Dad threw back the curtains, and we knew we were in for another very warm sunny day that promised to be energy sapping for our Dad.
Dad ready we scampered down and settled in the car. The route was effectively back the way we had come on Sunday along the A66 towards Penrith. At the large roundabout by Rheged, Dad turned right and we passed the stately home Dalemain.
Grizzly told us, "it has been owned by the Hasell family since 1679, when Sir Edward Hasell steward to Lady Ann Clifford purchased it. Currently it is owned by and lived in by Jane Hasell-McCosh, Robert Bryce Hasell-McCosh and George Hasell-McCosh. The house and gardens are open to the public. It is also famous for the annual World Marmalade Championships."
"Thanks pal. I recall a walk part of which took us through the grounds. The date however slips my mind", went on Tetley.
Soon we turned left to Pooley Bridge. "Best to cross the bridge and and use the car park on the far side", suggested Shaun,
"The new bridge was constructed in 2020 to replace the one built in the 17th century and destroyed by Storm Desmond."
You will perhaps be expecting a picture of it, but try as he might Dad could not get an angle to take one.
We head through the village", instructed Shaun.
"Take a picture of the Fish Cross, Dad , pointed Allen.
Grizzly read from the plaque on the front. -
This is the Pooley Millennium Fish Cross.
It was erected by Barton Parish Council in the Millennium year 2000 to commemorate a 12th century charter granted by King John to hold a fish market in Pooley Village Square.
A previous cross with a weather vane stood near to this spot and was repaired by the Earl of Sussex in 1697. This was removed in 1860 to allow turning space for horses and coaches bringing tourists to Ullswater.
The Coats of Arms of the Dacres and the Hasells of Dalemain are inscribed on the North and South faces of the Cross to acknowledge their historical attachment to the Ancient Parish of Barton
Here is the Dacre Coat of Arms.
Strolling on we passed the Sun Inn....
...and St Paul's Church.
Grizzly told us. "This is St Paul's Church that was designed by Cory and Ferguson. It was built in the 1860s as a daughter church of St. Michael, Barton to serve the developing tourist trade in the village. It became a separate parish in 1905 but has always maintained strong links with Barton. It is built in the Gothic style featuring a nave, chancel a single bell turret, lancet windows with stained glass and a 1877 Bevington organ.
"Thank you again pal. You are always adding interest to our walk", said Shaun. "Dad we want the road signed to Howtown."
At the crossroads, Southey told us, "keep ahead to Roehead Farm."
At its end we continued on the wide track that climbed gently. There were quite a few other walkers.
The views opened out to the south and west.
"There's Arthur's Pike", pointed Tetley. "We last climbed it on 14th June 2014, as well as Loadpot Hill and Wether Hill and Low Cop."
Turning our eye to the west this magnificent view was before us.
Allen set out what we could see. "In the foreground the fells are on this side of Ullswater. From the right, is Hallin Fell then going left the ridge of Beda Fell. In front of that is Steel Knotts. Across the lake in the centre is Helvellyn with Nethermost Pike on the left. Going right from Helvellyn the pointed summit is Helvellyn Lower Man, then rising to White Side. In front is Sheffield Pike."
"Well done pal", praised Grizzly. "You've not lost your touch for naming the fells and mountains."
"Can you zoom in to get a closer shot?", asked Southey.
"Yes lad."
"Your turn Shaun", said Allen.
"Ok pal. From the left. The flat mountain is Nethermost Pike. Then Helvellyn. Between can be seen Striding Edge. At the right of Helvellyn is the descent route of Swirral Edge. The pointed top just to the right is Catstycam. Then behind right again is Helvellyn Lower Man."
"Absolutely breathtaking", called out Little Eric. "What wonderful adventures we have had over the years."
Strolling on we reached the cairn at a crossroad of paths. "Good place for our picture", suggested Southey.
Looking up, Little Eric said, "those wispy clouds might make a nice atmospheric shot."
"OK, we take the track right", said Shaun.
This soon brought us to the stone circle called The Cockpit.
"I have some information", said Grizzly. The circle is estimated to be between 3500 and 5000 years old, so dating from the Bronze Age. It is 88 feet (27 metres) in diameter.
"We go right again here", informed Southey.
Dad stopped after a few minutes, to take this shot towards Ullswater. "So beautiful", breathed Southey. I am so enjoying the adventure"
The track led on coming by the woodland of Barton Park. At a junction, Shaun instructed, "keep right. The path left that we ignore goes to Arthur's Pike."
To our left rose White Knott and Long Crag.
Onward the track descended towards Auterstone Wood.
"That's another fabulous view of Ullswater", called out Allen.
Some minutes later Tetley, called out and pointed, "there's one one the steamers that ply the lake between Glenridding and Pooley Bridge."
At the same time Dad zoomed in on Hallin Fell backed by the mighty Helvellyn range.
"Hmm Hallin Fell", mused Tetley. "Last climbed on 1st July 2014. It has a beautiful tall square cairn by which we had our picture taken. Might be nice to include the cairn picture in this story."
"What's that stone?", pointed Little Eric, a few minutes later.
As can be seen it is a homage to Ullswater the shape of which has been cut into the stone. Grizzly read the words, "that loveliest of lakes Ullswater curving gracefully into the far distance."
"Quite", agreed Allen.
We were now nearing Auterstone Wood.
Shortly we passed this disused barn...
...the almost immediately Shaun called out, "it's right through that gate."
This brought us to a cross of paths. Shaun said, "the route is right here."
"Hmm", said Southey. "It looks like the paths are overgrown here, and we know what problems we had on that below Farleton Fell."
"It's really hot now too", said Little Eric. "We need to think about Dad."
"Ahh that's kind lad."
So consulting the map Southey suggested, "if we keep on left we will get to the road which will be easier walking."
"Ok", agreed Tetley. "I'm fine with that."
The track took us past Sharrow Cottages.
Continuing towards the road, Allen suggested, "that tree will make a nice picture."
Turning right we then walked along the narrow road heading back in the direction of Pooley Bridge. At one point a tractor with a large trailer came towards us meeting two cars and cyclists coming the other way. Some rather tricky manoeuvering here!!
"Phew", said Grizzly. "That was a close thing. The driver of the car looked to be terrified. These roads were not made for such large vehicles."
Onwards to pass the Yacht Club and come to Park Foot a large caravan site. This spans both sides of the road.
"Go left", advised Shaun. This took us to Ullswater, and then along the good footpath to emerge by the car park.
Just before, we had this super shot of Ullswater backed by Rumney's Plantation.
"What a super walk", cheered Southey. "A wonderful way to celebrate my birthday. Thank you pals for letting me join the walking club. What an amazing life I have."
Shaun checked the GPS. "You have done it Grizzly. Passed 7,000 miles."
"Well done pal", cheered Allen, as we all gave him a congratulatory hug.
"It was picnic time for us, kindly arranged by Fletcher and Polly. Delicious sandwiches and cakes.
Meanwhile Dad went to Granny Dowbekins Cafe. He had a pot of tea. Scone with butter jam and cream, and slice of carrot cake. Justly deserved too.
Thanks Dad for another wonderful adventure.
