Around Wyndhammere

Sunday 21st June 2020 - (Day 87 of Lockdown) - paths around Wyndhammere - 6 to 7 miles.


A familiar comment on walking enthusiast's blogs notes the absence of meeting others as a plus; is that really true? I can only speak for myself.

I most enjoy walking on new territory. If that is over remote countryside so much the better. I can kid myself about how wild it is and how few people have been there recently. If I was continually meeting others, either single walkers and more so groups, either coming towards me or more likely these days overtaking me, that self delusion would be spoiled. If I only met one or two fellow walkers that is fine especially if some interesting conversation ensues. Friendly inhabitants are also welcome. Unfriendly locals when one may be perhaps off the public right of way are an enjoyable challenge (usually) - a bit of humble apology then flattering their dog/environment/tractor can most times soon have them talking about their grandchildren and where they holiday.

Today I walked for just under seven miles and apart from one or two cars passing me on a couple of short road sections I genuinely never saw another person, not even in the distance. I never even heard any voices. Whatever people say about not meeting anybody, to walk for seven miles in England with no sight nor sound of other humans is pretty rare. That was no problem for me and I had a thoroughly enjoyable walk.

I was able to park on the grass verge of the B 6254 at the midpoint when I would have preferred to walk the whole of that less attractive section at the beginning, but one is thankful to find any parking near to the start of a route. One thing I try to avoid is driving along part of the route I will subsequently be walking on especially if this is new terrain for me.

Part of this walk was covered years ago but most of it was new. Short sections of tracks, fields, rough country, woods, ascents and descents, and surprise views made for variety and interest. This was everything a country walk should be.

At one point I spotted a curious circular tower in the middle of a field. It was of dry-stone construction and about twenty five feet tall with four, what looked like, ventilation panels high up (see photo below.) There was an unusual prefabricated stile into the field and I diverted the hundred yards to investigate but could come to no conclusion about the tower's purpose - the mystery remains. 

Further on I found a concrete sphere about seven feet in diameter rolled into the undergrowth resting against a tree. Again I diverted to have look. It looked like something from Portmeirion. I thrashed the few yards through nettles and on the other side there were indications that it was some kind of abandoned septic tank. What a let down. But the how and why of its ending up in that location provided today's mystery number two.

My path went over the distant dip in the skyline giving a rewarding view to the strangely named lake Wyndhammere. Internet browsing revealed nothing of interest about the lake but even though it is man made it does enhance views of this countryside.

Distant Barbon hills. The lake can just be seen nestling beyond the trees in the centre

Having walked round the head of the lake this is taken from the other other side.

The tower (below) was a hundred yards off  into the field halfway along the wall.

This unique (to me) cast concrete stile leads into the field for the tower. I guess it  is part of the infrastructure connected with the two boxes (see next photo) on the other side of the wall. All this may or may not be connected with the tower - all remains a mystery.

Surprise view with fleeting sunlight down into the Lune valley with the Barbon hills above

Rigmaden Farm

After walking over the tops and descending into the Lune valley it was time to start climbing back over. My route branched off into the pleasant woods on the left

Just before emerging from the woods, this is the Portmeirion object a few yards off the path.... 

...and round the other side.

All other paths on this walk were fine - this fifty yard section was the exception but  I had sadistic fun thrashing at brambles and nettles with my walking poles.

My route at centre. Ignore others on my cluttered Memory Map