Old Town, north of Kirkby Lonsdale

 Monday 15th July 2024

I had a doctor's appointment st 11:35, would you believe, so by the time I had negotiated miles of heart stopping narrow lanes with no passing places, it was 1:35 pm before I got started on this little walk.

At Crooklands filling station I had stopped to buy a sandwich and drink. On the counter was a display of "Joe's home made dough cakes - £1.95" They looked appealing and chocolatey - nothing ventured nothing gained.

It was 24 degrees when I set off but I wasn't complaining, so far. Undulating large sheep pastures formed the landscape. Long grass, cropped grass, and reeds all featured in rotation. They were  accompanied by three foot high thistles in bloom with attractive purple flowers. Each year seems to favour some particular flora and this time I think it's the turn of the thistles.

After breathless ascent of several mini hills, and me drenched in sweat I came to tarmac. I was searching as always for somewhere to sit and have my snack but to no avail. The long straight road disappeared in its perspective to a vanishing point in the distance. Eventually I found a grassy bank where I could sit in the knowledge that I would be able to stand up again fairly easily when the time came. The cheese and pickle sandwich was fine. Then came Joe's dough cake. It had the consistency of thick wallpaper past, and was flavoured with only a hint of chocolate all belying its attractive appearance. My mouth was coated thickly with this concoction and its adhesiveness to human flesh made it difficult to swallow. I am not prone to leaving litter but the remainder went with an involuntary bung into the long grass on the other side of the road, leaving me to clean the residue stuck to my fingers.

The tarmac continued and being quiet with extended views made for enjoyable walking. At Tosca farm I was back on footpaths, After the second gate the path turned right and then over a substantial ladder stile. I followed the wall side right to the corner having deduced that was correct from the OS 1:25 map, but I did have some doubt because the path on the map was more or less on top of the wall. The climb took me to the corner of the field. That  was the toughest climb on this walk. There was mo escape in the corner. I had to return until a gate gave access to the other side of the wall and then climb the twin of that steepest ascent. 

Once over the top of that climb my route descended to Terry Bank Tarn. That feature had attracted me to plotting this route in the first place. Although I must have been close to it before it is hidden from the road. Just the place to rest for a few moments and enjoy this freshwater lake before gaining the road and the final section back to Old Town.

Just leaving the road at the start

Typical of the scenery throughout

This year's winner of "Best Bloom"

Broken bridge spanning the stream.  I had to clamber along it with one foot in the groove and the other on the outer ledge - 'twas quite uncomfortable

A better version by the old oak tree

Just hit the tarmac. Looking back whence I came

It was all enjoyable. here Normally such a sight can be a bit daunting

The ladder stile which contributed to me being on the wrong side of the wall further up 

Terry Bank Tarn. Time to rest and assess the walk so far, and to contemplate the remaining section. All was peace and quiet. It had been good walking, but tough in the heat

Barbon Fell and perhaps Middleton Fell in background - entrance to the Yorkshire Dales

Start on road - furthest north

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Just a little sample of granddaughter's current efforts. I like the imagination here and the confident style, and little details like the on/off switch on the wall.

Katie's Art