Longsleddale

I'd long wanted to hike the secretive Cumbrian valley of Longsleddale, and last weekend's visit to my mother-in-law, who lives in the Lake District, gave me the opportunity.

The curvaceous river Sprint . . .

. . .  seduced both eye and heart.

The walk began in the tiny settlement of Sadgill.

A clear and easy track led up the valley . . . 

. . . through an exquisite autumn landscape.

These old stone walls were a constant and sinuous delight. 

On my left rose the lower slopes of Kentmere Pike . . .

. . . while on my right towered the precipitous rocks of Buckbarrow Crag.

A meeting of two mountain streams.

I climbed effortlessly up a gently forgiving path . . .

. . . towards Gatesgarth Pass.

In this eastern area of Lakeland, peat meets rock to create a lonely but sublime desolation. 

Entrance to a sheepfold in Longsleddale.