The Lake District & Cumbria

Looking east up this sizable lake we see the extent and proximity of it to the fells and mountains of our western Lake District. The water outlet here forms the River Ehen which will eventually reach the Irish Sea just north of Seascale some ten miles away to the west. This is the final photo from our one week stay here in August 2020 (between Corona lockdowns). I took many more pictures and no doubt, some will show up here in the future. I do hope that you have enjoyed this series. Enjoy full screen.

One from last year’s Lake District trip to Ennerdale Bridge. This hill caught my attention with these trees, especially the one on the right. The sheep also thought that shape was a bit strange for a tree. Enjoy full size and have a great week. Ps –and no wise-cracks about there only being two framed sheep :)

A visit to this wonderful small town brings us down to the banks of the River Lune. Here we see not only the old bridge, which now only takes walkers, but also the rather attractive road bridge set in the background. This is in the county of Cumbria and also said to be the Lower lake District. See PiPs “Spanning the River Lune to the south and east of Kirkby Lonsdale is Devil’s Bridge. This magnificent three-arched bridge, probably dates from the 12th or 13th century. ~ The bridge was later ascribed to the Devil. The story grew that the Devil appeared to an old woman and promised to build a bridge in exchange for the first soul to cross it. The woman agreed, so the Devil built the bridge. The clever old woman then threw a loaf of bread over the bridge and her dog chased it.” More info: www.kirkbylonsdale.co.uk/discover/13341-devils-bridge Enjoy full screen.

The River Lune is one of Lancashire's most beautiful rivers. It is only 53 miles long running from its source near Newbiggin to the Irish Sea. Here we see it in almost drought conditions just above Kirkby Lonsdale in a most wonderful light. Enjoy full screen

As we take the path away from the riverside we pass fields of what I presume is Barley. Barley is grown around here for the purpose of beer production but there is some wheat production too. Of course for me I just liked the shape and colours here. Enjoy full screen.

The lovely singer Eva Cassidy recorded a song once called Fields of Gold. ' Here is a picture for our minds eye to go with those words and music. This a continuation of our walk in the Lune Valley in Cumbria. It had recently been very stormy but these clouds soon turned more gentle. PiP Enjoy full size. "You'll remember me when the west wind moves Among the fields of barley You can tell the sun in his jealous sky When we walked in fields of gold…"

As nature takes over the seat here in Barbon, Cumbria perhaps we see things as they should be. After all it’s not in nature’s interest to place benches all over the place. However, a once cooling place of rest and meditation for someone special, it’s now a pity to see it like this. Perhaps it looks quite different in winter? Enjoy full screen and have a good week.

We are back in Cumbria/South Lake District, so come along on an adventure along Barbon Beck through the woodlands of Barbon Manor. Along the hill sides we have new tree plants with foxgloves too. Yes the world is alive today, soon we will come to the church of Barbon village. See PiP for another connection. Keep safe. Herb

A rather artistic view as we get to our half way point of this round walk in very wet conditions. We arrive at the village church built in 1892 near the older original, so in some ways it is quite modern. Our return way is along the narrow lane you see going up from the left and this takes us back to our car parked just beyond the footbridge having completed our little circle of around four miles (6.5km). See PiP. Enjoy full screen.

Our walk continues to our parked car near the bridge and Ford. The wooded area on the left is Barbon Manor woodland alongside Barbon Beck. It has stopped raining at least but it still looks dicey with these dark clouds. At least a window of light lightens up the hillside for this phot. See PiP or our final destination. Enjoy full screen.

The Norman Kirkby Lonsdale Parish Church of St Mary's. 11/12th century. See Toz's great example for more info: www.ipernity.com/doc/2405228/50955266

Back in Kirkby Lonsdale we take a look at this famous view. “Feast your eyes on a breathtaking panorama of the Lune Valley and Underley Hall – the famous, heavenly Ruskin’s View. This scene was painted by the artist JMW Turner in 1822 and the picture so impressed the 19th century art critic, social theorist, painter and poet John Ruskin, that he wrote: ‘I do not know in all my country, still less in France or Italy, a place more naturally divine.’ In 1875, Ruskin described the panorama as ‘one of the loveliest views in England, therefore in the world’.” www.exploresouthlakeland.co.uk To approach this view, one walks through the grounds of the beautiful Norman Church of St Mary the Virgin. See PiP Enjoy full screen.

September: As Covid retains its grip here in Kendal, we see how the local population have to protect themselves even in the open-air to purchase fresh provisions. We all hoped that 2021 would be better –safer than that dreaded year of 2020 but after early hopes, all was to disintegrate into new health fears and regulations set to protect us all. As I write this three of our British nations have put more stringent precautions in place with England expected to follow suit in the New Year. Mainland Europe and indeed many areas of the world are experiencing their highest Covid cases to date with the onslaught of the new variant Omicron. Ah well, for us here at this home, we carry on regardless, taking photos and trying to enjoy our lives whilst keeping safe and seeing our family periodically. Naturally, wearing mask and being as inoculated as possible is essential for all. Enjoy full screen.

A shot taken whilst in Kendal last September. Enjoy full screen

Grange-over-sands is the setting for this seat. It lies almost invisible to the far east of the town just about on the promenade. To the far distance we are looking towards Barrow-in-Furness. An inviting area of Morcambe Bay sands contradict the fact that this area of sand is very dangerous with hidden quicksand’s and a superfast tide race. Best viewed full size.

A different view of reflections on this very attractive river in Kendal. The town is sometimes called ‘the old grey town’ because of so many of its buildings are constructed using the local Lake District slate. We see in the reflections a touch of that. Enjoy full screen

Taken on Lake Windermere, Bowness. Just a pleasant memory taken with my old Canon Ixus 500. Enjoy full screen.

We see here the wonderful railway viaduct, a 51 span structure carrying the Carnforth and Whitehaven Line over the estuary of the River Kent immediately to the west of Arnside Station. Originally constructed in 1856 as a single line viaduct, the structure was extended to twin track in 1863. I think we are seeing the 1028 Manchester Airport to Barrow-in-Furness , Northern Line series 195 train here. Essential full screen