Glenridding

I suppose this could be a Monday walk, but I really just wanted to share my experience of Glenridding with you, before it fades like the leaves. It’s many a long year since I spent a night in the Lake District, and I wanted to savour every moment.

If you walked with me this week you’ll know that after my visit to Aira Force the rain hit hard, and I was ‘forced’ to eat cream scones and bide my time. I should maybe apologise if you were sitting in the Orangery. Once the scones had disappeared I took to pacing up and down, waiting, not so patiently. Lake Ullswater needed filling and was supremely disinterested in my desire to be out exploring, so I had to contain myself until morning. Very early morning, so it was really no surprise that I had Glenridding all to myself.

I was staying in a guest house immediately across the road from the lake

And the very first thing I spotted

Not one, but two Autumn benches for Jude!

You may have observed that it was rather misty!

But I was optimistic!

And I could see the boats moored at the landing stage, beyond the trees. Enough incentive to venture further.

I crossed the stream

And looked back at the sleepy village

The stream led down to the lake

Scurrying along!

Beside the beautiful trees

And there was the lake! Not much mountain though...

And there was the lake! Not much mountain to see though…

But there’s the steamer

And two wonderfully curious swans

I imagined it to be brightening a little, and turned from the water’s edge to head back into the village. I tucked my camera into the comfort of my pocket. Mistake! At just that moment the swans decided I was a tad boring and, with a graceful flurry of wing, lifted off from the lake’s surface and glided away to the distant shore. I gazed after them, bereft!

Back to the village, which was just waking up

I don’t think I’ve ever been anywhere with so many options for walking. I saw at least 4 signs pointing out different routes, including one for Helvellyn. Curiosity prevailed and I had to follow the latter a little way, finding a couple of pretty little cafes and a fine letterbox as I did.

I continued a little way along the trail, upsetting a little black dog in the privacy of his morning walk. My shoes were totally inadequate for the task, and breakfast was calling. Enough adventure for an early morning. The rain began in earnest soon after I reached the guest house.

Back via the village ‘green’

I never did manage that steamer ride to Howtown and the walk back to Glenridding. I guess that means I’ll have to go back another day. Let’s look on the bright side- I did find a couple of Autumn benches for Jude.

Beautiful Aira Force

You have no idea how delighted I was to be able to visit Aira Force! The forecast wasn’t great and, as we approached the English Lake District, a swirl of damp cloaked the mountains. But a waterfall’s no good without the water, is it? And in Autumn, the canopy of leaves radiates! Driving through a tunnel of flame and gold, the senses are filled with wonder.

I had planned to walk to the falls from the nearby village of Glenridding, our base for the evening, but the road south from Pooley Bridge bypassed them. Carpe diem had never seemed so appropriate. A pocket of opportunity, as the drizzle ceased momentarily.

The National Trust car park

The car park was not as deserted as I might have expected, though the picnic tables were definitely unoccupied. There were just enough people to exchange smiles with, in a ‘good to be alive’ sort of way. A celebration of our good fortune.

Heading towards the Pinetum

A mingling of moss and leaves

With beautiful bracken as a bonus

A seat for one

The drama of age

And a coin tree

Those coins get everywhere!

Treading carefully on the damp leaves underfoot, I could hear already the gurgle of water. The stream chuckled merrily on its way to the lake. Not far to go! But for me, it was upwards by a series of steps, pausing often to admire my beautiful surroundings.

Onwards and upwards!

The leaves and moss a constant companion

And bracken too

I was eager for my first sighting of the waterfall. Suddenly, through the trees, I caught a glimpse of its magnificense.

So alluring!

But first a little more bracken

And a few more steps

And we’ve reached the bridge

The sound of rushing water has reached a crescendo. Steps lead down to the bridge and I cannot stop myself from descending. I lean over and gaze in worshipful awe. From beneath me, the falls tear away to join the calm of the lake.

The falls tear away to the lake from beneath me

Leaping joyfully down to Ullswater

I peer in fascination

Loving the tumultuous excitement

The leaf a captive spectator

Leaving the lower bridge behind, I head on up to the top of the falls, the water my constant companion. That and the moss and leaves. It’s possible to continue up to Gowbarrow Fell and the trig point for views all along the lake, but on a murky day like this the visibility would be poor. And I’m so loath to leave the water behind.

My constant companion

Moss and bracken

Leaves

Chirruping water

And my other companion

The air feels increasingly damp and we decide to retrace our steps and cross over the upper bridge. The descent on the other side of the falls is down yet more steps, but they are well spaced, and not too slippy in stout shoes.

Heading back down

The leaves glistening with rain

And carpeting the steps

We can now look back at the full 65 foot height of the falls, which I found very difficult to photograph. My little camera has its limits, and I most certainly do. I have too much ‘white light’ in the shot. I tried different angles but it didn’t help. I’m sorry!

But I was much taken with this aged log

A certain person was getting rather impatient. I suspect you might be ready for a seat somewhere too. I spotted a lovely one but it was a bit damp.

What do you think?

He’s wondering when we’re going to get to cake!

I think we’ve had enough exercise, don’t you? I hope you enjoyed it, despite all those steps. This link will give you clearer guidance on how to negotiate the various paths, and National Trust can help you to get here.

Many thanks to so many of you who have again contributed to making my Monday walks a great place to be. Shall we get the kettle on, ready for a good read? If you’d like to join me you’ll be made very welcome. Full details are on my Jo’s Monday walk page. Just click on the logo above.

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Wonderful variety again this week so thank you all very much. It’s going to be a wild one, I think, so hang onto your hats! Have a happy one and I’ll see you all soon.

restlessjo

Roaming, at home and abroad

Glenridding

Jo’s Monday walk : Aira Force

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