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MUNGRISDALE Special Walk 22nd October 2009
On 22nd October 2009 Redspearlands Footpath Group (RFG) had the pleasure of a return visit from two distant founder-members, Donez Xiques and Judith Stark from New Jersey, USA, who joined the group during a visit to Dalston and Stockdalewath in 2005. Both ladies are seasoned visitors to Cumbria, having first headed across the pond in 1975.
Both keenly aware of climate change and humanity's impact on the environment, Dr Xiques is Professor Emeritus of English at the City University of New York. She is presently conducting research for a book about the creation in the late 19th Century of a "park for the people". Dr Stark is a professor of philosophy and director of environmental studies at Seton Hall University, New Jersey, where she is presently working with students on a forest regeneration program in northern New Jersey, just fifteen miles west of New York City.
Access to RFG's website, hosted by the Dalston Village site, keeps them abreast of developments and activities in our "people's park". At the request of the Group's distinguished visitors, RFG members Mike Worrall and Alan Lyne laid on an outing to see Andy Goldworthy's 'sheepfold' sculptures at Mungrisdale. A shortish walk across the fells providing welcome relief from sitting in a sardine tin for the best part of ten hours. Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is no joke as another RFG member can testify. Pat Jackson had to seek medical attention this year having flown across the Pacific from New Zealand to Los Angeles, picking up DVT during the flight. Which only goes to show what we've known all along; inactivity can be harmful to health.
However, no danger of that for our American friends. The weather on the chosen day showed the Northern Fells to their best advantage, giving the party's photographers a real treat; the dramatic scenery and intriguing sheepfolds topped off with a Turneresque cloudscape. A perfect sales presentation for the delights of a Lake District holiday!
Alan Lyne
See the Gallery for photos of this walk!
Item above added November 8th, 2009
On and Off the road
Off-road runners are struggling to explore the countryside because
councils are neglecting footpaths and failing to make landowners keep
rights of way open. The Open Spaces Society (OSS) says that the growth
of rbanisation and an increase in the number of fields left fallow is leading
to ovewrgrown papths and a lack of safe off-road routes. "Neglect is a problem and some councils are particularly bad," said Chris
Bloor who represents the OSS in Bristol and South Gloucestershire. "The
problem is especially bad around the edges of less fashionable parts of
cities.
He could have added bridleways to the list. There were several good rides
in Dalston and Cummersdale which are now impassible due to the County
Council neglecting its responsibility for regular upkeep and maintenance.
Most of the above info was gleaned from the November issue of 'BBC
CountryFile' magazine
Alan Lyne
Item above added November 8th, 2009
SEPTEMBER WALK REPORT
Yet another shared walk with Ivegill Footpath Group, not because we enjoy their company so much, which we do, but because half the route took in a
corner of their parish, whilst the other half was in ours. Not knowing the
hazards lying in wait for the unwary walker venturing into Castle Sowerby
territory, we asked IFG to take the lead 'over there', while we took care of
'over here'.
As it turned out, the walk took place on one of the most
pleasant days of an, until then, disappointing August; sunny but not too hot,
just about perfect conditions both above and on the ground.
The route took
in some four and a bit miles of rural footpaths describing a figure-of-eight
around Cowrigg and Highbridge, expertly lead by Mike Worrall, who
knows just about every twist and turn of that neck of the woods.
After
about two and a half hours walking, Margaret Messenger's dwelling hove in
sight where a sumptuous tea was waiting.
All twelve participants enjoyed
the walk, the weather, the tea and, of course, each other's company. A
very satisfactory way to end to RFG's own walking season.
Go to the Activities page to see information about the remaining two walks of 2009, which are to take place with Ivegill Footpath Group.
Item above added Sept 20th, 2009
EAST CUMBRIA COUNTRYSIDE PROJECT
Message from Andrew Nicholson, Green Spaces, Carlisle City Council.
Many of you will be aware that East Cumbria Countryside Project closed
down at the end of April due to funding cuts.
The Rights of Way operation and myself have been transferred in house to
Carlisle City Council.
For all matters relating to Public Rights of Way (Public Paths) in Carlisle
district, contact me direct as per details below.
Regards
Andrew Nicholson
Green Spaces
Carlisle City Council
Bousteads Grassing
Carlisle
CA2 5LG
Direct tel. 01228-618590
Mob. 07624-310574
andrewni@carlisle.gov.uk
Item above added July 24, 2009
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