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At this time of local walks we must all try to ring the changes to keep the walks interesting. 

Today I venture out with the dogs on a walk that would normally involve the car due to the amount of tarmac included in the route.

As far as I can recall, it's the first time I've walked "Around Loweswater from home" as a single continuous walk.

There's a fair amount of tarmac to walk on the northern side of Loweswater lake

so we start with a quick diversion through the quarry field and the new "woodland".

From the flat field above the trees there's a great view of Mellbreak and the Church.

We start the road walk therefore by the Village Hall and from there we get a view of the southern end of Low Fell.

On the brow of the hill we have the first view of the blue waters of Loweswater, reflecting the lovely colour of the sky.

The road to the left from Maggie's Bridge will be our return route later on.

On the flanks of Carling Knott, in the centre of the photo, you may be able to visualise the Loweswater Pheasant, outlined in the shape of the trees.

Two animals in the Pound today . . . but not for long !

Soon after passing the Pound we are able to walk down onto the start of the shoreline path . . . Dougal celebrates with a dip !

The path winds its way through the trees, some of which have been felled but strangely still lie in the water.

At one of the wider openings the dogs have chance to cool down without the obstruction of bushes.

Back onto the road as we pass Loweswater Hall and the turning to Askill Farm and Myresyke.

One of our distant farming neighbours has retired and the farm is now available to rent or buy.

Hidden under the tree is the silver phone box and beyond it, a gate onto the path across the valley.

We're beyond the lake now and are making our way down the field to the bridge that crosses Dub Beck, the main feeder stream for the lake.

A more unusual view of the Grange Hotel and Waterend Farm as we cross the field.

The land slopes the other way now so it means I've crossed the bridge and am now walking up the other side.

The path joins the farm road to Hudson Place and climbs above the lake to reach the highest part of the walk.

I pause for a moment to watch the antics of the Robin which was continually flying back and fore between the ground and the fence wire.

He did sit still briefly, long enough for me to include him in the photo.

The highest point and the half way mark are now passed

as the dogs and I descend back down towards the lake.

The Hudson Place farm track is leading me down to Holme Woods.

Two late sprouting ash down by the lake shore.

These two trees are remembered as the wedding venue of Philippa Bell (of Hudson Farm) and her husband Graham several years back now.

On past the meadow and into Holme Woods.

Even after all the dry weather the track here is still damp from water running off the field.

After a darker entrance to the woods, the sun breaks clear of a high cloud and floods colour back into the woods once again.

I take the lakeside path through the woods in preference to the direct track to The Bothy.

There's a blue haze across the grass in the clearing between the trees.

There are usually some nice bluebells in the wood and this year is no exception.

They are however a little undersized due to the weather, the same as those at Rannerdale Valley.

The display, despite being slightly muted, still brings enjoyment to the walk through the trees.

Close up detail near to the path.

There are three bridges close to the car park,  the one we crossed to the car park was a modern one on the farm track to Watergate.

The second is a stone bridge to High Nook Farm which is closed following damage to the structure by a heavy crane fixing the farm bridge.

The third, out of the way slightly, is on the old track to the old Mill Hill Farm (now derelict).

The third one seen here is actually the true "Maggie's Bridge" according to the old maps.

Back on tarmac as we take the road from the car park back up to the Village Hall.

The farm buildings are of High Close Farm and the familiar outline behind is the southern end of Low Fell once again.

Onto the main road . . . but due to the lack of traffic it makes little difference from the side road.

Loweswater Village Hall  . . . the hall with the best view in the country !

	- - - o o o - - - It was just a short walk back down the hill past the Vicarage and we were home.   After a cup of tea for me and a drink of water for them it was time to relax in the garden once again.     - - - o o o - - -