GLW2118 : Is it a Jump?

Tuesday 20th April 2021

Well, is it a Jum or a Jump? 

Or put another way, if it isn’t a Jump, what is a Jum?

Our previous visit, GLW1606, was inconclusive.  However, subsequent research has determined that JUM is a computational method for comprehensive annotation-free analysis of alternative pre-mRNA splicing patterns.  Clearly very relevant to the waterfalls of Rydal Beck.

The smart money therefore seemed to be on Jump.  Parking by Rydal Church, we set off through the Rydal Hall grounds to test the hypothesis. 

After a mile of ravine .....

..... then open fell, we reached the site.

The water level was quite low as it tumbled down the narrow gap from the upper pool to the lower.  It seemed quite possible to leap from our bank to the massive rock on the opposite side.  Indeed, one might be tempted to make the jump.  Ah there it is.  That word.

In fact there should be little doubt.  Every large-scale Ordnance Survey map from 1886 to 1998, and again in 2020, calls it a JUMP.  Only the 2008 edition says JUM.  Was this just a typo from a careless cartographer or a deliberate error to root out those who copy the maps thereby infringing copyright?  Does that also explain why Crosthwaite is currently called Crossthwaite on the latest OS map?  Or is that a typo also?  Either way round, it doesn’t inspire confidence in their accuracy.

Anyway Jump it is and I was nearly tempted.  At half my age I probably would have done it.  Even at 80% I might have had a valiant attempt.  But such foolishness is now past.  It is still an impressive place to visit, enjoying our coffee and cake whilst overlooking the pools centred in the Fairfield Horseshoe.

For the return, we retraced our steps as far as a bridge that clearly had something to do with the Thirlmere pipeline, judging by the square, flat-topped plinth on the bridge itself and the typical metal, locked gate that stood alongside a modern, wooden unlocked gate. 

I wasn’t sure that it was possible to access that side of the beck legitimately but there was nothing to indicate otherwise.  Lower down it was different.  A padlocked gate had to be negotiated.  On its other side was a notice clarifying the situation!  Or so the owner thought.  It said “No Access To Buckstones Jum”.  Fortunately, as you now know, that is not where we went!

Soon we were back at the car.  As we drove home, you will never believe the track that came on the radio.  It was Twin Crew Star with their masterpiece Jum! Jum! Jump!  What a remarkable coincidence. 

Don, Tuesday 20^th April 2021

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