Riverlands Project

As we walked along the track near Dubhow we could see where the National Trust had effectively constructed two additional rivers over the flood plain. This was to slow the flow of water down Goldrigg Beck and prevent flooding further downstream. We'd seen an item about this on a recent TV documentary by Simon Reeve. To some extent, the scheme is experimental. A notice on fence post indicated that you could rest your camera on the post, take a picture, and send it to the National Trust so that they can monitor what changes occur over time. I took my photo and later sent it to them. I wondered whether slowing up the river might actually increase the chances of my car being flooded back at Cow Bridge. It started to drizzle again, which didn't improve my mood.

Nonnas Bench

The path along Ullswater's eastern side is very pleasant. There are great views across to the Helvellyn range and Dodds and you are away from the busy road. Three kayakers made their way along the lake to some rocks protruding from the water. 

At the impressive Scalehow Force we made our way up the steep path to Low Moss. At the disused quarry below High Dodd there was a stone bench built on the outside of a derelict building. It had a stone with an inscription on it that said,  'Nonna's Bench'. I've no idea who Nonna was, but the bench provided welcome shelter from the cold wind. As we sat drinking coffee we gradually realised that this whole valley was full of deer. We could see them in every direction.  Dozens of them. What a great place.

Place Race

There is a large stone sheepfold at the head of the valley at Low Moss. A sign inside says, 'Please enjoy the shelter that the sheepfold affords', and that it has been restored by the Dalemain Estate. As a shelter, I still preferred Nonna's Bench.

We followed the path to Mortar Crag and then to The Knight. We were preceded by the  deer, but they soon disappeared as we approached.  There are great views from The Knight down on to Ullswater. It is well worth visiting, rather than taking the direct path from Low Moss to the top of Place Fell. As we admired the view we could see an ominous weather front approaching over Kirkstone. I wondered if this was an early appearance of the weather front that BBC Weather had predicted. I didn't really fancy getting caught in this weather front, whether it was rain or snow, and so we made a quick ascent to the trig on Place Fell and continued over.

Cow Bridge, The Return

It turned out to be nothing worse than a little drizzle and by the time we reached Boredale Hause the day had just turned into a late afternoon winter gloom. 

We returned to the car park at Cow Bridge and I was relieved to see my car still had its bonnet above water. In fact it looked to me as though the water level in Goldrill Beck had gone down, rather than up. All that early morning flooding worry was for nothing. 

It had turned out to be a great walk with super views from Place Fell. It was a privilege to see so many deer. Nonna's Bench is a great place to have you lunch and deer spot.