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24th December - Christmas Greetings 2018

May we wish you all a Merry Christmas, a Happy New Year and a big "thank you" to you all for joining with us this year via the web site.  We look back at the run up to Christmas with this series of photos from recent events.
     

24th December - Christmas Eve Walk - Part 2

In the afternoon we drove the short distance from home to do a linear walk back, hopefully in sunshine most of the way. This is the second half of the walk seen on the previous page and the subsequent photos take us through to midnight Christmas Eve.
     

The weather this Christmas Eve morning was forecasted as the best of the week and  it lived up to expectation.  There was a clear sky the night before and a hard frost on the ground in the morning. It stayed fine all day, right through till midnight.
     

22nd December - Christmas in Cockermouth

With the afternoon light fading on the shortest day I take a drive into the big city to see the Christmas Lights.  A stroll up and down Main Street and surrounding shops gets the camera working in overdrive.  I've selected just a few of the photos here.
     

10th December - Loweswater Bothy with Jo

Jo is in Loweswater to join us in the start of our valley festivities, a Christmas buffet at The Fish Hotel in Buttermere. Before then, the dogs need a walk and prompted by our previous High Nook Bridge page, we headed to Loweswater and Holme Woods.
     

Not the best of weather in early December, but on a better day Ann and I take the dogs for a walk to Cogra Moss on the other side of Blake Fell as we have a calendar to deliver in the area.  Plans change as we find others using the track ahead of us.
     

All good things come to an end, but this weekend's poor weather forecast was brightened by the arrival of our middle daughter and our favourite granddaughter. A few pictures from the week and then a stroll to the lake in rather inclement weather.
     

18th November - A Walk to the Lonesome Pine

Another day of fine weather at the end of November and Ann and I have time for a local walk and chose a local landmark with a classic view down across the valley. Afternoon sunshine adds bright colours to the lovely views from the Lonesome pine.
     

18th November - Ling Fell for Dougal's 2nd

The sunny weather continues and to take advantage of it we pick a walk that will be mostly in the sunshine this time. Ling Fell is a gradual climb as you wind yourself round on the Old Corpse Road. A good size fell to tire out the little one !
     

17th November - Two Autumnal Walks

Despite going for a walk soon after lunch, the autumnal sun is low in the sky and casts long shadows on the landscape.  It was cold overnight and the cold conditions persisted where the sun failed to shine.  A change of plan was in order mid-walk.
     

On the 100 year Centenary of the end of the First World War we join a record number of people and walk up Castle Crag for the Act of Remembrance 2018.  The weather around the country varied tremendously, ours was less than kind.
     

10th November - Crummock and Mosser Road

Sherran and Bill are up in The Lakes for the weekend and are staying with us for a few days.  Jill and Nigel likewise, but they are staying in the Borrowdale Hotel on a dog-friendly weekend break. Castle Crag tomorrow, local today.
     

1st November - Dougal's first swim

These pictures start in an unusual place . . . the vet's surgery ! A quick check up for Dylan and a final inoculations for Dougal and the youngster can now take on the world, which he proceeds to do, making quite a splash along the way.
     

29/30th October - Jen's Burnbank & Hopegill Head

I've combined Jen's morning walk from the 29th with her outing with her nephew, our grandson Jack and his partner Catherine on the 30th.  Burnbank Fell one day, Ladyside, Hopegill Head and Whiteside in gloriously sunny weather the following.
     

29th October - Gasgale and Whin Ben

After her early walk alongside Loweswater and her mid morning walk from Fangs Brow to the Loweswater Fells, Jenna wanted a third outing in the afternoon so she and I took Dylan up Gasgale Gill and on up the fellside to the Whin Ben summit.
     

29th October - Autumn in Loweswater

Jenna arrived yesterday at the start of a few days of glorious autumnal weather. She wanted to make the most of the day so we started with a quick drive to Loweswater to appreciate the colours while the sun was still low and shining down the length of the lake
     

The full autumn colours are not with us yet but that doesn't stop the valley looking good. If the sun shines, the cool temperatures continue and we don't get any strong winds it will be a very colourful autumn in Loweswater this year.
     

18th October - Harry's Pool with Jude

We wake to a glorious autumnal morning after the first slight frost of the season. Judith has to return home today after her short stay but the weather is lovely and she doesn't have to leave till after lunch, so a morning walk will suit everyone.
     

17th October - Buttermere with Alexander

A trip to Buttermere starts with milk and ends with ice cream, with an ad-hoc walk in between. Alexander and our daughter are staying with us and we take the opportunity to the walk somewhere different whilst our daughter "pampers" herself with a friend.
     

14th October - Dougal's First Walk Out

It's a lovely day and our friends Pat and Mike are over in The Lakes, along with our daughter and grandson.  Dougal's been out in the garden running with Dylan so we thought we'd tire him out even more with his first, slightly longer local walk.
     

With the young puppy growing a-pace but not yet fully inoculated, young Dylan is still walking on his own at this time.  These photos represent views of the changing season here in Loweswater, taken on whatever camera or phone was handy at the time.
     

It's been a busy few days and many photos have been taken since Dougal arrived, so here we present an abridged collection of pictures from the first two weeks. My apologies if they are out of order or if anyone is missing.
     

26th September - Dougal of Loweswater

D-Day has arrived and we travel over to County Durham to pick up our new puppy. We met Dougal four weeks ago and today he joins the "family" and he is introduced both to Dylan and to his new home in Loweswater.
     

A brief moment between our Scottish holiday and the arrival of our new little bombshell.  Both Jo and Neil are in the area so we take the opportunity to stretch our legs Cumbrian style and head out on a circular walk overlooking Derwent water.
     

14th - 19th September - The Mull of Kintyre

We've planned a few days away at a dog friendly, good food, seaside hotel on the west coast of the Mull of Kintyre.  We've not been here for fifteen or so years and so it is time to re-discover the area and check the memories recall from our last visit.
     

Stages 5 and 6 of the OVO Tour of Britain Cycle Race are based in Cumbria this year, with a time trial from Cockermouth to Whinlatter yesterday and a big ride from Barrow up through the Lakes today . . . passing us at Loweswater !!
     

4th September - Knock Murton with Jo

It's Tuesday, not that that has any relevance to the walk . . . it could be done any day of the week ! Jo is over in Loweswater, the weather is nice and a walk a little different from a local stroll was what was required. Thinking west coast, the obvious medium fell for us is Knock Murton which Jo hasn't done for quite a while.
     

Ready and printing . . . for this 11th superb edition we have been looking back at the year  to bring you twelve months of Loweswater pictures and Lakeland scenes. The 2019 edition is brilliant for decorating your home, planning your year ahead or to give as presents . . . and it is ready to be ordered now.

2nd September - The Loweswater Show 2018

Final preparations were done, entries sorted and arrangements made in time for the 2018 Loweswater Show which was held this week in the Lorton Valley.  The format is unchanged , let's hope the weather holds for a  day out at the fair.
     

A busy day out as we travel over to County Durham for ourselves and Dylan to meet a whole host of new friends and existing family. We have organised a day full of surprises, both for ourselves and Dylan.

     

17-24th August - Jenna's week in the Lakes

Our youngest daughter is back up in the Lakes for a middle week of her school summer holidays and her house mate Ruth has travelled with her for her first visit to the area.  Hopefully the weather will allow lots of exploring of the sights.
     

Chance to drive over to Borrowdale to meet up with Trevor and Gill and of course for Dylan to enjoy a day out with Finlay.  Not the best weather so we opt for a walk in the first part of Langstrath and enjoy both the scenery and a dry walk.
     

There's an extra letter box just created in Loweswater but you can't use it for posting letters.  An art project that perhaps owes more to "Care in the Community " than "Art in the community" !
     

Richard, Hilary and Peter are up in the Lakes and travel over to see us for the day. After a poor start the weather clears and we hope that the high fells will be clear of cloud to give us some more distant views from on our walk around Sale fell.
     

4th August - Return of the Squirrel

To match the delight of the appearance of hedgehogs for the first time, we notice the return of a long lost species to the garden ... the red squirrel is back. Obviously a different squirrel but a welcome visitor nevertheless.
     

26th July - 1st August Cathy, Gareth and Rhian

A busy six days as we have family up in the Lakes.  With school holidays underway we have our daughter Cathy over with her sons Sam and Alexander and our son Gareth with Rhian and Master Luke Hiley, now 15 months old and busy walking and talking.

     

21st July - Crummock and the Eels

A short walk down to the lake to see how others are helping wildlife (or not) as the case may be.  There is a European directive for the authorities to help the eels if they can ... so United Utilities do their bit.
     

A few photos from the last few days and nights as the long spell of fine weather rather draws to a close.  The garden has been a delight and a certain amount of rewards follow despite the over-hot and over-dry summer.
     

Loweswater Village has a Ladies Group who meet every month at the Hall and who enjoy a summer outing each year. Today we left our cars at Mitchell's Auction car park and our coach took us to Lowther Castle to start our 2018 Summer Trip.
     

On the same day that Ann is on her Loweswater Ladies excursion, Cathy, Jack, Catherine and I decided to walk around Mellbreak.  On yet another hot and sunny day we decide to shower at Scale Force rather than have a bath in the lake !
     

We have family staying and, as the weather was suitable, Jack our grandson and Catherine wanted to venture onto the higher fells.  Cathy our daughter was not being left behind on this classic Lakeland walk and neither were the dogs.
     

Our family arrive for a few days and with the weather being fine, walking was on their agenda as Jack and Catherine head for the hills. Their big walk will fill each day but our other daughter is just starting twelve longs days walking "west to east".
     

The joys of summer continue with fine weather ever since I planted the trees. We did have one night of rain when Storm Hector blew through but otherwise it has been hot and dry like most places. Good summer weather but not without problems.
     

A busy day on Saturday as we saw more people in the village than normal.  There's a fell race on and it starts from the Village Hall.  Our daughter also arrived in the afternoon as she was spending a long weekend in Cumbria with friends.
     

We drive down to Suffolk to visit Cathy at Pin Mill, meet Jen and some of the boys and catch up on a few odd-jobs that really needed doing about that house.  A busy ten days but we still had time to walk and talk in between the work.
     

A busy month, noteable for the sunshine, the heat and the lack of rain. As well as working in the garden we have the pleasure to host loads of visitors but this set includes few of the walks, more of progress close to home.
     

The weather this early summer continues to impress . . . and our guests can take full advantage of it. A local walk to Crummock Water and a traverse of slopes of Darling Fell fill the weekend for our friends Hilton and Vanessa.
     

It's May and time for the summer excursion of our Loweswater Farmers Group. The format is similar again this year, with a technical visit in the morning, a farm visit in the afternoon and supper before returning home.
     

This walk from Cinderdale is a firm favourite and is different each time as the seasons and weather conditions change. Today I let Harry rest at home as he has walked this path hundreds of times, sadly he will not do so again.
     

On the following day the weather had improved, back to the blue skies and warmth of this 2018 summer. A liesurely morning including more work in the paddock and a bike race, followed by an afternoon stroll to Crummock.
     

'Tis May and the seasons move on.   In the garden we have seen the seasonal flowers change from snowdrops to daffodils to primroses. With May now well under way, the bluebell flowers at Rannerdale should in full bloom.
     

28th April - 5th May - Our Northumberland Holiday

We booked a week's self-catering holiday at Low Newton on Northumbria's North East. We've swapped mountains for seascapes, a west coast climate for an east coast one. I wonder what the forthcoming week will bring ?
     

5. Beadnell & Craster

 

25th April 2018 - Spring and a Bike Ride

A collection of pictures from this week as the April sunshine and showers are transforming the valley colours at last.  The grass is growing, the sun is out (in between the rain showers) and the gardening year comes round again.
     

18/19th April 2018 - Trevor & Gill, Lakes & Rivers

At last we see the back of the cold wet weather (for a while ?).  With the sunshine comes warm temperatures, well timed as today Trevor and Gill were due over for a local walk followed by supper.
     

 

15/16th April 2018 - Two Walks Within Sight

Two shorter walks with different friends, different directions and different times, but within sight of each other as they were both elderly-dog friendly outings in our local area. Welcome to Lanthwaite and Loweswater.
     

 

9th April 2018 - A Misty Crummock Morning

Some mornings you just wake up and feel that there's a great view to be seen outside ... opening the blinds today did not disappoint, as the April showers take a back seat and we experience the best weather in the country.
     

 

8th April 2018 - A walk to Matty Benn's Bridge

It was nice weather in Loweswater on Sunday but just a little further south it was not so clear for our walk. We drove south via Ennerdale Bridge to Cold Fell and then enjoyed a walk to an ancient bridge over the River Calder.
     

 

5th April 2018 - Sunshine and Easter Snow

After a heavy rain the day before, the Thursday of Easter week dawned cold and bright. The overnight rain cleared to a heavy morning frost and the valley was looking a delight.  Good job I protected some of the garden fruit.
     

 

2nd April 2018 - A Wet Bank Holiday Monday

It has been a grand day to be indoors ... but the dogs need a walk and if I'm right, the weather is easing as the afternoon progresses.  A walk down by the Cocker is always good, but is even better when you are after a bit of shelter.
     

 

27th March 2018 - Frosts, Gardens and the Paddock

A compilation of photos from recent weeks on the days of unusual weather or busy days in the garden. The heavy work is done, now it's the technical bits and then wait for nature to do it's thing . . . hope we've got it right !
     

 

24th March 2018 - Sunshine at Crummock, Dee & John

The weather, although still cool for springtime, is nevertheless showing signs of improvement with a period of sunshine and clear skies that make walking a delight.  Dee and John call over after lunch for a walk and supper.
     

 

22nd March 2018 - A Buttermere Ramble with Nicola

We've entered a period of kinder weather with the winter weather gone but the low temperatures still in evidence. Our niece Nicola is visiting for a few days and we explore some of the delights of Buttermere on a rather grey day.
     

 

17th March 2018 - Little Beasts and Crummock Icicles

The big weather warnings are out again as another Siberian high pressure system is pushing easterly winds, low temperatures and snow towards Britain. It has been dubbed the "mini-beast from the east"
     

 

9th- 12th March 2018 - A Long Weekend in Sheffield

We had an invitation from our daughter to visit her house in Sheffield.  Ann hasn't visited since Jenna moved in but this is my second visit and my second list of jobs that 'Dad needs to do' when he can.  Welcome to the family. 

     

 

3rd March 2018 - The Bothy after the Snow

The sunshine came out after lunch and the  temperature, whilst still cold, was hovering above freezing.  The fields are clearing and after a JCB snow plough, the roads through Loweswater are clear again. Time for a walk.
     

 

1st - 2nd March 2018 - The Beast from the East -2-

After yesterday's improvement in the weather, this morning saw Storm Emma (or whatever her name was) come blasting through bringing real wind chill and blowing the snow off the fields and into drifts on the roads.
     

 

28th February 2018 - Beauty and The Beast

An abortive attempt at a Buttermere outing but after taking our friends home and enjoying a welcome cup of tea at their house, the weather had time to improve and a trip to Buttermere was back on the cards.
     

 

28th February 2018 - The Beast from the East

We woke up this morning to a drop of the white stuff.  Most of the snow has been falling on the eastern side of the country but today we've had a significant snowfall which has stayed because of the sub-zero temperatures.
     

 

25th February 2018 - Sherran and Bill's Low Fell

The second full day here in Loweswater for Sherran and Bill.  The weather is superb but Bill and I are eager to complete the paddock.  The format of the day is repeated with work in the morning and a walk in the afternoon.
     

 

24th February 2018 - Binsey with Sherran and Bill

It wasn't work all the time while Sherran and Bill were staying.The fine winter weather which made working on the paddock easier was also calling us to get out for a walk. Our first longer one was was requested to be Binsey.

     

 

20th - 26th February 2018 - The Paddock Transformed

Between our garden and next door is a small field separated by a rickety fence.  I had the opportunity to buy this small package of land as I fancied improving it with a little landscaping and a wildlife project.
     

 

21st February 2018 - Low Fell, Fellbarrow and a Run

One last walk for Lauren before being delivered to Penrith Station for her journey home. Low Fell and Fellbarrow should give them all the best chance of local views. The boys stayed an extra night so had a final run afterwards.
     

 

20th February 2018 - Dylan leads Great Gable

Our second grandson Matthew has arrived and together the four "youngsters" set off for a day on the high fells.  Their choice is Grey Knotts, Brandreth and Green Gable, with the chance to extend the walk if conditions permit.
     

 

19th February 2018 - Jack and Friends in Loweswater

Our eldest grandson Jack is up on a visit and has brought two of his colleagues on his trip to the Lakes. They arrived for lunch and would appreciate a local walk afterwards to see where they have landed.
     

 

13th February 2018 - Rannerdale with Harry

The weather is still cold and the tops decidedly snowy. Ann and I fancy a walk Buttermere direction and decide to test out Harry's walking skills now that he has got over his recent bouts of poor health.   Both dogs are in the car and a reasonably short walk is in prospect.
     

 

7-14 th February 2018 - A Mixed Week of Everything

The highs and lows of a real mixed bag of a week. Weather-wise we had snow and sunshine, wind and rain, then snow again. Jo was with us for the weekend for a walk and two local events . . . then she and the snow both left.
     

 

6th February 2018 - Winter Snow at Rannerdale

After lunch it was time to go out for a longer walk. For the afternoon photos we park at Cinderdale and walked the track towards the Rannerdale.

     

 

6th February 2018 - Winter Snow in Loweswater

It was one of those magical winter days that surprise even though we had heard a snowy weather forecast.  So many pictures from the day that I an presenting them in two halves. These are a few of the morning views.
     

 

3rd February 2018 - Blues and Greys, Yellows and Pinks

The suggestion of the title of a walk often comes to me part way around, based on who, when or where.  This time I looked at the selection of pictures afterwards and it was the variety of colours that stood out from the day.
     

 

2nd February 2018 - Crummock Water with Pat

Day two of the superb winter weather and our friend Pat is staying for a few days.  A morning working whilst waiting for her to arrive, then it was a lakeside walk for three of us, meeting up with a friend down by the lake.
     

 

1st February 2018 - A Buttermere Afternoon

As I sit and write on a lovely Cumbrian day, I'm able to look back to start of the beautiful clear skies. I ventured up the valley again for "food for home" and "pleasure for the eyes" this time taking Ann to see the spindly tree.
     

 

26th January 2018 - The Mosser Track above Askill

A beautiful dawn . . . and the day continued on in the same vein, with blue skies and minimum breeze. After we had taken Harry for a short walk, we then took ourselves out on a slightly longer local outing . . .
     

 

20th January 2018 - A Walk in the Dry Sunshine - 2 -

After lunch, with Harry fed, watered and walked we took the car a short distance up the valley to Cinderdale, in fact we went further but retraced our steps to stay in the sunshine, on a walk by the side of Crummock lake.
     

 

20th January 2018 - A Walk in the Dry Sunshine - 1 -

Harry has had a second bout of illness since Christmas, however he has responded well to antibiotics again and he never ceases to amaze. Today the sunshine flooded the valley and he needs a short walk to appreciate it.
     

 

18th January 2018 - A Walk in the Wet Snow

It has snowed during each of the last two nights but we've missed the cold temperatures and the heavy falls that other parts of the country have experienced.  There's plenty on the high fells and there it does look cold !
     

 

11th January 2018 - A Buttermere Milk Run

In a home of a one armed lady, the two armed man is  . . . busy . . . but I don't mind.  Doing the dog walk and fetching the eggs and milk, especially if the two jobs can be combined as on a day like today, is a pleasure not a chore.
     

 

7th January 2018 - Binsey Summit and Isel Church

The first outing of the new year, due to Ann's arm being fixed, Harry's illness and my man-flu.  Still, we'll put last week behind us as everyone is getting better, some quicker than others.
     

January 2018 - The 2018 Calendar Results

You had your chance to have your favourite web site pictures hanging on your wall all year round . . . and thereby support a good cause

. . . and support it you did !   A big thank-you from Ann and myself.
     

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