Lake District 2010

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Sunday 15th August: Local exploration

The day dawned beautifully sunny and Matthew slept until 9 o'clock. He wolfed his Weetabix and enjoyed stuffing toast into his own mouth as well, before climbing the stairs (under careful supervision) and generally causing trouble. We were a bit slow getting started – we'd forgotten the fine details of packing up for a walk with Matthew in tow – so we chose a local walk and set off down the valley at about noon.

We cut across the fields by the river, aiming for the road bridge to Water Yeat (which we knew was closed; we wanted to see what had happened to it). The river was beautiful in the sunlight – and when we came to the bridge, it was clear that the road really did need to be closed. A big chunk of bridge had fallen into the river (the previous November, we later learned) but sensibly the barriers allowed pedestrians and cyclists to come through, just not anything wide enough to need that extra bit of bridge.

Jeremy and Matthew looking at the river Matthew enjoying Daddy backpack The missing bite from the bridge
Jeremy and Matthew looking at the river Matthew enjoying Daddy backpack The missing bite from the bridge
The bridge is collapsing... ...and they stand on it anyway Helen on the solid side of the bridge
The bridge is collapsing... ...and they stand on it anyway Helen on the solid side of the bridge

We crossed the bridge and the road, and headed up into the village of Water Yeat. The first thing we saw was some really spectacular buddleia – or rather, some normal buddleia with spectacular numbers of peacock butterflies on it. We walked on up into the fields and stopped for lunch in the shade of an old oak tree. Matthew refused his spinach pasta (better than it sounds) and demanded milk instead, but that was easy to supply so we were all happy.

Peacock butterfly Two peacock butterflies The view opens up after Water Yeat Sunlight through trees
Peacock butterfly Two peacock butterflies The view opens up after Water Yeat Sunlight through trees

As soon as we started after lunch we came to a very pretty bridge over Green Holme Beck, after which we headed towards Cockenskell. From there we headed west onto Woodland Fell (which has no woodland on it!). There we had a fantastic view of Coniston Old Man and Dow Crag.

Cute bridge and streams Matthew likes the camera Very solid bridge Splendid view
Cute bridge and streams Matthew likes the camera Very solid bridge Splendid view

We dropped down by Spunham Wood, catching views of the sea. There was a bit of a slog up a hill along the road to Giant's Grabe, before we turned back onto track round the base of Blawith Knott. We made our way to Tottlebank and then back to Cockenskell and retraced our steps home.

We can see the sea! Cute gate Matthew wakes up jolly after a nap
We can see the sea! Cute gate Matthew wakes up jolly after a nap
He's still enjoying the view Gorgeous lakeland landscape
He's still enjoying the view Gorgeous lakeland landscape

In the evening, after a dinner of smoked bacon pasta, we went out into the garden and surprised a hedgehog. The night was beautifully clear and the stars were spectacular – and we saw a shooting star. A lovely end to the day.

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Monday 16th August: Brown Pike, Buck Pike, and Dow Crag

Matthew slept until 10 this morning, after just the one feed at 6.40am – which cleverly qualifies as both sleeping through and giving us a lie-in! The result was a late-ish start, but most appreciated. We were off at noon, which we thought was quite impressive.

We had a wild idea to walk the Old Man of Coniston: we knew this was a day of good weather, and possibly the last (or best) for a while, so we planned to absolutely make the most of it. That turned out to be a bit too ambitious for us but we had a very good hike nonetheless.

We drove up the West side of the lake and parked just north of Torver. We planned the "easy route" up the Old Man: climb Brown Pike and the two small associated peaks to the left of it, then drop down to the saddle and climb the fell; and then down the steeper side. After a quick splash-and-dash, we started off along a very solid track towards Brown Pike in glorious sunshine. We passed a quarry with a surprise waterfall into it, and made good progress until Matthew needed a stop. He'd fallen asleep but was too hungry to stay asleep, so after 10 minutes woke up crying. We found a small area of flat and green and stopped there for lunch. There were lovely views... and of course, we were of interest to the sheep. Matthew spurned lunch in favour of milk (much like yesterday).

Matthew with his old man Coniston Old Man Waterfall Sheep!
Matthew with his old man and Coniston Old Man Waterfall Sheep!

We carried on up to the top of Brown Crag, which took another hour or so, and had another pitstop. This time Matthew ate a good portion of cauliflower cheese while rambling all over Daddy. Cauliflower monster! There were good views in many directions, including the route ahead of us to Buck Pike and Dow Crag.

Jeremy on Brown Pike Helen on Brown Pike Matthew happy on Brown Pike View towards Dow Crag along the ridge
Jeremy on Brown Pike Helen on Brown Pike Matthew happy on Brown Pike View towards Dow Crag along the ridge
Summit of Brown Pike Walna Scar from Brown Pike Summit of Coniston Old Man
Summit of Brown Pike Walna Scar from Brown Pike Summit of Coniston Old Man

We climbed on up to the next peak in the sequence, Buck Pike, which had a slightly precipitate top, and then the third and highest, Dow Crag. At 778m this was Matthew's highest point in his life so far. He was getting a little bit grumbly – it was too windy for him to fall asleep – and Jeremy was finding his weight quite hard work as well, so we took the sensible option and turned right at the saddle before the Old Man, descending to Goat's Water. Matthew slept all the way through the descent to the tarn – about half an hour – and was happy to get our of the rucksack when we paused there. Then we realised he was freezing: he was shaking, poor mite. We added layers to him, fed him the rest of the cauliflower cheese and some fruit cake, were suitably grateful that we weren't halfway up the Old Man, and headed downhill as fast as we could.

Looking back to Brown Pike and the sea The route to Dow Crag First view of Goat's Water Helen on Dow Crag
Looking back to Brown Pike and the sea The route to Dow Crag First view of Goat's Water Helen on Dow Crag
The Scafell range Helen above Goat's Water Clear water at Goat's Water Sunshine twinkling on Goat's Water
The Scafell range Helen above Goat's Water Clear water at Goat's WaterSunshine twinkling on Goat's Water

Even with our shortened walk, we only got back to the cottage at 7pm. Matthew had a little ramble around, some fish pie, and a bath with Daddy, and ended up in bed at quarter to nine. The rest of us had sausages for tea and went to bed rather later.

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Tuesday 17th August: Ulverston, Aldingham and Gleaston Mill

Today was forecasted to be torrential rain all day, and true enough the morning didn't look great. We stayed in, played with Matthew, and did some laundry. Then just before lunch we headed into Ulverston and stocked up at Booths. We then parked in Ulverston itself and went to Poppies café for lunch – lovely chicken wraps followed by a scone. They were very good with Matthew, providing a booster seat and a shape sorter for him to play with. He was a bit grumbly, basically because he was too hungry, but managed his fish pie OK in the seat and then had a fine time with a banana yoghurt sitting on Jeremy's lap.

We then put Matthew in the pushchair and scoured Ulverston for the things we needed that couldn't be found in Booths: WD40 (the key to the cottage having suddenly gone sticky) and a teapot. The WD40 was easy... the teapot took ages to find, but when we did find a shop stocking one there were heaps to choose from so we got a lovely big round pottery one.

Matthew was getting tired by this point and got quite cross when we put him back in his car seat. We drove for about a minute and then stopped for petrol, and he was asleep before the tank was full. We then drove along the coast towards Barrow, looking at the sea and giving him a chance to finish his nap. We stopped in Aldingham, which is a minute village consisting really of a very impressive nursing home that looks as though it was probably a monastery originally, and a church. There were views out over the sands of Morecambe Bay, and horses riding on them.

Horses on Morecambe Bay Aldingham churchyard The beach at Aldingham The beach path at Aldingham
Horses on Morecambe Bay Aldingham churchyard The beach at Aldingham The beach path at Aldingham

We drove on to Gleaston, where a water mill was marked on the map, but before we got to it we spotted a playground so we went there first. Matthew had a good swing, loved the seesaw (his first time: he thought it was very funny) and submitted to going down the slide but didn't seem that fussed. Then we walked with the pushchair up to the water mill, which turned out to be both shut and broken! On the way back to the car we took a path along the side of a stream, laid out for the Millennium, which was very pleasant.

We drove home and had tea and biscuits (and in Matthew's case, tuna sandwiches) on the deck at the back before putting Matthew to bed. In the evening Jeremy made fire and we experimented with a new recipe with aubergines.

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Wednesday 18th August: Valley walk round Tilberthwaite

The weather wasn't supposed to be entirely trustworthy today, so we planned a low-level walk. We were to drive to Coniston, and decided for a change to drive up the east side of the lake on the smaller, more picturesque road. That was the wrong choice: we got most of the way and then encountered a pair of coaches, one going north, the other going south. They couldn't get past each other and no-one else could get past them, so we ended up turning round and going all the way back home and up the west side of the lake. We didn't get to our car park, just north of Coniston at Lower Tilberthwaite, until almost 2pm.

Things improved as soon as we started, though. Matthew had had a sleep in the car and was ready to watch the world go by, and we missed a heavy rain shower by starting late. As we set off the rain stopped and we chose the upper of our two initial routes, contouring above some woodland instead of through it. That was great: we got some lovely views, stopped for lunch in the sunshine, and Matthew discovered that Tunnocks biscuits make excellent drumsticks.

View towards Ambleside and Loughrigg Fell The path to Little Langdale Lakeland walls Bubbling brook Matthew drumming with biscuits
View towards Ambleside and Loughrigg Fell The path to Little Langdale Lakeland walls Bubbling brook Matthew drumming with biscuits

As we continued on our way (pausing to remove stones from Jeremy's boot) we took an "alternative route" through a field instead of along a track – and ended up climbing a wall to get back on our path. A cyclist passing through the gate at that moment was completely unfazed. We found a bridge over a river, only to find that there was a ford – not just a splash, a proper ford where you need to know where the shallow bits are. We watched two different vehicles go through it without any difficulty... we were impressed.

View towards Lingmoor Fell Jeremy laces his boot The path descends through a gate
View towards Lingmoor Fell Jeremy laces his boot The path descends through a gate
Ford Helen on the bridge by the ford Upstream of the ford
Ford Helen on the bridge by the ford Upstream of the ford

We had one more stop, for coffee this time (and of course another patch of exercise for Matthew, clambering all over Daddy) and then made our way gently home through woodland in dappled sunlight. The last bit was slightly interesting, as we couldn't find the stepping stones over the river – but we stepped our way over quite safely and climbed a fence to get back to the road. Of course we spotted the stile once we'd finished!

Matthew is pleased to be out and playing Sunlight through trees Path in dappled sunshine
Matthew is pleased to be out and playing Sunlight through trees Path in dappled sunshine

Jeremy did his special chilli prawn dish for dinner.

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Thursday 19th August: Wetherlam

Old Hall Farm door The lane by Old Hall Farm Next door to the cottage
Old Hall Farm door The lane by Old Hall Farm Next door to the cottage

We decided to take advantage of a sunny(ish) day and drove back to the same car park again, ready to tackle Wetherlam. We met a family in the car park who we were to see repeatedly all day: a grandfather, two grandchildren (Emily aged 7 and Matthew aged 5), three of the parents' generation and a dog, Molly, who was very friendly.

We decided to go up the steep way and then come round by the horseshoe to the north for an easier descent. We made good progress on the way up, pausing by some trees for lunch. It was the perfect spot – gorgeous views, sheltered from the wind, flat enough for Matthew and with the wall stopping him from falling anywhere. He had a good go at some cous cous and when the family with the dog came past us, we're almost sure he said "Dog!".

As we set off after lunch, Helen went ahead for a bit, and Matthew was delighted to keep spotting her over the top of the rucksack. The climb became steeper, and before long we were struggling over the final rocky push to the summit of Wetherlam. Matthew was getting tired by this point, but the irregular motion of the tough climb didn't allow him to go to sleep, so there was a bit of grumbling.

Once we reached the top, and paused very briefly for photos, we realised we had been in the lee of the fell until then. The wind picked up over the ridge and Matthew got very grumbly indeed. We stopped to look at the map and rapidly changed our route home, going instead for the nearly-as-steep descent to the south. We wrapped Matthew up in Helen's waterproof coat as best we could, but he still cried for 20 minutes on the way down the hill before finally falling asleep with his nose tucked in the sleeve.

We plodded on downwards for another half hour and, passing a cute gap in the rock face, suddenly realised we didn't have the camera any more. We must have left it when we stopped to check the map and get out the GPS near the summit. After a bit of debate, we decided that Jeremy should go back, with the GPS, and Helen should go on, with Matthew and the map. It was a bit of a slog for both! Helen reached the car after 45 minutes, at 6pm, just as the rain started, and gave Matthew yoghurt and a trip into Coniston. Jeremy couldn't find the camera when he got back to the top (so no photos today, except a few of the cottage which weren't actually taken today but hey), and finally got back down just before 8, extremely wet and tired.

We got home, Jeremy bathed with Matthew, who went to bed very efficiently, and we had tapas (easy but delicious) for dinner.

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Friday 20th August: Coniston and Millom

As predicted, the day dawned wet and gloomy. We started out slowly, let Matthew have a good play at home before we set off, and drove to Coniston for lunch. We went to the "Mother Earth Café" and had toasted sandwiches. The sandwiches were good but the side salad was a bit dodgy – and the chocolate brownie we shared for dessert was far to chocolatey for Jeremies (it's a hard life being Helen). The river running through the town was full and fast, and the clouds impressively low over the hills.

Water gushing through Coniston Low cloud above Coniston
Water gushing through Coniston Low cloud above Coniston

After lunch, we crossed the road to an outdoor gear shop, and bought a new waterproof coat for Helen. They didn't stock anything in tiny sizes, otherwise we would have got something windproof for Matthew as well. We walked down to the Tourist Information and reported our lost camera on the off chance that anyone handed it in, bought a few postcards, and headed back to the car.

We drove down the coast to Millom to see what it had to offer – and the answer was, not much! There was a nature reserve with ducks, swans and a heron, but the rain set in again quite seriously so we only had a short wander before coming back home. Jeremy made fish pie for dinner.

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Saturday 21st August: Seathwaite woodland

We made a good start this morning, with Matthew having got up early and had a good feed as well as his breakfast. Unfortunately he fell and hit his head on the floor while being suncreamed just before leaving... but after a brief yell he seemed OK so we carried on. We drove through Ulpha to Seathwaite, over lots of windy roads, and poor Matthew was very sick. At first we were worried that it might be concussion, but he was so perky as soon as he'd been cleaned up that we decided it was probably motion sickness. We had a walk in mind that had lots of options to cut short, so we agreed to keep an eye on him but start the walk anyway. We drove the last tiny bit of journey and he fell asleep. It was too cruel to wake him so we just sat in the car for half an hour until he woke up naturally, and then set off with him in fine spirits as usual after a nap.

We crossed over a rather manky concrete footbridge to start the walk through dappled woodland, with a river alongside and sunlight filtering through the trees. We were due to cross a larger river by some stepping stones (twice) but when we got to the first set they didn't look passable – not with the amount of water coming down, and a baby on Daddy's back. Fortunately there was a fantastic bridge just a little further down so we used that instead.

River at Seathwaite River at Seathwaite Dappled path at Seathwaite
River at Seathwaite River at Seathwaite Dappled path at Seathwaite
Amazing footbridge View upriver from the footbridge On the footbridge
Amazing footbridge View upriver from the footbridge On the footbridge

We didn't go on much further before stopping for lunch, as we realised that we were about to run out of nice flat areas for a picnic. We settled down by the side of the river to eat our sandwiches. We'd decided that, since Matthew liked to ramble about a bit during his lunch (moments of freedom from the backpack) it made more sense to give him sandwiches than proper spooned dinner. He made it very clear he agreed by wolfing his tuna sandwich and eating half a yoghurt afterwards. We hadn't got to the yoghurt on any previous day.

While we were sitting eating our lunch, a wren came and briefly landed on Jeremy's head then Helen's before flitting off to a nearby rock. We couldn't quite believe what had just happened! It hung around for the rest of lunch, getting very close now and again, and hopping down for crumbs. Astonishing.

Our wren on a rock Yoghurt monster! The wren gets closer
Our wren on a rock Yoghurt monster! The wren gets closer

After lunch we followed the path along the river bank, although it climbed quite a bit before dropping back down. We saw a very good peacock butterfly, and came in due course to the footbridge we were expecting followed by our second set of stepping stones. These had a wire running across as a handrail, but we watched a couple do them towards us and we didn't think they looked safe for baby-laden parents. Our other option was to turn away from the river and climb up to complete a circuit behind Wallowbarrow Fell, so that was what we did.

Peacock Butterfly River in spate Helen on the footbridge
Peacock Butterfly River in spate Helen on the footbridge

The route began with a rather tough uphill climb with both rocks and squishy bits to contend with, but we soon came out at the top of the forest onto a farm track. In a field we met a tiny horse, which fascinated Matthew (but only on condition that we gave it grass from our side of the fence). Most of the route down was then along farm track through heather, and we stopped actually on the path for a pitstop as it was the flattest land around. We could see the road from our vantage point, and watched four emergency vehicles going to something; we never found out what.

Tiny white horse Matthew meets tiny white horse Isolated wall fragment Heather Many stone walls!
Tiny white horse Matthew meets tiny white horse Isolated wall fragment Heather Many stone walls!

As we set off downhill again, we passed a rock face with climbers on it: they were doing multi-pitch routes. We came down by the side of a very picturesque stream, and as we went back into the valley where we'd started, we stopped for a very relaxed play by the river before driving home. Matthew fell asleep on the way home but it didn't seem to stop him going to bed OK; and we had Spanish omelette for dinner.

Gushing stream Vast landscape Stepping stones
Gushing stream Vast landscape Stepping stones
Sunlit river Matthew spots the camera Last view of the river
Sunlit river Matthew spots the camera Last view of the river
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Sunday 22nd August: Bethecar Moor

We didn't want to use the car today, as the car seat cover was still drying after being washed last night, so we planned another local walk – this time behind the cottage to the East, on Bethecar Moor. We were off earlier than usual, not long after 11, and headed up through the bracken and heather alongside a stream with the lake behind us.

Looking down on Coniston Water from the rise behind the cottage Heather We climbed alongside the wall View from High Bethecar
Looking down on Coniston Water
from the rise behind the cottage
Heather We climbed alongside the wall View from High Bethecar

We soon came to High Bethecar farmhouse, where Matthew enjoyed looking at the ducks. We crossed a field with two highland cows and their very shaggy offspring, and then settled down for our picnic. At the end of the meal Matthew had a long milk feed and fell asleep on Mummy's lap for a while – he woke up fully perky and ready for the rest of the day.

Lakeland highland cows Lakeland highland cows Lakeland highland cows Lakeland highland cows
Lakeland highland cows
Matthew leaning on Mummy at lunch Matthew hangs onto both parents Matthew getting a bit tired Asleep on Mummy
Matthew leaning on Mummy at lunch Matthew hangs onto both parents Matthew getting a bit tired Asleep on Mummy

There were gorgeous views across the hills to the sea, as we descended into bogginess and navigated by GPS for a while. We skirted round the south side of Old Parrack Hill and came down on the edge of some forestry commission land (newly acquired) at High Ickenthwaite. We stopped there and all shared a yoghurt (although Matthew did get the lion's share) before heading towards home along a track.

The sea from High Bethecar Gate and the sea Low Bethecar Two happy walkers!
The sea from High Bethecar Gate and the sea Low Bethecar Two happy walkers!

After a brief climb, we came down to the side of a stream by Arklid Intake and stopped for a paddle. Even though it was really quite cold, Matthew enjoyed splashing his feet in the water!

Track down to the stream Stream ready for paddling Helen and Matthew paddle Jeremy paddles
Track down to the stream Stream ready for paddling Helen and Matthew paddle Jeremy paddles

The weather held all the way back, giving us fantastic views of Coniston Water as we came down the hill, and we came home through the back garden. Matthew fell asleep on the last leg and had a little sleep in the backpack in the garden before his dinner. After the usual bedtime business, we had leftover fish pie for dinner.

Our route home View of Coniston Water on our walk back home
Our route home View of Coniston Water
on our walk back home
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Monday 23rd August: Rain!

This was a really seriously wet day. Fortunately we knew it was coming. After playing at home for a while, we headed into Ulverston for essential provisions. (We were out of bread rolls, margarine and Matthew's soap, amongst other less essential things.) We were done and back in the car by 1, and drove most of the way back home before stopping at the Farmers Arms for lunch. Helen had fish and chips (with mushy peas) and Jeremy, chicken pie. Matthew had his sandwich (tuna, mayo, sweetcorn and grated carrot) very tidily, sitting in a wooden high chair, and then helped with the fish and mushy peas.

Matthew playing with his top on the coffee table

After lunch the rain started again with a vengeance, so we drove home. We put away the shopping, fitted the stairgate (at last!) and Matthew had a lovely long nap. When he woke up the rain stopped so we had a brief saunter down to the lake. Almost as soon as we got back it started raining again, even harder than before, and we were very glad to be cosy in our cottage for the night. Having a little more time than usual, we had roast chicken for dinner.

Down by the lake Rushes growing in Coniston Water Sunlight over the boatshed Scull on the beach
Down by the lake Rushes growing in Coniston Water Sunlight over the boatshed Scull on the beach
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Tuesday 24th August: Whitbarrow Scar

This was an exercise in avoiding the rain. The original forecast for today had been for general soaking all over, but it improved and this morning Jeremy made a cunning plan to walk to the East of Newby Bridge, round Whitbarrow Scar. Matthew had a good roam around at home first, and we set off at about 1 (with him immediately falling asleep in the car).

We parked near Witherslack Hall, walking first through fields and a playing field, then climbing steeply through woodland (a bit strenuous) before breaking out onto Whitbarrow Scar, an RSPB nature reserve. The summit is called Lord's Seat and has a very sturdy cylindrical cairn on the top. We went just past the top to get in the lee of the hill for lunch.

Breaking out onto Whitbarrow Scar View from just above the tree line towards Grange-over-Sands Cairn at Lord's Seat View of the eastern lake district fells Yoghurt monster
Breaking out onto Whitbarrow Scar View from just above the tree line
towards Grange-over-Sands
Cairn at Lord's Seat View of the eastern lake district fells Yoghurt monster

After lunch we walked along the ridge of Whitbarrow scar – it was windy but sunny, despite the dodgy weather we could see elsewhere. We introduced Matthew to his serious windproofing and he was much happier than the last time we tried windy conditions. The trees were providing a bit of an indication that it might be windy up here on a regular basis...

Matthew holding onto Daddy Helen on Whitbarrow Scar Matthew in his Hazmat rucksack View towards Arnside Windswept tree on Whitbarrow Scar
Matthew holding onto Daddy Helen on Whitbarrow Scar Matthew in his Hazmat rucksack View towards Arnside Windswept tree on Whitbarrow Scar
I wonder what happens if I grow above he-aaaaaaah!

Just before we left the ridge, we came across a small batch of extremely shaggy sheep – they looked as if they hadn't been shorn for a couple of seasons. The farmer was calling them and his cows, and they all came to his call. Our walk instructions said we should be skirting a conifer forest, and the OS map agreed, which confised us for a little while, until we suddenly noticed the stumps. The whole forest had been chopped down! So much for planning a woodland walk...

Shaggy sheep following us Weather coming in from the fells
Shaggy sheep following us Weather coming in from the fells
(and where did the forest go?)

As we descended on a footpath marked on the map beneath the crags, we found it had crumbled away and been fenced off. Fortunately with a combination of GPS and the footsteps of people who'd tried that before us, we were able to make our way pretty quickly back to a good broad path to descend through the woods to Beck Head. We reached the car at about 6, just as it started to rain gently. In the evening we had a re-run of the roast chicken dinner (since the bird had been big enough for 4).

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Wednesday 25th August: Dunnerdale and Seathwaite Tarn

The weather forecast predicted this to be the best day of the week... it didn't quite pan out that way. We drove over to Dunnerdale again, driving a little further past Seathwaite this time (and nobody was sick). We tried a different route, going up to Torver and cutting through the small roads past Broughton Mills, but came back the other way (via Foxfield), and there was nothing in it for timing.

We parked just over Seathwaite Bridge, and after nearly getting stuck with one tyre in a stream(!) set off along the valley on a streamside path that was slightly on the squidgy side. The first few fields had a lot of boardwalk. The weather was cloudy and as we rounded a knot into some woodland, we decided we'd better fit Matthew's waterproofing in case the heavens opened. They didn't, but it did drizzle a little bit on us.

When we'd climbed through the woodland for a while Matthew was grizzling about being hungry, so we stopped out in the open where we found a flat rock – not the ideal place, but anywhere softer would have been a good deal wetter. It then rained on us a little bit while we sat there, but we had a good lunch (if slightly hurried) and moved off again none the worse for it.

After our next (and final) point of contact with the road, we were faced with a tricky route uphill. We couldn't see the path at all, and navigated by GPS alone. It got us there, but through some thick wet bracken, and possibly more steeply than the official route too.

Looking north up Dunnerdale We briefly return to the road above Seathwaite Dunnerdale ruin Looking down Dunnerdale from the shoulder Daddy's working hard up this hill!
Looking north up Dunnerdale We briefly return to the road above Seathwaite Dunnerdale ruin Looking down Dunnerdale from the shoulder Daddy's working hard up this hill!

Once we'd reached the shoulder, the going was much easier as we completed our ascent to Seathwaite Tarn. This is a reservoir with a fairly impressive dam, and we had a nice sit (and dry out) in a little sheltered hollow looking at the water.

Dam at Seathwaite Tarn Matthew's nearly made it to the tarn Seathwaite Tarn Looking up Seathwaite Tarn
Dam at Seathwaite Tarn Matthew's nearly made it to the tarn Seathwaite Tarn Looking up Seathwaite Tarn

After our break, we walked across the dam and descended on the other side of the valley. We were walking on a track which must have been used by the vehicles building the dam: certainly, it was a nice gentle gradient and an ideal way to get back down. We had good views back up the valley (the weather improving at this point) and the odd butterfly joined us as well.

Setting off back down Dunnerdale Harter Fell Peacock butterfly Gushing water
Setting off back down Dunnerdale Harter Fell Peacock butterfly Gushing water
Lone tree Mackerel sky Helen on the way home
Lone tree Mackerel sky Helen on the way home

We got home at about 7, and after settling Matthew down, had sausages with a piquant feta and mushroom creation on the side.

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Thursday 26th August: Underbarrow to Scout Scar

We drove close to Kendal today, in fact driving through Kendal as the quickest way to get to Underbarrow, our destination village. We parked in a pub carpark (recommended by the walk-book author, although sadly it was still closed for the afternoon when we got back to it later) and headed along the road briefly before cutting into fields. Matthew had a few blackberries, with great glee, and just before we climbed our first stile we saw a heron take off. We climbed gently across just a couple of fields and then saw that our way ahead led down an enclosed track, so stopped for a fairly early lunch under a signpost.

Picnic View from our picnic spot Matthew enjoys his lunchtime play Looking back at our picnic site
Picnic View from our picnic spot Matthew enjoys his lunchtime play Looking back at our picnic site

The track itself led through some lovely dappled woodland, out into further fields and towards a radio mast, at whose foot we briefly emerged by a road. We crossed it and joined the impressive limestone escarpment of Scout Scar, which had fantastic views in many directions, including the whole Lake District to the west, but also some of the Yorkshire Dales National Park to the east. It also had a rather strange panoramagram on the top (looking more like a spaceship than a shelter). We stopped there for coffee and biscuits (and a bit of entertaining TMS witter from the rained-off test match at Lord's).

First view from Scout Scar Looking along Scout Scar The edge of Scout Scar Northwards view along Scout Scar
First view from Scout Scar Looking along Scout Scar The edge of Scout Scar Northwards view along Scout Scar
Shelter on top of Scout Scar Sea view from Scout Scar Shoulders! Matthew on Scout Scar
Shelter on top of Scout Scar Sea view from Scout Scar Shoulders! Matthew on Scout Scar

The path continued a little way along the escarpment, with views of the River Kent in the valley, and our walk along Whitbarrow Scar on Tuesday behind it. We descended over the edge of the escarpment through a farm, then into some nice open rough land and very dark conifer woodland, before popping out again briefly at a road (and some more blackberries). Matthew had a little sleep on the way down (only 20 minutes but it seemed to perk him up). The last 500m or so, along the road, was a bit strenuous, but over all this was a fantastic walk with amazing views and very good weather.

River Kent meandering in its valley Jeremy and Matthew head along Scout Scar Huge pile of stones Scout Scar from our descent Lonely barn
River Kent meandering in its valley Jeremy and Matthew head along Scout Scar Huge pile of stones Scout Scar from our descent Lonely barn

In the evening Jeremy surpassed himself with another wonderful fish pie – and Helen did her bit by polishing the boots.

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Friday 27th August: Steam trains and boats!

tickets

Today we did something quite different. We drove to Haverthwaite to have an excursion on the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway. We parked and before going to look at trains, visited a stall in the carpark where there were two owls – a Tropical Screech Owl (tiny) and a European Eagle Owl (really quite big). Matthew enjoyed looking at them... from quite close quarters!

Tropical screech owl Matthew meets the tropical screech owl European eagle owl
Tropical screech owl Matthew meets the tropical screech owl European eagle owl

Then came the serious business of the day: the steam railway. We were up on the footbridge to watch our train come in; then we walked to the front end to watch the engine decouple, refill with water, and move off so it could switch over on the points (in a tunnel) and go down to the other end for the journey back to Lakeside. Matthew got a bit upset by the loud steam-release noises, but was quickly consoled. We watched the engine recouple at the other end and then boarded the train.

Haverthwaite Station The steam train decouples from the carriages Coming out of the tunnel Ready to go!
Haverthwaite Station The steam train decouples from the carriages Coming out of the tunnel Ready to go!

Once we arrived at Lakeside, there was plenty of time to look at the engine and watch it do its decoupling-recoupling business again. When it had gone we went into the café and had a couple of steak slices for lunch (except Matthew, who had his usual sandwich).

Matthew in front of the steam train Matthew and the train drivers Jeremy and Matthew watch the steam engine Glossy engine
Matthew in front of the steam train Matthew and the train drivers Jeremy and Matthew watch the steam engine Glossy engine

Our next trip was much shorter – we got the ferry from Lakeside across the short distance to Fell Foot, a National Trust park with play areas, barbecue areas, swimming areas and lots of green space. We had a bit of an explore and then settled down on the picnic mat for a bit of a ramble (and a bit more sandwich) for Matthew. The sun was out and it was glorious.

Approaching Fell Foot on the ferry Swimmers at Fell Foot Yachts on Windermere Fell Foot jetty
Approaching Fell Foot on the ferry Swimmers at Fell Foot Yachts on Windermere Fell Foot jetty
Looking north up Windermere Monkey Puzzle tree Oh! I left the iron on!
Looking north up Windermere Monkey Puzzle tree Oh! I left the iron on!

After we'd enjoyed watching the world from our picnic blanket for a while, we took the ferry back across to Lakeside, where we went round the Aquarium. This was really enjoyable – we saw otters playing (or was it fighting?), conger eels, piranhas, sturgeon, and also (surprisingly) brightly coloured frogs and marmosets. Matthew enjoyed watching the fish, and particularly liked the underwater tunnel where the fish swam right over us (and you could see ducks coming down to feed on the bottom too).

Looking up Windermere from the ferry Matthew on the ferry
Looking up Windermere from the ferry Matthew on the ferry

Once we came out of the aquarium we had just under an hour before the next train home, so (after buying an icecream) we went for a little walk. Matthew had been making noises about being tired at the end of the aquarium, but a few licks of Mummy's icecream sorted that out! We climbed up a little way into the woodland behind the Lakeside Hotel, which was very secluded. It was beautiful, very green and sunlit, and again we threw down our picnic rug and had a little bit of Matthew free time. Then, a full 20 minutes before it was due to leave, our train started hooting, so we hurried back down to the station.

Sunshine filtering through the wood behind Lakeside Secluded woodland glade
Sunshine filtering through
the wood behind Lakeside
Secluded woodland glade

Returning to the station, once again we had some fine views of the steam engine doing its thing – and this time Matthew didn't get scared (he did get startled, but he just held on hard to Daddy and didn't cry, brave boy). We watched the signalman work the points and then change the signal... and then, of course, we had to board the train.

The front of the steam engine Matthew braves the steam engine again The engine steaming away to itself The engine comes back to recouple with the carriages
The front of the steam engine Matthew braves the steam engine again The engine steaming away to itself The engine comes back
to recouple with the carriages

The journey back was very pretty – we were sitting on the lake side of the train so we got to see more than we had on the way out – and there was plenty of steam floating past our windows too.

Looking forwards from the train window Looking backwards from the train The view from the train window Steam! Tired out baby
Looking forwards from the train window Looking backwards from the train The view from the train window Steam! Tired out baby

Back at Haverthwaite, we had time for some last snatched photos of the train as it headed back to Lakeside for the last time of the day. Matthew fell fast asleep in the car more or less instantly: that was a lot to process in one day!

Shoulders view of the engine Steaming under the footbridge Steam engine under the footbridge
Shoulders view of the engine Steaming under the footbridge Steam engine under the footbridge

Back at home, Matthew managed good portions of cheesy squash with pasta, and apple for afters, and we found that England (who were 67 for 5 when we left against Pakistan at Lord's) had managed a magnificent 8th wicket stand to be on 346 for 7 at stumps. After Matthew went to bed, we had leftover fish pie and Jeremy set up our new data storage system. We think Matthew enjoyed his 11-month "birthday"!

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Saturday 28th August: Arnside

This morning it was raining quite heavily, so we didn't try very hard to set off quickly. We made a plan to drive close to Kendal again, to a walk with a tarn – but as we turned north onto the A591 we realised that the whole area was covered with heavy rain, so we changed our plan and headed south to Arnside instead. There we parked and started to walk along the front... but immediately it started to rain quite heavily so we abandoned the whole picnic idea and went back to a coffee shop instead. There was a proper highchair, and Matthew enjoyed his sandwich and yoghurt (and charming the people on the next table) while Jeremy had a toasted sandwich, and Helen, soup and a roll.

As we finished eating the weather brightened up a bit, so we started again along the front, with Matthew well water- and wind-proofed in his backpack. The tide in Morecambe Bay was nearly in as we started, and the path was quite close to the water along the first stretch. It was quite windy with intermittent heavy wet patches, but Matthew was very happy after a good lunch and clearly warm enough, so we had no qualms about braving the weather.

Setting off from Arnside The waterfront path at Arnside Looking back towards the viaduct
Setting off from Arnside The waterfront path at Arnside Looking back towards the viaduct

We walked along the coast on the edge of the sands and then cut up into delightful (and sheltered) woodland until we came to the first bay. Here the path led back onto the stony beach, and on the other side we went back into the wood. This woodland path was lovely, and kept popping out above the shore for another view. It eventually came out at Far Arnside, which appears to be a village of green static-caravan holiday homes, but done rather tastefully.

View across Morecambe bay Train on the viaduct Helen warm in her new coat
View across Morecambe bay Train on the viaduct Helen warm in her new coat
Reflections on Morecambe bay Sands of Morecambe bay Magnolia and Far Arnside
Reflections on Morecambe bay Sands of Morecambe bay Magnolia and Far Arnside

We turned inland at this point, climbing through fields to the land surrounding Arnside Knott, which we duly climbed. Not long before we reached the top we paused for a miniature coffee-and-cake stop, which was rather curtailed by a sudden shower of rain. Nonetheless, there were good views across the bay from the top.

Looking down on Far Arnside View from Arnside Knott Waterproofing in action Looking east from Arnside Knott
Looking down on Far Arnside View from Arnside Knott Waterproofing in action Looking east from Arnside Knott

We came down through more woodland footpaths, which led directly onto the side streets where we'd left the car. We even managed to do our emergency shopping (milk, margarine, and so on) on foot before we got to the car!

Matthew was a star all day, enjoying all the wild and woolly weather we threw at him, and he stayed awake all the way home in the car. He had a really good dinner of cous cous and apple (and a bit of his cake bar), loved his bath, and by the time he went to bed had been awake for 7 hours. He went on to sleep from midnight (when he had a tiny tiny feed) through to 9! The rest of us had sausages for dinner again, by the side of a real fire.

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Sunday 29th August: Tarn Hows

Feeling much more rested after an undisturbed night, we drove past Coniston to Tarn Hows – a slightly extended route as we found our planned road was one way the other way. (We used it on the way home.) The way was rather windy, and Matthew complained for a lot of the journey: with good reason as it turned out, because just after we arrived and got him out of the car he was a bit sick. Good timing, though – any earlier and it would have been on the car seat, any later, on the rucksack. Once that had happened he got much happier, and we booted up and set off round the east side of Tarn Hows.

The walk we were roughly following from the walk book would have had us follow the wheelchair-friendly path right to the top of Tarn Hows, but about 2/3 of the way we spotted a very appealing looking path beyond a stile, so we took it and climbed up to a miniature top where we stopped for lunch. The views were excellent – we were very glad we'd chosen the detour!

Tarn Hows Matthew arrives at the lunch spot Foxglove! East of Tarn Hows
Tarn Hows Matthew arrives at the lunch spot Foxglove! East of Tarn Hows
Matthew using Mummy for standing practice West of Tarn Hows Matthew sitting on the grass
Matthew using Mummy for standing practice West of Tarn Hows Matthew sitting on the grass

We walked north after lunch, passing through some bizarre Forestry Commission land. We worked out in the end that, some time between 2002 (when our map was printed) and 2005 (when there were big storms) they had thinned out the conifers and planted some deciduous trees in between. Then when the storms came, the new trees were too small to help and the old trees too sparse to cope, so they'd all blown over, although some of them were still alive and growing branches down one side. As we left that enclosure we came out above a farm to some absolutely breathtaking views in all directions: a real lakeland treasure.

Views north of Tarn Hows Views north of Tarn Hows Views north of Tarn Hows Views north of Tarn Hows
Views north of Tarn Hows
Wall view Pretty farm Mountain track Signpost and barn
Wall view Pretty farm Mountain track Signpost and barn

We descended into the valley and followed a path which brought us along the western side of the deep quarry we'd seen from the east on the first Wednesday, near Tilberthwaite. Turning away from that path, we stumbled upon the most beautiful, and deserted, pool. It was marked as "disused reservoir" on the map, but looked completely natural.

Sunlit stream Stream west of Tarn Hows Quarry
Sunlit stream Stream west of Tarn Hows Quarry
Deserted reservoir Deserted reservoir Deserted reservoir
Deserted reservoir

Climbing over the shoulder from the reservoir, we came into sight of Yew Tarn. We descended to the road (by a closed tea shop which now only sells meat: travesty!) and then had a rather arduous climb back up the other side to cross over back to Tarn Hows and the car.

Looking north near Yew Tarn Yew Tarn Tarn Hows
Looking north near Yew Tarn Yew Tarn Tarn Hows
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Monday 30th August: Potter Tarn

We drove to Staveley, just northwest of Kendal, for this walk (in fact the one we had abandoned on Saturday). We parked at the brewery come business park in the centre, and (after a quick stop at the Spar for tomatoes) headed away from the village along a footpath over a little stream. We crossed a field and headed into Craggy Wood, climbing fairly steeply and congratulating ourselves on improving on the route suggested in our walk book. At the top of the wood we stopped for our picnic, with views of horses and occasional visiting dogs.

View from Craggy Wood Joining the main path to Potter Tarn Jeremy crosses a wall stile
View from Craggy Wood Joining the main path to Potter Tarn Jeremy crosses a wall stile

When we left the wood we joined a path which was basically unmarked, but all of whose wall crossings were carried out over substantial wooden wall stiles – lots of fun! After a farm, we began the serious ascent (such as it was) and came to Potter Tarn.

The tarn has been walled round with a very high dam-like structure, which seems totally excessive as the outlet is about 6 feet lower than the dam top. The drystone wall leading right across the tarn, though, is tumbledown at the height of the dam walls which suggests it has been that full once... While we were playing by the tarn, a cow (and then a couple of others, later) wandered in for a drink and a paddle.

Helen climbs towards Potter Tarn Potter Tarn Matthew at Potter Tarn
Helen climbs towards Potter Tarn Potter Tarn Matthew at Potter Tarn

We followed the tarn outlet downhill, on a track alongside the stream, and descended into the valley. The walk finished with a nice long amble along the riverside, all the way back into Staveley.

Track alongside the stream Riverside walk Staveley tower
Track alongside the stream Riverside walk Staveley tower

This time it was chilli prawns for supper!

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Tuesday 31st August: Pike o' Blisco

The weather looked beautiful, so we drove north through Coniston and Little Langdale to park at the National Trust car park by Blea Tarn. This tarn has very solid footpaths around it – it's almost the less-famous Tarn Hows.

Starting at Blea Tarn Blea Tarn and Langdale Pikes Helen on the footbridge at Blea Tarn
Starting at Blea Tarn Blea Tarn and Langdale Pikes Helen on the footbridge at Blea Tarn

We walked past the tarn, crossed a stream, and began our ascent. The first leg was on a fairly gentle gradient, above the road, and we could see various other groups around. We then came back to the road and had a steepish climb to Wrynose Bridge.

Upstream from Wrynose Bridge Wrynose Bridge Fall downstream of Wrynose Bridge Back down the road from Wrynose Bridge Looking down on Wrynose Bridge
Upstream from Wrynose Bridge Wrynose Bridge Fall downstream of Wrynose Bridge Back down the road from Wrynose Bridge Looking down on Wrynose Bridge

From Wrynose Bridge we peeled off uphill alongside a stream, and started looking for a flat dry place for lunch. It turned out all the flat places were wet, so we chose wet over slopy and settled down on our picnic rug. Matthew got wet socks cruising around, but otherwise we stayed dry through lunch. And we had spare socks with us so it was all fine.

Matthew looking for lunch View down from lunch View up from lunch Matthew eating lunch
Matthew looking for lunch View down from lunch View up from lunch Matthew eating lunch

After lunch we climbed fairly steeply through a boggy bit, and then onto a grassy path. We were watching our progress on the GPS, and when we got to the "1km to go" mark, realised we'd dropped the camera. This time Helen went back (without Matthew and without rucksack) while Jeremy camped out with Matthew and started feeding him his yoghurt. Miraculously the camera was found, about 250m back on our route (which wasn't on the path at that point, so really very lucky to find it). Hence there are photos from today!

Isolated tree Prodigal camera returns Looking back up our climb Langdale Pikes
Isolated tree Prodigal camera returns Looking back up our climb Langdale Pikes

After the yoghurt stop, we climbed on a reasonably clear path for quite a while, until we came to the foot of the real top of Pike o' Blisco. Here the path became a lot less distinct – we were navigating from cairn to cairn, but occasionally through quaggy marsh. We skirted round the false summit we could see, to the right, to get round a rock wall, then cut left again and climbed onto it triumphant – just to discover that the real top (not much higher) was about 100m away, with a much better cairn. Once we got there we had a nice rest, photos, milk for Matthew and cake for everyone, and Jeremy repaired the cairn on the top.

Pike o' Blisco false summit and real summit Pike o' Blisco false summit False summit and Wetherlam Helen tops Pike o' Blisco
Pike o' Blisco false summit and real summit Pike o' Blisco false summit False summit and Wetherlam Helen tops Pike o' Blisco
Jeremy tops Pike o'Blisco Windermere from Pike o' Blisco Matthew and Helen atop Pike o'Blisco Matthew atop Pike o' Blisco
Jeremy tops Pike o'Blisco Windermere from Pike o' Blisco Matthew and Helen atop Pike o'Blisco Matthew atop Pike o' Blisco

Our route down was more direct but started with difficulty – the sort of rocky scramble that's OK upwards, or if you're not wearing a baby on your back, but really wasn't suitable for Jeremy. While we were looking for the way down a Eurofighter flew round the valley, which was quite exciting. We came down the slightly longer way, and soon found the main path down. At one point there was a staircase of (obviously imported) rock which dried up at another wee scrambly bit – slightly irritating! After that, though, it was staircase for ages.

As we crossed a stream, a little grassy path went off to the right, contouring, and we took this most of the way back. It was great: the main path would have lost us a lot of height which we would have had to regain on the road. At the end of our grassy path we came to the rocky track round Blea Tarn, but at the north end this time. As we finished it we saw a fantastic sun dog as the sun dipped below the peaks (sadly, our photographs of it didn't come out).

Sun dips behind Pike o' Blisco Langdale valley
Sun dips behind Pike o' Blisco Langdale valley

We drove home and this was a late night for Matthew – but he was very good, coming back from upset in the car to laugh at the old lady who swallowed a fly, and then wolfing his fish pie and yoghurt when we got back. Jeremy did the aubergine dish again for supper.

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Wednesday 1st September: Silverdale

This was a different day – we'd fixed to go and visit Karen's parents in Silverdale for lunch. As it turned out, the weather was absolutely beautiful and as still as anything.

We set off at 11, and (after waiting for traffic lights on the A590) got to their house at 12. Matthew had had a 15 minute sleep in the car, and got a bit upset on arrival; but a small splash-and-dash and a gentle reintroduction to the company soon fixed that. We had tea out on the patio in the sun, and then moved inside for lunch. We were very impressed with soup from homegrown courgettes!

After lunch we got ourselves booted up and headed off for a walk. We were both pretty tired from Pike o' Blisco yesterday, and wouldn't have wanted to do anything massive; but the weather was so beautiful that we couldn't have not used it! This was the perfect solution: a nice gentle walk with a variety of terrain and views. We started by walking through Silverdale village to fields where hay was being harvested (very popular with Matthew).

Setting off Silverdale houses Horse and sheep
Setting off Silverdale houses Horse and sheep
Hay harvest Matthew watching the hay harvest Matthew watching the hay harvest
Hay harvest Matthew watching the hay harvest

We turned off the road into woodland and climbed gently up to the "Pepperpot" above Silverdale. There we had a little rest (and Matthew had a little feed, and a good bounce around, and discovered just how funny Karen's Dad's Donald Duck impressions are). The views towards Heysham and across the sands towards Barrow were outstanding. After the stop, we made a quick detour to the cliff edge to see even more outstanding views.

Families Bradley and Spenley Silverdale pepperpot Us at the pepperpot Heading to the coast view
Families Bradley and Spenley Silverdale pepperpot Us at the pepperpot Heading to the coast view
View from Silverdale pepperpot View from Silverdale pepperpot View from Silverdale pepperpot
View from Silverdale pepperpot

We descended to the coast through woodland again – a tiny scrambly bit nd then a very gentle woodland track. We followed the coast path round (more excellent views) and ended through fields back to the house. We had another cup of tea – and some of Karen's Mum's lovely scones and raisin bread (and yoghurt for Matthew) – before taking our leave after a really lovely day.

Beach at Silverdale From Silverdale coast path Looking out from Silverdale Matthew with Mrs. Spenley
Beach at Silverdale From Silverdale coast path Looking out from Silverdale Matthew with Mrs. Spenley

When we got home Matthew was surprisingly tired and grumbly (compared to last night) but still managed a good dinner and off to bed without too much difficulty. Dinner for us was a lovely charcuterie starter followed by aubergines again.

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Thursday 2nd September: Ravenglass to Eskdale and back

tickets

We drove to Ravenglass in blazing sunshine, ready to take the Ravenglass to Eskdale miniature steam railway. Last year we'd taken the train up and walked the whole length back down: but the second half wasn't much fun so this year we decided to shorten the walk and catch a train back down at the end of the day.

Our train was the River Esk, and we got through the ticket office just in time to see it arrive from its previous trip. We watched it turn round on the turntable, and then boarded ready for our journey.

Steam train coming into Ravenglass Matthew in steam Engine controls The River Esk
Steam train
coming into Ravenglass
Matthew in steam Engine controls The River Esk

The route took about 45 minutes, and Matthew enjoyed looking out, looking at the people in the carriage behind us, looking at the dog a few carriages ahead of us, and waving at the other trains that came past us.

Jeremy, Matthew and Helen on the train Fields from the train Dog on the train Special train!
Jeremy, Matthew and Helen on the train Fields from the train Dog on the train Special train!
Crowds on the train Steam train approaches Steam train arrives Our train
Crowds on the train Steam train approaches Steam train arrives Our train
Top of Eskdale Engine going on the turntable Turning... Ready to leave the turntable
Top of Eskdale Engine going on the turntable Turning... Ready to leave the turntable

At Eskdale, we left the station and walked to the church by the unfeasible stepping stones (we'd waded them the year before). There were children and dogs having a fine old time in the river. Then we turned left, upstream, and followed the river bank through dappled woodland. We found what clearly used to be a small railway bridge, but no sign of where it would have gone to. Then we came out into fields and bracken – and saw a heron! Soon afterwards we settled down in a clearing for lunch. A Canadian couple came past, navigating with a Jarrold book, and we were able to help them put names to some of the peaks on the horizon (including Scafell).

Stepping stones Church Gushing river Heron
Stepping stones Church Gushing river Heron

After lunch we carried on upstream a little way to Doctor's Bridge, where we crossed over and meandered downstream on the other side of the river. After a surprisingly short time we were back at the church, and rejoining the route we'd walked last year. We recognised a footbridge over a small pool, and a cottage with distinctive pepperpot chimneys, and a hugely unneccessary suspension bridge.

North of Boot Doctor's Bridge Footbridge Pepperpot chimneys Shallow river
North of Boot Doctor's Bridge Footbridge Pepperpot chimneys Shallow river
Suspension bridge Upstream from suspension bridge Downstream from suspension bridge Matthew on the bridge Helen baulks
Suspension bridge Upstream from suspension bridge Downstream from suspension bridge Matthew on the bridge Helen baulks

At this point we crossed the river and did something new: we walked through the field, across the road, and climbed into the woodland behind the railway line. This was slightly hard work, but gave us a lovely grassy descent back to the tracks, coming into Eskdale Green station with about quarter of an hour to spare before the 5pm train home. While we waited on the station, a robin flew up and came close enough to take bits of fruit cake from the wall behind us.

Crossing the railway line House by Eskdale Green
Crossing the railway line House by Eskdale Green

The journey back on the train was, of course, a bit shorter than the journey out – but Matthew still enjoyed himself and there were some lovely views over the estuary in the low sun. And of course another turntable-watching opportunity when we arrived.

Estuary reflections Estuary from the train Final turntable
Estuary reflections Estuary from the train Final turntable

When we got back to the car we had a short drive into Ravenglass itself, where the sea was amazingly still and tranquil in the evening sun, before driving home. Matthew managed to stay awake all the way, and to eat a good dinner; we were very impressed. Dinner for us was a bacon, mushroom and courgette dish with pasta.

Glassy sea at Ravenglass Glassy sea at Ravenglass Glassy sea at Ravenglass Glassy sea at Ravenglass
Glassy sea at Ravenglass
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Friday 3rd September: Little Langdale

For our final day of holiday we planned a nice valley stroll, and were blessed with gorgeous weather for it. We drove through Coniston, stopping to get a report saying the camera hadn't been handed in, to park by Tongue Intake near Skelwith Bridge. We walked along the road for a little while before turning onto a track (which we'd walked along before, the other way, on the first Wednesday).

Helen and Matthew ready for the walk Little Langdale Signposted footpath
Helen and Matthew ready for the walk Little Langdale Signposted footpath

When we followed the chunk of track we'd missed before by climbing through woodland, we found the cutest (and possibly oldest) footbridge we'd ever seen, so we stopped to have lunch overlooking it. Matthew refused his sandwiches for some reason but was content with a milk feed.

Ancient bridge Ancient bridge Gate to the bridge View across Little Langdale
Ancient bridge Gate to the bridge View across Little Langdale
The Lake District looking Austrian Looking down on the footbridge Helen on the footbridge
The Lake District looking Austrian Looking down on the footbridge Helen on the footbridge

The walk took us along Little Langdale, which is a very pretty valley, with little scattered houses and farms and wonderful fell views. We crossed over and returned on the other side, slightly higher up, with a little bit of effortful walk and still more lovely views.

Top of Little Langdale Farm in Little Langdale Hazy view Stream
Top of Little Langdale Farm in Little Langdale Hazy view Stream
Little Langdale Stone stile Little Langdale
Little Langdale Stone stile Little Langdale

At teatime, cleverly, we emerged to the Three Shires Inn for cream tea and cake (and yoghurt for Matthew, which he spread all over the front of Mummy for good measure).

Three Shires Inn Matthew and his yoghurt faceprint
Three Shires Inn Matthew and his yoghurt faceprint

We had a nice quiet relaxed wander back down the valley to the car, during which Matthew fell fast asleep (poppet). A lovely end to a lovely holiday. And for dinner we had the traditional eat-up-what's-in-the-fridge (largely chicken and cheese) and it was great!

Sauntering down Little Langdale Last view of Little Langdale Matthew zonked at the end of the (holi)day
Sauntering down Little Langdale Last view of Little Langdale Matthew zonked
at the end of the (holi)day
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