Happy New Year everyone! Here’s to a joyous and—hopefully—more globally positive 2022.
The weather has been… weird. In fact, the UK set a new temperature record for New Year’s Eve, reaching as high as 16.5ºC. That is uncharacteristically warm. Temperatures maintained their elevated levels on New Year’s Day, too, but high winds also arrived. After a decent lie in, Lisabet and I decided on a local favourite to enjoy the first day of the new year: Scout Scar.
The last time we went up Scout Scar was almost exactly a month ago, and conditions could not have been more different. For New Year’s Day we took the time-honoured route up Captain French Lane and onto Brigsteer Road, following that all the way to the back of Scout Scar. Then, it’s a simple exercise of following the trail up the gentle slope of Scout Scar all the way until you reach it’s precipitous drop down to the Lyth Valley.
The wind was roaring all around us and views were obscured by haze and low cloud covering the Lake District fells. However, the sun was trying its hardest to burst out in between the rushing clouds. There were other sounds that were less familiar as we approached the summit… more rhythmical, and human. Turns out that Drum Nation Kendal had arrived at the summit for a joyous New Year’s Day drum performance on the fell.
Unexpected? Absolutely. But very awesome.
All photos taken on my Fujifilm X-T2 using two of my prime lenses: a Fujinon 23mm f/2.0 and an adapted Pentax SMC 55mm f/2.0. All images made in-camera using a customised Classic Chrome recipe, with finalisations made in Apple Photos, Pixelmator, and Darkroom.
Heading up one of the steeper roads in Kendal, Captain French Lane.
Crossing over the A591 via Brigsteer Road, cars struggling to drive straight in the powerful crosswinds.
Looking back to Kendal, and you barely make out the slopes of Benson Knott, Kendal’s most prominent fell.
The Scout Scar landscape is one of limestone and sparse clusters of small trees.
Plenty of other folk were heading up Scout Scar for a New Year’s Day yomp, despite the roaring wind.
As we crested onto the plateau of Scout Scar, it became clear there was an immense light show occurring over the Lyth Valley and the Kent Estuary.
My lovely Lisabet, fighting the storm near the cliff edge at Hodgson’s Leap to nab some crackin’ light.
The swirling clouds, full of moisture, suffused the sunlight, and drenched the winter limestone landscape in golden light.
Away from the sun, the view north along Hodgson’s Leap to the “mushroom” on the summit of Scout Scar is always a good ‘un.
The sun catches the cliffs of Scout Scar briefly, whilst the Lyth Valley and the the Lakeland Fells remain shrouded in dark foreboding clouds.
We work our way north along the cliffs of Scout Scar, taking in whatever views we could find, and generally enjoying the dramatic conditions.
It’s a long way down…
A reminder of what was happening behind us. A lot of the Lyth Valley was still flooded after recent downpours.
Our ears prick up at a more unfamiliar sound near the Scout Scar summit. Was that… drumming?
Why yes, yes it is!
Drum Nation Kendal, the epitome of fun, competing with the wind on volume.
Everyone was having so much fun.
Gathering round for the finale.
One last look at the spectacular light show over the Lyth Valley and Kent Estuary.
The legacy of Postman Pat in Kendal. Did you know?
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