Wigtwizzle - Norman Smith's Travel Blog.: April 2021

Photos from a day out which I had after lockdown lifted in April. I think my original intention was to park down Langstrathdale and walk from there, but there wasn't any parking. I'm afraid that I am finding parking in the Lakes much more difficult these days. People seem to be flocking to the area in droves because there is no foreign travel at the moment due to the COVID-19 pandemic and I can only see it getting worse as summer approaches.

I headed over The Honester Pass but Buttermere was just as bad. Eventually I found a parking spot at Crummock Water so had a short along the shoreline, meandering around its many coves and bays. It was quiet, the sun was shining and a nice cool breeze coming off the lake.

The ground gets boggy and the path sketchy at the top end of the lake, so I turned back there. There are paths leading across to Buttermere but with the COVID-19 worries, I decided to keep well away from people. I'd had my first jab, which offers some protection but was still waiting for my follow-up so thought I'd best play it safe for the time being.

I was really just thankful that I got out of the car and got some fresh air, as it looked at one point that I'd just be driving round all day.

Honister Bottom

Gatesgarth Beck

Buttermere Fells

High Stile, Buttermere

Crummock Water

Shadows, Crummock Water

Lone Tree, Crummock Water

woodland Path, Crummock Water

Jetty, Crummock Water

Haystacks in the haze

Crummock Water

Head of the Lake

Eycott Hill Sunset

I came here a few months ago, well before the latest lockdown began but didn't really do any exploring as the weather was appalling, plus I didn't have enough change to pay for the parking. Today the sun was out, I had a bag full of change and was ready to explore an area which was new to me. I have spent hundreds of hours over the years exploring the paths and hills of Borrowdale, but amazingly I had never been on Kings How.

Every step I took was sheer delight and it ended up as one of those days when you keep saying to yourself, "I'll just go a little further and see what's up over that next rise". As it was, I didn't have the time to do everything I wanted so curtailed my exploration at a gate in the drystone wall where the path dips down into some sort of valley and then rises up to Kings How.

The next time I come, I will get here early and bring drinks and a bite to eat and make it into a days walk. Maybe I will get up Kings How...who knows?