Mention Wasdale to a wrinkly hill walker and there’s a pause, and then a smile as warm memories come flooding back. What is it about this place that is so special?
It is a magical mixture of raw nature and the hand of man. There’s no denying the fabulous mountain architecture; Wasdale is dominated by massive rock hulks that tower above the lake and valley head. But complementing this colossal mountain landscape is the hand of man. Through the centuries farmers have woven an intricate web of dry stone walls and constructed low stone buildings in the lush valley bottom. This post deals with man’s architectural contribution.
Note: There may be a gratuitous picture of Trailstars, as they are an architectural tour de force, unlike any other shelter.
You can click on each of the pictures to view them at a larger size in a new window.
ST OLAF'S CHURCH, WASDALE
ST OLAF'S CHURCH, WASDALE
BURNTHWAITE
RUINS ABOVE WASDALE HEAD
MIDDLE ROW
TRAILSTARS ABOVE WASDALE
MYSTERY STRUCTURE & OPTICAL ILLUSION
An enjoyable post brightening up my breakfast. Good pics and interesting camera angles. I particularly like number three with the river and cloud/s on the move on the tops.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Conrad.
DeleteTo be honest, it would have been difficult not to have taken reasonable snaps as the clouds were low, the stonework wet and glistening, the vegetation luxurious.
Even dull wet days are a joy in Wasdale.
No mystery there - that is Trinnie Trailstar and I claim my £5 !
ReplyDeleteClose, Sir, but no cigar.
DeleteIt is in fact Trinnie's little sister, Oook, keeping me safe from marauding midges and mossies, as Darren was lying in his berth with a head-net plastered with the little beasts!
:-)
Ah the wetness of the Lake District! You can't beat it... well captured!
ReplyDeleteI've one or two more wet ones in the post I'm writing at the moment, Paul.
DeleteBut even in the wet, Wasdale is a place you can wander about and have a great time.
The days of my youth,I used to cycle from Gosforth to Strands to see my mate Alan Knight.His family farmed at Churchstyle,still do.
ReplyDeleteGathering sheep on Middle Fell,hand clipping at shearing time,using his fell pony for the gather,long summer days long gone.
Stormin''
That sounds idyllic, if extremely hard work, Norm.
DeleteAnother life.
:-)