Pandemic Peregrinations: Helsfell Nab, Kendal, Cumbria, Spring
Today’s Government Permitted Outdoor Exercise was somewhat shorter, but no less enjoyable.
One of our favourite local hikes we’ve enjoyed since the UK Coronavirus Lockdown has been a circuit up to Helsfell Nab and back, with Serpentine Woods along the way. With the woods looking more lush everyday, and the scenery growing vibrant and brighter, this simple hike really does make you feel very grateful.
A particular highlight, for me, was the abundance of wild garlic everywhere in Serpentine Woods. Most of it is blooming now and their little white flowers are carpeting the woodland floor.
Also, sheep. Plenty of sheep.
All photos taken with my Fujifilm X-T2 using a 16–50mm f/3.5–56 OIS lens. Edited in Capture One using a customised Kodak Ektar 100 film emulation.
The views open up almost immediately as you start ascending the path from Queen’s Road. I like a blue sky but it is nicer to see some fluffy clouds as well.
Lowland lambs are starting to look chunky now. The black-faced ones are Suffolk, I think. Not sure about the others.
As you start climbing up the path towards Helsfell Nab you pass these allotments. Every time we’ve been here we’ve seen a flight of pigeons circle above the allotments countless times. I wonder if they’re racing pigeons…
A North of England Mule (I think) ewe, giving me a customary stare whilst we pass up the path to the left. In the distance, the Kentmere fells.
Yep, taking another photo of a curving drystone wall. Can’t resist it, especially when the rest of the scene looks like this.
Just a wonderful Kendal upland scene with lovely light and colours.
This disused barn marks the point in the hike where you turn back on yourself and start climbing up around the shoulder of Helsfell Nab.
The same barn from above, with the Whinfell Common hills being lit up by the sun.
A vertical, and wider, version of the same scene.
Once you round the shoulder of Helsfell Nab it’s further up until you reach Kendal Fell and its golf course.
Enjoy the view.
Heading back down from Kendal Fell, with Benson Knott to the right and the Howgills in the distance.
A couple chat whilst enjoying the view near Serpentine Woods.
Into Serpentine Woods we go, wild garlic everywhere.
A ribcage of wood.
Completely carpeted in wild garlic.