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Stock Ghyll Force |
In spite of a poor
weather forecast in the Lake District for the week it was possible that a
couple of short walks might be attempted. We set up camp in
the Langdale Valley on a fine and sunny afternoon after all the Bank Holiday
crowds had gone, and before the rain which was forecast for the day after. It was a
good decision, and we got the tent up and were able to cook beef burgers and
sausages sheltered behind my new wind shelter.
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The Camp Manager has all in order |
Sometimes weather forecasts can be accurate, and so it was
rain and wind that greeted us the next day. We had a good breakfast and then the
fells being out of the question the only thing we could do was to drive around,
so I suggested that we go to see Stock Ghyll Force.
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Stock Ghyll |
The rain had eased off a little but the path was muddy and
I got my shoes and socks soaked. The waterfalls were in good form, and I got
some better photos than on a previous visit with Andrew in spite of the tree
branches hanging like curtains.
Then it was over Kirkstone Pass into Patterdale and along
by Ullswater to see Aira Force, which was really spectacular, but the
overhanging, dripping trees made it impossible to get good photos. There were
quite a few families there, all with waterproofs of course.
The very strong wind during the night made me fearful
for the tent and Alex keeping dry - even the camper van was rocked. No
harm was done, except we both had little sleep. There was blue sky and
sunshine in the morning so we got up a little earlier as I had planned a visit
to Hadrian's Wall.
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Reconstruction of an early wooden gatehouse |
It wasn't until after ten that we actually got on the
road. After a long journey over Kirkstone Pass and along the M6 and then the A69 to
Greenhead, we found the way to Vindolanda easy and enjoyed the visit.
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Hadrian's Wall near Cawfield Crags |
Afterwards I gently suggested that we go home because
Thursday promised only more wind and heavy rain, and it would be better to
strike camp while it is dry. We first called to see Hadrian's Wall at Cawfield Crags, and then drove back to Langdale. We were in
time before any rain started and managed to pack things quite quickly and set
off south.
