Isolation: Natland, Cumbria, Spring 2020
This is the point where the wide and lazy River Kent drastically narrows into a limestone gorge. The colour of the water was mesmerising.
There is a global pandemic. Coronavirus (COVID-19) is here.
The world has paused.
People are falling ill, and others are dying. Businesses are closing and jobs are lost. Towns and cities fall quiet as people self-isolate and quarantine themselves inside their homes.
I’ve become one of those practising self-isolation and thus working from home. As a Type 2 diabetic, I fall under the category of “vulnerable person” as my condition makes me immunocompromised. I’ve spent the past week almost completely inside the house.
Today, with care, Lisabet and I ventured out into the open countryside, taking care to keep our distance from people where needed.
We hiked south out of Kendal and followed the River Kent for a riverside walk. Along the way we discovered woods filled with wild garlic, future wild swimming spots, and a gorgeous ravine where the River Kent narrows down a limestone gorge underneath Hawes Bridge.
Times are confusing and scary. I hope these photos offer you some respite.
My lovely Lisabet leading along the lane as we rejoin the riverside. For once, today, it was not raining.
Looking back north along the River Kent. Probably a good spot for a swim when the weather warms up.
We found what we were guessing to be an old section of Kendal Canal, now extinct. Part of the wall that separated the canal from the river has succumbed to outside forces, and a cascade has formed.
Lisabet has an eye for finding bits of pottery along river banks and on beaches. Today was no exception.
The River Kent from Hawes Bridge. Here the river narrows into a limestone gorge, cutting down deep channels.
Lisabet’s photography style summarised: get close.
Hawes Bridge crossing over the limestone gorge at the River Kent. Best bet to stay away from the edges…
A couple enjoy a little wander in the gorge. Who knows how deep the river gets here…
For the highland/fell breeds in Cumbria, lambing typically doesn’t start until around the beginning of April. But for the lowland breeds, lambing is in full swing.
Take care everyone, and stay safe.