Storm force

So to Cumbria once again, for a week of walking, bird-watching and general change of scene. Those of you who enjoy seeing pictures of sunlit uplands, the light sparkling on turquoise lakes, would have been surprised by the weather this last week.  If it was not raining lightly it was raining heavily, with a gusty wind driving in from the west, slattering the rain across an already sodden landscape.  Deep pools stood at the lowest part of every field and spilled over on to roads.  To go out walking was to risk being soaked by heavy showers.

But there were the odd patches of sunlight and we tried to make the most of them.  The classic view of Criffel with grazing oyster-catchers below.

The wind-chill factor this afternoon was said to be 0 which removing a glove proved to be correct.

We did spend rather a lot of time eating out at cafes and inns.  One of our favourites up the coast is the Gin Case at Mawbray, where the picture window looks out on a sheltered orchard with bird-feeders.

Among all the blue-tits, chaffinches and tree sparrows, we were delighted to see the greater spotted woodpecker making himself at home.

Another day, a break in the clouds temped us out on to Sale Fell, one of our regular walks.  In the valley below, the flooded marshland can be seen.  

But it looked like a promising day for a walk.

We followed the grassy path up the right hand flank of the fell.  Far to the West we could see a grey cloud gathering, so we turned to retrace our steps.  As we hurried back to the car, the cloud took on a more ominous appearance, like thick fog moving at speed, driven by the stiff breeze.  It was a hailstorm.  Suddenly, my feet slid away from me on the slippery grass path and I landed on my hand. Bad mistake.  Fortunately, I had not broken anything and all my fingers were still functioning.  I had bruised it pretty badly though, and it will take a while to heal.  This is what it looks like some days later.

Never underestimate Cumbrian weather.