Bleasdale.
The forecast was dire – strong easterlies and minimal temperatures.
Enjoying a Sunday lie in listening to the radio I was disturbed by a phone call at about 10am from Mike wondering if I fancied a walk in the prevailing conditions. He had cancelled sailing in Yorkshire [even worse weather – not suitable for rigging up]. Glad of the prompt I suggested a couple of venues and arranged to pick him up at 11am. Quick breakfast.
We plumped for Bleasdale – lowish lying and good tracks. I’ve done this walk many times in all seasons – ie. But something new always crops up.
The wind was blowing at 30mph when we left the car but we were sheltered by that magnificent beech hedge along the road. Turning right into the estate road at the desirable small lodge views opened up of the Bleasdale circle of fells. We walked through the estate houses and workshops and headed straight into the wind. As you go into a shelter band of trees there is a tall arched bridge across a small stream, I’ve never taken much notice of this before but today clambered down the bank for a better view. On the parapet downstream is a crest with the stonemasons’ tools highlighted but no date or name.
On the open stretch of track the wind was fierce blowing sleet into our faces, we didn’t hang about. The hills disappeared into the cloud and we were glad we weren’t up there. We were passed by a girl on an electric mountain bike with the widest tyres I’ve seen on a cycle. Battered by the wind we passed the track to Bleasdale Circle.
Mystic Bleasdale circle.
On to the isolated church and school. The wind turbine was hurtling round and no doubt providing electricity to the grid via the community centre. Things have changed here since my last visit – the well-insulated parish hall has connected to the turbine and also installed an ecological wood pellet burning boiler. Quite a step forward for this small community.
All is not necessarily rural idyll in this area – 
After 4.5 miles we were glad to be back at the car and home for soup and rugby on TV.
Providing you get properly attired, and the duration is not too long, and your attitude is positive, it is enjoyable to battle though poor conditions. See my ascent of Top ‘o Selside entitled “Singing in the Rain”.
http://conradwalks.blogspot.co.uk/search?q=Singing+in+the+rain
That was back in January 2013 before you and I traversed that hill in more friendly conditions last year.
Was only too pleased to be ‘properly attired’ yesterday, it was bitter. Good walk though – as you hint.
I’ve always wondered where Bleasdale was. Now I know. Thanks for that.
Alen