A TALE OF TWO DITTIES !

I must open this blog by telling the reader that TWO walks were accomplished by our group this week. Both in the same area. I also suspect that the title is possibly tautological. (?)

Rydal & Grasmere  8 miles. 

Walkers :-  Martin, John W, James.

A most unusual walk this week. This being only one of two planned. Anthony was to lead the main party up Helm Crag ( Lion and Lamb Rocks) following a suggestion from Danny, whilst Martin was to lead those feeling less "frisky"on a lower level walk he had done before. 

So let us begin :-

Walk 1.

The minibus we had borrowed from St Clare's was driven by man of many talents - Danny.  
Martin, James and John W. were dropped off at the bottom of Rydal Water.

The remaining contingent then left to tackle Helm Crag. We crossed the road to where a seated bus shelter was great for booting up.

Once "booted" we followed this lane steeply up past  "Rydal Mount" before turning left to follow the "Coffin Trail" towards Grasmere. This delightful ancient route twisted turned it's way well above the edge of Rydal water giving us  brief glimpses over the little lake and beyond.

With such an ancient trail it was no surprise to come across some equally ancient and also "interesting" trees,

This one turned out to be a "Money" tree. One of several we were to encounter during our walk.

As we walked along we met up with many fellow walkers and frequently stopped to chat. The writer likes dogs but wondered if there weren't too many of them. (not an opinion he expects everyone to share.  Yes 'e does ! ) as there seemed to be as many, if not more dogs than owners along the paths.

After something more than a mile we left the coffin trail and dropped down towards White Moss Common.

 

Encountering a little friend.

"A TOAD IN THE ROAD"

and  passing a small but rather pretty waterfall.

 We crossed the road onto White Moss Common (toilets available) and found a picnic bench for our coffee time. Again we encountered a little friend. This time a rather sad duck with a large tumour on the side of it's head.

 There was nothing we could do to help the poor thing.

Off again to a bridge which crossed the river joining Rydal Water to Grasmere. 

 Compulsory bridge picture a little thin !

 No better from the other end.

Immediately over the bridge the footpaths led off in several directions. We took the one which closely followed the river bank. Before long the dirt path went through a gate and a "paved" or "COBBLED" path took it's place.

  At the end of this quite superb and I think unique stretch of foot way we arrived at the bottom of Grasmere Lake (tautology ?) where a strong footbridge took us to an empty bench we could see on the side of the lake. Ideal for lunch.    .
 B****R !  A couple beat us to it so we settled close by and had a pleasant lunch break on the water's edge.

Behind the young fellows in the photo ( What ? )  you can see a pebbled beach. We were soon walking across it stopping to take a photo of our friends some miles away on Helm Crag.   John is pointing them out.

 Helm Crag is the cone shaped hill (Sorry Mick - Mountain) to the top, centre-right of this photo. They're on there somewhere.

Our path now took us steeply upwards through the woods until we arrived at the road coming down from Red Bank. Here much to J W's surprise we turned sharply left in search of Rydal Cave " But it's back where we started. " he said.  Nevertheless, we followed the path steadily upwards to where a gate led out onto the open fellside of Loughrigg Terrace. Here superb views opened out before us.

And centre stage was Helm Crag (can you see the lion ?)

Along this path were strategically placed seats and benches. We took advantage of one or two. We had arranged to keep in touch with the other group by phone. Anthony answered when we now rang to inform us that they had "conquered" the fell and were just finishing their lunch at the top.  Well Done !

We continued along this path and eventually arrived at the cave we sought. 

 An impressively large entrance led to an even more impressive and large interior.  First however we had to cross the Stygian depths at the entrance.   Well -- a rather large, fish filled pool anyway.

Martin, having taken an unexpected "Dip" on his last visit, sensibly opted to wait at the entrance. Sad gits, as we were, we couldn't resist a burst of song in the echoing chamber within.

We sang of pipes calling for Danny but he never heard !

Down from the cave and to a point barely 200 metres from our starting point. Now a left turn took us down a substantial track following the Southern side of Rydal Water.

Rather a little tease this path. Every so often instead of following the shore it climbed steeply only to return quickly to the water's edge. One last climb and the bridge over the river we had crossed earlier came into view. We walked or perhaps scrambled down and crossed over it. 

Passing the lunch spot we had used earlier in the day we followed the path through the woods and out onto the road into Grasmere.  A further phone call informed us that the other group were happily sitting outside a cafe waiting for us. A fifteen minute plod and we had joined our super fit companions. A refreshing brew later we ALL left to seek the minibus 

On leaving the cafe a well appointed path very soon left the road and took us back to where the 'bus was parked and after a last look back to Helm Crag we boarded our transport and headed home. 
In the picture above you will see the trophy presented to Danny as Walker, instigator, and Driver of the week. What a man !

With a last look at the Lion and the Lamb and a thank you to Martin for leading our small group on a great walk,  I must hand you over to the scribe and photographer of walk No 2.