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On the second day of our lakes weekend, Lorraine and I met up with Lin, Chris and Debz at High Yewdale for a walk up Holme Fell and wherever our feet took us. They took us along a fair bit of tarmac, but that was at the end of the walk. We set off from Barrow with no views at all along the A590, not even a glimpse of Black Combe. When we reached Blawith the dense cloud packed around the fells was swiftly rising to reveal the Coniston Fells. We parked at High Yewdale and met Lin, Chris and Debz and set off along the footpath towards Yew Tree Farm then started up the gentle flank of Holme Fell. Pleasant views along the early stages of Yew Tree Tarn were enjoyed during many "Let's find some shade!" stops. It was swelteringly hot. We were quickly at Uskdale Gap and enjoying the views of the Langdale Pikes. Onward and upwards though. We were soon at the top of Holme Fell. Stupendous views, it seemed all of the southern lakes was on show (as were the planes at the Windermere air show). Next step was dropping down to the old disused reservoirs that are scattered around, plenty of wildlife about, hundreds of tiny toads (and one poor, half-baked 3 legged one!). Many dragonflies around the pools but they didn't want to stop for portraits! Hodge Close was then visited. The water looking really inviting but horrifyingly far below us. Lots of climbers in attendance today. We went slightly awry after this (my fault for admiring the scenery and not the map) and went straight ahead instead of turning right and we ended up following the footpath around The Dubs (swamp, swamp and swamp) until we met the road at High Park. Sadly from here on it was mostly tarmac walking with a nice break at Yew Tree Tarn to watch the clouds, fish and steaming feet! A lovely quiet place today, Chris managed to (accidentally!) capture a fish in midflight with his camera. He'll say it was great timing, we know better! Back at the cars it was fare thee wells all round as we went our separate ways. Lorraine off to Wardle, me off to Barrow (via Grange) and the Charnleys off to Ambleside. A belting walk in horrendous heat, but in great company. Thanks to Lorraine, Lin, Chris and Debz for making a smashing day of it.
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