The title says it all really. The restrictions were relaxed, some meeting up outdoors was allowed again – at last. So we arranged to meet in Barbon for a walk.
Despite having the least far to travel, we were, inevitably, the last to arrive. Or we would have been, had not the Yorkshire contingent parked in Barbondale, near Blindbeck Bridge I think. Somehow, for reasons I never quite fathomed, this was my fault. Not to worry, we were eventually assembled and ready to embark.
Incidentally, A had driven us to Barbon and would later drive back too. One unexpected consequence of the lockdowns has been that she hasn’t been able to have many driving lessons, so it’s fallen to me to teach her. It was a bit nerve-racking at first, but ultimately, a nice way to spend time together. Hopefully, she’ll soon manage to get a test booked.
Our route took us to the highest point in the Middleton Fells, Calf Top, and then back by the same route. (An alternative plan to drop down into Barbondale and return that way was abandoned because the sun was shining and leaving the ridge would have meant dropping into shadow, which seemed a shame.)
The grassy, lower slopes of Eskholme Pike were decorated with lots of colourful Waxcaps. And also clumps of yellow stalks. I couldn’t decide whether they were also Waxcaps, perhaps in a more or less advanced stage of their life-cycle?
The Middleton Fells give easy walking, without any particularly steep climbs, and expansive views.
It would have been a good day’s walking in any circumstances, but throw in the opportunity to see friends with whom we’d missed several regular annual get-togethers, and the fact that I’d not ventured off home territory much for some months and this became a really special day out. When we said our goodbyes, we agreed not to wait too long before we met for another walk.
Beating The Bounds 
What a superb day that was. Certainly the highlight of a very long and challenging winter. So much missed out on in the past year but it does make you appreciate the small joys. This was a short day with the winter light but it was such a pleasure to see everyone and share the day, the sunshine and the snow. I remember so clearly the second stop on the way down and that simple pleasure of talking about everything and nothing in particular as we always do. A great memory and again, the fact that your are still behind with the blog has given the chance to live the day again 🙂
Rapidly catching up though! It was a great day, and one which will live in the memory for a long time.
A grand dayfor a walk. Some stunning winter landscape photography 👍
Ta! All taken on my phone – I decided there wasn’t room in my bag for my camera, what with all the warm gear I wanted to take.
That weather you had there was better than what we have now, still pretty cold now and raining. Just rubbish. But what a lovely snowy walk
Yes, after last spring this May has been a major disappointment. I’m really ready for some wram, dry weather!
Today was the first day this year above 15 degrees for us I reckon, back to heavy rain and wind tomorrow though
🙄Roll on a spell of decent weather!
Looks the sort of day my grandmother always referred to as “parky”. 🙂
Actually, in the sunshine, it probably wasn’t as cold as it looks. We were all well wrapped-up anyway.
Yes, I could see you were properly dressed – I was reading it in my shirtsleeves and it made me feel cold. 🙂
Brave to be in shirtsleeves at the moment!
🙂
Wow, wow and wow! Scenery, hiking and company!
I know – we missed all three for too long!