Longridge Fell is usually my quick fix hill for some fresh air and views but the tracks up onto it will be muddy, to say the least. I choose instead Beacon Fell with its well-made tracks, it is no further to drive. Longridge Fell Is reputedly the most southerly named fell so Beacon Fell must be the second being only one mile further north. I can ascend both of them easily from my house for longer walks but this afternoon I only have an hour or so spare.
As I arrive in the quarry car park a pair of Roe Deer stand and look at me but quickly disappear when I open the car door. I thought I had a photo of the male but nothing shows up.
I walk briskly in a circle around the hill on familiar paths. I’ve never come to terms with the waymarking here.
There are a few dog walkers out, the cafe is strangely quiet. Everywhere seems green and moss-covered, a sign of a mild and very wet winter.
As I’ve mentioned on previous visits up here storms have taken their toll on some areas of the forest with a lot of tree felling taking place to tidy things up. Perhaps this is a blessing in disguise as the fell has a more open feel to it now and some of the new plantings are of native deciduous trees. Also, wood carvers have been busy creating new pieces. I add a few more to my collection.
There are ‘Green Men’ carved on some trees… 
… but today I find something a bit different – a ‘Green Woman’ or has someone taken a fancy to one of the lady volunteer rangers?
An obligatory visit to the trig point and I notice that the views to Fairsnape and Parlick are becoming obscured by growing firs – time for another storm?
I’m back at the car within the hour feeling much refreshed.
A worthwhile trip even if only for an hpur. Following our conversation today do you think the lack of prople had anytng to do with Coronavirus?
Not so sure, but I didn’t hug anybody.
That waymarking’s crazy! At least it seems to imply you can go anywhere. I love the carved owl.
Good to hear the conifers are being thinned in places and replaced with indigenous broadleaves. It’s a similar story around Launchy Gill at Thirlmere, where again, Storm Desmond contrived to speed up the process.
Yes you can walk anywhere up there, it is a great recreational space for Prestonians.
There are many more carvings to discover which I’ve covered in previous posts.
I had to laugh at the waymarker!
Take it whichever way you want.
😀
The sculptures are so nice.
Yes, they are great for kids [and adults] to search for.
These were the latest, others can be seen on some of my older posts on Beacon Fell…
https://bowlandclimber.com/2012/11/29/beacon-fell-views-and-sculptures/
https://bowlandclimber.com/2018/03/16/what-is-happening-up-on-beacon-fell/