Friday 22nd May 2020 (Day 59 of Lockdown)
Middlebarrow Quarry, north side
So it was today when I branched off a known path to explore a substantial track climbing through the woods to come out on the rim of the north side of Middlebarrow quarry. That is not marked as a public right of way on the map and there was much pheasant rearing paraphernalia. I was apprehensive about meeting some irascible member of the support brigade for the wildlife killers. Fortunately I saw nobody.
It was interesting to get a new view of the quarry and a close look at the larger crags. I think they may be too friable for climbing, but one never knows - if they could be cleaned up and found viable that could become an attractive setting with some fairly big routes. For some reason photos I took turned out to be dingy and disappointing and I plan to go back when I am sure we have less haze and sharper atmosphere. That resolve was also bolstered because there was another path further on branching off towards a part of the quarry rim away from my main track and it will have to be explored.
The main track passed through well spaced thin tall silver birch and mixed woodland conveying a cheerful snd friendly ambience. I was looking across the farmland far below and then beyond to a fine view of Arnside Knott from an entirely new perspective. This forbidden track has turned out to be one of the best I have found in my domain and all the better for discovering it for myself.
I eventually came to the end, out of the woods through an easy to open gate and a surprise new view of Arnside Tower a few yards beyond.
I will be back.
CLICK PHOTO TO ENLARGE
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| That crag goes further down to the quarry floor |
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| A new view of Arnside Knott |
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| Pleasant largely Silver Birch woodland |
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| A new view of Arnside Tower |
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The red is my newly discovered track but not a right of way.
I have omitted exact start and finish from my home
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It's great that you are finding new paths on your daily exercise regime. From what I remember there are paths everywhere up there. As long as you end up back in Arnside.
ReplyDeleteI once set out to walk and at every junction turn left, this soon had me back home.
Alternating left and then right turns had me disappearing over the hills, but I maybe should try that again with a bivvy bag and my bus pass to get home.
I'm struggling to find any new ground so have been doing short cycle rides around the quiet lanes, that was until the wind got up.
I think tomorrow I'll jump into the car to drive a short distance for the first time and walk on the fell, not quite as ambitious as Dominic Cummings's travelling.
BC - So far my knowledge of the area gives me a reasonable sense of approximate direction but there have been occasions when the urge to explore has resulted in a longer than intended walk.
ReplyDeleteUnlike Hatchetman (allegedly from this morning's news) I have only had ONE walk each day.