Sunday 25 July 2021

A Walk to Calf Crag

As I stepped into the garden, early in the morning, it felt noticeably cooler than over the last few days. And yet, although slightly overcast, the sky showed promise of a bright sunny day ahead. 

While I was waiting for for my coffee to brew, I fed Mog, then made up our sandwiches and packed some of the flapjack I'd baked yesterday morning for our lunch. An earlier start for us today, as I wanted to be sure of a parking space - I like to set off walking as soon as I can. 

Once dressed, I checked the forecast again. The weather was on our side, dry and sunny with a gentle breeze - perfect for getting up on the fells. There aren't many days in the year that we can get away without packing some sort of waterproof or warm jacket. 

Our early start meant there were no issues with traffic and, as I'd hoped, we were able to park up with ease, and in a shady spot. Our walk began on a narrow lane passing by some old cottages and a farmhouse, where there were some fresh eggs for sale. Presumably, these had been laid by the hens and ducks which were roaming the lane nearby. I made a note to myself to remember to collect some on my way back, before continuing further down the hill, over the little bridge and then up to where the lane met a rough track heading along the Greenburn Valley. It was so peaceful there, the quiet occasionally disturbed by the sound of loud rustling close by, which was unnerving at times, until we saw a friendly face appear above the bracken.





The track rose gently alongside a dry stone wall up the valley, to cross the beck over some large stepping stones. It then climbed a little more steeply, barely visible at times through the long bracken, before finally approaching the clear ridge path towards the summit.






Here, the light breeze was most welcome and made for a pleasant spot to rest for a while, enjoy (a very early) lunch and take in the views, before retracing our steps back down the valley to return to the car once again. Not forgetting my eggs, of course :)

J. X





30 comments:

  1. A lovely walk and it sounds like the weather was on your side, I like a nice breeze when I'm walking.

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    1. The weather was perfect, Jo. The light breeze prevented us from getting too hot. X

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  2. It looks lovely Jules, I can almost feel the peace and quiet coming through your photos :)

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    1. It was incredibly quiet there, besides the sheep and the sound of running water in the beck :) We didn't see anybody else until we reached the summit. X

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  3. Hello,absolutely stunning scenery.have missed visiting your blog always so interesting.x

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  4. How cute...that is a friendly face. Looks like he's smiling at you. Glad you enjoyed a sunny day together. Fresh eggs...yum!

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  5. Fascinating as usual, Jules, and great photos. It looks quite rugged where you were today.

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    1. Thank you, Chris. Fortunately, our route was far from rugged :)

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  6. Sounds like a good idea to leave early!
    Beautiful views and a bonus to get your fresh eggs on the way back.

    Enjoy the new week ahead.

    All the best Jan

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    1. I much prefer to get out early. It's the best part of the day. X

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  7. Beautiful scenery! Thank you for sharing all the photos! Glad you were able to get your fresh eggs on your way home! :)

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  8. What a lovely walk you took us on! Thank you for the gorgeous photos and just look at little miss’ gorgeous blonde plait. I was going to get some free range eggs the other day from an honesty box but they’d been out in full sunshine all day- thought they might be partly hard boiled before I got them home!

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    1. I think I would have given those eggs a miss as well. Fortunately, these were in a cool box :)

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  9. Your walk looks lovely and I hope that poor sheep isn't lost. I'm sure your free range eggs will be delicious.

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    1. It is the lesser frequented path up to that particular fell, so it was lovely and quiet. No need to worry about the sheep. They know the fell better than any person. X

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  10. Fabulous photos and it sounds like another brilliant day.

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    1. Thank you, Jayne. I've been making the most of the good weather while it lasts. X

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  11. I absolutely love that cheeky sheep peeping out of the greenery! xxx

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    1. If you zoom in you can just about see a lamb stood in front of it. X

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  12. The Greenburn Valley past the Townhead Cottages. For once I know exactly where you were walking. I have a picture painted by my brother of Mum and Dad walking up the Greenburn Valley.

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    1. I'd love to see that picture. The Greenburn Valley is beautiful and made for a very pleasing alternative to the more frequented Far Easedale path. X

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  13. You find all the peaceful spots. A lovely walk indeed. X

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    1. I was pleasantly surprised by just how quiet it was there. X

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