Thursday

Waking to a bright sunny day we set of to Sedbergh for a gentle walk along the river, as we set off we came across this indication that spring is with us

We entered a small woodland and and came across what at first seemed to be  a folly

Trying to find the footpath we found it went through this odd cutting barely three feet wide odd!

Searching through the woods for the path we came across some lovely views 

interesting trees

and snow drops

Leaving the wood we found some new planting and this sign

and great views of the Howgills

Out on this hillside was this strange structure 

Alice at the 'Pepperpot' and Chris at the information board

The information board gives you some information about the building and former estate

That explains the ruins in the wood!

A couple of shots of inside the 'Pepperpot'

The 'Pepperpot' from the other side of the river

Wednesday

Wednesday started with a walk to Kendal with Sam and Alice to meet Julie for brunch, then a walk round to town to do some shopping only Alice was successful in this quest!
In the afternoon we went out with Chris parking near Helsington Church 

we took in the fantastic views across the Lyth valley before setting off walking along the ridge.

Part way along the ridge the views to the east opens up revealing Sizergh Castle and the Kent valley with some majestically striding wind turbines.

From here we dropped down through some woodland with shades of Wordsworth 

till we came to Park End Moss a newly formed wetland opened by The National Trust in December 2014 including a hide built from timbers harvested from the woodlands on the Sizergh Estate.

We took a break at the hide spending time in a little bird watching which I found interesting, a large flock of Curlew about 60 in all and 40 odd Widgeon plus of course Coot, Tufted Duck, Mute Swan, Canada Geese, Crows and a lone Marsh Harrier. Setting off again it was a long slog back up the hill to the car but nice views down to the moss and a pair of Raven broke to journey.

 Back at Helsington a quick look round the Church showed that spring had reached the grave yard as well.

More from Cumbria

Sorry I missed yesterday but lets start with a shot I left out of Mondays Blog these were actually taken by Steve

This Buzzard put on a great display for us as we walked along to Eltermere.
Tuesday we went over to St Bees Head via Wrynose & Hardknott Passes. It was grey and over cast with a brisk south westerly and though the expected Auks had not arrived we did see a lot of bird life all be them mainly gulls with just a half dozen Guillemots on the cliffs a single Kittiwake some stunning Great Black-backed Gulls, Jackdaws and a trio of Raven. On return to the car park we found a Pied Wagtail and three Rock Pipits, not a bad day really. Photos by Steve H and Alice.

Snow on the hills from Wrynose Pass

Looking along the cliffs at St Bees

Steve H, Sam and me heading back to the car

The bay at St Bees from the cliff

We had lunch in the cafe that you can see in the centre of the photo.

Spring time in Cumbria

Hi Folks here we go with a spring time visit to Cumbria!
Today we went for a walk parking at Skelwith Bridge we started are walk looking at the falls just west of the bridge 

Add caption

From there we followed the river  Elterwater  

Langdale Pikes

Snow on Holme Fell and Great Cobble

Herdwick Sheep

We had lunch at The Wainwright Inn than walked back to the car

Grey Wagtail

a pair of Goosander