Broughton Moor, Cumbria

After a fairly cool summer which never seemed to get off the ground weatherwise, it was lovely to enjoy a few days of early Autumn sunshine this week. I was very lucky to be taken to the beautiful area of Stephenson Ground, located between Coniston Water to the East and the Dunnerdale Fells to the West.
We started our walk at the Forestry Commission car park at The Hawk, a small hill which is the site of an ancient British settlement. Some remains can still be found there.

 

Crossing Appletree Worth Beck via Hawk Bridge we headed uphill in the general direction of Torver.

 

 

After a steady climb the view gradually opened out on all sides.

 In the distance the Duddon Estuary was just about visible through the haze.

As we reached the summit of the hill we were treated to a fantastic 360 degree panorama... click to view 

Bees and butterflies were also enjoying the glorious sunshine.

 

Wild Angelica, Rowan berries, Heather and Burdock; colour coordinated in their Autumn hues.

The grass verges were full of glistening spider webs.

 The next section of our walk took us into the welcome shade of a wooded area.

 A Buzzard, disturbed by our approaching footsteps, watched us suspiciously from a nearby tree.

The day was so unexpectedly hot that by the time we came to the old packhorse bridge at Appletree Worth Beck, we were more than ready to splash some of its icy cold water on our hands & faces. 

 

Suitably refreshed, we walked the short distance back to the car park. 

Thanks for visiting my blog. I hope you've enjoyed the photos!