BOOTboys

GLW1309 : Little Langdale

Sunday 29th & Monday 30th September 2013

Part 1: Tilberthwaite

Sunday p.m.. Lovely day. Escape to Little Langdale. Staying at- Three Shires Inn (of Tony's rellies fame see BB1132: Perfect Pies)

Stroll to Tilberthwaite . Up through the woods emerging at the hamlet baffled to find that it didn't correspond with the map. To-ing, fro-ing, inspecting huge canyon with lake at bottom. It, eventually dawned that a navigational error had taken us to Hedge Close, not Tilberthwaite. Should have listened to my brain telling me that we ought not have crossed the stream. As it happened it was a better walk. Lunch on the slate plateau then down and across to Tilberthwaite, followed by bridle path and short cut down to Little Langdale, over Slater Bridge and back to hotel.

Funny place. Room very nice but to reach it had to go through small, resident's lounge reminiscent of an old people's home twenty years ago.. Strange as rest of the hotel was smart. Then there was a fairly hairy staircase to negotiate. Not one to risk with too many jars consumed but not as bad as Cawood Castle.

Chose to dine in the bar (empty; it was Sunday night) rather than the rather stiff dining room. Stuffed ourselves- very good pub grub. The bar carries a large range of whiskies but another bottle intrigued me. Did you know there is a Lakeland Gin? Langtons, brewed in Keswick. I hadn't heard of it. Tasted good if a little sweet.

Part 2: Blea Tarn

Monday morning. Good breakfast. Weather a bit overcast to start but steadily improving day. Over to south side of River Brathay then past Little Langdale Tarn. Gave expert advice to a worried motorist whose car was making strange noises near the bottom of Wrynose Pass: suggested they open petrol cap to release air pressure that was causing strange noises. Don't know where that expertise came from!! On to Blea Tarn by same path used two days before on BB1333 then to lip of plateau to admire view up Langdale valley. Found an off piste way back along north side of valley. Farewell drink at Three Shires then off home. Good trip.