For those of you that are thinking of going onto the hills I would strongly recommend that you read the advice given by the Mountain Rescue organisation of England and Wales. To read this advice, which will open in a new page please click HERE. If you would like to make a donation to the Mountain Rescue organisation which is purely voluntary please click HERE. Please make the time to read the advice page.

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I have been given some different tablets for my blood pressure and although my stomach is a bit upset the problem is nowhere near as bad as on the other tablets. Having spent the last two days being buggered about between the Doctors, Hospital and Clinic I needed to get out even though it wasn't too bright a day. We decided to go to Cartmel for a walk in an area we haven't trod for at least twenty years. As we drove over from Grange there was an announcement on Radio Cumbria that it was market day at Cartmel. Foolishly I carried on to find the village jammed with visitors. Parking was further complicated by the fact that part of the racecourse car parking area was closed as they were laying tarmac in the area. We eventually managed to find a spot however and here are a few pictures from our day.

I knew as soon as I heard it was market day that I should have gone elsewhere but we struggled through the crowded streets and eventually got a parking spot on the racecourse. It wasn't too much of a day for views but we wouldn't be getting many distance ones anyway.

We set off along this track, part of the Cistercian Way towards Cark.

Looking over towards Wart Barrow which is the southern continuation of the Hampsfell ridge. The bridge crosses the River Eea.

The derelict Seven Acres.

A view downstream (l) and upstream (r) of the River Eea. Shortly it join Mill Beck and become Mill Race.

A short walk through the woods of Lane Park

Looking up to High Bank Side.

As we clear the woods the ridge of Hampsfell comes into view.

A look back as we pass the farm of Low Bank Side.

Hampsfell

The lane we had been following emerged onto the road as we entered Cark or to give it it's rightful name Cark-In-Cartmel.

Although a peaceful place nowadays the village has an industrial heritage. More about that HERE

Not having been here for some time we walked down towards the railway bridge before making our way through the village on our return route.

Passing through the village.....

.....we met a few characters...

There was a short road walk from the village past the entrance to Holker Hall & Gardens.  Well worth a visit if in the area.

The buildings near the Hall and possibly part of the estate had unusual "Lattice Work" windows which appeared to the cast iron.

Just past this roadside watering place we took the lane off to the right. This section is shared by the Cistercian Way and the Cumbria Costal Way.

The bluebells in the adjacent woods are starting to flower.

A look back.....

.....and ahead......not exactly overcrowded!!

But a few minutes later we did meet a couple.

After rising to what was the highest point of the walk, at around 325' we descended through the woods

Shortly after passing this delightful spot we would join a lane to walk down to....

.....Walton Hall below us

Looking over Wart Barrow again and a glimpse of the Power Stations at Heysham.

Passing through the farmyard of Walton Hall.

Dr Doolittle makes friends as we make our way back.

Approaching Seven Acres with Hampsfell behind.

What a great shame to see this place in such a state. I don't know what the story behind it is but it looks so sad in this state. From here we returned to the car and after changing footwear and leaving the rucsacs we walked into the village.

Cartmel Priory Gatehouse. Built around 1330 - 1340

I don't like it, but I know lots do, Cartmel is home to the Sticky Toffee Pudding.

The market was coming to a close as we made our way to the cafe.

Cartmel Priory

Next Walk:      16th April 2011 - Arnside & Silverdale - Arnside Knott

Last Walk:      11th April 2011 - Lake District - An afternoon on Scout Scar    

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