May 11th Moderate

Walk:	Swallow Mire, Colehowe Wood, Low Low Wood, (2 Lows) Cow Head Wood, Pattison How, Simpson Ground Reservoir, Sow How Tarn, Raven's Brow and Cartmel Fell
Start Point:	St Anthony’s Chapel, Cartmel Fell	Grid Reference:	SD 416 880
Distance:	8 miles	Ascent:	1,200 feet
Time:	5.25 hours
Weather:	Dry and sunny with a sneaky cool wind
Comments:	An extract from Google; Cartmel Fell Township is an extensive alpine region, lying between Windermere and Witherslack Beck, stretching four to nine miles north of Cartmel. The Chapel dedicated to St Anthony, is an ancient fabric, with a tower and two bells. The east window contains a profusion of old stained glass. This splendid part of the world was formerly part of Lancashire (pre 1974). Dorothy’s Bluebell Walk When the programme was drawn up Dorothy decided to do a bluebell walk, but what was not known at the time was that like many other flowers they bloomed a couple of weeks earlier this year. However, as the photographs below show, there were still many to be seen. Unfortunately, due to a misunderstanding the photographer was late in arriving and because he was transporting the leader’s boots the walk was slightly delayed. The photographer apologises for this misdeed. Twenty eight people took part and set off towards Whitbarrow Scar crossing the River Winster on the way. Shortly after the river crossing they walked south through woodland on the lower slopes of Whitbarrow Scar before re crossing the Winster near Stang Hill. There was a short delay in crossing the river because a farmer was using the bridge as a temporary sheep pen whilst he numbered is flock. After the sheep came Cow Head Wood which contained many bluebells and wild garlic. From here there was a steady but gradual climb in the general direction of Simpson Ground Reservoir. En route one could smell the hawthorn blossom, wild garlic and other aromas associated with spring. An amusing sign on the way read “Horses Close Gate”. These clever horses came down a hill to meet the group but unfortunately, other than a scratch behind their ears, there was nothing for them. Shortly after, lurking in the long grass could be seen several young long horned cattle. One of the beasts got a little frisky with one of its colleagues causing the ladies to look the other way. Lunch was taken in a cool wind at Simpson Ground Reservoir where a friendly swan joined the group. Leaving the reservoir the group headed towards Sow How Tarn and Ravens Barrow. On the way a panoramic view was provided including distant Lakeland fells and Ingleborough in North Yorkshire. The Kent estuary and Morecambe Bay could also be seen. It was interesting to watch the shadows of clouds, over the undulating landscape, as they scurried across the sky. The shadows merging with the various shades of green of the newly clothed trees! From Cartmel Fell the group descended a steep slope to return to Cartmel Chapel and Cars. What beautiful countryside and to think that it used to be part of Lancashire. A great day out! Thank you leader!

Wednesday, 11th May 2011