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Sherran and Bill stayed over for a third night which allowed us another walk on Monday.

The weather seemed to be clearing, so we chanced a stroll around the lake at Buttermere,

clockwise, but without watching the clock.

But before we made our midday start we were entertained by the wildlife in the garden

who had arrived in response to me filling the bird table.

"Over here everyone, he's put some on here today for a change."

Hold your cursor over the picture to call his mates!

A male and female fly over to join the first Chaffinch.

Hold your cursor over the picture again to see the action.

They are joined by a Yellow Hammer.

A Blue Tit prefers the normal feeder.

Time to be flying . . . it was also time for us to leave for our walk too.

Hold your cursor over the picture to see them go.

We had decided on a "round the lake" trip . . . up there in the cloud at the head of the Buttermere valley.

On the way we noted the river level of the Cocker was considerably higher than normal

as it flooded the fields adjacent to Scale Hill Bridge.

The cloud on the high fells looks brighter than earlier . . . perhaps we'll get a dry walk.

Start point close to the Syke Farm Cafe . . . hopefully a visit there deferred till a little later .



Across the valley from the farm	. . . Sour Milk Gill waterfall . . .	with cloud and remnants of snow on the high fells.

The clockwise path leads from Wilkinsyke farm out towards the head of the valley.

Bill waits for me as the girls go ahead.

The wind is strong enough to form small waves on the lake . . . but the tops are clearing reasonably well.

Someone's been busy . . . we counted over a dozen new bird boxes in the trees on this stretch of the path.

Through the trees, a view of the waterfalls at the head of Warnscale Bottom.

After months of heavy rain, the ground is fully saturated and all the water is now just running off the surface.

Our first lakeside gate is fraught with difficulties . . . if you intend to keep your feet dry.

The girls had noticed the chair in the last but one photo . . . time for a lunchtime coffee I think.



Pines on the foreshore as we walk around Hassness.	Haystacks comes into view again.

Ahead is the bold front of Fleetwith Pike, a great climb on a nice day

(though we prefer to walk down the front and get the view down Buttermere for the duration of the descent)

Click here or on the photo above for a larger version of this Loweswatercam panorama

Across the way is Burtness Comb and the trees of Horse Close below the waterfalls.

We'll be walking around there on the way back.

. . . once we manage to cross the flooded fields and lakeside paths.

The classic view of the Buttermere Pines as we approach the road.

The Pines with Scarth Gap behind.

After clearing a few blocked minor drains and culverts on the way round,

Bill has a go with one by the roadside . . . success . . . one less puddle on the road.

Over the slight rise to Gatesgarth Farm.

This is the only short road section of the whole walk.

Gatesgarth Farm . . . lovely weather for ducks.

Sherran takes a shine to the farm cat.

From here we walked through the farmyard and headed across the head of the lake.

The water is higher here than we've seen before and the additional flood culverts are working well.

Behind him . . . there's a new wood store on the bothy . . . and a small boat, sheltering from the breeze.

Here were black Galloways, a belted Galloway and brown Highland cattle . . . all good at thriving on poorer soils and vegetation.

We chose the lower path, closer to the lake shore, so as to appreciate the open views.



Surface water . . .	. . . Sherran's turn to try a little drainage work.

One of the small indentations that make a delightful bay.

Across the way there was a bright patch of sunshine crossing the length of Rannerdale Knotts.

We've walked this path many times but never noticed this old building before.

It is not shown on the map.

One more obstacle to an easy life . . . the path at the foot of the lake is also flooded.

Bill takes to the higher ground.

The high water level has floated the gate off its hinges.

I don't know how the fence will fare with floating logs that size bashing into it.

Harry takes his place in the water once again . . . as the girls cross the bridge over Sourmilk Gill.

They had walked the extra few yards to take in the view up the waterfall.

The lake water is flooding under the third bridge, flowing fast and flooding the fields.

Flooded Buttermere Dubs . . . the stretch of the river between here and Crummock Water.

In the summer it provides accommodation and refreshments for the many visitors that flood into the valley

is the slate plaque, a memorial to the famous author and illustrator, Alfred Wainwright.


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