February

Michael

Askham – High Winder – Heughscar Hill – Askham Fell – Shake Holes – Helton – Whale – Askham Bridge - Askham

Exceedingly cold higher up with rain and snow in the wind, although not enough to be wetting. Strong breeze.

Michael, Michelle, Ron, Sandy, George.

Ashley - bad back

Richard - bad knees

Diane - wet boots

Bernie - cold

Comments

We climbed out of Askham to Heughscar Hill, from where we had some lovely views of Ullswater and Pooley Bridge. The navigation was hindered by too many GPS’s competing against the leader’s tatty paper map.

Numerous people were walking their dogs, including a noisy Jack Russell and its two Daschund pals, as well as a couple out with their four collies. There were two more Daschunds later on. Lunch was eaten at a cross roads on the Roman road, again with good views of Ullswater. The five of us sat precariously on a pile of rocks oblivious of the sheltered seat for five only a few feet away. Fergus, a sandwich loving Wheaten Terrier (origin: Ireland) showed great interest in us.

We found a stretch of limestone pavement on Heughscar Hill and a large number of sink holes – several of which were put to good use. There was a small stone circle and a “Cop” boulder – minus a blue light but with lots of large bird poo on it. There weren't any deer in the deerpark, but we found a garden with lots of snowdrops out and even some daffodils. There was a solitary stile without a fence beside a tree.

Our second break was on the green at Whale – a bit spooky as everybody disappeared indoors when we arrived. Ron and Sandy ate hot cross buns with jam. We saw a woodpecker. We noticed an unusual grass ramp up to a cottage front door.

The final stretch from Whale was along the bank of the River Lowther. We passed a small flock of black sheep in a field equipped with floodlights. There was a broad stile – about six people wide over a fence. We had views of the sewage works and cemetery. We crossed Askham Bridge – opened on 17 September 1897 by the Countess of Lonsdale. There was a good view of Askham Parish Church made possible by the recent cutting down of three pine trees. At the finish, we went into the Queens Head for refreshments and to change.

Wildlife / Flora / Fauna

Heron, stonechat, wren, goldcrest, flock of chaffinches.

The Errington Arms, Stagshaw – nicest meal for a while.

Askham Walking Group

Ullswater

Navigation

Admiring the View

We should be down there...

Signpost on the Moor

The Copstone

Through the Gate

Snowdrops

Signpost to Whale

Path to Whale

Happy Walkers

Many walker site

River Lowther at Askham

Askham Church