Monthly Archives: February 2009

In Praise of Small Hills and Wide Horizons

Posted on February 27, 2009 by

A view from Arnside Knott – an Insignificant Hill with Disproportionately Magnificent Views. The most truly beautiful views of British scenery are obtained from minor elevations, of from 500 to 1,500 feet above the valleys from which they rise. Mountford … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Mental Rambling | 6 Comments

Leopard Stick

Posted on February 26, 2009 by

Whilst I generally remained aloof from the horseplay on our Haweswater foray, I did eventually submit to the lure of sticks. I was beguiled by the markings on this dead branch on the woodland floor. B had his powers, I … Continue reading →

Posted in Patterns, Trees, Walking | Leave a comment

Horse Lassitudes

Posted on February 25, 2009 by

Our walk on Sunday, a circuit of Haweswater, was always destined to be gently paced, since S was walking rather than lording it in his own personal houdah. But then we found so many distractions to hold us up still … Continue reading →

Posted in Eaves Wood, Gait Barrows, Haweswater, Walking | 3 Comments

Mist, Sand and Victorian Rubbish

Posted on February 23, 2009 by

Out on Friday with all the family and our house guests, my cousin, his wife and their youngest daughter. Our route was short – down to the Cove and across the Lots, but took a long time because S walked … Continue reading →

Posted in Birds, The Cove, Walking | 11 Comments

Snowdrops

Posted on February 22, 2009 by

Heading homeward from the Wolfhouse Gallery after our walk on Thursday, S fell asleep in the backpack. He and I left the others to go for their lunch, whilst we took a slightly longer route home in order to prolong … Continue reading →

Posted in Haweswater, Walking, Wildflowers | 7 Comments

Signs of Spring at Woodwell

Posted on February 21, 2009 by

For various reasons we missed our doses of fresh air therapy for several days. (Although we did have a wander around the fabulous National Railway Museum at Shildon. I must admit that until last week I had never heard of … Continue reading →

Posted in Birds, Sheep, Walking, Woodwell | 2 Comments

Heaven 17 and the Strange Case of the Missing Birketts

Posted on February 12, 2009 by

I’ve never heard of Birketts before now. What random set of rules are there for Birketts, Mark? The Birketts are listed in the book ‘Complete Lakeland Fells’ by Bill Birkett. Not to be confused with Marilyns, Nutalls, Hewitts or Wainwrights … Continue reading →

Posted in Birketts, Links | 12 Comments

Kentmere

Posted on February 11, 2009 by

The bridleway deposited us in the valley bottom at Kentmere Hall, just west of the village of Kentmere. The oldest part of the Hall is a 13th or 14th Century (depending where you read) Pele Hower or Tower House – … Continue reading →

Posted in River Kent, Walking | 5 Comments

Ice Bell

Posted on February 10, 2009 by

I love to walk alone, but a walk in good company is hard to beat. I’ve know X-Ray for a few years now, but we normally meet in the Wagon and Horses, the George and Dragon, the Sun or another … Continue reading →

Posted in Ice, Links, Walking | 1 Comment

Two Birds, One Stone

Posted on February 9, 2009 by

‘Killing two birds with one stone’ is not only a favourite saw of mine, but at work virtually a modus operandi. If I can achieve two targets at the same time, or use an unwelcome initiative to promote my own … Continue reading →

Posted in River Kent, Wainwright bagging, Walking | 5 Comments