"Brr", said Southey. "It's been really cold lately, but it was good to get out and repeat a couple of walks we did last month."
"Yes pal", agreed Allen. "It is nice to be snug and warm at home today. All we need now is some warming tea and cakes."
Tetley laughed out loud. "That is you pal. Your love of tea and cakes, just like Dad. I love you, don't ever change."
"Have no fear. I won't." Then looking out of the door. "My prayers are answered. Here comes the tea and cakes."
"I'll get the plates and mugs", said Southey.
By now Shaun, Grizzly and Little Eric had arrived. Soon the mugs were charged with steaming tea, as Grizzly opened the cake tins.
"What delights have we today?", asked Tetley.
"Bakewell tart from me, and Little Eric has made chocolate caramel shortbread."
"Ooh lovely", cheered Allen as we all dug in.
After a few minutes, Allen said, "they are both delicious."
"So I see", laughed Little Eric. "You've already had two of each."
Southey went on. "they are indeed." Then he produced another cake tin. "I've made some fruit scones, if anyone is interested. There is butter and raspberry jam to go with them."
"Ahh what a super surprise", said Grizzly. "We did not see you do them."
"No pal, I wanted it to be a surprise."
"I doubt Allen will want any having had four pieces of cake already", laughed Shaun.
"Just watch me", he retorted, quickly putting one on his plate.
Shaun took a bite of his scone, saying, "they are scrumptious Southey. We are totally spoilt by all you expert bakers."
Then having got our mugs refilled we turned our thoughts to walks.
"The weather looks good for Monday and it will be much milder. I am sure Dad will take us out, but we need to come up with an idea", mused Shaun.
"Having scoffed a second scone, Allen said, "Tetley and I have got an idea. I'll let him explain."
"With Dad taking us a little further from home, we thought about starting at Plain Quarry by the road to Hutton Roof."
"We have walked from there quite a number of times over the years", commented Grizzly. "Mostly over Hutton Roof Crags and Farleton Fell."
"That's right", replied Tetley. "However our plan is to do a circle to the south." Then getting the iPad and opening the OS maps app, he said, "here, I'll show you. From the quarry it's along this track to Hill Top then over the railway to the road at Brown Edge and on past Docker Park and then across the fields to Docker. From there we cross Docker Moor and round the edge of New Park and then to the road at Johnson House, then left to the start."
"Sounds like a great plan", cheered Little Eric. "We have probably done some of the paths before, but I am sure the latter part is totally new."
"So", said Grizzly looking directly at Allen. "All we have to do is get Dad's approval."
"Ok, I'm going. Just fill my mug again for when I get back."
"Will do, tea belly", called back Shaun.
Soon Allen returned. "Thanks pal", he said accepting the refilled mug. "Dad likes our idea, so it's on for Monday."
"Super", cheered Southey. "Here's to the very best Dad."
6th January 2024
The weather was brighter today, so we have decided to substitute some of the original pictures, and add a few additional ones. There was some confusion after crossing Docker Moor, in the part of the forest had been felled. This resulted in taking the track right before we had got to the bottom by the wall. We doubled back to follow the proper route, finding that if we had just kept on we would have been fine anyway. This explains the difference in distance.
Monday dawned Tetley saying, "it does not look as settled as we thought, but it's certainly much milder."
Dad said, "despite the look of the skies we are still going today. The forecast is better for the afternoon, so I plan to start walking about midday"
We had a quiet morning talking about past adventures, and reflecting on how lucky we are to have been to so many beautiful places.
Finally Dad called out, "I'm ready."
"Ok", replied Little Eric "Come on pals time to get into the car."
The drive to the start was easy. Through Carnforth to soon take the turning right off the A6 towards Burton in Kendal.
"There's Longlands", pointed Allen. "We have done a few walks from there recently."
Just before entering Burton in Kendal, Dad turned right onto Dalton Lane. This climbed steadily and in just under a mile and a half, Shaun called out, "here's Plain Quarry on the left."
There were a few cars in the large parking area, Dad tucking his in the left corner. Getting ready, he commented, "I only need two layers today now the cold weather is gone."
We snuggled in the rucksack and just minutes after 12:00 off we went.
Shaun said, "out of the car park and right down the road to the first corner."
"There a track left the road leading to Keepers Cottage. "Is that the route", pointed Grizzly.
"No", replied Shaun, "we want that track sharp left past that small parking area."
Leaving the wood, the view opened out. "That is Henridding and Keepers Cottage", pointed Tetley. "They are on the Dalton Hall Estate." (taken in 2024)
"The sky looks a bit threatening, and over towards Silverdale it's raining", pointed Southey.
"Aye lad, and it is coming this way", replied Dad. "I do not think it will last, but as a precaution it would be as well if you dive inside the rucksack to shelter."
We did, but were soon out again, after the shower passed over. From then on it was dry for the rest of the walk.
The track climbed and meandered, passing this building. Southey looked at the map. "it is shown as Meter House. What is it for."
"I know", replied Grizzly. "It's for measuring the flow of water along one of the aqueducts to Manchester."
"Yes pal, you are quite right", agreed Tetley. "On this section we will later pass a little way from another building. I remember from when we walked this section with Uncle Eric, some years ago. We went by the building, but were off the path."
"Quite", agreed Shaun. "we need to keep well to the left today."
Dad strode on. On the day in 2024, Little Eric pointed, "those bare trees against the blue sky will make a nice picture."
Coming close to Dalton Park Wood, Southey said, "we follow the track left here away from the wood, and then soon go right towards the edge of New Close Coppice."
The second was indicated by a waymarked post, but was useless as it was lying on the ground.
After a gate and climbing to the brow by the wood, the path suddenly disappeared. We could now see the other building and heeding Tetley's words, Dad kept left and headed downhill.
"Despite your best intentions, we are still a little too far right", said Allen.
Dad traversed a bit left, and soon joined a faint path. "We are spot on now. The route is through those old gateposts", called out Shaun. "There's waymarks too."
Beyond the route was half right, to this muddy gateway...
...and on to descend to Hill Top, whose roofs are in view.
Dad commented, "the mud was not a deep as I thought, thankfully."
At the farm, Southey said, "the path is through that gate to the left, then immediately right by buildings, to in yards, reach a gate onto the road."
"Where now?, asked Little Eric.
"Right a few yards to a gate left", advised Shaun.
A number of farm machines were parked by the road, making it hard to spot, but ever eagle-eyed, Tetley called out, "there."
This led to a path down to the railway crossing. Here we paused as instructed to stop, look and listen, before making our way over.
Beyond we walked straight across the field to the footbridge over the River Keer. "A bit wonky", commented Grizzly in 2024. Let's hope the bank doesn't erode more otherwise it might collapse."
and then over a stile on right and up to Brown Edge, where these sheep were gathered in a barn. "Pregnant ewes shortly to give birth?", wondered Little Eric.
Walking through the yard, we saw the farmer who told us that the path have been diverted right round the farm.
Dad said, "Oh sorry, I am following the OS map that has not been updated."
"It's alright", he replied.
In 2024 we followed the correct diverted route.
At the road we turned left and then on down to Docker Park. "This is a farm visitor centre and a great place for parents to take their children", commented Grizzly. "Sadly of course it is closed at present due to the Covid restrictions."
"Ahh, just look at the lovely snowdrops on the verge", said Little Eric.
"Our route is left through the next gate", pointed Shaun.
Over a hurdle then a stile we emerged into a field with a view of one of the ponds.
"Look at that rainbow", called out Allen. "Beautiful."
Tetley then called out, "look alpacas. Reminds me of Dudley, who took a liking to you at Armathwaite Hall, Dad."
"I do miss seeing them in the paddock, when I go to stay", replied Dad.
"Keep by the right boundary to that gate then along the wide sunken path by the pond", instructed Shaun.
"Wow", called out Southey in 2024. The reflections are stunning."
This led to the railway that we crossed once more. Absolutely sure there were no trains coming Dad paused a few seconds to snap this shot of the bridges.
"We keep by the hedge on the left", advised Southey. "Then about halfway, we have to cross it."
There was a little kink and it was Tetley again who called out, "here's the stile tucked in the corner."
Over this, Southey said, "cross the field to the left corner and then walk the next huge field to a stile in the left corner onto the road."
Grizzly said, "it is about time we had our picture taken. This is a good spot sitting in the stile.
Settled again, Shaun said, "left now to Docker."
"That tree might make a nice picture against the sky. Just a shame it is not a sunny day though", commented Little Eric.
There are just a few houses one being pretty Docker Cottage. Grizzly said, "as we can see it dates from 1685, and unsurprisingly it is Grade 11 listed."
Strolling on a gentleman came out of a house, saying "hello."
So he and Dad chatted as they walked up the steep hill. "It seems to get steeper every year", he said. "Where are you walking today."
So Dad explained the route so far, then saying, "the next part is over Docker Moor and by the woodland, and then across to the road back to Plain Quarry."
"That's quite a walk." As the view ahead opened out, he said, "your route will be through the second field to a gate, then across the next behind the farm. At the top by the moor, there is a terrific view panoramic view. Do you walk regularly?"
"Yes I have already walked 100 miles this year.
"Really. It will keep you fit."
By now we were at the entrance Docker Hall Farm. "Do you own it?"
"No just work here, and have done for many years. Well I have to be getting there as there's lots of jobs to do. Nice to have met you."
"And to have met you too", replied Dad, as we walked on.
Shortly we passed a road junction. "I defy anyone to get lost here", laughed Allen, seeing the plethora of signs.
Just a little further Southey said, "here's where we go right up the field."
A path led steeply to a gate in the facing hedge, where Shaun said, "now swing right to top corner and join track from Docker Park Farm."
We were high above the buildings where the gentleman works and Dad looked to see if he could see him to wave, but he was not in sight.
Now we followed the grassy track left across two pastures to a stone step stile into Docker Moor.
"Wow!", exclaimed Little Eric, "the gentleman was quite right about the view."
"Sadly the visibility is not brilliant", remarked Tetley. "Will you try a couple of pictures anyway, Dad?"
"Yes lad."
Visibility was better in 2024 and the first is looking to Ingleborough and the upper part of the Lune valley is taken then.
If you look carefully, you might spot a church spire to the very left of this picture. That is at Burton in Lonsdale. Going right we are looking towards Bentham, with the distant rising ground being Burn Moor, one of the Bowland summits we visited in 2015.
"Well, it was certainly inspired of you Allen and Tetley to suggest coming up here", said Shaun.
Our route was now across Docker Moor, this sign telling how to proceed.
Following the waymark, the first section was left by the wall. Then the path became a little faint, but very shortly a clear path emerged and intermittent tall wood posts provide an additional guide.
"We are skirting left of that fenced are that is the site of a disused quarry", said Shaun, Then looking ahead, "it appears to go to the right of that large section of gorse, and then on to the trees behind."
The path led to a gate off the moor. "There's another sign", said Tetley. "I assume the same as the one at the other end."
We peered closely, Allen saying, "no pal. I wasn't looking but did any of you spot any red flags."
"No", said Southey and Tetley.
"That's a relief", said Little Eric.
Despite searching Grizzly could find nothing on the Internet about this. However information was obtained from an unlikely source. On visiting his favourite Troutbeck chippy where Dad chats with the owners, he mentioned this sign. The lady said her mother lives near there, so she would ask her. It seems that the moor is used for pheasant shoots from time to time. But why there is not a sign at the other end we do not know.
Through the gate numerous signs on the tall fence pointed us right along the wide track between the moor and New Park woods.
So on and on to the end of the wood, where the path bent right to continue beside it. Along here we crossed two footbridges...
...to be faced with a private sign ahead and right.
"We go left here", called out Southey.
The narrow path soon led to this double stile into a huge pasture.
Beyond Dad climbed steeply uphill. "This pasture is long but ultimately we need to get to the top right corner", advised Southey.
"That must be a sawmill over to the right", commented Little Eric.
"There certainly are huge amounts of timber", agreed Tetley.
Over the brow the path came to Johnson House.
Shaun pointed, "we cross that stone step stile to the left, then it is immediately right over the next stone step stile."
That done we crossed the small field to another stone step stile on to the road, where we turned left for the mile and a quarter to Plain Quarry.
"There is a boundary stone marked on the map", said Southey. "Let's see if we can spot it."
We could see roughly where it was situated and getting there kept our eyes peeled. Suddenly Grizzly pointed, "there it is."
As can be seen it marks the boundary between the parishes of Hutton Roof and Dalton.
Further on Tetley said, "look there are Herdwicks in that field. Can you get a picture Dad?
"Aww, lovely", cried Little Eric.
"Yes pal", agreed Allen. "You know I am not a fan of sheep pictures in the stories, but like the rest of you I love the Herdwicks, so am happy to include this.
Soon we reached Plain Quarry, Dad entering by a path off the road.
"What's that", said Southey, pointing to these stones.
Reading the sign, Grizzly said, "the limestone blocks have been placed carefully in a spiral to celebrate and mark this unique place where geology, nature and culture are deeply intertwined. The spiral form was chosen to link the natural and the man-made. It makes reference to the natural forms found in the landscape such as a fossil shell, an uncurling fern, or tongue of a butterfly held coiled in flight. The selection and placement of these blocks in this disused quarry testifies to man's use of local geology for walling stone and production of lime for farmland improvement, mortar, plaster and whitewash."
"Thank you pal. Every day is a school day", said Tetley.
"That was a very enjoyable walk", said Shaun.
"It was", agreed Little Eric. "Thank you Allen and Tetley for devising the route."
"You are welcome pal", replied Allen. "And Southey, well done for getting to 2000 miles."
"Thanks. When Dad adopted me I never expected to be going on all these adventures. How fortunate I am."
