June

Ashley

Askham Fell, on road west of Helton (ref NY497214) – Scales Farm – Heltondale Beck – Loadpot Hill – Ketley Gate.

Fair with some sunny periods. Chilly in the wind up high, warm down below.

Ashley, Bernie, Ron, Sandy, George B and Evelyn.

Michelle and Michael - recovering from a hard week's work.

Carol - preparing for very early taxi ride to Heathrow with George G.

Comments

We parked the cars on a grassy slope. Ashley’s Astra was still there on our return as a result of him placing two pebbles behind the back wheels.

Sandy was wearing a St. George’s Cross for the first photocall and flew a flag from her rucksack for the entire walk (supporting England who were playing U.S.A. in the World Cup). Bernie was the only one of us who was brave enough to wear shorts. Large badger sett pointed out to us by passer-by just after start. Very quiet on the long gradual ascent to Loadpot Hill. Spotted a peat fault line and potential landslip.

Nice lunch spot, although it was a bit chilly. Good views of Ullswater, Skiddaw, Blencathra, Helvelyn and Striding Edge and Catsy Cam. The distant landscape appeared to have a bluish tinge. We spotted Ullswater ferries and Pooley Bridge later on. It was much busier on the way down after lunch although the descent was still gradual. Lots of mountain bikers, a power walker and six paragliders. There was a lack of suitable cover for pit stops. Found a couple of stone circles, one of which was believed to be only 30 seconds old.

Nice tea and scones in Askham post-walk. A shame about the parking problems.

Wildlife/Flora/Animals:

Birds: Two buzzards, lots of skylarks, wheatear and a meadowpipit.

Butterflies/insects: Cabbage white butterfly, lots of small butterflies and moths of various colours. Ants and spiders.

Mammals/others: Lots of lambs of varying sizes, many with cute black faces. Sheep with a bass voice. Very large bull in the same field as some cows and calves spotted while going through a farmyard early in the walk.

Plants/flowers: Gorse, acres of bog cotton, yellow flowers.

The Keelman, Newburn. Nice meal, joined by Alyx, Beth and Stuart.

June walkers

Badger sett

Loadpot hill

The Way Up

Waiting on top

Summit

Lunch

Group on top

The Way Down

Ancient monument and stone circle