Issue # 112 Small Hikes with Big Rewards
A photographic round up of our recent slow yet sublime wanderings
Since we got back from Scotland, time has been short for big hikes, with weather windows mere slithers of light between storm and flood and winter work underway. Getting outdoors in the winter is all about organising life to prioritise brief moments of opportunity when they arise and we’ve been doing just that; getting up and out early to reach summits before storms move in, heading out in their wake to watch waterfalls foam and thunder and snatching brief moments of connection wherever we can find them.
With the right frame of mind (that is to say, a willingness and readiness to be attentive to the generosity of the universe) and a well honed capacity for awe and wonder even short hikes transcend into something far more meaningful - the mundane becomes magical - and it’s with this spirit that we venture out on short walks which yield big rewards.
Naturally, we’ve been taking photos on all our small, slow yet sublime wanders so here’s a visual round up.
An early morning hike to the summit of Rannerdale Knotts near Buttermere. One of the smaller mountains of the Lake District, this aesthetically pleasing little fell is typically bustling with tourists in the summer, but the cold, blustery winds of late autumn and an early start allowed us to enjoy the mountain in peace, chasing crepuscular rays, studying light and shadow, making it to the summit and back down in time for breakfast in our van. The colder months are a gift for those seeking solitude.
The good thing about all the recent rain is that the rivers and waterfalls are raging with full force making it easy to be thrilled by Nature’s raw ferocity. A short post-storm wander in our local valley.
More local explorations, this time with the addition of a cold water dip which always helps to turn a short hike into something more adventurous. We have let our cold water practice slip a little over recent months; I’m going to admit it was tough getting in but worth it. I think. An encounter with a cluster of blackthorn trees alarmingly heavy with berries and completely covered in an dense patchwork of lichen was a highlight to another short walk with outsized rewards, ending in the pub by the orange glow of an open fire.
Other things
It’s Kendal Mountain Festival this weekend and although we’re not speaking there this year, we’ll be there for most of the weekend lurking around, catching up with people and trying to fit in a few films and talks. If you’re there let us know - it would be great to meet up!
First Snow
It’s been chilly here the last few days. Chilly enough that the mountains have received their first covering of snow. Me and Emma drove down to the lake this morning before work to get a good look and it was breathtakingly cold in the howling north wind. A snapped a quick photo but could barely see through the view finder my eyes were watering so much. It’s good to feel the first proper chill of the season and we hope there’s more to come…
Well, that’s all for this week, we hope you’ve been managing to catch a few magical moments on the trail or wherever you go to seek them…
With warmest wishes from the three of us.
Andrew, Emma and Benji
x
If you’d like to help us to keep The Digest going there are several ways you can do so:
Like, comment or share this post with anyone you know who loves Nature and the outdoors.
Check out our website and buy something from our store: https://www.miscellaneousadventures.co.uk
Buy us a coffee here: https://ko-fi.com/misc_adventures
Upgrade to a paid subscription here: https://miscellaneousadventures.substack.com/subscribe
Thank you so much for your support!