Lake District, October 2018. Day 3. Wasdale Wandering and the Wasdale Oak

What a contrast to two days ago: Storm Callum with 24C temperatures, gales, torrential rain and flood to flat calm, clear skies -1C and our first frost.  We were up and away at 10.00 am.  It is a long drive round to Wasdale from Ashess Lane.  We did consider the trip over the Wrynose and Hardknott passes but Google says that going round is quicker.  By the time we arrived at the NT car park at Wasdale Head and set out it was nearly 1.00 pm.  We must remember to start earlier before coming round to Wasdale in the future.  Nonetheless it was a beautiful afternoon and the sky had cleared completely, not so good for photography but at the end of the day a few interesting clouds bubbled up.  The autumn colours were stunning and at times the lake was flat calm producing superb reflections. Our route took us over the fields of Wasdale Head Hall farm before tackling the steep open fellside above the lake.  Initially we were on a narrow path through bracken before crossing two sections of the famous Wasdale Screes.  Actually the walking was easier over the screes without the impeding bracket.  I had identified the tree using binoculars from the other side of the lake so recognised the landmarks indicating that we were below the oak.  Now all remained a ferociously steep scramble up to it while Heather stayed below drawing.  Breathless and sweating, I enjoyed just sitting with the tree soaking up it's presence and the view before photographing it.  For such an old tree it is relatively small tree, naturally bonsaied as it struggles through the scree.  Around it though are quite a few saplings hopefully the harbingers of a fellside oak wood while giddyingly below me were beatifully graceful silver birches looking wonderful with their Autumn colours contrasting with the steely blue of the lake waters below.  What a situation!!  The afternoon was slipping away from us so all too soon it was time to head back to the car revelling in the autumn colours  reflections and the majestic mountains of Kirkfell, Great Gable and Scafells at the head of the valley.  As we drove back along the lake I stopped for some photography of Gable set against the lake waters.
We were late back at the van so it was time for some serious rehydration while cooking dinner.

Lake District, September 2018. Day 7.

We were up early after another night of heavy rain.  The world was sparkling in the early morning sun and seemed freshly washed.  Today's plan was to walk to our sixth of the seven magnificent Long View trees inspired by the work of Harriet and Rob Fraser.
We were soon on the main road through Windermere to Ambleside, struggling in heavy traffic once more.  One might wonder why the Lake District isn't solid with people but as soon as towns and car parks are shunned for the fells most of the tourist visitors are left behind.  As we drove along, though, We couldn't fail to have our spirits lifted by the wonderful views,  stunning light and the sparkling lakes.
Having negotiated Ambleside we were soon parked up at Town Head farm which provides an informal car park for only £1 per day. Excellent value and well worth calling to buy eggs as well.  Above us reared the lofty slopes of Helm Crag and on its steep scree slopes our goal: the Under Helm Sycamore.  The narrow lane took us under and then past the cottages of Helmside as we headed into the valley of Greenburn.  Above us to our left were the slopes of Steel Fell which we had climbed a couple of years ago as part of the Greenburn Round, climbing the Wainwrights of Steel Fell, Calf Crag,  Gibson Knott and Helm Crag.
We crossed the footbridge over the beck and climbed steeply to the wall above on the path we had descended from Helm Crag.  Turning left we followed the path that hugged the wall above Ghyll Foot.  Soon the Sycamore came into view above the skyline, perched precariously on the steep scree slope beneath the beetling crags above.  We continued until we could strike up the fellside.  Heather found a spot from which to draw the tree while I scrambled up ever steepening boulders and scree until I was on a level with the tree and in a perfect position for the direction of the light.  The slopes were so steep that I felt as though I was looking straight down the chimney pots of Ghyll Foot.  How such a substantial tree could have grown and thrived in such an inhospitable spot, goodness only knows.  As a degree colleague commented on my Instagram feed, "It is nature's response to environment."
We enjoyed a happy hour up here waiting for the light, drawing and eating lunch before scrambling back down.  On reaching the car we called at the farm for eggs but sadly no-one was in.  It was now time for a spot of luxury so we called in at the Landgdale Chase Hotel for a late lunch with superb views over Windermere with launches and ferries busy steaming up and down the lake.
Ater calling at Stavely to pick up a baffle plate for our wood burning stove we returned to the caravan and the delicious aroma of beef in beer in the slow cooker.
A wonderful day.

Lake District September 2018. Day 4.

We awoke to a wet morning today after a night of rain.  It is noticeable how much greener it is over here than at home where we are in the rain shadow of both the Pennines and then the Lincolnshire Wolds.  After the rain we found rivers in spate yet reservoirs such as Thirlmere and Haweswater are still empty.
Eventually the rain eased and we set out for Borrowdale with those magnificent bath buns in our bags for lunch.  Again, as we drove up Borrowdale, We noticed the first signs of approaching Autumn. When we arrived at Stonethwaite I was surprised to find how quiet it was and how easy to park despite it being Sunday.  Keswick and Borrowdale were particularly busy.  Our plan for today was to walk up to the Langstrath Birch, the fifth of our Long View trees inspired by the work of Rob and Harriet Fraser.
Passing through the attractive village of Stonethwaite and it's even more attractive pub, we were soon making our way through the flat fields of the valley bottom.  Once through Stonethwaite campsite we arrived at the junction of Lagstrath Beck and Greenup Gill where the two become Stonethwaite Beck.  As the river poured out of Langstrath it thundered through a spectacular gorge looking and sounding mightily impressive being in spate as it was.  Thomas and I indulged in a spot of nostalgia at this juncture remembering being here on mountain bikes 10 years ago when we're were riding Wainwright's Coast to Coast.  We laughed at the memory of climbing Lining Crag at the valley head with bikes on our shoulders and the bemused looks on the faces of two fell runners as we pulled up onto Greenup Edge.  That was a hard day.  I remember then looking up Langstrath and thinking how attractive it looked.  I had also looked down into Langstrath from above on many occasions but had never walked in it, so it was with anticipation as we headed upwards accompanied by the roar of the river to our left.  As we climbed it was good to see the herdwick sheep (herdies) on the open fellside as well as in the intake fields below.
Soon the valley widened and flattened and the river began to meander.  At the head of the valley white water could be seen tumbling down the slopes of Stake Pass with the brooding heights of Bowfell enveloped in cloud further west.  Checking our position on Viewranger,  We soon found 'our' tree at the top of a spectacular cascade of white water.  We spent a happy hour with the tree revelling in the changing light, drawing and photographing it.  All too soon it was time to head back down into the valley delighting in the excellent view we had of a red squirrel as it ran along the top of a fence it's ginger blonde tail stretched out behind it for balance.
We finished a fine day with an excellent pint in the village pub.