I wonder where that path goes?

Friday 22nd May 2020 (Day 59 of Lockdown)

Middlebarrow Quarry, north side

Often on my short local walks I find new paths. Then whilst exploring I notice another branching off and I am raring to go and explore yet more avenues forking from my familiar territory, but where will that second one lead me to? I have to reign myself in from following endless branching. I know there is going to be plenty of time ahead to explore such new discoveries and so I reluctantly save that second, and possibly other new paths for another day.

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

That crag goes further down to the quarry floor

A new view of Arnside Knott

Pleasant largely Silver Birch woodland

A new view of Arnside Tower

The red is my newly discovered track but not a right of way.

 I have omitted exact start and finish from my home