WALKERS:- John R, Vic, Danny, Paddy.
John W, Martin, Anthony.
High amongst the fells tiny lakes sparkle in the bright sun. The Vikings called them tears or "TARNS". Our walk today visited two Tarns in the fells (another Viking word) above the little town of Staveley.
After donning whatever kind of stout footwear each chose to wear we set off to cross the river Kent and begin our climb up the fells.
As we crossed the river a somewhat rustic looking dam held back the river. Presumably to create energy for mills and works within the village,
Once across the river the road led back along the other bank before starting to climb steeply uphill following the line of "Craggy Wood". After the long drive to get to Staveley, we soon arrived at Coffee time. Here, fortuitously, a slight levelling of the road's upward progress provided a suitable spot.
Flasks away and the road continued its upward direction. As we neared the top we came across a gentleman who seemed confused as he consulted his map and GPS. Anthony stepped forward with some advice.
At this point the road reached its apogee and began to weave it's way around many rocky outcrops.
As we walked we seem to have acquired a member of a late 19C. golf club !
It was a hot sticky summer day so you may imagine our amusement to come across this collection of winter sports equipment.
The path took us around a small farm and as we left it behind we crossed a small "Tiddler" filled stream by means of an unusual but attractive little bridge.
A quite strenuous (for septuagenarians !) plod up hill was to take us past glorious views of South Lakeland landscapes. Their "Gloriossity" ( that's NOT a proper word ------ I know but it's writers license !!!) was somewhat diminished by the blue haze in the air.
The path wended it's way slowly up towards the first of the "Teardrops". Potters Tarn.
Here's Anthony bringing up the rear after stopping to check the map and his GPS, whilst just ahead the rest of the group approach the first of several false summits.
After topping a couple more horizons we arrived at Potters Tarn, a small man made affair created it seemed by damming a small stream.
The dam itself stretched for some distance either side of the tarn and looked an excellent place to settle down for lunch. And so it was except that herd of young cows (heifers ?), probably bored with life in a field, gathered round to observe the feeding habits of Homo Sapiens.
These very docile but LARGE beasts were a little unsettling for some of our walkers and at times almost came within biting distance of our sandwiches which they were eyeing up quite enviously.
Lunch over we had to clear a way through the herd to continue our walk which took us past the rather large and elaborate dam (for a small lake !)
Over a dry stream bed....
....over a stile......
.....over a WET stream bed....
....then once again up a strenuous slope with Potters tarn in view behind us
....before cresting the final horizon to see our second teardrop of the day "Gurnal Dubs". (Dub = a deep pool in a stream.)
We stayed here a little while watching the swallows - (which John W embarrassingly failed to recognise at first) - swooping low over the water possibly taking advantage of hatching mayflies (?) to feed their nestlings.
behind the well maintained building (camping Barn ??) a young, wet suited couple, were coming out of the water after what must have been a refreshing and exciting swim.
We now had to retrace our footsteps for possibly 3/4 of a mile before turning to drop back towards Staveley. When we reached this turning point - DISASTER ! Danny had left his knobbly walking stick, acquired on a visit to Australia, behind. It's sentimental value was too great to lose so super fit Danny immediately set of back to Gurnal Dubs to retrieve it.
There he goes !
We waited for him by the stile.
...and here he comes..stick in hand.
Over the stile now and a steady descent towards the river. The path at first grassy took us to a stony farm track where a gate politely asked us to follow the country code.
Before we carry on please note- the STICK. Still with us.
A quick "Slurp" break at a junction before deciding which path to follow.
"Right here's the plan......are you paying attention O'Donnell ? "
We quickly followed a narrow footpath down to the road at which point J W caused trouble. He briefly stopped to chat to a farmer and then looking up discovered that his companions had disappeared. He set off down the road in the direction they had taken as fast as his short hairy legs could take him. NOTHING ! About half a mile down the road a mobile phone conversation with Danny informed him they were back near where he had lost them.
..and here they are, sitting comfortably by the river bank, waiting for him.
Just a short stretch along this riverside path.
Paddy, demonstrating the intricacies of Irish Dancing.
Our path for the rest of the walk was level and reasonably unchallenging....
...and we soon reached the outskirts of Staveley. Here we solicited the help of a charming young lady to add to our already extensive collection of "Bridge" photos.
Into the little town of Staveley and back to the cars where a refreshing drink of chilled shandy awaited us. Also, this week, courtesy of Mrs W., was a piece of cake . Celebrating John W's birthday.
An excellent and interest filled walk - Well done leader Anthony.
THE END
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