Pandemic Peregrinations: Caldbeck Common, Cumbria, Winter
Today it was time for something a little different.
It’s been about a month since I last saw my Dad, and during that time a 3rd National Lockdown came into effect. My Dad’s in his 60s, lives alone, and has Type II Diabetes, so he’s in our “bubble”. So we thought it we were overdue for a visit, and zipped up to North Cumbria to check in on him, and get some exercise in whilst there.
Dad took us to Caldbeck Common, an area northeast of the northern Lake District fells. We hiked up alongside Carrock Beck and followed the old miner’s track towards High Pike (658 m/2,159 ft), snapping plenty of photos along the way.
Temperatures were around -3°C and there was a strong wind about, so it were pretty raw on the face. Refreshing and invigorating, though. More importantly, we got to hang out with my Dad, which is always a pleasure.
Most photos taken on my Fujifilm X-T2 using a Samyang 35mm f/1.2 lens. The horse photos were taken on my Google Pixel 3XL. All developed using one of RNI’s Kodachrome film profiles.
My lovely Lisabet, shooting some water action. This is Carrock Beck, which begins life from the eastern slopes of High Pike. The beck actually flows over the road here, so vehicles habitually have to ford the river.
Dad and Lisabet, nattering away, getting whipped by the cold winds.
We saw lots of delightful icicle formations by the side of the miner’s track. Miniature worlds of their own.
Looking back the way we came. In the far distance is the snow-capped escarpment known as the North Pennines. It peaks at Cross Fell (893 m/2,930 ft), which is the highest summit in England outside of the Lake District.
Managed to snap this candid shot of Dad, with Carrock Fell (661 m/2,169 ft) behind. I think Dad’s face is testament to the sub-zero temperatures blowing right into our faces.
Carrock Fell from the miner’s track. The fell is fairly unique in England as it’s largely made from Gabbro, a rough igneous rock that’s normally found on the Isle of Skye. Rock climbers like as it’s quite “grippy”.
The head of the Carrock Beck valley, which summits at High Pike. Still a bit of snow around.
Looking back at the Carrock Beck valley from further down. Plenty of gorse (Ulex europaeus) around here, but not yet in flower.
As we started driving out of Caldbeck Common we stopped the car to let a herd of fell horses through. I wound down the window to snap some phone photos when one gorgeous member of the herd stopped and poked through the window for a sniff.
Didn’t have any tasty carrots or apples on me, I’m afraid.
Beautiful creatures.