Safe Return Doubtful

I can’t recommend this route highly enough. 

After pretty much non-stop rain since the new year it dried up here in the Lakes last week. 5 days and its much more manageable on foot – and the streams, rivers and lakes are still lively. 

You could cheat on this route a bit and drive up the little road out of Bampton by the Withnail And I telephone box, to Moorahill and Carhullan Farms (though the latter is now an AirBnB rental). 

Cross the stream (pictured above), and head up Willdale between the old shepherd huts to Bampton Common, where Haweswater will come into view. 

This is the view down to Two Dog Tarn (my own name for it, so don’t go looking on maps..) and Haweswater. Just to the right of the Tarn are two standing Prehistoric stones – logically, its called Four Stone Hill. 

This (also named by me) is my brother’s Memorial Path. Its one of my favourite places, and I try to get here at least once a week.

Its special at the moment, clearer and quieter than ever in the early spring, our overhead flight path almost deserted. 

These are Lakeland Fell Ponies, native to the northern fells, and part of a group of about 20 that over the years we have got to know well. We watched a foal being born this time last year.