We have been having some amazing weather of late and I thought that a walk at Gummers How would be just the ticket. With no wind, bright evening sunshine, and clear skies, Hubby, Zack and I made our way to the fell, approximately a 5-6-mile ride from our Blenheim Lodge, Bed and Breakfast in Bowness-on-Windermere. (It is a straightforward route from our guest house: down Brantfell Road, on which our guest house is situated, turn left onto Kendal Road, the main road at the bottom of the hill, and then keep going along the A592 until one sees the turn-off for Gummers How almost directly opposite Fell Foot Park on the other side of this single carriageway.)
The entry to Gummers How is on a hill – what else? And what stunning views of Windermere and to far flung fells there are before one even sets foot through the turnstile! Hubby and I like uncrowded spaces and I do not think we could have chosen a better day or time for our walk. Having parked our vehicle, we met only two people coming downhill and a small group of 4 people and their dog beginning their walk as we were came within easy reach of the turnstile to exit this protected conservation site.
It is not a difficult walk up Gummers How, despite what looks like a steep incline. Indeed, strategically placed rocks form a natural stairway to the peak. But first, one has to negotiate the mire that the resident Luing cattle have churned up. The Luing, a hardy hybrid of Scottish Highland Cattle and Northeastern English Shorthorn, was declared a breed in its own right in 1965. They were introduced to Gummers How for their ability to assist with vegetation management and their ability to survive on rugged mountain terrain.
I think that this is probably going to be one of my favourite Lake District walks: surrounded by natural beauty, peaceful, invigorating without being tiring, boasting commanding views and even a complaisant Luing calf which obligingly stayed in place so we could admire its prettiness – what more could we ask for? And just about the most perfect weather to complement our walk too! Hubby and I cannot wait to return.
Nearer home, Blenheim Lodge is itself also located atop a fell – Brantfell – and indeed our guests can roam fell acres within a half-minute’s stroll of our front door. (Our back garden backs into Brantfell and is quite literally separated from National Trust acres only by a small hedge and low drystone dyke.) Brantfell is a great place for walks, including The Dales Way Walk. There are four viewpoints, two of which are panoramic and two of which offer 360-degree views. Guests who would like to stretch their legs after a long drive or train ride to us will find Brantfell a fabulous open space to blow those musty travel cobwebs away and to unkink those muscles.
If you are looking for a retreat within beautiful surroundings, do come and join us at Blenheim Lodge B&B. We have late availability rooms with views where you can take advantage of Special Rates for a singleton’s holiday or a romantic escape! Phone or email us for availability this Spring, including May Bank Holiday weekend. Guests who book online using our BOOK NOW links on this BLOG or on our own website will also be able to access these Special Offers.
Blenheim Lodge . . . panoramic Lake views, peace and tranquillity, nestled against acres of beautiful fields and woodlands, in the heart of the English Lake District National Park.’
Visit our website: http://www.blenheim-lodge.com
Email: enquiries@blenheim-lodge.com
Telephone: 015394 43440
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