Setting off from Cleethorpes on a fair-ish Sunday morning we headed down the A180/M18/M62 for the A1 North. The weather declined as we headed North and by the A66 heading West across the top of the Yorkshire Dales, it was wet and windy showers most of the way. Things improved marginally by the time we hit Penrith and by Keswick the weather was just a few showers and the wind had dropped.
We had booked a "cottage" for the week, which was really an end semi-detached town house on the edge of Keswick. The house had been recently modernised, and named "Tendoose" (The end house), with the novelty of a 1st floor conservatory with wooden decked veranda.
http://www.tendoose.co.uk/
On arrival aropund 14:45, the owners were still preparing the property for us, so a quick walk into Keswick across Fitz park (about 10 mins) idled an hour or so, before returning and been given a tour of the house and its many facilities. Given the key, we unloaded our rather full vehicle and settled in.
Nice Smart TV on the wall with SKY HD!
Modern kitchen/diner with all the facilities and huge fridge/freezer
Even a boot room, with a boot drying macine!
The upstairs conservatory with views across fields to Latrigg and other fells. Nice, even on a damp rainy day.
Similar views from the bedroom window, and the lounge.
The view from the front of the property to Latrigg.
Monday 29th April
We woke to an "as forecast" wet Monday morning, though actually the rain over the day was showery and not as bad as predicted by the forecast. That said, we had resigned ourselves to a non-walking day, and decided to drive to Ambleside, look at the outdoors shops, Gaynors below been one of the largest in the area.
A drive further East to Kendal, and Susans favourite crafting supplies shop..........
Followed by lunch at Stavely and the excellent Hawkshead Brewery, and their delicious "Beer Tapas". An English version of the Spanish Tapas, but using traditional English produce such as local sausages, pork pie, scotch eggs and ribs (with a very nice bowl of thick cut chips).
The Trio of puddings was rather nice too......
Suitably full we headed back to Keswick via Lakeland store at Windermere, and began to think of the walk we hoped to do the next day, with a better forecast given.
Tuesday 30th April
Lonscale Fell & Glenderaterra Beck
(Pathfinder North/West Lakeland Guide, Walk#21)
(6.7 Miles, 4hrs, 38 mins)
With a better day forecast we woke to much brighter weather, and after breakfast drove the short distance to Gale Road near Ormathwaite. The small car park here gives access to the limited mobility path to Latrigg, and for us our chosen walk to Lonscale Fell.
The narrow roads leading to the car park are quite pot holed, and the car park itself nothing more than rough gravel. It is free though, but by the time we were booted and set off was already filling up at 09:30.
The walk starts at an elevation already close to 1000ft, so good views of the surrounding fells out to Skiddaw from the start.
An easy start along narrow grassy paths lead us to the Hawells monument, a renowned family of sheperds.
From this, the path steepened, leading ever upwards and forming the main track route up to Skiddaw (to be saved for another time).
Ever enlightnening views down to Keswick and Derwent water.
After what seemed a long slog, we veered right onot a lesser defined track, and quieter, away from those heading for skiddaw summit.
Still some snow about, even at around 1500ft.
After a short time we reached a fence line at "Flag pots", and headed East towards the summit of Lonscale Fell, with views West to Skiddaw/Skiddaw Little Man.
Nice reflection, though processed via HDR to give more dynamic range.
The view ahead towards Lonscale Fell.
Lonscale Fell Summit (2362ft), marked only by a very small cairn.
Heading back the was we came, then heading off descending slowly on a very indistinct track West, we then descended much more steeply. Note the pointed feature in the photo below near the summit of Lonscale Fell.
(Above) The steep path down from Lonscale Fell.
Following the grassy track on a more even keel,and though the darker ridge of Burnt Horse, we reached a more major track heading South at 90 degrees, this was part of the Cumbria Way.
Looking back to views of Lonscale Fell.
Easy and pleasant paths passing by the other side of the fell below the Lonscale Crags.
We were soon heading back towards the car park, and the end of a pleasant, satisfying walk that had been a good start to get us in the mood for something longer and more taxing another day. We arrived back at the now full car park at 14:00, and headed off back to Keswick.
Our Walk Score: 7.5/10
Last year we had tried to take a balloon flight with Virgin, but after several attempts whilst we were in the Lakes, did not fly due to the Weather. This is very common, most people having to reschedule many times. We had taken a flight with success near Ullswater in 2010, and managed to do so on the first attempt, which is very rare (or lucky!).
Ringing the dedicated phone line just after 14:00, we found that the flight was scheduled to go ahead, and to meet at an alternative launch site by Ullswater at 17:30 (intended launch site was near Newby Bridge on Windermere). No problem, less distance to drive from Keswick.
Now hungry, despite taking a sandwich on the walk, we tried the "Filling Station" Cafe near to our digs. With the balloon flight to do, this would be our evening meal.
This cafe has a good reputation, and is popular with bikers. I went for the Stilton burger with sweet potato fries, and was not disappointed.
The Filling Station Cafe Keswick
Virgin Balloon Flight: Tues Evening 30th April
Below:The elevation profile of the flight recorded by my GPS.
Meeting up on the shore of Ullswater at 17:30 on a pleasant Tuesday evening we were excited at the prospect of the ballon flight ahead of us, hoping the wind would take us across the lake, and near the fells all around the area. The flight in 2010 took us away from the Lake from a launch site at Dalemain only a few miles away from where we were now.
First of all setting up the balloon and laying out the balloon itself ready to be inflated using cold air blower fans..
Slowly, the ballon inflates....................
I was volunteered into holding the steadying ropes coming down form the crown of the balloon. Once the burners were lit, the weight of the balloon actually dragged you forward across the grass, despite the two of us leaning back with full bodyweight.
Once the balloon was fully inflated it was a case of everyone getting into the basket as soon as possible, with myself and the other chap dropping the ropes and running to do the same as we were the last in.
Once all passengers were aboard, the rope securing us to a 4x4 vehicle was released to allow the ballon to lift under full burners.
We slowly ascended with only the sound of the burners and our cheers down to the speactators below cutting the evening air. After a short time the burners were shut off, and there was silence as we ascended gracefully, headed by the light wind across Ullswater, and the magnificence of the surrounding fells to enjoy.
The burners were relit from time to time to maintain/gain further altitude.
Pure enjoyment!
The view along Ullswater was simply stunning!
We topped out around 4000ft, higher than any of the surrounding fells.
Drifting further East, Penrith became nearer and nearer.
Our Pilot "Phil"
Say Cheese! (camera on a rope)
We enjoyed around an hour in the air, and all too soon it was time to "put down" at a suitable location, with support vehicle trailing us and in radio contact with Pilot Phil.
The landing in a farmers field a little bumpy, and the top crown end of the balloon was damaged as it deflated onto a barbed wire fence. As you can see below, that is actually how the basket ended up with everyone in it (on its side). Easy to crawl out though.
It was then time for everyone to get to work and asssist in rolling up the balloon and literally stuffing it into a very large sack. Amazing that it could fit in a sack not much bigger than a building merchants big sand bag.
Once the hard work was done, the evennig was rounded off with a glass of champagne, issue of certificates, and a mini bus back to the launch site.
EPIC!!!!
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