We were off again on another adventure. This time avoiding the bank holiday busy places of Bowness and Ambleside, somewhere a little bit peaceful, but not too far from home.
Just by chance we booked it, a quiet site adjacent to the river Kent, in the woods. A haven for bird watchers and walkers. We arrived early evening and pitched "Little Mo" in a lovely spot surrounded by trees. The smell of wild garlic was intoxicating and reminded me of our many walks in Westmoreland. We walked along the river as the sun started to set, a fox crossed our path and disappeared into the woods. We doubled back past the 18th century ruins of the gunpowder works watching the rabbits hopping in and out of the dark grey, ruined buildings, going about their evening activities, in the trees and bushes that had overgrown the wall and pushed through the now non existent roof over time. Not too aware of Mr Fox's presence nearby. I didn't like to think of the mayhem that would happen once the fox decided to hunt for his evening meal, in my pretty world everyone was a friend that night. Owls hooting and screeching, also looking for the nights prey. The silence of the night, not really silent, rushing water of the river, bats, owls and rustling trees.
There is something about sleeping in the woods which gives a deep, sense of relaxation. We are early risers, enjoying the morning, but our camping trips lend themselves to a slower pace of life. The morning sunshine of late spring inspired a walk up to Sizergh Castle and further on to Sizergh Fell, doubling back to the Strickland Arms where we stopped for a well earned rest and refreshment. We sat outside in the spring sunshine wondering which birds of prey were circling the trees on the edge of the woodland, hunting in the open fields.
Tony said they were buzzards and I doubted him, saying that red kites were the local inhabitants. Nevertheless they were fascinating to watch, dark against the cloudless blue sky.
We continued our way back towards Low Wood, calling in at the farm shop, purchasing "interesting" locally made cheese and chilli jam.
We decided that we loved this place. The quietness, the protection of the trees and the river. Sometimes still, sometimes rushing. We would be back. Very soon, and we were.
They were buzzards! I checked when we got back, they do live I the area and hunt at the edge of the woods on open land! Apologies to Tony, you were right.
There's nothing like the silence of a rushing river, owls and trees. ;)
ReplyDeleteI was transported to your secluded spot. Very much needed sometimes, isn't it?
I knew Tony was right. ;)
Love to you!