Rydal Beck Waterfalls

The path along Rydal Beck is a delight. It was shaded by the trees and there were many pretty pools, cascades and waterfalls to delight the eye. Given its proximity to the busy Rydal Hall, I was surprised that we didn't meet any people along its path. Maybe its because the path isn't labelled as a public or permitted footpath on the OS map. Eventually the path turned away from the beck and we crossed over a stone wall and joined another track leading up the valley. The trees became more sparse and then finally disappeared altogether, leaving us with tremendous views of the hills along the valley. After being very familiar with the view down into this valley from the hills above, it now seemed odd to see the landscape from this new perspective. We heard a squawk and looked up to see a Buzzard circling high above us. Some large rocky outcrops appeared near to the beck to our left. This turned out to be the location of Buckstones Jump.

Buckstones Jump

We left the valley track, traversed the rocky outcrops and made our way over to the beck. Buckstones Jump revealed itself to be a wonderful series of pools, waterfalls and cascades. Large rocks and grassy banks provided easy access to the water. It is easy to see why the location is popular with wild swimmers, and the less adventurous, who just want a paddle. A burnt patch of grass also showed that the spot was popular with wild campers too. The sky had turned grey and a chilly wind gusted down the valley. Much to the relief of the Kapitan and the Cabin Boy, I decided that I'd go skinny-dipping on another day. We re-crossed the rocky outcrop and made our way back to the track running up towards the head of the valley. 

Although not show on the OS map, I could see a track heading straight upwards on the west flank of Low Pike. We tramped over to it and started climbing. It was quite steep , but offered great views towards the head of the valley and back down to Buckstones Jump. The track became less distinct further up, but the going underfoot wasn't that difficult and we eventually reached the high stone wall running along the ridge line. We'd met it about a 100 metres south of Low Pike's summit. That was the 'hump' on our walk completed. It was all downhill now back to Ambleside.

Scandale Valley

The familiar Fairfield Horseshoe path led us down the ridge towards Ambleside. I noticed that you could occasionally see Buckstones Jump from the ridge path, something that I'd never noted before. Rather than follow the ridge path all the way to Ambleside, we dropped down to the delightful High Sweden Bridge. I took a photo of the bridge as is my custom and the custom of most other people who pass the bridge. It must be a candidate for the most photographed subject in my collection. Duties performed, our journey continued along the wooded lane  to Ambleside. I took another photo of the folly on the outskirts of the town...another candidate for my most photographed subject. We joined the town's tarmac and dropped down into the centre of Ambleside and the finish of a very enjoyable walk.

It is odd that I'd never visited Buckstones Jump before. It is an impressive location and the approach along Rydal Beck is a delight. The traverse over the 'hump' of Low Pike exercised the legs, although those wanting a less energetic walk could just simply walk back along the same route as the outward journey.