" Rannerdale Bluebells ~ 2013 " at EveryTrail
 

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Today an afternoon stroll up to Rannerdale to walk the dogs and see the flowers. 

The arrival of the famous bluebells has been delayed by the cold Spring weather,

but perhaps the sunshine and the recent change of season has allowed them to catch up ?

What a nice day . . . the sun is shining through the gaps in the clouds, it is warm enough not to bring a jacket

and I have an hour or so to walk the dogs and catch up on local events.

After a salt-water week, chance for a fresh water swim for them.	The old tree next to the lake has definitely seen better days.

The second purpose of the walk, after exercising the dogs, was to check out the progress of the bluebells.

At the entrance to the valley we struggle through the gate (see later) and look across to the Crab Apple tree and behind it, Whiteless Pike.

Several sheep and this adventurous lamb have ventured into the area through the damaged gate.

No problem . . . I don't suppose they like bluebells as they seem to be concentrating on the grassy area for their lunch.

A bright patch of sunlight illuminated the Lad Hows ridge.

The area either side of the path shows the longer growth of bluebell leaves but as yet, not many flowers.

The patch of sun moved quickly down the fellside and suddenly the blue of the flowers begins to stand out. They are growing better on the south facing slopes on the other side of the Rannerdale Beck.

- - - o o o - - -

Bluebells are not in themselves rare in this country but the Rannerdale ones are more well known than some as they appear to thrive in an area where they are least expected to.

Is it a present day localised micro-climate, the long-lost location of an ancient woodland, all gone but the flowers, or the calcium from the bones of the warriors of the Battle of Rannerdale which altered the soil so much that it allows the plants to survive on the open fell ? The choice is yours !

Just as I turn to catch the bluest area, the sunshine moves on and the colour fades.

Still, the clouds are moving fast and hopefully the sunshine will return.

There are lots of folk about . . . many no doubt are here like me, to check out the flowers.

More people than when we were here recently.

Mmmm . . . I'm sure there was a good display at this point last year !

Time to get low down and personal !

The flowers on this side of the valley are growing well . . .	. . . and fortunately they are well ahead of the bracken.

No great colourful swathes yet but there's still time.	The gorse is covered with vibrant colour again this year.

The colour is there despite the current lack of sunshine.	Looking down on the most prolific area of colour today.

The daffodils behind the protective fence are late in flowering . . .	. . . they are still in pristine condition.

They are the only ones in the valley and almost certainly planted rather than naturally grown.

They look a little lonely and out of place but presumably have significance to someone.

The late blooming of the flowers reinforces my thoughts about how much cooler this area is than further down the Loweswater Valley.

Looking back up at Whiteless Pike, which stands sentinel to the valley below.

Time to cross back over the river.

Further up there was a bridge, down here by the bloomery there isn't one so the stones will have to suffice.

Oh . . . and that gate . . . the post has rotted and the extra number of visitors has been the straw that broke the camel's back.

Take care if you're visiting soon, but hopefully someone will find a new post a.s.a.p. before the holiday visitors arrive en-mass.

If you were thinking of joining them there's still a week or two of growing yet to do before the flowers reach their prime.