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10 August 2014

A Wasdale slackpack: Part 2: Architecture

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

 

ST OLAF'S CHURCH, WASDALE

ST OLAF'S CHURCH, WASDALE

 

P1010409

 

BURNTHWAITE

BURNTHWAITE

 

RUINS ABOVE WASDALE HEAD

RUINS ABOVE WASDALE HEAD

 

MIDDLE ROW

MIDDLE ROW

 

TRAILSTARS ABOVE WASDALE

TRAILSTARS ABOVE WASDALE

 

MYSTERY STRUCTURE

MYSTERY STRUCTURE & OPTICAL ILLUSION

8 comments:

  1. 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.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Conrad.
      To 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.

      Delete
  2. No mystery there - that is Trinnie Trailstar and I claim my £5 !

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Close, Sir, but no cigar.
      It 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!
      :-)

      Delete
  3. Ah the wetness of the Lake District! You can't beat it... well captured!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I've one or two more wet ones in the post I'm writing at the moment, Paul.
      But even in the wet, Wasdale is a place you can wander about and have a great time.

      Delete
  4. 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.
    Gathering sheep on Middle Fell,hand clipping at shearing time,using his fell pony for the gather,long summer days long gone.
    Stormin''

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That sounds idyllic, if extremely hard work, Norm.
      Another life.
      :-)

      Delete

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