A Visit to the Lake District in June, Day 3

Not only do I enjoy reading the books of nature writer Robert MacFarlane on a personal level, I have also referenced him in my photography degree studies with the OCA.  It was with great excitement, then that we set off for Cockermouth and the National Trust's Wordsworth House where Word-Hoard was being exhibited.  Curated by MacFarlane it features a selection of words from his book Landmark which are illustrated by his parents' excellent photographs.  I shall be writing this up in my degree blog (link here) .  Suffice it to say here that it was excellent and well worth a visit.

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After feasting our senses on the exhibition we explored the garden which is also first class and were then ready for some lunch and a walk.  We returned to the car and then headed through the delightful lanes of the north-western Lakes for lunch above Buttermere, before continuing up to the summit of Honister Pass where we parked up in the slate quarry.  we were interested to see that parties of would-be via ferrataists were being bussed up to the Honister Crags to tests themselves on the UK's original Via Ferrata.  Via Ferrata, literally iron way is an adventure activity which involves climbing exposed cliffs with the aid of steel cables, ladders and bridges.  It is tremendously exhilarating and, although we have not done this one, we have done many in the Alps.  

Our route, however, took us above the Honister Crags and up to the summit of Fleetwith Pike, another Wainwright to add to the list.  As we climbed above the quarries and cliffs the views began to open up.  Across the hillside we could pick out the excellent contouring path of Moses Trod which winds its way across the fellside from the quarries of Honister to Wasdale Head where it could be transported to the port of Ravenglass.  The path was devised by the colourful quarryman Moses Rigg.  Slate was not the only thing he transported, however.  Hidden among his loads was hidden, illegally distilled whiskey which he smuggled for sale on his travels.  The remains of a hut high on Great Gable have been linked to Moses and it has been suggested that this is the site of his illegal still.

Great Gable stood taller than all of its neighbours forming a satisfying conical shape from this angle and once on Fleetwith Pike we were perched high above the Buttermere as if suspended.  The views were stunning.

Once back at the car it was time for a meal in The Travellers' Rest.  A brilliant day.