A second Cartmel Fell walk

Today we set off to bag some more of Cartmel Fell's tarns - there are several within a few minutes' walk of eachother. We parked near Gummer's How and approached the fell from the opposite side, walking past Sow How Farm. Unfortunately as we walked through the farm we were worried by some sheep dogs and later in the walk we had to detour to avoid some angry looking bovines, one with a nose ring. Not the usual calm walk we are used to.

But Sow How Tarn is absolutely stunning, a splendid tarn with little weed cover and a fine stone boat house. The low Sun reflected off the water and we were able to view it from different angles, although we were unable to get very close to it.

The low Sun cast long shadows from the stone walls

Damson trees were loaded with large fruit

The Lyth Valley is famous for its Westmorland damsons with great flavour

Sow How Tarn with its boat house


A couple of swans were swimming around

We decided on a detour to avoid this chap, as well as his impressively equipped friend

A second potential tarn is now so overgrown that it is all but lost