Cunswick Scar, Lake District, Spring
Things are really starting to look nice and green now.
After what seemed like a month or so of virtually no rain throughout spring, the April/May cusp has brought a decent amount of overnight precipitation. It seems like the plants really needed it.
On our hike today towards Cunswick Scar via Gamblesmire Lane, it occurred to me that the countryside surrounding Kendal was really popping with verdant hues. Alongside the warm and humid conditions, it was a welcome sign that over the horizon summer was on its way.
Photos taken on my Fujifilm X-T2 using my three prime lenses: a Fujinon 23mm f/2.0, a Laowa 9mm f/2.8, and an adapted Pentax SMC 55mm f/2.0. Images developed using RNI Films' Kodachrome film profiles.
This year's spring lambs are starting to look fat and strong now. What's always discouraging is seeing all the crows hover around them, waiting for a weakling to present an opportunity.
A couple of horses in the fields before Gamblesmire Lane were very contentedly munching away at the meadows full of daisies and dandelions.
Just thought it was a very cool looking tree.
The ancient Gamblesmire Lane, technically an Unclassified Road, meaning that vehicles are allowed on it.
An old tree uprooted by the winter's storms, taking a chunk of limestone with it.
The way to the open rolling land of the Lyth Valley.
There's a few old and rather eldritch trees that line Gamblesmire Lane into the Lyth Valley. One of them was veritably humming with honey bees. I shot a video of them here.
A scene that I couldn't ignore.
We took the junction past Cunswick Hall towards Ash Spring Wood, which was the way towards Cunswick Scar. Parts of Cunswick Hall date from the 1500s.
It's in a beautiful setting.
Looking back at Cunswick Hall, dandelions everywhere.
Into Ash Spring Wood we go. One or two bluebells about, and the wild garlic still hasn't blossomed.
The way up the cliff face of Cunswick Scar involves a steep path through the woods below the scar. A lot of the trees here seem to have survived the winter's storms well, sheltered as they are by the limestone scar.
Onwards and upwards.
A 6-shot vertorama on my 9mm ultra-wide lens, shot from directly underneath the limestone shelf of Cunswick Scar.
Looking back at the steep climb we just made.
The reward! Expansive views from Cunswick Scar's cliff edge.
Despite the humidity and slight haze, the views towards Kentmere were remarkably clear.
My fascination with drystone walls continues unabated.
Closer to Kendal, the Kentmere and Longsleddale fells tease me.
See? Can't resist 'em.
For the route back to Kendal we elected to turn off at Plumgarths through Helsfell Farm, across the main road and ultimately through Kendal Quarry back into the town. I couldn't resist this almost timeless scene.
The lane leading to the quarry.
Seems like we timed things just right. As we were passing the quarry towards Kendal, the sky grew increasingly heavy and foreboding. Not long after returning home, the heavens opened.