Pandemic Peregrinations: Cunswick Tarn, Cumbria, Spring
Cunswick Hall. What you see has been standing since its modernisation in the 1800s, but there aspects of the property still remaining from the 1500s, including a window which is said to contain the oldest glass in Westmorland. Historically the manor belonged to the Leyburn family.
One of the nice things about getting out for our Daily Government Permitted Outdoor Exercise is researching and exploring unfamiliar footpaths and tracks in and around Kendal.
Today we explored a route Lisabet had mapped out earlier in the week. It involved taking the public footpath past Kendal Fell Quarry, up towards Cunswick Fell, and then taking the trail down its western flank into Scar Wood to find Cunswick Tarn.
From there, it was simple enough to follow the footpath past Cunswick Hall joining Gamblesmire Lane and following it back onto Underbarrow Road towards Kendal.
Another day of glorious spring weather and lovely light conditions for some prime exercise and photography.
In other news, as of 9am 18th April 2020, 114,217 people in the UK have tested positive for COVID-19 from the Coronavirus. As of 5pm on 17th April, of those hospitalised in the UK who tested positive for coronavirus, 15,464 have died, a 13.54% death rate.
May all those suffering find peace.
Emerging north of Kendal Fell Quarry into an open field with glorious views towards the Kentmere fells.
Down we go into Scar Wood below Cunswick Fell.
Limestone woods always have very interesting flora.
Cunswick Tarn! There’s not actually a path around the tarn, so you have to come off the trail and navigate through the swampy undergrowth to get to the tarn’s shore. We immediately spotted the water lilies and mentally bookmarked a return trip in summer when these will have blossomed some beautiful flowers.
Looking back into Ash Spring Woods from its exit. We could already see one or two bluebells blooming in these woods, surrounded also by wild garlic. In a week or two’s time this wood will enjoy a carpet of blue and white.
Gamblesmire Lane, an ancient lane running west to east that connects the village of Underbarrow in the Lyth Valley to Kendal.
Looking east along Gamblesmire Lane, my Lisabet striding purposefully ahead.
Badger Faced ewes have an afternoon snooze under the tree.