Walk Description

This was my first trip to the Lake District since I injured my knee. These gentle walks not only eased me back into walking but also helped to give me a little more confidence in my knee.  On the Friday afternoon, I explored Scout Scar and on Saturday I had a leisurely walk from Rampside along the Westfield Nature Trail.  I left Barrow early on Sunday morning and unwilling to leave Cumbria without another walk, I very daringly ascended Gummers How with no ill effects.

I was supposed to be easing myself gently back into walking and so I thought that Scout Scar would provide me with a short walk that was fairly level and would also give a good view of the Lakeland fells.  I parked at the small car park across the road from the footpath to Scout Scar.   Once my boots were on I couldn’t wait to start the walk, however the path down to the road was almost my undoing.  I’m ok walking on level or uphill gradients, but as soon as a path slopes downwards, I lose all sense of balance and just seem to lurch forwards.  Once I was out of the trees, the view opened up.  Unfortunately the distant views were hazy but it was still good to seethe fells.  It was just over 2 years since my first visit here, however this time I managed not only walk to the view point but along the rest of the Scar to the trig point.  Although I was enjoying myself, I still didn’t feel that confident and had to keep watching where I put my feet as I felt awkward on the rough ground and didn’t want to trip.  By the time I got back to the car I was glad to sit down and have a rest before I drove back to Barrow.

 

View point on Scout Scar Hazy Lakeland Fells

Saturday morning was too good to stay indoors, But I didn't feel up to tackling a Lakeland walk, so instead I headed for the coast and parked at Rampside.  In most places, this was just what the doctor had ordered, a flattish path with a level surface.  It was still fairly early and the insects were just starting to wake up.  The first few bees that I saw were very sleepy and were soaking up the warmth on sun drenched thistles and knottweed.   The Westfield Nature Reserve is made up a a number of different habitats ranging from grasslands to the seashore, along with woodlands and a short stretch that goes past a group of small ponds.  There was plenty to see along the way especially after the day had warmed up and the butterflies and moths came out.  It was such a glorious day that instead of spending the late afternoon inside, I drove over to Biggar Bank on Walney Island and sat on the beach tasking in the views and soaking up the sun.  At times, sun and sea mean one thing to me - fish and chips.  So I ended the day sitting at the side of the Walney Channel eating fish and chips whilst enjoying the view of some of Cumbria's highest fells. 

 

Common Blue Butterfly One of the many Small White butterflies that I saw Female Common Darter

I left Barrow just after 8am on a glorious Sunday morning.  As I approached Newby Bridge, I felt that the morning was too good to leave the hills behind and drive home without doing my best to visit a viewpoint and spend a little while enjoying the early morning sun and soaking up the peace and serenity of a quiet fell top.  So I turned of the main road and onto the Bowness Road where I headed for the small Forestry car park near Gummers How.  After I had parked up and put on my boots, I crossed the road and walked to the footpath.  However, when I looked over towards the fell top, it seemed not only far away but very high as well, I wondered if I was biting off more than I could chew.  As I walked along the path my confidence and determination returned.  I even managed the small ‘scramble’ up the rocky steps to the summit.  It was wonderful to stand near the trig and look over towards the high fells and have the whole view to myself.  I spent about half an hour just enjoying the solitude and views.  I decided to take the slightly easier way back down the back of Gummers How and when I rejoined the main path the solitude ended.  It was no longer early morning and a steady stream of walkers were making their way to the summit.  It wasn't long before I was back to the car and setting off for home.  It seemed a shame to be driving away from the fells on such a glorious morning but I decided that I had probably done enough 'rough' walking today. 

 

The new path through the woods Lakeside from near the summit of Gummers How Woodland walk

This weekend, I had found out that I was fit enough to drive and manage a short walk without causing further damage to my knee.  Hopefully it won't be too long before I am out and about on the fells again.
 

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