Dunsop Head and Whitendale 31st July 2010

The River Hodder.

An impressive bridge across the River Hodder.Looking towards Dunsop Fell.

Whitendale Farm and the notice instructing walkers that the footpath is closed to prevent them being attacked by nesting Eagle owls.

The Brennand Valley and River.

Walk stats:Distance:12.4 miles; Climb:1684'.

Time:6 hours 17 minutes; On the move walking average:2.4 m.p.h.; Overall walk average:2.1 m.p.h.

Group:Martyn, Richard, Celia, Sylvia and Dave J.

A day that was better than expected in terms of the weather. Not too much rain and generally quite warm. The incident of the day was when Sylvia sank in the boggy peat on top of Dunsop Fell and had to be pulled free. Lunch was taken in the shelter of the wall at Dunsop Head, whre we were blessed by a 10 minute spell of sunshine. An unexpected treat was a piece of Sylvia's fruit cake, enough to sustain us for the rest of the day.

At Brennand Farm, we met up with a farmer washing some of his cows, ready for some visitors arriving at the farm on the next day. He also pointed out that one of his cows, a British blue had one best in show recently and that one of his British blue bulls was being entered in the Garstang show next week. We'll have to see if he lives up to his name of "Champion".

We didn't see an Eagle owl, but at least we did see a pair of Peregrine falcons and a Kingfisher.
Overall a good and varied walk.

Birds seen or heard today included:Grey wagtail, Kingfisher, Oystercatcher, Mallard, Curlew, Lapwing, Bullfinch, Barn swallow, Carrion crow, Blue tit, Buzzard, House sparrow, House martin, Peregrine falcon, Mallard, Dipper, Stonechat, Jackdaw , Pied wagtail, Grey heron, Woodpigeon and Kestrel.

After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Higher Buck in the picturesque village of Waddington, where Thwaites Wainwright went down well.