Cumbrian Lakes.

A few more scenic views from our recent excursion to the Lake District.

I have driven over Kirkstone Pass and probably stopped at the same spot (top image) on many occasions to admire the view down into the valley that eventually leads to Ullswater. The only sound when I stepped out of the car was of running water! The lofty view from Whinlatter Pass (bottom left) overlooks the southern end of Bassenthwaite Lake where earlier the same day we were fortunate to see nesting Ospreys, albeit very distant through a scope, from the Dodd Wood  view point.

A short stroll along the north-western shore of Bassenthwaite Lake with the Skiddaw range in the background.  Daily views of soaring Common Buzzards are not uncommon anywhere in the Lake District.

Views across Ullswater from various roadside locations.

During our wandereings we often came across signs by the roadside indicating the possible presence of a species I have not seen in the wild for many, many years so it was a delight to find a single Red Squirrel enjoying a feast of hazel nuts at a forest bird feeding station.   FAB.

In the shadow of Blencathra.

Just in case anyone wondered why the blog has only featured a few scheduled posts during the past couple of weeks ... well we recently spent some time away in the Lake District. So here are some montages of the views we enjoyed every day.

Our campsite at Hutton Moor End was directly under the shadow of Blencathra (Saddleback), one of the most northerly mountains in the Lake District. Every day the views were slightly different depending on the level of the clouds and the length of the sunny interludes.

Typically the weather was very mixed with just a few days of sunshine when the highest point (Hellsfell Top) at 2,848 feet became visible from our watchpoint and the constant trend of daily rain showers didn't stop us from enjoying the local scenery.

The valley around the campsite was a patchwork of fields, small becks and damp meadows filled with a variety of wild flowers bordered by traditional dry stone walls and buildings constructed from the local stone.

The weather wasn't particularly helpful when it came to capturing the local wildlife but at least one of the daily visitors, Mr. Blackbird, struck a pose long enough for the camera!    FAB.