Previously “Diary of a Birding Medic”; “Rugby Birder”; "Bempton Birder”. All views expressed in this blog are my OWN and do not represent the opinions or policies of any organisations or entities whatsoever with whom I have been, am now or will be affiliated. Reference to Bempton Cliffs in NO way promotes the organisation known as RSPB Bempton Cliffs, but rather the FREEdom of the cliffs.

Monday, 17 September 2018

Lakeland Sojourn - 10th - 14th September 2018

Red Squirrel

A window of opportunity arose and we decided to take a short break in the Lake District based in Borrowdale. Heather and myself last visited the lakes c25yrs ago so a return was well overdue! Similarly, the Yorkshire Dales had not been visited for a similar number of years so it was decided to encompass this area as a "drive through" at the start and finish of our trip.

A brief stop in the Dales at Aysgarth Falls enable us to admire the upper falls





Our destination for our break was to be Borrowdale Youth Hostel where we had booked one of the camping pods. Dogs are allowed to stay when hiring pods or camping so ideal for the short break. Each pod has two futon beds complete with bedding, a lamp, radiator and small porch with decking. The decking has two plastic chairs and a table with picnic tables nearby. Full use of the hostel facilities is included.

Borrowdale Youth Hostel


Borrowdale camping pods


Interesting use was made of old walking boots in the hostel garden!



The River Derwent flows through the hostel grounds


It was really nice to touch base with Britain's native Red Squirrels in the hostel grounds, such charismatic characters and bringing back memories of my childhood "Tufty Club" days!









The weather was typically Lake District! Very changeable but the heavy rain fell overnight giving us reasonable days. Borrowdale is a very beautiful valley, green and bordered by the high hills. It can also be very atmospheric!




At the small "Church in Borrowdale"



A trip up to Ullswater and the climb up Aira Force 







Back in Borrowdale, a walk to the "famous" Bowder Stone


And catching Heather unawares from the top! 




A visit to the "chocolate box" Ashness Bridge above Derwentwater is a photographic nightmare! It is so popular with photographers! Some standing in the water with tripods trying to take images of the water slowed down, others trying to take the whole vistas and others standing on the bridge taking "selfies"! Eventually I managed to some relatively clear images but evidence of tripods can still be seen under the bridge!





And Derwentwater from the "very" narrow road to Watendlath


And of course the sheep (Herdwicks)



Not a forte of mine but Fungi are certainly attractive! 

Shaggy Inkcap


Hypholoma Species


Velvet Shank


Boletus Species


Unknown


Fly Agaric








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