Autumn glory approaching.

Last week began with a trip back to the bridge in Ings Wood on the Derwentwater shore. We had already replaced its handrail but I returned with one of my volunteers to complete the job by finishing off the abutments. All these details are what will ensure that the path is accessible for as many users as possible.

Another wood-working project that is underway is an unusual one. Those who know Borrowdale well will probably have visited the Bowder Stone (a name possibly derived from Baldur, the son of the Norse god Odin). This is a massive chunk of rock measuring approximately 30'(9m) high, 50'(15m) across and 90'(27m) in circumference. It has been a must-see for travellers for hundreds of years. At one time it was owned by Joseph Pocklington. He recognised its commercial potential and around 1798 he erected the first fixed wooden steps for visitors to climb to the top.

It is now in the ownership of the National Trust and its current steps have been well used by many thousands of people. We have replaced some of the treads recently but the time has come to consider a complete replacement of the stairway. So, I am now putting together a plan and pricing for that.

Another project at the planning stage is the next stretch of accessible path around Derwentwater. We are hoping to collaborate with Keswick Tourism (KT) and the National Park Authority (NPA) to secure funding for this. So I spent some time with representatives of KT and NPA walking the path to consider what will be needed to achieve that. Happily, it was a glorious day and the autumn colours are just beginning to show. Borrowdale is always beautiful of course but the autumn colours add an extra attraction. It should be spectacular in a couple of weeks time and will be well worth a visit – remember to bring your camera.

Daisy here. 

I ran round the lake and in the lake and out of the lake and back in the lake. I like that sort of meeting.