I have enquired but I can’t bring to mind your friend. The mountain-running Ken I know lives close to the Pinnel Hole at The Green and is a regular in The Punch. I was in there on Saurday and for the first time in over 2 years was drinking a pint brewed in the village. Beckstones “Rev Rob”. That beer has won the Camra National Gold medal for mild and Silver overall. So, presently, we hope to see you in there!

One mutual acquaintance we may have had was Donald Bell who worked at Burlington Quarries and was the most loyal regular in the Prince; having drank there since he was a boy. He would routinely take his baking to doms night on a Friday. In January they held a memorial supper and his recipes were recreated. What a pub! We will be going to their champagne weekend in early December.

We last ascended the Combe to watch the sun set and the moon rise 20 minutes later. It was very clear – and cold! I am planning on taking an electric mountain bike up there next. If it is too steep to ride, it will pull me up.

I was encouraged by taking it up Cross Fell in March. I set off late and had to turn back before Greg’s Hut as it was getting dark and there was a foot of snow on the ground but, I covered a lot of distance in the time. It looks as though we probably used the same route up from Garrigill along the roads used for game keeping.

I was there on my way to joining my daughter at an open day at Durham Uni. They showed the 6th formers a very good time but she decided not to go. Too many public schoolboys in her opinion. Perhaps it was the traditions? She has decided to go to London to study; can you believe it?

If I may say, I am also very much enjoying your local posts on the North East. I lived in Darlington and Durham for a few years and your adventures are a good reminder.

Best,

Jon

I think I can see your street.

Now it is getting colder, I have moved my chair closer to the fire and the view has changed. Usually from my window I observe an arc of the Kirkby Fells from Dunnerholme around to Kirkby where, in clear conditions we see the train rattling around the water’s edge and stopping by The Ship. The three lights from the HGV recovery garage shine straight at us. Now, the view has changed and I can see the sodium lamps running down from Ireleth to Askam.

I don’t live in a retirement home but there are a lot of retired at The Hill and we sit looking out of the windows a lot. Sort of an antithesis of your blog!

Sand Martins must have been around Askam for a while. Here they are reported in July 2009. I believe they are the first of the swallows to arrive and leave and are small so may have been missed. Jim was an ornithologist and was on to them –

http://maalie.blogspot.co.uk/2009/07/my-new-camera.html

We tend to go up various parts of Black Combe all the time – because for us it is always there! Here is some encouragement from your former neighbour –

http://maalie.blogspot.co.uk/2007/06/soltice.html

High tide today. When the estuary fills, the view of Duddon Sands under an autumn sky changes and looks rather like the Falklands footage of San Carlos Water. You half expect to see Argie fighters swooping over the tops from Ulverston! However, I will be by the water today rather than looking at it as our collie-dog has been rolling in something and badly needs a swim.

By the way, The Punch Bowl at The Green has re-opened after a refurb and has returned to being the Real Ale temple that it was. Not much good for winter walks as evenings only this time of year. But, the new landlord is a geologist …

Best,

Jon

When I was younger, we always deemed a mountain to be over 1000 feet – then I heard it was 2000 feet – now people are trying to say it should be 3000 feet (mainly Scots, I might add!)
Carol.