• View of Catbells en route to Portinscale
      Suspended footbridge over the River DerwentLlamas in a field at Alpacaly ever after, an enterprise near KeswickOtterbield BayView of CatbellsView over Derwentwater from the west shoreTeddy in the Window, who has lived in a garage on the edge of Derwentwater for over 30 yearsView of Latrigg and Walla Crag from the bridge over the River DerwentSkiddaw, Latrigg, and Walla Crag in the backgroundCatbells viewed from the east shoreWalla Crag viewed from Barrow BayAshness Gate landing stage, with Catbells in the backgroundView from Catclose Bay of "the jaws of Borrowdale", the southern end of DerwentwaterFriars Crag; the poet John Ruskin MemorialFriars Crag; view of Lord's Island

      Derwentwater Lake Circuit

      19. Mai in England ⋅ ⛅ 12 °C

      The plan today is to walk around Derwentwater; we head down Keswick Main Street and cross the bridge over the River Greta before turning off to join the Cumbria Way as it runs along the west shore of Derwentwater; the Cumbria Way is a linear 70 mile walk that connects the towns of Carlisle and Ulverston. We walk towards Portinscale and then follow it to Hawes End Jetty; this is the landing stage for the main walk to Catbells, another of the Keswick 3 peaks.

      We follow the Cumbria Way to Otterbield Bay, and on past the two Brandelhow landing stages to Manesty Park at the southern end of the lake. We leave the Cumbria Way here and carry on to the cross the River Derwent again; there are great views of Catbells and Walla Crag from here. From Lodore, we walk northwards towards Keswick via the edge of woodlands to Barrow Bay and on to Ashness Gate landing stage (more great views). We then proceed via Calfclose Bay and Stable Hills to Friars Crag, named for its use as a disembarkment point for monks, making a pilgrimage to St Herbert's Island. It is a short walk back to Keswick from here; it has been a lovely 10.6-mile walk.
      Weiterlesen

    • View of Derwentwater and Catbells en route to Rakefoot
      View of Latrigg and Skiddaw going up to Walla CragView of Keswick going up to Walla CragView of Derwentwater from the top of Walla CragTop of Walla CragView of the southern part of Derwentwater heading to Falcon CragView of SkiddawAshness Bridge, a packhorse bridgeAshness Bridge, a packhorse bridgeOld barn near Ashness BridgeView en route heading towards Surprise ViewWoodland path up to Surprise ViewDerwentwater from Surprise ViewWatendlath BeckRedcastle Crag viewed across Watendlath BeckWatendlath packhorse bridgeWatendlath TarnEn route to Rosthwaite

      Keswick to Rosthwaite, via Walla Crag

      18. Mai in England ⋅ ☀️ 13 °C

      This walk takes us up to Walla Crag, also one of the Keswick three peaks.

      We walk up via Moot Hall in Keswick Market Square and up past St John's Church before following Springs Road to Springs Farm, and then up through Springs Wood to Rakefoot. There are good views as we walk up past Great Wood to Walla Crag, but even better views from the viewing area at the top of Walla Crag!

      We leave here and follow the path towards Falcon Crag and then down to Ashness Bridge; this is a small, traditional packhorse bridge and very photogenic. From here, there is a narrow road through the woods up to Surprise View, named for its lovely view of Derwentwater. We turn off the road and follow a broad track through the woods, and at the end, we walk along the Watendlath Beck, which takes us to the small hamlet of Watendlath, managed by the National Trust. It is situated by an attractive Tarn and also noted for its packhorse bridge.

      We then follow a very stony and undulating bridleway towards Rosthwaite to catch the bus back to Keswick. It's been a lovely walk of 9.8 miles (according to the OS app on my mobile).
      Weiterlesen

    • Latrigg Fell Circular Walk

      17. Mai in England ⋅ ☀️ 15 °C

      We arrived yesterday in Keswick to spend a week in the Lake District, this time in the northern area. Keswick is a market town in Cumbria, just north of Derwent Water.

      Latrigg (Fell) is one of the lowest fells in the Lake District, and one of the Keswick "3 Peaks" - the others are Walla Crag and Catbells - which surround Derwent Water. By coincidence, this weekend is the annual Keswick Mountain Festival, which features various outdoor adventures, speakers, and live music; one event is the sponsored 3 peaks hike, a figure of 8 walk around Derwent Water, covering Catbells and Walla Crag, and then around and up Latrigg. We see a number of entrants on this 17.5-mile hike as we do our 1 Peak circular walk!

      We start at the Moot Hall in Keswick and cross the River Greta to Fitz Park before heading east via the trail along the old Keswick to Threlkeld railway line. After a while, we pass under the A66 and recross the River Greta, leaving the railway trail, to walk along a forested path. We eventually turn to walk up Latrigg, enjoying magnificent views on the way to, and at, the top of Latrigg (1,203 feet). From the top, it's down via Mallen Dodd, and then the Cumbria Way back to Keswick.

      It's been a lovely 7.6-mile walk in fine weather; a drink at the Keswick Brewery and its Fox Tap and Beer Shop is well justified!
      Weiterlesen

    • View of Woodwalton Fen after leaving Upwood
      Great Raveley Drain towards Woodwalton FenWoodwalton FenThe Rothschild Bungalow; used by Charles Rothschild as a base for his tripsOne of the many waterways here; the water is black due to peatView over the Fenland from the other side of Woodwalton FenWalking back through Woodwalton FenA nesting SwanA walker!View of Manor Farm across Rapeseed oil fieldsManor FarmChurch End; the redundant Church of St AndrewWoodwalton village sign with The Dog and Castle pub in the backgroundLady's Wood; bluebellsUpwood Meadows; orchidsUpwood; St Peter’s ChurchInside St Peter’s Church

      Woodwalton Fen, Woodwalton, and Upwood

      30. April in England ⋅ ⛅ 16 °C

      These places were visited on a 13.7 mile walk with the Cambridge Rambling Club - a bit of a longer walk than usual!

      The walk starts in Upwood, a village in the parish of Upwood and the Raveleys, approx. 7 miles north of Huntingdon and still part of Cambridgeshire.  We leave the village heading due west and then south past Lady's Wood before heading north along the Great Raveley Drain towards Woodwalton Fen.  

      Woodwalton Fen is a site of Special Scientific Interest and managed by Natural England; it is one of only four remaining fragments of the ancient wild fens that once stretched for 1,350 square miles across the area and a last haven for many rare fen species (not that we saw them).  The ancient wild fens once stretched for miles across a huge part of East Anglia, but more than 99% of the habitat disappeared when the land was drained for agriculture, and this site would not exist today if it were not for Charles Rothschild, a successful banker, wildlife enthusiast and "father of modern conservation".  We walk along several of the trails before leaving on the other side and walking south towards Manor Farm and Church End, where the redundant parish church of St Andrew stands - it is now in the keeping of the Friends of Friendless Churches.  From there, it is still over a mile to the village Woodwalton itself.  

      From Woodwalton, we then walk east passing through Lady's Wood, an 18-acre nature reserve west of Upwood, and then through Upwood Meadows National Nature Reserve and a biological Site of Special Scientific Interest, before arriving back in Upwood.  It has been a lovely walk on a lovely day in an area I have never visited before.
      Weiterlesen

    • Visitor Centre
      Visitor centre; picture of Grime's Graves from aboveVisitor centre; Tools used and flint specimensDescending into Pit 1Bottom of the shaftView into a mining area and the bottom floorstone (flint)View into a mining area and the bottom floorstone (flint seam)Middle wallstone (note the flint seam)Upper topstone (note the flint seam)Grimshoe Mound (at the back); Grim's burial mound, from "Grim's Howe"General view of the areaGeneral view of the area

      Grime's Graves

      16. April in England ⋅ ☁️ 11 °C

      We arrive at Grime's Graves and go to the visitor centre first.

      The name Grime's Graves means "pits of the pagan god Grim" (Grim is also known as Woden) and was named by the Anglo Saxons. It is a prehistoric / Neolithic flint mine that was worked between 2,600 and 2,300 BC; the site covers about 91 acres, and there are many shafts dug into the natural chalk to reach the seams of flint.  There are three layers of flint here - the upper "top-stone, middle "wall-stone" and the bottom "floor-stone" - and the flint was used for making stone axes in this period,  The formation of flint is a complex process which began in the chalk seas millions of years ago, and flint forms in bands or layers because chalk sedimentation occurs in cycles and/or because the process during formation exhausts the silica within a given depth of sediment and flint formation can only recommence when there is enough silica to start the process again.  The site was first extensively explored by the archaeologist William Greenwell in 1868.

      We visit the one pit open to the public (9m deep, with a steep staircase) - it is the only one of its kind open to the public in the UK - and we enter it to explore the shaft.  Afterwards, we take the walking trail around the site; Grime's Graves is a really interesting place to visit.
      Weiterlesen

    • Caister-on-Sea; Village Sign
      Caister-on-Sea; Council HallCaister Roman FortCaister-on-Sea; Caister Point, by the stone lionsDiverting to the beach at ScratbyThe reason for the diversion - coastal erosion at HemsbyApproaching Winterton-on-SeaWinterton lighthouse and traditional Norfolk roundhouses (holiday lets)Winterton; view of Church of the Holy Trinity and All SaintsGroynes along the beach at Winterton DunesHorsey Gap; a sandy beach down for its grey seal colonyEn route from Horsey GapEn route from Horsey GapView of Waxham Hall, now a farmA dragon along the footpath towards Sea PallingSea Palling; Lifeboat Station

      Caister-on-Sea to Sea Palling

      15. April in England ⋅ 🌧 10 °C

      Caister-on-Sea, also known as Caister, is a large village, seaside resort, and civil parish 2.75 miles north of Great Yarmouth and 18 miles east of Norwich.  Caister's history dates back to Roman times, and around 200 CE a fort was built here as a base for a unit of the Roman army and navy (which we visit as we leave the village).  

      We start from Caister Lifeboat Station and pass Caister Point on our way to California Gap and beyond; the Coastal Path has to divert to the beach at Scratby due to extensive coastal erosion further up towards, and at, Hemsby.  We can leave the beach here and re-join the footpath towards Winterton-on-Sea; there are excellent views along here, and at Winterton the path goes down to the beach and proceeds along the Winterton Dunes, a national nature reserve, as far as Winterton Ness where we re-join a footpath towards Horsey Gap. 

      Horsey Gap is a sandy beach known for its grey seal colony (we see some in the distance), and is a nature reserve that is part of the Norfolk Broads National Park; there are many groynes here, all numbered to help identify location of the seal pups.  The path takes us along Delve Bank towards Waxham and beyond to Sea Palling; Sea Palling Lifeboat Station is a voluntary-staffed and charitable-funded lifeboat station located in the village.
      Weiterlesen

    • Hopton-on-Sea; the start of the Norfolk Coastal Path (in the other direction!)
      Hopton-on-Sea; view of holiday camp and GroynesGorleston; cliffsGorleston; view of the Pavilion TheatreGorleston; the old lighthouseGorleston; an old jetty, formerly known as a dolphin, in the River YareGreat Yarmouth; view of Nelson's Monument (Norfolk Naval Pillar)Great Yarmouth; St Mary's Church, SouthtownGreat Yarmouth; view of the Town Hall from the bridge over the River YareGreat Yarmouth; Town HallGreat Yarmouth; remains of the Grey FriaryGreat Yarmouth; St George's Church, now a theatreGreat Yarmouth; St George's ParkGreat Yarmouth; The EmpireGreat Yarmouth; Brittania PierGreat Yarmouth; Venetian Waterways ParkGreat Yarmouth; Venetian Waterways ParkGreat Yarmouth; Venetian Waterways Park - the boating lakeCaister-on-Sea; view of Scroby Sands Wind Farm from the dunes en route from Great YarmouthRNLI Caister Lifeboat Station

      Hopton to Caister via Great Yarmouth

      14. April in England ⋅ ⛅ 11 °C

      We take the Coastal Hopper bus from Caister-on-Sea to Hopton-on-Sea and cross through the Potters Resort, a holiday seaside resort, to the start (or end) of the Norfolk Coastal Path.

      We start walking up the coastal path before and follow it as it descends to the beach. We reach Gorleston-on-Sea, a seaside town in the south of the borough of Great Yarmouth, and situated on the River Yare. Gorleston was a centre for fishing, but the decline in this industry during Edwardian times changed to a seaside resort. The footpath follows along the road through Southtown, originally known as Little Yarmouth, but now part of the Great Yarmouth district.

      We cross the bridge over the River Yare into Great Yarmouth itself; it has been a resort since 1760, as it is a gateway to the Norfolk Broads and the North Sea, and holidaymaking rose in 1844 when the railway opened -it has blossomed as a resort during the 20th century. The Coastal path heads towards the South Quay area, but then then crosses over towards the coast, past the friary ruins, and St George's Park. We walk along the promenade and divert through Venetian Waterways Park; this was constructed in 1926 by local men to boost post-war employment.

      We carry on along the North Beach, where there are lots of sand dunes, up towards Caister-on-Sea; we head back to the accommodation at RNLI Caister Lifeboat station; it has been a 10.3 mile walk, with lots of interesting sites - see captions on photos for details.
      Weiterlesen

    • Ickworth House; overall view from the rear, from a photograph there
      Rotunda; view from the rearRotundaRotunda; front view with corridors to the East and West wingsRotunda Entrance Hall, wirh The Fury of Athamas sculptureUpper floor; Metalled silk dressUpper floor; view of the East Wing, now a hotelUpper floor; Silver fish!Ground floor; curved corridor to the east wingGround floorGround floor; Pompeian RoomGround Floor; Pompeian Room - Marble specimen table topGround floorGround floorBasement; kitchenGrounds; View of Walled Garden and the Summerhouse over the River LinnetGrounds; Church of St MaryChurch of St Mary; interior

      Ickworth House

      13. April in England ⋅ ⛅ 13 °C

      We are on en route to Caister-on Sea to walk some more of the Norfolk Coastal Path and divert to stop off en route at Ickworth House, near Bury St Edmunds.

      Ickworth House is a National Trust property and is a large neo-classical / Italianate country house set in Parkland. It was built by Frederick Hervey, the 4th Earl of Bristol, and also the Bishop of Derry, between 1795 and 1829. The "Earl Bishop," as he was known, travelled extensively in Europe and was inspired to build the Italian inspired Rotunda to live in, with galleries in the in the east and west wings to showcase the art and sculptures collected in his travels. It has been the chief dwelling of the Hervey family since then, before being passed to the National Trust in 1956.

      We walk around the rotunda and east and west wings of the house, seeing the upstairs, ground floor, and basement (see captions on photos for details).

      We then explore some of the gardens and grounds, walking the River Linnet trail, with part of Lady Hervey's walk for views of the Walled Garden. We then visit the Italianate Garden and walk the Alabana Wood Trail.

      It has been a great visit.
      Weiterlesen

    • Find the Flock trail map
      1. Shaun the Sheep2. Shaunberry (zoom in on the caption for a corny joke!)3. What Ewe-eat! (zoom in on the caption for a corny joke!)4. Shaunucopia (zoom in on the caption for a corny joke!)5. River Baaank (zoom in on the caption for a corny joke!)7. Garden Plaaants (zoom in on the caption for a corny joke!)8. Sunshine (zoom in on the caption for a corny joke!)9. Jungle Baa-nanza (zoom in on the caption for a corny joke!)10. Barbed-baa (zoom in on the caption for a corny joke!)11. Lemon Drop (zoom in on the caption for a corny joke!)12. Shaun the Shape (zoom in on the caption for a corny joke!)Birds of a Feather (zoom in on the caption for a corny joke!)

      Anglesey Abbey 3; Finding the Flock

      9.–12. Apr. in England ⋅ ☀️ 11 °C

      Anglesey Abbey is hosting a Wild in Art trail in its gardens and grounds over the Easter period based on the character Shaun the Sheep; Shaun the Sheep is a British stop-motion animated silent children's television series, and a spin-off in the Wallace & Gromit franchise.  There are twelve uniquely decorated Shaun the Sheep sculptures on the ‘Find the Flock’ trail; each 160cm sculpture has been painted by either a national or international artist with bright colours and bold patterns.  After the event, the sheep sculptures will be returned to their respective owners.

      On this visit to Anglesey Abbey, we decide to pick up a trail map and follow the Follow the Flock route around the grounds to see all twelve of the sculptures.  It is interesting to see them, as well as the grounds themselves again!

      The location numbers are shown on the map, and these numbers and sculpture names are shown on the picture captions.
      Weiterlesen

    • Anglesey Abbey; map of the gardens and grounds
      The Rose GardenMemorial StatueThe Formal Garden; there is a statue of Father Time hereThe Formal GardenDahlia GardenGroup of statuesHerbaceous GardenLode MillLode Mill; insideStatueThe Temple LawnLarge Urn

      Anglesey Abbey 2; Gardens and Grounds

      9. April in England ⋅ ☀️ 10 °C

      We have also visited the gardens and grounds of Anglesey Abbey many times over the last 3 years, and this post shows them; the garden at Anglesey Abbey was developed by the 1st Lord Fairhaven from 1926 and has become one of the British Isles' most beautiful 20th century gardens.

      After entry, it is convenient to walk to the house (see previous post) and see the formal gardens; these comprise 4 small gardens, including the dahlia garden, rose garden and a semi-circular herbaceous border.  From here, we walk through the herbaceous garden and then along Quy Water towards Lode Mill; this is a historic watermill that was acquired Lord Fairhaven in 1926 and restored it to its original corn-milling condition (after Lode Mill, Quy Water becomes Bottisham Lode, a branch of the River Cam).  This walk brings us back towards the entrance where we drop off and walk along tree lined avenues and other footpaths to see more of Lord Fairhaven's impressive collection of statues that is positioned throughout the gardens and the grounds.

      It is always interesting to visit the gardens at all times of the year.
      Weiterlesen

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