October

I don’t think anywhere has had good weather in the past month or so but every now and then there have been clear, sunny autumnal days. Last Wednesday was one of those and Judy and I decided to check out a walk over at Ullswater for our walking group. Gowbarrow is one of those ‘good value’ fells, like Low Fell behind Foulsyke, that without too much effort and ascent you get fantastic panoramic views. We started by going upstream from Aira Force which was coming over very powerfully because there had been so much rain in the previous few days and then branched off right up the fellside: the views from the top, where we sat and had our lunch were amazing. An added bonus of the walk is the return along the balcony path overlooking Ullswater.

Last Sunday I went along to Buttermere as I had heard that Dubbs bridge, the one that crosses to the far side, had been rebuilt and was open again. It looks very sturdy now and will be welcomed by all who enjoy a walk round the lake or a game of Pooh sticks.

I always like an outing to Silloth on the Solway coast, it’s a fascinating place with its long promenade, wide cobbled streets and interesting history. It now has a new attraction, a statue by Durham sculptor, Ray Lonsdale in memory of a local man, Peter Richardson. The work of art – named “Big Fella” – is of a man and his dog sitting on a bench taking in the sea views and shielding his eyes from the sun. What immediately hits you when you first see it is its size, it is 12 feet high.

After that you can then start to take in the detail.