levers water
Now
there was a poser.Go back or go on.
Levers water is a natural tarn which was dammed to raise the water level
to provide power for the copper mines below.The walk we had planned
was 4 3/4 miles but the anti clockwise circuit of the tarn added one
more mile.The crags around this isolated tarn form a natural amphitheatre
and one can easily hear the voices of other walkers around the tarn
and as some climb Gill Cove Crag.
Of six people on the walk,four adults and two children, it would appear
that I was the only one with the enthusiasm to go further but I pointed
out that as we had come this far a leisurely stroll around the tarn
would be easy peasy.Wrong again.
So the party agreed to go on,even if reluctantly and off we set along
the banks of the tarn.Another lesson learnt this day for me was - read
the route before setting off.As there seemed only one way around the
tarn I didnt bother with the more intricate details of the walk.
The first leg of this walk was pretty straight forward,walking along
reasonably well defined paths with just a minor scramble over some rocks
on the shore but nothing more than one might find on any rocky beach.So
far so good although the happy smiling faces I saw at the car park had
now disappeared to be replaced by a scowl.
Things took a turn for the worst as we reached the end of the tarn where
we needed to turn left and navigate our way across the head of the tarn.Here
we met Swirl Force beck,in dry months a pleasant stream but after heavy
rain now in full flow.Mumbles of further discontent filled the air and
I tried to keep a positive broad smile as we looked for a way across.Whether
by nature or man made there were several steeping stones over which
we could cross the beck but not everyone was convinced of the ease at
which I said it could be achieved.Much to my relief with help from Gary
and myself we got everyone across the beck,then came the next problem.The
path had disappeared so it left us or I should say my own devices to
lead the way.No big problem as the hills around the tarn were high and
steep so there was little option.All going very well I thought.Wrong
again.
Well things were going well until we reached the next corner of the
tarn.BOG.This I didnt need.
Up and down I went trying to find an easy place to cross but there wasn't
one.I could tell by the grass and moss that this was a bit iffy to say
the least.But finding a narrow spot I said we could get across if we
moved quickly and didnt linger on the wet area to long,sort of a hop
- kip and a jump idea.
Well the family got across OK and now it was just me and the wife.I
took Gilly's hand and said do this fast.Well she did the hop bit alright
but the skip and the jump never materialised and Gilly went knee deep
in mud as well as filling her boots with water.Oh was I popular now.
At least we were on the last lap of the tarn which looked like a pretty
good path away from the waters edge.I tried to be light hearted and
comment on the plus side of the walk but no one felt inclined to agree
with me.Well I thought not much else can happen as we are nearly back
to the area where we had lunch.Wrong again.
About half way along the tarn the sun had disappeared,the clouds became
thicker,the wind increased and just to add to my popularity it started
to pour with rain.That just about made everyone's day.The rain didnt
last too long but was very heavy and we all had a good soaking.
At last we reached the dam and started the walk back down.Another lesson
learnt here.Going down hill is almost as bad as going up it except now
it was different muscles being used and knees and ankles taking the
strain. Apart from the general grumbling which I had now got used to
the return to Coppermines valley went without incident and even the
sun began to shine again,so much so that our clothes dried out.
At last we entered Coniston and still the moans and groans went on.As
we entered the car park I tried to explain that I was no wiser than
anyone else on the walk but was told that I should have picked an easier
walk.
At last,on reaching the car and after several hours of griping I turned
to Gilly and said "OK that is the last time I choose a walk"
"Now your childish" she said.More female logic,will we ever
understand them.
To Be Continude