Afternoon trip up to the Lake District

We took the road along the western side of Windermere going north and came across Graythwaite Hall and gardens,then found a quirky cafe  "Frithy's" at Town End -a very sweet hamlet-on Esthwaite Water, then dropped down towards Ambleside. Finally we stopped off at Langdale Chase Hotel for a drink on the terrace looking at the best view of any hotel of Windermere.

Graythwaite Hall

is a mixture of C15th and C18th architecture

the gardens only not the hall are open during the summer

Views from the road to Ambleside overlooking Elterwater and the Langdales

Looking out from the Langdale Chase terrace onto Windermere

The Langdale Chase Hotel

Barbon Walk

There is a lovely old track called Fellfoot Road running north and south from Fell Road just near Barbon. We parked at the junction where the lane crosses Fell Road (Grid ref. 635 795 on Pathfinder map no. 628). Confusingly, the signpost on the track  says "Wandales Lane" , however on the O.S. map the Roman Road from Casterton to Cowan Bridge is called "Wandales". No matter, there is great fun to be had climbing in and out of the Andy Goldsworthy sheepfolds.

Fellfoot Road

This sign  should be Fellfoot Road perhaps

Andy Goldsworthy sheepfold 

another

and another

watching paragliding on Barbon Fell

heather in bloom on the moor

beautiful curved stone wall

Brownthwaite Plant Nursery

Churchmouse Cheeses

Barbon Inn

Sheepfold on Barbon-Dent road ( builder unknown )

Walk towards Whelprigg Hall , wander up the fells  , have tea at Barbon at Churchmouse Cheeses or Barbon Inn and why not visit Brownthwaite plants nearby. For another description of this walk see Christopher Somerville

Back streets of Kirkby Lonsdale

Horse Market

Looking towards fells of Barbon

"Plato's" Restaurant

Curlew

In flight (photo courtesy of Anand Prasad)

The perfect habitat for our resident curlews

Being evasive

 keeping an eye open when protecting the young against predators

just glimpsed amongst the rushes near our farm track

Hay Time

Gathering in the hay before clouds unleash their downpour

Almost there....

Roeburnscar in the background

Ready for the "Shed of the Year" competition

Barn Owl baby possibly

               Found on the road to Wray, waiting to be rescued by parent, this lovely barn owl baby

Swallows in a cluster