The Lake Landers

Two Work Parties

2012-02-14T17:34:00.008Z

Just a few pictures from last weeks work party & todays. Last week for a change we were putting up a fence rather than removing one. The reason was they want to keep the two herds of Galloway's separate. Where we parked we were greeted by one herd who thought we were the farmer coming to feed them.

It was a cold & frosty morning

But it promised to be a lovely day once the sun reached us

We were "recycling" fencing we had taken down in another part of the valley

So how many volunteers does it take to put up a fence? We are getting more than a dozen each week which is great

Today was a grey day, but with no wind so the lake looked great

Until someone decided to cause some ripples

We are planting Juniper in the same area that Countryfile filmed us a couple of weeks ago, the valley doesn't look so stunning today as a lot of the snow has melted & the cloud is down

It's not a great surface to work on (it's a big area you can see two volunteers on the skyline)

Andy planting

Crag however prefers to play/flirt with Barbara's female dog Lou

A different angle of the valley

From here you can just make out some of the western end of the lake

We had finished with time to spare so set about freeing some of the debris that had collected under Irish bridge

Unfortunately as this wasn't a planned job the forestry commission lads hadn't put a chainsaw in, so after clearing some of it we gave in & they will return tomorrow to finish off with chainsaws

Two really enjoyable days with great company

Countryfile Come To Ennerdale

2012-02-02T19:42:00.009Z

Yesterday BBC's Countryfile Team came to Ennerdale again to film various stories from the valley. They are doing a special Wild Britain episode which will air on Sunday 19th February & one of the stories involved us volunteers planting Juniper on Bowness Knott.

We were driven up to the planting site which boasts a stunning view of the valley. After deciding where we were to plant there was a lot of waiting around for the camera team & Ellie Harrison to arrive.

We were parked up by the site of an old quarry

There were 7 volunteers & 3 paid forestry or N.T. people planting

A panorama of the valley, Ellie commented "WOW what a view" when she got out of the car

Looking down on Ennerdale Water

We are all waiting to start planting

Whilst Crag had sticks thrown for him, believe it or not he did keep finding the right stick

The camera team & Ellie reach us

And we are still waiting as she has some lines to do first

And yes Karen got interviewed again, whether they will use it we don't know

Look to the left of Ellie Crag has decided she can throw a stick for him

It's there Ellie, come on throw it

Whilst the camera is still rolling she talks to him that she will throw it but he'll never find it, however she throws it to where a cameraman has left a tripod so it can't be used.

Crag then proceeds to butt in on the next interview, if they show John's interview you may hear him whining at Ellie to throw the stick, unlike Bess he is far from camera shy.

After the filming was finished a group photo of us all

It was a good fun afternoon & again the BBC were all very friendly & we are so glad the weather made the valley look extra special yesterday

Work Party & Footpath Surveys

2012-02-01T17:20:00.003Z

Yesterday we were back at Ennerdale, in the morning Karen did two footpath surveys & Andy was on the work party. It was supposed to be a nice day but the cloud was really low, because of the snow on the tops you almost can't see the fells at the end of the valley. Pillar with a dusting of snow. It did snow lightly on us most of the morning. We climb up over 100m, looking across the valley to High Crag Everything is frozen up here

Haystacks & Brandreth

Zooming in on Pillar

The water has frozen all around the edge of this waterfall

High Crag again as we start are descent on the second path

We all met up at lunchtime & Karen joined the workparty.

Two days of good walks does take its toll after all (he didn't even open his eyes after the flash went off!)

A Snowy Walk

2012-02-01T15:09:00.010Z

On Monday the weather was forecast to be good & with snow on the higher peaks we just had to go and have a play in it. We decided to go up the last Wainwright for us in the Central book Ullscarf. We parked at Wythburn at the southern end of Thirlmere. This is looking up the valley we were to walk

Plenty of snow on top of the Helvellyn range

We walked up this frozen field

Crossing Wyth Burn beck which we would follow for much of the day

Nearly at the snow line

A waterfall on the beck

Looking back down where we have walked

And ahead where we were going

Crag poses on a patch on snow

We then have about a mile of relatively flat walk. The map calls it The Bog & even at these sub zero temperatures it lived up to its name!.

Ullscarf comes into view it is the very white fell to the right

Looking back again at where we had walked

Now we are really getting into the white stuff

Nethermost Pike in the distance

Ullscarfs summit is behind this

For once we can talk about where Crag's nose has been

The footpath carries on up the valley & then meets up with another path which takes you to the summit. Karen had the good idea that we should just head straight for the summit up a very steep bank

In 260m of distance you gain 130m of elevation. That's a 1 in 2 in old money.

Andy wasn't too impressed, Crag however had great fun using his nose to make snow roll down the bank & then chase after it... nutter with too much energy

Eventually the steep slope starts to level out

We were about 20mins from the summit, but as you can see the cloud was starting to gather & cover some of the fells to the west & it looked like it could snow. We made the decision we were going to add 40mins to the walk & the weather could be quite different then. We had also decided to take the longer route back

Crag up to his knees in snow

Ullscarf summit, we will get to it another day

We then walked along the ridge to Greenup Edge

A very frozen tarn

Just stunning views up here

Looking down on the valley floor that we will be walking on again soon

This descent is steep but nothing as bad as our route up

Everywhere beautiful & white

A last look at Ullscarf

We were the only car in the car park when we arrived, also when we left. We saw one person on another summit, but didn't pass a sole all day.

We had said we would dedicate the summit to Bess but as we didn't get there it's the walk instead. It had the three main ingredients that made a great walk for her:

1) SNOW

2) WATER

3) A TASTY EGG ROLL AT LUNCHTIME

Cogra Moss

2012-01-29T17:59:00.005Z

Today we went for a walk at Cogra Moss. We invited Benny & Shadow, Benny couldn't make it but dropped Shaddow round so we took her. Blake Fell to the left has a dusting of snow on. Our first view of the lake Zooming in on Blake Fell Scotland in the distance

Up on the top path & we have gained most of the height for the day

The whole of Cogra Moss is in view up here

You wouldn't come up here in a really windy day, lots of fallen trees in the forest

Then you turn a corner & the view opens up again

Back down on the ground again & we have nearly completed our circuit

This picture was taken yesterday when we took Crag for a walk along the cycle track. We think it is a halo, a small rainbow in the sky, we saw it for about 20mins before it faded away

Bess 9/8/00 - 23/1/12

2012-01-26T13:25:00.005Z

On Monday we tragically lost our "little girl" Bess. She died after a short & sudden illness which we believe was caused by a liver tumour. We can't believe how quickly it all happened, she was her normal self only two weeks before. We have dusted off the photo albums from her first few years & here are a few. Her first night with Karen & yes we both look a lot younger

She even used to sleep on her back like Crag does now

In a variety of places

From an early age she had a taste for a hot curry (yes that is Chicken Madras)

Her first of many walking weekends. This was also the first time she was off lead walking around Llyn Idwal with Peter & Malcolm

Her first of many snowy winters, she always loved playing in the snow

2001 & the first time she was at Ennerdale

And playing with a frisbee on Seascale beach

Then along came her "cousin" Charlie who she had many years of walks with

Her first time up Snowdon (I think she climbed it 4 times, along with Ben Nevis twice & Scafell Pike several times)

She even had Crags one ear up, one down trait

A camping trip to the New Forest where we had a few too many in the local

And that wasn't to be the last time she was on Kiran's shoulders, this is the descent from Tryfan where she got scared & wouldn't go down

She soon overame her mountain fears & climbed in excess of 160 Wainwrights after moving up to Cumbria in 2006.

She is desperately missed by all three of us & its a tragedy she left us so young, but a blessing she didn't suffer

Footpath Surveys At Ennerdale

2012-01-13T17:53:00.005Z

Today the weather was gorgeous (for the first time in a long time) so we headed to Ennerdale to complete three more footpath surveys. It was one of the cold, crisp & sunny days, the temperature barely above freezing as you can see the frost on this gate where we started Into the trees Plenty of water coming down Woundell Beck

Looking back on where we have walked

As we get higher we catch a glimpse of the lake again

We are climbing up a steep bank looking down on the lake

We are on our descent & we come around a corner to be presented with this impressive "surprise" view along the length of Ennerdale Water

The descent is a steep one, not helped by the fact the sun is too low to melt the ice off the rocks here

The sun catches the top of the conifers

Almost down to the valley floor again

A partially frozen Moss Dub

Great to get some good weather & be able to get out into Ennerdale & enjoy it

Christmas 2011

2012-01-06T12:52:00.005Z

This year we were at home for Christmas, sharing it with Karen's parents. The weather was poor so we didn't get far, just a few walks along the cycle track. Here Bess is demonstrating her latest trick walking on two legs! The bridge at Moor Row The dogs enjoying the water here

Andy, Karen & Ian

And after a good walk a good rest by the fire is needed

Our Christmas tree

It;s Christmas day & the dog that has the cream

Time to open the presents, Bess is keen to see what Santa has bought her this year

A new toy

Mmmmm treats

Christmas dinner

We had a lovely time with Anne & Ian, it's a shame the weather wasn't better & we could have gone further

Purple fungi in Ennerdale valley

2011-12-14T12:48:00.004Z

Yesterday Andy was on a work party in the valley, like last week it was clearing overhanging trees from the road. We parked up near Middle (Pillar) bridge and made our way back West. The snow had melted a lot compared to last week, Haycock and Steeple. High Gill had a lot of water in it.

Dave and John discussing something.

Colin beavering away, hope that's not a Birch tree as Margaret wouldn't be happy.

Chris getting great use out of last years Xmas present.

Pillar with almost no snow.

Andy spotted this purple fungi, no one in the group had ever seen fungi this colour before.

One more work party next week and that's it for 2011.

This weeks work party at Ennerdale.

2011-12-07T14:19:00.007Z

Yesterday Andy went on the weekly work party, we have had some snow at home but more have fell on the fells. Today we were to clear small trees that were obstructing signs or could cause damage to vehicles. Crag Fell with some snow on the upper slopes.

Looking down the lake towards Steeple and Haycock.

Zooming in on the summit of Steeple.

The volunteers having a quick cuppa and Crag with his new friend Leo. Amazing how tired he was last night, well he did spend 5 hours chasing a cute girl!!

Looking North-West to Cogra Moss.

Crag Fell.

Andy tried to take a panoramic picture and discovered a new bay at Ennerdale!! Needs more practice methinks.

There was much discussion about this Hawthorne tree, some wanted it left alone, some wanted it trimmed. You turn your back for 2 seconds and Bernie and Malcolm chopped it all down.

Its very prickly.

Pillar being that bit higher had more snow.

Bernie playing peek a boo, think you would need a giant redwood for that.

Steeple

Summit of Pillar

We will be back there next week to continue walking the road to clear any obstructions.

4 Days Staying In Bampton Grange

2011-12-02T12:38:00.013Z

This week we have had 4 nights away staying in the Crown & Mitre Inn at Bampton Grange on the Eastern side of the Lake District. Mondays plan was to set off early to get some walking in over there, however we awoke to rain & decided as it was on our way we would go & do a few hours work at Peel Wyke (the forestry commissions base) helping Bernie build grey squirrel traps. Karen took the dogs for a walk in the forest After nearly an hours walking we came out of the forest, looking up at Broom Fell

On our way back a rare glimpse through the trees of Bassenthwaite Lake

And across the lake to Ullock Pike

The cloud is down on Skiddaw

After lunch & a short detour into Penrith we arrive at Bampton Grange & our room for the next four nights

It had stopped raining so we went for a short walk from the pub

Looking down on Bampton Grange

An old structure in the village, not sure what it was used for

Haweswater Beck where we watched some salmon spawning

Back in the room - well I have had two walks today

Tuesday was incredibly wet so we set off for some retail therapy at Gretna Outlets on our return everywhere was starting to flood (thankfully The Crown & Mire is on slightly higher ground)

An hour later & it has stopped raining but there is still plenty of water

Tonights position

Wednesday it was forecast to rain about midday so we thought a short walk along Haweswater was a good idea, however it was so windy that we abandoned that & headed to Shap Co-op & bought some dvds!

We did get out for a while later in the afternoon

Thursday was forecast to be dry so we set off to Haweswater again heading up Gatesgarth Pass

Gatesgarth Beck has plenty of water coming down it

Part of Haweswater comes into view

And higher up, we walk to the skyline & then turn left to reach the summit of the first fell

An easy route to follow as we just follow the fence, we stop for a break here & Bess enjoys digging around in a bog

As does Crag

And we have reached the highest point of the day Branstree (713m)

A baby trig point & cairn mark the summit

Whilst there is a far more impressive cairn on Artlecrag Pike

We then continue to follow the fence to our second summit

Looking down on Haweswater

It hasn't come out very well but a rainbow, a sign it was not going to stay dry on us for much longer

And we reach our final summit Selside (655m)

No fence to follow now, we just need to pick a route off

Haweswaters only island Wood Howe

High Street on the skyline

Now these cottages would have been isolated even before Haweswater was constructed

Hopgill Beck

We then walked along the lakeshore back to the car, this is the last picture as the heavens opened shortly afterwards

Despite the weather we had a great time, the food was gorgous at The Crown & Mitre as was the hospitality & we will definietly go back there to walk some more Eastern Fells next year

More Footpath Surveys

2011-11-16T15:07:00.005Z

Last Sunday & today Karen & Crag have been completing more footpath surveys. Sundays walk was over near Croasdale, this is looking down on the hamlet with Knock Merton in the background. Today included a footpath that we knew was going to be awful so Andy was quite glad to stay at home. The first footpath is a good track that takes you into the Calder valley, a very hazy Whoap in the distance

Heckbarley with very few trees left on it

Now the fun part, the path should follow the River Calder for about 1 1/2miles, however it is so boggy it is impossible to stay near the river. It isn't a very well used path so there are no clear marks on the ground where the alternative path goes, you just have to pick your way through some very boggy ground. In no time you have filled your boots so it was a case of trying to just plough through it

We give up trying to stay low & start to climb up Latter Barrow to find some drier ground

The sheep aren't stupid around here they don't venture down to the lower ground & up here there are good sheep tracks that contour us round on dry ground

We eventually finish that path & are back on better paths, it is so remote here & we didn't see a soul all day.

Looking down on the River Calder

Then we have a walk back on the Cold Fell Road

Glad we have got those done & there were dry shoes & socks in the car!

Great Borne To Red Pike

2011-11-08T14:58:00.008Z

Yesterday was one of those beautiful Autumnal days, cold but sunny & amazing visibility. Andy's back still wasn't 100% but Karen didn't want to miss out on the weather so took Crag over to Ennerdale to walk from Great Borne to Red Pike. We were able to do 2 footpath surveys & 3 fixed point photos. The sun is low at this time of year so we started off in the shade but could see once we had climbed a bit we would be back in the sun. Looking down on the western end of the lake which is mostly in the sunshine And again from higher up when we are now enjoying the great weather, it was warm enough for short sleeves. Although the path was still frozen in places

After about an hours climb we had reached the summit of Great Borne (616m)

Looking across to Grasmoor

The trig point at the summit

A couple of panoramas from the summit

Looking ahead to Starling Dodd & Red Pike (the pointed fell in the distance)

As we get across the summit plateau looking back to Great Borne

Mellbreak & Crummock Water

We didn't need to reach the summit of Starling Dodd so contoured round it, looking back at it with Great Borne in the distance

And again looking back as we start the final push up Red Pike

To then be rewarded with stunning views down on Crummock Water

High Stile

Robinson with Buttermere below

The summit cairn (755m)

And the panoramas from here

Ennerdale Water, Bowness Knott where we started looks a long way from here

We start our descent back to Ennerdale

Pillar is mostly in shade now

Looking back up at Red Pike

Part of the valley remains in constant shade this time of year & it looks like a snowy winter scene here. Crag is rolling around in it thinking it is snow

We went to check the wildlife camera which was equally icy (no pictures this time)

We then make our way back along the forest track which is now in shade, Pillar & Steeple

It was a lovely walk which has to be one of our favourites

Footpath Surveys Around Flat Fell

2011-11-03T14:48:00.003Z

Today we were back on the footpath surveys, we drove up to Uldale which is beyond the white house on Dent & did a circular route from there around Flat Fell, walking three different footpaths. The dogs lead the way, we have walked this route a few times before Soon Nannycatch comes into view Some new signage designed to aid the coast to coaster, where we are going in fact is the path they are being steered away from Looking back we were on the path between Dent & Flat Fell a few minutes ago We walked onto the Cold Fell Road then headed down to the last path that would bring us back. Not many pictures today so I have included this one of the back of Dent & the camera strap ooops (yes it was very windy!)

Footpath Surveys From The Cold Fell Road

2011-10-28T13:59:00.006+01:00

Many of the Ennerdale footpath surveys are from the Cold Fell Road which has just re-opened after a 4week closure so we took the opportunity today to start some of them. We were last up here in May when they were actively felling here, today it was quiet but the landscape was quite dramatically changed. There is still a lot of wood to collect from up here

You now get clear views to the summit of Grike

And across Kinniside Common

The clouds just resting on Pillar in the distance

Still plenty more trees to be felled here

Soon we are heading to the final gate on this footpath with glorious views of the Ennerdale valley

On our way back new views of Dent & Egremont to the left. You could also see the Isle of Man in the distance although the camera couldn't quite pick this up

Dent with Cleator Moor to the right

This is the new forest track that has been built for the logging waggons

Zooming in on Frizington Quarry

A Few Ennerdale Pictures

2011-10-27T15:45:00.006+01:00

Just a few pictures from the footpath surveys Karen did on Tuesday (Andy was tree planting). Before we started we checked the wildlife cameras but have only managed to prove the Galloway cattle are in the valley & that the date & time are set wrong on the camera! We then walked further into the valley, looking up at Pillar

It's sunny at the other end of the valley

We walk up a footpath that takes us close to Scarth Gap & then down another to Black Sail where some of the Galloways were gathered.

Autumnal colours in the valley

This hut is new it is the new hydro electric scheme in Gillflinter Beck that powers High Gillerthwaite Youth Hostel

Despite over 4hours of walking & a reasonable climb Crag still wants to play with sticks, the bigger the better!

Archeology in Ennerdale valley.

2011-10-17T15:39:00.011+01:00

Last Friday Andy met up with 5 other volunteers to check up on some of the archaeological sites in the valley. We planned to walk along the southern lake shore and locate as many as possible using information supplied by Gareth from the Forestry commission.

The first site was a bit vague and could have been the site of a potash kiln but like a lot of things looked at that day much of it is only supposition as they have not been properly investigated, there are several hundred sites in the valley so not surprising.

The next one was a short distance to the east but above the path, they are not sure what its purpose is as its quite small, there was a suggestion that it could have been a medieval chicken coup!!

We moved on to the other side of Anglers Crag to the site of a medieval Bloomery, this is where iron ore was smelted.

Peek a boo

This is the actual mine site, surprisingly only 10 metres away from the bloomery. Talking to locals they have always assumed the mine site was much further up the fell.

The comment about the next site was that if we cant find it we might as well go home. Well we had lunch about 15 metres away and we searched for about 20 minutes before it was found on the lake shore. Some of the descriptions and gps data wasn't accurate. This was also part of our brief to accurately locate the sites.

This one was described to be to large for a sheepfold but may have been a dwelling. If the lake has risen this is possible but if not we came to the conclusion that it could have been a dock/harbour, well its a good guess as any!

Continuing further east the next one was described as another potash kiln or possible a bothy as it had a chimney.

The last site we looked at was another bloomery, this picture is of the slag heap where it is estimated there is 1.5 tons of slag.

The bloomery

We again had trouble finding this site. The info we had said there was a crab apple tree on this site and there was slag in the stream bed. There were several streams running through the site and we eventually found the slag very close to the lake side where it had been washed down. As to the tree there were a few that had fell down but the slag heap was next to a very old HOLLY tree, obviously Archaeologists not Botanists!

A good day out and many more sites to discover.

Footpath Surveys by the River Liza

2011-10-17T14:57:00.006+01:00

Last Thursday we were back doing some more footpath surveys in Ennerdale. We parked at Gillerthwaite & headed off on a loop of part of the valley. Not many pictures as it is an area we are very familiar with. We walked the Liza path which our work parties have spent a lot of time clearing & bettering the drainage. This however is a bigger problem than we can tackle with the tools we have. The damage was done in November 2009 & you can see from this picture taken in Feb 2010 that the water levels in the beck have further shifted the bridge The continual erosion by the River Liza means this island many not be here for much longer as you can see the water pouring through it.

The dogs enjoy a play whilst we have our lunch

Andy clears this drain of leaves, the dogs think it is a game to catch them as they fall

It wasn't the longest walk, but by the evening: JOB DONE!

Footbridge Surveys in Eskdale

2011-10-08T13:09:00.007+01:00

Earlier in the week we had been asked if we could help out with 7 footbridge surveys in Eskdale. When we received them we found out they were in two close groups of 3&4. We parked up below Stanley Falls but headed east into the valley. The beautifully clear River Esk This is the first bridge, it serves little purpose as no water flows under it

Then the more impressive Girder bridge over The Esk

Is this really a bridge?, we checked the area & it was the closest thing we could find within the grid reference

Then we drove the short distance to the next four in Mitterdale

We think this is Cumbrian for "Head Right For Eskdale"

The next bridge, unusual as the handrails are metal

Heading further into the valley with Sca Fell in the distance

We then come to this derelict building which was once Bakerstead Outdoor Pursuits Centre

But it looks as if it may not be derelict for long as a track to give vehicular access to it is being built

It is quite a big building which is in excellent condition

The footbridge over The River Mite

These old farmhouses at Mitterdale Head have seen better days, that tree is growing out of the walls, looking like an aerial sticking from it

And the last one is a very old bridge, its a shame that the surface has been tarmaced

A Walk With An Archaeologist

2011-10-06T13:43:00.005+01:00

On Tuesday instead of our usual workparty the volunteers met up with a National Trust archaeologist to go for a walk to one of the more remote sites in the valley.

We started from the far end of the lake soon climbing high up above the tree line.A glimpse of the lake with Great Borne & Starling Dodd on the horizon

There is a footpath through the heather, but it was pretty rough underfoot

We had no idea how far we were all going, in fact we were almost going to the summit of Haycock (the skyline)

And we reach the settlement, a little imagination is needed here, but it is believed these were summer settlements used from the 12th century

Alpine Clubmoss growing between the stones

One of the larger dwellings

And a smaller one which has survived well over the years

Climbing up on a rock to get a better view from above

And from the rock looking down

Our last site is a strange one that looks as if a chimney through the rock face has been incorporated into it

And then we set off back down

It was an interesting day & we managed to do one of the footpath surveys as well.

Two Walks At Ennerdale

2011-10-02T14:34:00.007+01:00

Last Monday we went for a walk at Ennerdale with Andy's mum who was staying with us for a few days.

Andy & his mum on the bridge by the weir

A panorama of the valley

Pillar in the distance

A new patch of the path is getting flooded, that is likely to be a workparty in the future

Mountain rescue come over very low

On Friday we collected the footpath surveys for Ennerdale from one of the rangers. It was a gorgeous day so we decided to start some of them & walk around the lake. The sun is so much lower this time of the year that the south side was in shade for much of it.

As we climb Anglers Crag we are back in the sun

Time to cool off in the lake

This tree has come down since our last walk around

Andy looks enviously at the logs that have been cut from it

The only problem on the walk, this handrail needs replacing

Someone has kindly climbed over the stone wall here & damaged it

A peacock butterfly

And a small tortoiseshell

A Walk With Lisa, Stuart & Katie

2011-10-02T13:44:00.007+01:00

On the Saturday afternoon we met up with Lisa, Stuart & Katie for a walk from Eynsham Lock

The walk is great for the dogs as we follow The Thames

Across more fields

Katie posing for the camera

The three dogs got on very well this time (well Crag seems to have grown up & didn't annoy Katie much)

Katie is the only one of the three that will go & swim after sticks

A canal boat on the river

A short but nice walk for us & good to catch up with Lisa & Stuart again

A Walk From Bicester

2011-09-30T18:11:00.007+01:00

On the Friday we went for a walk from Karen's parents house. The dogs were soon off their leads & happily running around the fields. We walk across this ploughed field, where the farmer has flattened down the footpath There are loads of Blackberries here so we set about picking some (which for us turned into Apple & Blackberry filo parcels with ice cream - yummy) Like the west coast line the railways runs very straight here. Just across the M40 is this water tower

Todays lunch spot is The Trigger Pond in Bucknell where Andy sees if his "Aunt Sally" skills are still there

Another lovely lunch

And as there is no driving Karen has a pint too

Then we set off back over the fields

This friendly horse decides to follow us

A Walk From Fringford

2011-09-30T15:48:00.004+01:00

Last week when we were back in Oxfordshire we went for a walk from Fringford. The dogs go straight into the river (Little Ouse).

We are walking again through the fields.

We come across this large Oak which has lost rather a large branch

And then finish off with a lovely lunch at The Butchers Arms

Brill Hill & Puddles

2011-09-26T17:08:00.012+01:00

Last Wednesday we met up with Karens school friend Trina & her family who are over from Australia visiting the UK. We met up at Brill Hill, at 184m it is one of the highest points in the area & home to a windmill. Looking west at the flat Buckinghamshire & Oxfordshire landscape The first bit of the walk was a steep descent from the windmill Kamran & Talia playing with the dogs on the common Then Kamran finds a tyre swing

Talia has a play too whilst Arun looks on from Kirans backpack

A potted history of Brill

Talia poses for the camera

Back at the start

The Kumars: (l-r) Kamran, Talia, Trina, Kiran & Arun

We then set off on a circular walk marked from here & Talia finds her first puddles

Looking back up at the windmill

Arun has been enjoying blackberries on the way round, you'd never guess!

Across a field

There are red kites here

Talia spots some more puddles

And if the stills weren't enough here are two videos:

Then time for lunch

We had a lovely time with them all & it was the first time we had met Talia & Arun face to face as opposed to over the webcam. We saw Trina & Kiran again for dinner on the Thursday & hope they enjoy the rest of their time in the UK.