate Bill, who's been suffering a bout of abcess's...bloody awful in my experience. So a gentle ride along the minor roads and quiet lanes in the lovely warm evening sun.

My local hill, Farleton Knott, not much hay on this field!

Its been a while since I've had a look at Hincaster Tunnel..As you can see the canal is empty here and indeed dry all the way to Kendal sadly. Its almost 200 years old.

Aminor detour to Sedgwick Falls, theres not much water in ther River Kent after the dry spell.

I took a different route back visiting the mosses between Heversham village and the Kent estuary

Meadow Cranesbill I think? lots of these in the hedges this evening.

Thro' the lanes to Arnside

To good an evening to do nothing and with tired legs from the weekend I had a "recovery" ride to Arnside. only 14 miles or so, but very pleasent in the warm sun.

Reflections in the R. Bela at Beetham, The old mill on the left undergoing renovation, the modern Billerud mill on the right

Lots of Oxeye Daisys smiling at the sun in the verges.

Old limekilns at the quarry, Sandside.

All calm on the Kent estuary this evening, the view to the Lakes hills very hazy.

Out to "sea" from the stone pier at Arnside, not much water this evening though!

Dallam Park

Dallam Park

        Just an evening ride on the pushbike, taking advantage of the evening sun. I had ridden via the villages of Storth and Sandside before riding through Dallam Park with its herd of Fallow Deer. Back home through Beetham. Nice to be out in the fresh air after a day in the Office.

Barbondale & Dentdale

A beautiful day, an early start on the bike and a cross country route to Kirkby Lonsdale and onwards to Barbondale. It was packed with folk, a sponsered walk I would guess. Dentdale was much quieter. Back home via the mother of all hills at Killington.