We were enjoying the good weather, having tea and cakes in the garden. "I cannot remember there being a spring with such a long period of sunny weather", said Allen, biting into a delicious sultana scone lavishly covered in jam and cream.
"Thanks Southey for making the scones, and giving Little Eric and I a day off from baking", went on Grizzly.
"Yes, as Allen says they are scrumptious", added Tetley.
"Here's your refilled mug Southey", said Shaun. "Keeping up with Allen I see."
"Like Allen, I must take after Dad, being a tea belly. I recall that Uncle Brian used to refer to Dad as such", he replied chuckling.
Little Eric was tapping at the iPad. "Wednesday is set aside for a walk with Uncle Eric. It must be our turn to come up with an idea."
"We'll have to get our thinking caps on then", added Allen.
"No need", interjected Shaun. "Dad has already devised a route to suggest. It starts in the village of Ravenstonedale. The path goes north by Scandale Beck as far as Smardale Bridge, then returns over Ravenstonedale Park to Garshill and into the village. About 3.5 miles in all which is a suitable distance for Uncle Eric."
"So all we need now is for him to agree when they speak on the telephone", replied Tetley. "I am sure it will be acceptable."
We had walked recently with Uncle Eric from Newbiggin on Lune. Ravenstonedale is the next village off the A685. Taking the M6 north to junction 38 we duly joined this road.
After a little difficulty we found the parking area next to the school. It was full but both Uncle Eric and Dad was able to park at the side of the road.
"Good morning Uncle Eric", we called out.
"Nice to see you lads." Then saying "hello", to our pals Barnaby and Lee who always go to see him.
All ready, off we went passing the school.
Pointing to the date stone, Grizzly told us, "built in 1895 this was the Ravenstonedale Endowed School but due to lack of pupils was closed on 10th April 2015. It is now the Dinky Dales Nursery providing daily care for early years provision from ages 0-5."
Immediately past the nursery Shaun said, "take the path though the churchyard."
"This is St Oswald's Church", informed Grizzly. "It is designated as Grade I listed. The tower was built in 1738, the rest in 1744, incorporating fabric from an earlier church on the site. From the 17th century description, it is probable that this was Norman in style. The plan consists of an eight bay nave with north and south porches, a short chancel and tower. Along the sides of the church are eight windows with semicircular heads and projecting keystones."
"Thank you pal. Always adding interest to our adventures", said Tetley.
As we came to the north side we saw these ruins.
An information panel told us about these. The remains of Ravenstonedale Gilbertine Priory. Founded in the reign of Henry II between 1145-1189, when Torpin, son of Robert, son of Copsus, assigned the manor and advowson of Ravenstonedale to Watton Priory in Yorkshire. It was supposed to house a master and three canons. During excavations in the 1920s two carved gravestones were found, one of which was split in two. These are kept in the north porch.
Finally before walking on Tetley said, "The war memorial will be a nice picture." Looking more closely he said, "it commemorates those who lost their lives in both World Wars."
The path led into a field and we exited by the gate on the right on to a road. "Look", called out Little Eric. "A post box, dating from the reign of Queen Victoria." Dad needed no further instruction to get the camera out.
The road led us round right past the Kings Head Hotel. "Go left over the beck and then onto the track right", instructed Shaun.
This took us under the bridge carrying the A685 across Scandale Beck. By the beck we reached this waymarked gate...
...that clearly indicated our route.
The pleasing path kept by Scandale Beck for a while.
After two gates we joined the wide track from Park House Farm. "Cross and through that waymarked gate opposite, then climb the bank to another wide track", advised Shaun.
At this waymark we left the track to cross the pasture to the distant gate in the wall below the hill.
Beyond the path was clear climbing diagonally left up the slope to cross, as indicated on the map Pillow Mounds. The route was marked unusually by traffic cones. We smiled and chuckled about this.
Briefly Grizzly said, "Pillow Mounds are prehistoric barrows and burial mounds."
We could not see anything like this as we walked along the top of hill. Allen speculated, "perhaps they are only visible from the air."
By the open gate, Southey suggested, "we could sit on that stile for our usual picture?
Settled in the rucksack once more we strode out along the fenced path by woods and into an open field.
Shaun set out the scene for us. "The path by the distant wall going right leads to Smardale Viaduct. We visited that a long time ago with you, Uncle Eric. We are not going there today. We should drift to the right and drop down the hill to a hidden wall and stile. Through that we should then turn right and cross Smardale Bridge."
"I have notes", said Grizzly. "Ah here they are. This packhorse bridge dates probably from the 18th century with later additions. Coursed, squared rubble with flat copings. Original abutments to west end and north parapet and east end of south; later abutments added, as part of field walls, to the east end of the north parapet and west end of south. The single segmental arch spans c30ft. Roadway c6ft wide between parapets c3ft high. It carries Grade II listed status."
This is the nice view of Scandale beck looking north.
Briefly now we were on the Coast to Coast route that was devised ay Alfred Wainwright. Allen pointed, "note his initials 'AW' on the upright."
This sign also directed us to our return route. This was through a gate and for a little way on a very rough path through a long abandoned quarry, to a gate into Ravenstonedale Park.
Following the narrow trod, Dad could not resist snapping this of some lambs playing...
...and this one about to dash across in front of us.
"Aww, so cute", said Southey.
"Huh, suppose so", grumped Allen. "I'm not having much luck lately getting sheep picture free stories."
The path brought us to a gated stone step stile in the wall where this sign gives directions.
First we stopped to admire this wonderful view to the Howgills.
There was some discussion before we finally decided what were were looking at. Tetley spoke for us all. To the left is Knoutberry and in the centre Green Bell on the slopes of which are the springs that are the source of the River Lune."
"Oh yes, we have been there and had our picture taken at the highest spring", said Grizzly. "A long time ago now."
Then as the sign told us we dropped down swinging left to the wooden gate.
Looking at the map Little Eric said, "away to the right is Breakyneck Scar. Certainly sounds to be a place to avoid."
"Quite", agreed Grizzly.
After the gate we kept by the wall to the left and pass buildings, where one of our favourite sheep, a Herdwick was standing.
"I don't mind that picture", said Allen. "Our very favourite sheep."
Via gates we came beside the A685. "There should be a footpath across the field", said Southey. "But I cannot see a stile."
"Never mind", went on Shaun. "Just walk left along the verge the short distance to the road into the village."
At the other side of the field there was the signpost for the path. Looking across Allen pointed, "there's the stile from the main road. It was hidden by the trees on the verge."
In yards we the went left on the track signed to Bleaflatt Lane, at Garshill. There right, to come to and walk a little way up the main street.
"Another post box", cheered Little Eric. "That's two here for my collection.
Uncle Eric can be seen walking ahead to view the Methodist Chapel and read the notice board.
The carved sign above the door indicated it was originally a Wesleyan Centenary Chapel built in 1839.
Now we just strolled along the road to the cars.
"That was a lovely walk", said Uncle Eric. "Thanks for devising it."
"No problem", replied Dad.
"Very peaceful too", went on Allen. "We saw a few people but only from a distance. Super views too."
Setting off back home, Tetley said, "I guess you are going to Junction 38 Services for lunch."
"Aye lad. You will be having your picnic in the car."
"Yes"
Dad had chicken curry with half rice and half chips and mug of tea. " It was good", Dad told us.
