Walking. Gossip. Travel.

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  • Keswick – Castlerigg Stone Circle

    Before we drove back to Norfolk, we went to visit Castlerigg Stone Circle, which is one of the most important prehistoric sites in the country. It was built in around the third century BC and is around a thirty-minute walk from Keswick.

    The information board at the entrance to the site.

    A plan of where the stones are located at the site. There have been some incursions onto the site over the decades, but one in the 1990s was prevented when the local paper reported that “the hippies were defeated by farmyard slurry placed by local farmers and the police”.

       

    Photos of the stones. There has been no detailed archaeological investigation to have taken place here, with the English Heritage being told that they couldn’t dig here in the 1980s. They did though do a geological survey of the site and a dig is now unlikely as there is no pressing need to disrupt the archaeology which is thought likely to still remain in situ.

    This was the time when the awards were announced for the week, with Sarah winning the coveted ‘bravest person of the week’ award. What an honour”

  • Lake District Week – The Drive Home

    We drove back from the Lake District week on the Friday, and I was delighted to be in the vehicle which had won ‘car of the week’ which was being driven by ‘the driver of the week’ in the awards ceremony.

    We found a couple of locations to stop at, which were fortunately a Greggs and a McDonald’s. The Greggs was at Scotch Corner services, where I have fond memories of remembering where Richard spent £7 to top-up his electric vehicle with about 25p worth of charge.

    There was a new beef chilli bake and it was delicious  🙂  There were just 400 calories and the Greggs description of “diced beef, red kidney beans, diced onions and red peppers cooked in a smoky tomato and chilli sauce with white long grain rice wrapped in golden puff pastry” sounded too lovely to miss.

    The team from the winning car.

    Gordon enjoying his luxury McDonald’s meal. He opted for a premium burger with specialist cheeses, before deciding to have the cheeses removed, so had a normal burger at a premium price. I didn’t say anything. Steve and I had a little chat about Gordon whilst he was waiting to collect his food, but he overheard us…..

    We got back safely in the early evening, all without any major delays or disruptions en route.

  • Ambleside – The Lily

    It was my suggestion that we visited this pub whilst we were in Ambleside, based on its appearance in the Good Beer Guide. It’s not in the central area of the town, but is just a couple of minutes away. There’s a modern bistro feel to the interior and it appears to have a more of a cafe environment during the day.

    The selection of ales wasn’t overly exciting to me, with the staff member saying that there were no dark alternatives available. I asked for a recommendation, and the Loweswater Gold was recommended, which was at the appropriate temperature and had a clean taste. There weren’t though the depth of flavours to the beer, and the fruity taste that was mentioned wasn’t as strong as I expected.

    The selection on the back bar, where there was a decent selection of gins to choose from.

    Our group with a view of all the comings and goings in Ambleside. Which, to be fair, weren’t particularly exciting during our visit.

    Clean and comfortable. Food was served and the menu was quite short, so it looked manageable and there was a bit of an emphasis of fish dishes.

    Some of the interior decor with different design areas across the seating area. The pub was all very pleasant, although the prices were a little towards the expensive side and I’d have liked a wider range of different ales. I’m not sure of the logic of this location being placed in the Good Beer Guide though as I couldn’t see any particular strength of note.

  • Lake District – Helvellyn and Striding Edge

    Although all of our group climbed up Helvellyn together, some decided to do Striding Edge to add to their adventure. I didn’t, so all of the below photos are from Steve, who bravely decided to ensure that their efforts could be remembered.

  • Lake District – Helvellyn (the Climb Down)

    So seven of us climbed up Helvellyn and three decided to go the easy (well, relatively easy) route down and four decided to go via Striding Edge and Swirral’s Edge. I thought they were mad, but off they went anyway. Above is the photo from the top of the mountain of Striding Edge.

    Dave and Gordon stopped briefly to let me take the photo, before they continued darting down the mountain.

    Gordon, Maggie and Dave, with Striding Edge behind them. There is another photo in this series when Gordon and Dave went in for a little kiss (with Maggie, not each other), but I think Maggie would prefer the above image.

    And there is Striding Edge again. And I think it’s harder than it looks. Liam would have liked it, as would anyone else who isn’t terrified of heights and has the balance of a mountain goat.

    One advantage of the walk we did back down was the excellent views we had over the surrounding countryside. We were very fortunate with the weather, and it was possible to see out to the sea.

    Some photos from our descent down.

    Maggie in front of the Thirlmere Lake.

    A waterfall at the base of the mountain.

    I’m not quite sure how this tree managed to successfully grow here….

    Maggie and Dave.

    Gordon rejected the idea that those doing Striding Edge were braver than him, and he posed in a godlike manner to show his general prowess. Maggie wasn’t impressed with him.

    Maggie taking a photo of Gordon.

    How cute! I named this Dylan.

    And this one I called Leon, which the sheep seemed to like.

    We reached the bottom of Helvellyn a little before the others who did Striding Edge, as we dithered and enjoyed our walk down, whilst the others came down the route they had gone up. I ate a feast of blackberries and then Maggie spotted an ice cream van, so Gordon and I thought that we’d buy everyone an ice cream. By everyone, Gordon bought me and him one, although he then changed his mind and we ended up with three ice creams for two of us. So, he kindly gave one to Steve for his bravery.

    My ice cream. Very delicious.

  • Lake District – Helvellyn (the Climb Up)

    Gordon doing his morning exercises before our big Wednesday walk, which was to climb Helvellyn.

    We parked at Thirl’s Car Park by Lake Thirlmere and were pleased to note that there are currently no car parking charges. We had selected this route as it is one of the easiest for those of us who don’t like heights, and it turned out to be a good decision in that regard.

    The toilets weren’t in perfect condition, and Gordon had to sit in the dark, but at least they were open when we visited.

    The little bridge at the start of the walk.

    A stream at the base of the mountain.

    Gordon had some hurty legs on the way up, so Sarah helped him with some more exercises. This slightly displeased Maggie as Gordon ignored her when she wanted to do exercises with him….

    Marching up the mountain. I must admit that there was a section where it was particularly windy and I thought about going back down. Gordon was entirely up for that, and I really liked his negativity, which kept me going. Sarah on the other hand was just being positive and supportive, which really irritated me.

    Steve M just climbed the mountain with his arms folded….

    The group having a little rest.

    I’ve done it! So ruddy brave. It took just under two hours, which was a pretty decent time as far as I was concerned.

    A group photo of our collective success at the top of the mountain. Helvellyn is 950 metres high and is the third highest mountain in England, with the highest being Scafell Pike.

    Some views from the top. And this is where the story really began for some of us, as Steve, Steve and Sarah decided to go and do Striding Edge and Swirral’s Edge. They were very brave, especially as Sarah was really unsure whether she could do it. However, she battled on and was successful. I shall take the photos from those three who did it and put them on a different post.

    Whilst we were having lunch (I had a delicious roll from Greggs) we also met a husband and wife at the top of Helvellyn and he mentioned that his wife would love to do Striding Edge, but that he wasn’t confident enough to do it with her. We said that she could do it with the two Steves and Sarah, and she took them up on the opportunity.

    Anyway, so at this stage, after feeling very pleased with ourselves, the remaining walkers, which was myself, Gordon, Maggie and Dave decided to climb down the mountain using a different and longer route, with the intention to meet the others later.

  • Lake District Week – The Awards

    I’m pleased to announce that the following awards have been made:

    BEST DRIVER OF THE WEEK

    Steve B (for smooth and faultless driving and going to Greggs)

    ORGANISER OF THE WEEK

    Julian

    QUOTE OF THE WEEK

    Dave (Here’s one for you, I’ve got a question)

    BEST WALKER OF THE WEEK

    Steve M (for completing walks with his arms still folded)

    DRINKER OF THE WEEK

    Dave (shots Dave)

    INTELLECTUAL OF THE WEEK

    Gordon (for his general intellectual ability)

    LOSING THE MOST THINGS IN THE WEEK

    Dave

    YOUNGEST PERSON OF THE WEEK

    Julian

    DISASTER OF THE WEEK

    Dave (failing to connect with his landlady)

    COVER-UP OF THE WEEK

    Gordon (Sandwichgate)

    BEST CAR OF THE WEEK

    Steve B (Skoda excellence)

    DRUNKEN DISASTER OF THE WEEK

    Maggie (losing her camper van)

    NICEST PERSON OF THE WEEK

    Maggie (for helping to drive, buying Dave a meal and always willing to help)

    WORST ACCOMMODATION OF THE WEEK

    Gordon (TV problems, bed problems, heat problems, staff problems)

    MOST PHOTOGENIC PERSON OF THE WEEK

    Steve B (always looking smooth in photos)

    WEIRDEST STORY OF THE WEEK

    Gordon

    MOST EXPENSIVE CLOTHING OF THE WEEK

    Gordon (£320 coat)

    IDIOT PURCHASE OF THE WEEK

    Gordon (£320 coat)

    SHORTEST TAXI RIDE OF THE WEEK

    Gordon

     

    And the most fought after award of them all….

    BRAVEST WALKER OF THE WEEK

    Sarah (for completing Striding Edge)

  • Lake District Week – Nomination for Awards

    This has caused a lot of debate, but I can announce the nominees for the various awards from this Lake District week. I have accepted bribes in the way of food and drinks, and this has helped considerably.

    The results will be announced on Friday’s short walk.

    So the nominations are:

    BRAVEST WALKER OF THE WEEK

    Sarah (for completing Striding Edge)

    Gordon (for continuing despite tendon difficulties)

    Julian (for being positive and courageous)

    BEST DRIVER OF THE WEEK

    Steve B (for smooth and faultless driving and going to Greggs)

    Sarah (for getting parallel parking sorted)

    Maggie (for using her camper van at the last minute to get people to Scafell Pike)

    ORGANISER OF THE WEEK

    Julian

    No other nominations were received

    QUOTE OF THE WEEK

    Dave (Buy someone a meal? Gordon could buy the entire restaurant)

    Maggie (Are we really climbing that hill?)

    Dave (Here’s one for you, I’ve got a question)

    BEST WALKER OF THE WEEK

    Steve M (for completing walks with his arms still folded)

    Dave (battling on with a damaged arm)

    Julian (for general bravery)

    DRINKER OF THE WEEK

    Dave (shots Dave)

    Julian (shots Julian)

    Sarah (it’s not a hangover, it’s a migraine)

    NICEST PERSON OF THE WEEK

    Maggie (for helping to drive, buying Dave a meal and always willing to help)

    Steve M (for being a gentleman and general kindness)

    Dave (for buying drinks)

    INTELLECTUAL OF THE WEEK

    Gordon (for his general intellectual ability)

    Julian (for his political debate)

    No other nominations were received

    LOSING THE MOST THINGS IN THE WEEK

    Dave

    No other nominations were received

    YOUNGEST PERSON OF THE WEEK

    Julian (automatic award)

    DISASTER OF THE WEEK

    Dave (failing to connect with his landlady)

    Dave (losing his wallet)

    Dave (breaking his phone)

    COVER-UP OF THE WEEK

    Gordon (Sandwichgate)

    Maggie (Hay-on-Wye)

    Gordon (Hay-on-Wye)

    BEST CAR OF THE WEEK

    Steve B (Skoda excellence)

    No other nominations were received

    DRUNKEN MESS OF THE WEEK

    Maggie (losing her camper van)

    Sarah (getting a ‘migraine’)

    Gordon (I’ve got such a hangover)

    WORST ACCOMMODATION OF THE WEEK

    Gordon (TV problems, bed problems, heat problems, staff problems)

    Steve M (hotel in different country)

  • Lake District Week – Quotes of the Day

    My usual little “quotes of the day” feature hasn’t really been running this week, so I thought I’d add a few to the mix now I’ve got more time. Some you really had to be here to understand, but they’ll remain relevant to at least one or two people on this trip.

    “I’m the best looking of my siblings” – Gordon

    “I just can’t afford all of these trips” – Dave, followed by “I can” – Gordon.

    “I’m going to get the award for losing the most things this week” – Dave

    “Buy someone a meal? Gordon could buy the entire restaurant” – Dave

    “All this climbing, you know what’ll happen now, you’ll need to keep getting that buzz. You’ll become a danger monkey” – Gordon to Steve

    “I’m not interest in Striding Edge, I’m content with Plodding Edge” – Gordon

    “She spends so long with her hair, she’s such a vain creature” – Gordon

    “I’m a lot younger than you though” – Dave to Gordon

    “I’m Dave” – Dave

    “Here’s one for you, I’ve got a question” – Dave

    “Gordon, when I paid with your card, it was heavy, so heavy” – Dave

    “I’ll tell you three reasons why women don’t put their photos up. They’re a bit of a moose*, because of their work and I’ve forgotten the third reason” – Dave

    *I don’t approve of sexism or the portrayal of women in this way.

  • Lake District – Cathedral Quarry Walk (Part Two)

    Tuesday’s walk was relatively easy and the highlight of it was visiting the Cathedral Quarry site. I asked everyone who had one to bring a head torch, although I then promptly managed to forget my own….

    Steve at the entrance to the caves.

    The group getting ready to enter the cave. Sarah was particularly excited to use her new head-torch which she had purchased the day before. Maggie had also diligently purchased some new batteries for her head-torch, although it didn’t work anyway. I just entirely forgot mine.

    The main chamber of the cave.

    Inside the cave.

    Some of us decided that this looked a bit slippery, so we didn’t climb up. Gordon and I just didn’t want to injure ourselves, Maggie was tempted and Dave was desperate to go, but he was concerned he might further damage his paper cut. However, the two Steves and Sarah had no fear and they set off, ready to enter a world of the unknown. Well, not quite, but it sounds exciting.

    Looking up at Steve, Steve and Sarah (they’re in the middle of the photo, not particularly easy to see).

    We were going to walk down into the cave system to meet the others, but it looked a little wet and slippery to me. And since I had done it before, and I’m very risk averse, I decided to have a little lunch instead. So we had a little wait whilst the three brave souls explored what there was to see.

    One of the former quarry buildings at the top, this was once the blacksmith’s workshop. There is also a nearby row of 17 houses built at the end of the nineteenth century, where workers at the quarry lived, and a school was also built here to educate their children.

    The entire site had been a stone quarry for some time (since at least the sixteenth century), and was especially busy in the nineteenth century when there was an increased demand for building materials. It remained in use until the 1950s and was purchased by Beatrix Potter in 1929, who later gifted it to the National Trust.