May 9th Moderate

Wednesday, 9th May 2012

Walk:	Swallow Mire, Pool Bank, Low Low Wood, Simpsons Ground, Sow How Tarn, Ravens Barrow, Cartmell Fell and Monument.
Start Point:	Cartmell Fell Church	Grid Reference:	SD 416 879
Distance:	8 miles	Ascent:	1,050 feet
Time:	5 hours
Weather:	Bright and sunny at the start clouding over later
Comments:	Dorothy’s Bluebell Walk. Although the walk was planned months ago the timing was spot on and coincided with bluebells being in bloom. Many other wild flowers were also on show and led to discussions as to their names. The song about forty shades of green would be very appropriate because the the many different trees that were bursting into leaf with varying shades of green. Initially the twenty two ramblers, including a sprightly octogenarian, crossed to the east of the River Winster before walking south to Low Wood before re-crossing the Winster. After passing through Cow Head Wood, which was smothered in wild flowers, the group then started an ascent through Pattison How to reach Simpson Ground Reservoir. After lunch the route went by Sow How Tarn and Ravens Barrow to reach Cartmell Fell and the monument. At the monument the group took a break to admire and drink in the spectacular three hundred and sixty degree panorama before descending a steep gradient back to Cartmell Church and the cars. An ideal walk for both spring and autumn colours. Thank you leader.