hollow way*

"(These) holloways are landmarks that speak of habit rather than suddenness. Trodden by innumerable feet, they are a record of journeys to market, to worship, to sea." Robert Macfarlane

Jess and I discovered this jewel of a bridle way this afternoon, almost a mile of bridle path hollowed out between the fields from Grizebeck, lined by hedges cut from ancient trees, with sloes, blackberry, hawthorn and hazelnut ripening along the way. Badger latrines and rabbit holes, worn stones underfoot. We were sheltered from the wind and in places the trees met overhead, making a kind of green tunnel.

This is close to our old stomping ground of South Cumbria, where we lived in our  20s. Its quieter than other parts of the Lake District, the scenery gentler, less tidy.

We're here to support Sarah who is swimming in the Coniston Chillswim tomorrow - 5.25 miles. She was due to start at 9.40 but bad weather has put the times back by 5 hours. It also caused a power cut tonight which delayed our  tea. While D went to collect Sarah and Chris from Coniston after their journey up from London, I walked down to the Greyhound pub in the village to see if we could eat there instead. Good news - they had gluten free food. Bad news - their cooker is electric. Everyone was drinking by candlelight  which was rather jolly but noone was getting anything to eat.

The power came back on at 8.30 and we cooked and ate tea - stir fry and the crumble I'd made yesterday. Its 10.30 already now..time for some shuteye for us all  I think.

* See here.