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A fine morning in Loweswater again

and the sky is full of lenticular clouds (like saucers) that have been a feature of recent weather.

We make an early start to get down to the other side of the Lakes . . .

We meet up with Peter and his mum Barbara Burgess at her house in Staveley.

We've known Peter since 2001 when he started the Online Fellwalking Club all those years ago.



Barbara entertained us to morning coffee . . .	. . . and the dogs entertained her (when they weren't sleeping).

- - - o o o - - -

The initial purpose of our drive south

was to collect our long anticipated copy of the

" Wainwrights in Colour " book from Andy Beck.

He started a project eleven years ago when he had the idea

to paint all the Wainwright sketches

that illustrated the 214 chapters

in the seven Wainwright Guides to the Lakes.

This huge undertaking has involved identifying and visiting

1500 Wainwright locations and then producing a colour painting

of the same view that the author had sketched in black and white.

" Awesome ". . . I think is the modern expression !

- - - o o o - - -

He first produced the original paintings and mounted them in picture frames, each relating to single Wainwright mountains.

[ There are just a few of the 214 originals left if anybody wants one.]

	The pictures were photographed and subsequently collated into a book which was on sale at this morning's event. Andy was in residence to sign the books and to hand us our copy and was assisted in that by his wife Esther. Copies are available via the Andy Beck Images web site or via all good Lakeland bookshops from next week on.

[ All four photos courtesy of Andy's web site and FB page.]

	- - - o o o - - - Afterwards Peter and ourselves adjourned to an old haunt. We had a delightful lunch at Plumgarth's just off the A591 Kendal road. We were here a few years back as it was the starting point of an OFC trip Peter had organised to travel by vintage bus and visit Orrest Head on the eightieth anniversary of Alfred Wainwright's first visit to the Lakes - - - o o o - - -

- - - o o o - - -

Afterwards we returned to Staveley

and Peter took us on a favourite walk of his, up onto Reston Scar which overlooks the town.

The River Kent as it flows quietly down towards the village.

Staveley, like our village of Lorton, lost its main road bridge in recent floods when this river was a torrent.

Apparently there will be a grand opening of a replacement bridge in a few weeks time.

A steep track and footpath leaves the road alongside this rather nice looking house called Hillside.

Why do some photos of steep hills make them look as if they are horizontal ?

Why is Peter walking backwards ? Why am I hiding behind a bush ? Why so many questions ?

The track ends at the last house and from there a good footpath leads on up the fell.

We seem to have the route marked with yellow flags as it is the weekend of the Kentmare Trail event

Looking back across the valley at Brunt Knott and the woodland cover of Spy Crag known as Craggy Plantation.



Peter and Ann have spotted something over to the left . . .	. . . a line of runners climbing to the summit of Reston Scar.

From this intermediate top on the southern end of Hugill Fell

we get a slightly hazy, long distance view of the high fells of the Coniston and Langdale area.

Swirl How on the left, Wrynose pass then Crinkles and Bowfell, Scafell and the Pike, Great End and Great Gable are all in view.

	- - - o o o - - - Ann requested a photo of Peter and Myself in order to mark Peter's birthday today. He's . . . looking no older than when we saw him a few years back but I'm not at liberty to discuss dates here ! Happy Birthday Peter. - - - o o o - - -

Before we move on . . . time to look around and enjoy the view of the Langdale Pikes.

The breeze seems colder than recent days due to the lack of strong sunshine.

At the northern end of Hugill Fell is the Williamson Monument, standing out like a beacon.

Behind it is a line of trees on the southern end of Sallows Fell, with a glimpse of Caudale Moor (Stoney Cove Pike) behind.

As we cross over to the summit of Reston Scar we are joining the route of the next set of runners.



A cheerful notice before the last summit of the race.	Details of the events of today were posted on the gate.

The Green Team . . . sorry about the focus . . . the camera obvious supports the red team !

They head to the last summit . . . closely followed by Harry.

	- - - o o o - - - The Lakeland Trails people had even brought along their own trig point. The stone was to hold it down in the strong cross wind. - - - o o o - - -

Round the final marker and it was downhill all the way now.

The summit marshall rang an alpine cow bell for everyone who passed.

They were on the last leg of the race now.

Some were a little more tired than others . . . but all were in good spirits.

The event was supported by the Kendal Mountain Rescue team

in the form of radio cover and first aid.

Our route now followed the same track as the challenge course . . . down towards Staveley.

Peter stands aside to let another competitor through.

Zooming in on a runner from Warrington in Cheshire, many miles to the south.

We also spotted several runners from the "St Bees Triers" . . . the team bringing the most western competitors to the event.

Time for a quick look around with the big lens.

The 'bus stop' type shelter in the centre is the Staveley railway station main reception and waiting room.

Across the way, in the direction of the music and drumming,

was the sports field from where the Lakeland Trial event was being run.

A lull between competitors and we follow on down the track.



At the next bend we dive off left down a small footpath . . .	. . . taking the runners and ourselves past Pear Tree Cottage.



Two colours of bluebells in the lane . . .	. . . that took us back down towards the car.

The path emerged onto the road just opposite the weir . . . the runners went right through the houses, we went left up the road.

Peter ventured down to the river bank and turned to see Dylan, who had misjudged the depth and landed in the water with a big splash.

Lets hope he dries a bit before we get back to Barbara's house !

- - - o o o - - -

Another welcome cup of tea and a quick look at Andy Beck's book for Peter and Barbara

and it was time to return home.

This morning the lenticular clouds half filled the sky . . . tonight it's blue skies, wall to wall.

It is a lovely end to the day.

I think they had less cloud and more sun than we enjoyed today as it looks like I need to water the garden again tonight.

All the outdoor jobs done as the sun sets behind Darling Fell.

It is nearly 9pm and there's still plenty of light in the sky . . . the evenings are really drawing out now.

- - - o o o - - -


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