Walk 08/2007 – Easter in Patterdale

Friday 6th April to Monday 9th April 2007

Easter Monday

Before the homeward bound journey, 7 of us walked whilst 2 enjoyed hot chocolate and marshmallows again at ‘Side Farm’. The walk was a little challenging for some as it was the 4th day, our legs tiring and the terrain was boggy in parts. The weather was changeable and at times pretty windy with the clouds falling low and obscuring the tops of the mountains for part of the walk. We did a 6 mile circular walk around Watermillock Common through fields of sheep including the delight of newly born black lambs. The walk also crossed some more wooded and bracken areas with some running brooks. Again it was a delightful walk and invigorating prior to the journey home.

The Hostel at which we stayed is situated in a good spot for a variety of walks, the village and pubs. We felt the hostel would be improved if it had a good coat of paint and more showers at the male end. The two ladies were lucky to have their own 2 bedded en–suite room and so enjoyed the privacy of no other strangers in the room and no snoring noises. The manager of the hostel seems to take most pride in providing interesting and delicious food, the memorable favourites being Cullen Skink (haddock soup), Beef Olives and Sticky Toffee Pudding (particularly for Geoff who had them every day). There was some amusement and frustration with ‘Mr Gormless’ the waiter who was unable to manage the delivery of packed lunches.

The Lake District is famous for the powerful beauty of its landscape, I am sure we all appreciated this fact as we enjoyed the most fantastic weather enhancing the beautiful views and experiences.

Highlights during the weekend were numerable and too many to mention. Some would say that it was the fact that they had had 6 blondes in 3 days! Steve and Thomas also topped that with two tarts. As well as the great laughter and banter all weekend we so enjoyed the fantastic landscapes and views and witnessed a good mixture of wild birds and flowers. The skylark was seen and heard with its recognisable song, there was also a sight of a peregrine falcon. We met two hopping toads on the road and saw wild primroses and violets growing under trees and on the grass verges. You can begin to understand how the Lake District has been a great inspiration for the Lakeland poets. It certainly was a most memorable and happy Easter for us all and what better way spent than by sunny Ullswater.

Cathy

Aira Force near the start of our walk.	We stop above the ravine.
Further up Aira Beck.	Why am I taking pictures of sheep again? Well it is Easter.
Even further up the Aira valley.	A view over Ullswater under the low cloud.