After a good breakfast, Dad got ready and saying, "right lads time to go."
"Have a great time", called out Fletcher. "Be sure to take care Dad."
"I will, and with Shaun and Southey as guides there will be no problem finding the route."
"Driving to the A66 and turning right, we then too the narrow road left that took us past the Hundith Hill Hotel. This eventually brought us to a t-junction onto the road to Lorton.
"Look" called out Little Eric. "A wall post box. Can you stop and take a picture for my collection."
"Sure lad, there's a pull off right by the junction."
Beyond Lorton we took the right fork to Loweswater. Shaun said, "the plan is to park and start at Maggie's Bridge, we need to look out for the narrow lane off the main road."
After a little while, Allen called out, "it's here."
We drove carefully along to the rough parking, only to find there were no spaces to park, and after debating whether to cross the cattle grid and park on the verge Dad decided no, as it is not allowed.
"Oh dear" said Little Eric worriedly. "What now?"
"It does not matter exactly where we start, and there is parking along the side of the lake according to the map", said Tetley.
So we headed back to the main road, only to meet a few cars heading for the car park. Dad stopped to tell them of the lack of parking, then opening a gate backed in to the field entrance to let them pass.
So we drove along the lake, Grizzly, calling out, "that's the track that eventually leads to Mosser and is part of our route."
Just a little further Shaun said, "there seems to be space to park here."
"Aye lad. Now we can get going properly."
Quickly we settled in the rucksack and Dad ready, off we went, returning the short distance to go sharp left on ascending track that Grizzly had pointed out.
Tetley said, "we walked up here in July 2011, as we needed to bag Darling Fell that is on the right, as part of the Birkett challenge. We did all the other summits in Fellbarrow group so that you Little Eric could tick them off."
A steady ascent and once clear of the trees the view opened out across the other side of Loweswater.
"That's Burnbank Fell" pointed Grizzly.
"We first climbed that in July 2005 from this side", said Tetley, "Then again in July 2009. That time from Lamplugh, as we needed to also bag Oswen Fell."
Southey said with wonder in his voice, "I am amazed at your memory Tetley."
Passing a gate on the right, Shaun said, "that was the route we took to Darling Fell."
Strolling on we reached a seat with two dedications. The first is to Jon W Duff who died 19.3.1984. The second to Edith G (Mickey) Duff who died 23rd January 2010.
"Good place for our picture", called out Allen.
Striding on with Askill Knott above to the right, we reached the signed bridleway. "That's our descent route", said Southey.
The rough track wound its was steadily down passing left of Askill Farm and right of Miresyke, where it became surfaced.
"Those trees against the blue skies will make a lovely picture", called out Allen.
At the road Shaun advised, "go right past the parking area and take the signed path left"
The good surfaced track led over a footbridge, as we made our way towards the buildings of Hudson Place.
A few minutes later Dad's progress was halted as Grizzly said, "looking back there's a super view of Askill Knott and Darling Fell, below which we walked."
Then Loweswater came into view with this dramatic backdrop. "Grasmoor with Whiteless Pike and Rannerdale Knotts on the far right. Between in the background is High Snockrigg", rattled off Allen. "I remember the last time we climbed Grasmoor with Uncle Eric, it was an incredibly steep final ascent."
Arriving at Hudson Place, Little Eric commented, "look at the interesting sculptures. Worth pictures."
A little further, we had another fine view of the lake, with Grasmoor and Whiteless Pike. "To the left is part of Darling Fell and to its right Loweswater Fell", informed Grizzly.
Now entering Holme Wood, we followed the wide track.
Coming to a ford...
...Little Eric pointed, "there's a footbridge to the right to get us over the beck."
"I wonder what that building is about", pointed Southey.
"There's a sign on the door. Let's go look", said Tetley. This told us that it was owned by the National Trust and is a bothy.
Emerging from the wood at the top of the lake, Shaun called out, "what a superb view of Whiteside. Picture please Dad."
We first climbed that in August 2005 and then again in August 2012, when we had Uncle Eric for company", informed Tetley.
Now we could look along the full extent of Loweswater, and here was where Dad had scattered Uncle Brian's ashes. "I can't see exactly where", mused Dad. Then after a further thought, "it is because the lake is fuller than last year."
We stood a little while thinking of our dear Uncle Brian and how much we miss him. Dad had a chat about what he had been doing lately. "When I die, this is where I want my ashes scattering, so that we can then be together for ever."
Little Eric then asked, "what is the origin of the name Loweswater."
"I can help. I looked it up in Diana Whaley's book of Lake District place names", replied Grizzly. "It is usually assumed to be 'the leafy lake' from the old Norse laufsaer, with the explanatory water 'lake' added later. This is still true as more than half the perimeter is overhung with trees."
"Thanks pal."
Turning, Allen said, "that's Mellbreak. It's north face dominates here and it's length stands above the west shore of Crummock Water."
"It was July 2005 that we first climbed it", stated Tetley. "On the day we started from Maggie's Bridge and climbed Burnbank Fell, then Blake Fell, Gavel Fell and Hen Comb as well."
"Oh I remember it well", went on Dad. It was a very hot day. After Hen Comb we descended steeply into Mosedale, crossing the valley and Mosedale Beck, to ascend Mellbreak. It was so hot that by then I found it hard to get my breath and really struggled to the summit. Then along to the north top and down the steep path parts of which you can just make out if you look carefully at the picture above."
"There's a path", exclaimed Southey incredulously. "Wow, its so true when you are referred to as a Herdwick, Dad."
"Goes with the colour of this hair", laughed Tetley,
Walking towards Maggie's Bridge, Allen pointed, "that's Loweswater Fell." Then glancing at the map, "the white buildings are High Thrushbank."
The car park was still full, but fortunately we did not meet any cars along the narrow lane to the main road, which allowed Dad to get this tree shot.
Now turning left it was a matter of walking the road to the start.
"What's this enclosure", pointed Southey.
Pointing to the sign, Grizzly said, "the pinfold. If a farmers livestock was found wandering it would be placed in the pinfold, by the Pinder a local constable. The animals could then be reclaimed for the payment of a small fee. This is the origin of the phrase 'pin money'."
Almost immediately the junction with the track to Mosser came into sight...
... and then shortly the car was in sight.
"What a super day", cheered Southey. "Thanks Dad."
"Aye", agreed Tetley. "The views of the fells have been superb. Truly a grand day out."
So back to Armathwaite Hall. As we came to the Lakes Distillery, Little Eric called out, "there's a post box. Can you stop and get a picture. It dates from the reign of King George V."
While Dad had a shower we settled to tell our pals all about our super adventure. How lucky we are to have such a wonderful Dad!
Of course Fletcher and Polly had invited other guests. On some holidays in the past they have gone out with Dad or maybe explored the grounds. This time. for various reasons this was not the case, but they were happy to just be around the hotel, and accompany Dad when he was sitting in the hall and going for meals.
Here is Oakley and Afelien waiting for Aunt Deborah and Uncle Paul to arrive to celebrate Dad's birthday.
Traditionally on Monday, Dad usually has a restful day, sitting in the hall. Fletcher and Polly invited Citroen and Dougal to come with them and keep Dad company.
l-r Fletcher, Citroen, Polly and Dougal
Gladly was the first bear that Dad adopted in August 1981. It had not been Dad's intention to be a collector. However shortly afterwards in March 1982, his brother Fred came to live with Uncle Brian. It is safe to say that had they not been adopted, we and all are other pals would not be living with Dad today. They are the joint Chief Hug Bears. Here they are with Dad, when he was having a meal in The Grill.
l-r Gladly and Fred
On the last day, Polly said, "Dad will you take the holiday Hug group picture, please."
"Sure lass. Come on then get settled on the stairs to the tower so I can line up the shot."
Top row - Afelien, Fred, Dougal with Robinson, Gladly & Citroen
Middle row - Thompson, Oakley Polly, Fletcher with in front, Grizzly, Little Cameron & Rachel
Bottom row - Shaun, Allen, Tetley, Southey, with in front Sven and Little Eric
The next morning it was time to say goodbye to Armathwaite Hall but the good news is that Dad has booked to come and stay in July and then again in October.
As Dad threw back the curtains the weather was in complete contrast to that we had enjoyed on our walk. "Wow", called out Tetley, "the fells are snowbound."
"What a magnificent scene", cried Robinson. "Wonderful."
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