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A miscellany this time, reflecting the busy life of Loweswater, as seen from my personal perspective.

I've been fortunate to have several major fell walks with other folk during this time, but these outings were great too but in a subtly different way.

I'll come to the walks in due course but let's start with a beer.

Jonathon and Gary with members of Gary's family.

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That afternoon, after Gary had left, I enjoyed a walk with Jonathon and Alison up on to Brackenthwaite Hows (Scale Hill). 

This was the view towards Lanthwaite Green and Grasmoor after we had walked up through Lanthwaite Woods.

We took the less frequented paths around the side of this little fell to see the bluebells.

The intense display in places was equal to that of Rannerdale Valley.

From the Buttermere Road the display can be seen high above the stone wall

but it is only once you get up here that the full beauty of the display becomes evident.

A purple mist covers the slopes.

The only tracks are faint and difficult to follow but they did take us carefully onward through the display.

Trying to get both dogs looking at the camera as well was impossible today.

Looking up the valley to the distant Buttermere Fells of High Crag, High Stile and Red Pike.

Up on the more level ground now and heading for the slightly higher northern end of the hill.

Looking back . . . then again looking forward . . . as we were about to turn and head up to the true summit.

This area was planted with tree saplings a few years back

but the north facing aspect hasn't promoted their growth compared to those on the sunnier side of the fell.

The bluebells however, continue to do well.

On the top of Scale Hill now and enjoying all this vantage point has to offer.

There's a full 360 panorama on other occasions but today I'll just concentrate on the view over our hamlet of Loweswater.

Leading the way home . . . the dog in the distance that is, not my companions.

The larch woodlands high above the Scale Hill car park.

Down the direct and slightly steeper path off the summit.

Once the rock steps were negotiated the path became easier . . . and a short road walk would then complete the journey home.

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First a little rough and tumble in the garden.

Then we take all three dogs down to the lake.

Playing with the ball as we walk alongside the lake.

Dougal's idea of playing however doesn't include much sharing !

The return route alongside Park Beck . . .

. . . where Bracken follows Dougal into the river and swims for the first time.

I though my two were fairly lively, but have a young puppy under your feet is a joy I've not had for a year or two.

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 A third local walk was as a result of a visit by Pat, who was one of Ann's oldest friends.

She's up for a few days holiday, staying at her chalet near Cockermouth, and she wanted to climb Low Fell.

It was such lovely weather at the beginning of June that we decided to walk from the house rather than drive to Thackthwaite first.

This meant it was a longer walk . . . but we did enjoy the views of Whiteside and Grasmoor from Pottergill Farm.

Just my phone for this walk, but the weather is so nice that the old iPhone 6 camera did okay.

Here is our first high level view of Crummock once we had finished the climb up the zig-zags from Thackthwaite.

Pat is really pleased to climb this fell as it reminds her of her teenage days spent in the valley.

She had loads of stories about growing up in Workington, before she got married and moved to Nottinghamshire.

Pat wanted to climb to the summit and also visit the Lonesome Pine.

Well who am I to say no on a day like this ?

Just visible by the houses in the last picture, but a sight we didn't fully appreciate it till we got close.

This lovely Hawthorn hedge was in full bloom as we walked back towards the cottage.

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