Meanwhile, seven and a half hour's drive to the north, winter still has a firm hold. Scanning the forecasts before we went, we could imagine lots of cups of hot chocolate, huddled in the Dunes Coffee Shop.
However, we were pleased to find that walks were possible, with snow just frosting the peaks above us for maximum photographic appeal. We began by climbing Dodd, just under Skiddaw. Distances were hazy here, and there was a biting wind on the summit. We met a family, Mum with small boy, Dad with even smaller girl. Girl threw her head back and whined "Why do we have to do this?" You have to say that she has a point there.
On the way down, the same family, transfixed before a tree, in which there was a flock of birds. Chaffinches? "No," my husband said. "Crossbills" - a bird he has never seen before. They were feasting on pine-cones, using their crossed bill to scissors out the seeds.
So then we walked over Sale Fell, and round by the old, ruined Wythop chapel and the forestry road. Very few birds to be seen anywhere.
On a day of brilliant sunshine and biting cold, we decided on the Newlands Valley, and we were not alone. Families were herding their offspring up Cat Bells. This was the day for views, with all the tops clear and snow etching the contours.
Finally, another day saw us on the well-trodden High Nook Tarn walk above Loweswater, one of our favourites.
Quite a bit of knitting went on during this trip, with its long journeys and quiet evenings in.
That's three little red cardigans, three children's hats in Sanquhar patterns and two pairs of baby mittens.
However, we were pleased to find that walks were possible, with snow just frosting the peaks above us for maximum photographic appeal. We began by climbing Dodd, just under Skiddaw. Distances were hazy here, and there was a biting wind on the summit. We met a family, Mum with small boy, Dad with even smaller girl. Girl threw her head back and whined "Why do we have to do this?" You have to say that she has a point there.
On the way down, the same family, transfixed before a tree, in which there was a flock of birds. Chaffinches? "No," my husband said. "Crossbills" - a bird he has never seen before. They were feasting on pine-cones, using their crossed bill to scissors out the seeds.
So then we walked over Sale Fell, and round by the old, ruined Wythop chapel and the forestry road. Very few birds to be seen anywhere.
On a day of brilliant sunshine and biting cold, we decided on the Newlands Valley, and we were not alone. Families were herding their offspring up Cat Bells. This was the day for views, with all the tops clear and snow etching the contours.
Finally, another day saw us on the well-trodden High Nook Tarn walk above Loweswater, one of our favourites.
Quite a bit of knitting went on during this trip, with its long journeys and quiet evenings in.
That's three little red cardigans, three children's hats in Sanquhar patterns and two pairs of baby mittens.
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3 comments:
So envious of your walks in that most gorgeous Lakes District. If only I could see it in all weathers. Lovely baby jackets and beanies with the lovely fair isle. Well done and take care.
Sigh....
Wonderful photos and love the hills! Oh I feel like I could walk forever!
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