WALk 20 The English Lakes. Tarn Hows to Black Crag

To be fair Tarn Hows is the place to visit when you have Granny with you, or need a picnic with a toddler or it’s poured all day and there is an hour of dry weather. In the mid 19th C a local MP landscaped the area. In 1930 Beatrix Potter and her husband paid toward the purchase cost but couldn’t afford the total, eventually Sir James and Lady Scott paid the difference and it was bequeathed by Potter to the National Trust (Thank you).

So it’s a kind of human modified landscape. In recent years the Phytophthora ramorum has devastated many of the larches and storm Arwen in 2022 has seen many trees felled and a very different vista but you’ll agree it’s still pretty good. We park at the NT park on the road and walk up the waterfall via Tom Gill, partly around the Tarns and then off to Iron Keld plantation and Black Crag, back to those final views around TH. It’s about 9km with a climb and fall of 400m. So not much effort for great views North to the Langdales, East to Windermere and the Pennines, South West to Coniston and the sea and West to Wetherlam and COniston Old Man . See you are pulling on your boots already.

Walk 17 The English Lakes Gowbarrow and Aira Force

Many people visit Aira Force water falls near Patterdale close to Ullswater. The start reminds me of a municipal park with cast-iron fences, steps, viewing places and signage – necessary but not quite the natural. However if you head beyond the falls and take the walk up Gowbarrow for a fairly modest effort there are great views. Starting at the top but on the return journey great vistas across Ullswater fells, Helvellyn, Glenridding and Patterdale.

Walk 8 Blea Tarn to Pike O’Blisco

This walk has a climb about 500m starting and finishing at Blea Tarn.  We find this very quiet spot just between the Great Langdale valley and the Little Langdale valley. On the descent we get to the three shires stone where the historic boundary of Westmorland, Cumberland and Lancashire met. More importantly the local pub in little Langdale ( the Three shires) is definitely a Dexter favourite.

There are two similar photos at the end, and you’ll agree that’s because its’ a view to just absorb. Had it not been such a cold autumnal day we might have swum.

Walk 3 Ullswater to Place Fell

Shame I said just 10 photos but there we are.

This walk needs the steamer from Glenridding down to Howtown. There is a decent amble back along the lakeside but still has its ups and downs. This autumnal day Mrs D took me up and over the top to Place Fell. But it was a bit late on the top for any decent photos.

Prepare a decent lunch and a couple of flasks for todays walk.