Lake District Walking : The 'Secret' Valley.
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 8 ก.ค. 2024
- We are off on a very special Lake District Walk, to see the bluebells in the 'Secret Valley' of Rannerdale, which is close to Crummock Water and Rannerdale Knotts, which overlook Buttermere. So why the secret? Well there is more to Rannerdale than meets the eye. It is the subject of a book, titled 'The Secret Valley' by local author Nicholas Size. In May each year bluebells adorn the valley floor. Local legend tells the tale of the origin of the Bluebells, and their link to a battle reputed to have taken place there almost 1,000 years ago. Of course, whether there was actually a battle is a subject for debate, after all, the historical evidence is thin on the ground. What is certain is that there was fighting in this area for at least 50 years after the Norman invasion of England in 1066. This video not only showcases the Rannerdale Bluebells, but also tells the story of the battle, and the books author, a local character in his own right. It also reveals the tale of Mary Robinson, the 'Beauty of Buttermere', and the man who bigamously married her, and paid a heavy price for his sins. The story is factual, and was the basis for the novel, 'The Maid of Buttermere', by Cumbrian author Melvyn Bragg. So lashings of history, intrique and folk tales, and to add to your enjoyment, there are stunning views of Buttermere and the surrounding fells.
Samuel Taylor Coleridge Picture Coleridge picture by www.zeno.org/Literatur/I/coler..., held at the National Portrait Gallery, Public Domain, commons.wikimedia.org/w/index...
Thank goodness there are people like you producing guides like this. Keep it up.
Thanks, will do!
Another amazing video Eric. Thank you.
Thank you Joe. It is an amazing place. Really enjoyed doing this one as the day was near perfect.
Stunning beautiful views wow. Must visit next year. thanks for sharing 👍
Thankyou. Hope you have a great time.
Fantastic... Hidden gem.....
It is. I've always found it strange that however many people are in Buttermere, there is always peace and quiet to be found on Rannerdale.
👍👍
I went there earlier this week, too.
Check out my new walking travel channel, please
Thanks 😊
So lovely to go walking with you. Looking forward to my next visit to the lakes to try some out!
Thank you. I hope you have a great time.
Wonderful video eric..that is a must do walk if ever I saw one. Cannot go wrong with Buttermere..so beautiful!
Thank you. I have to agree 100% there. The bluebells are now out in the woods behind my house, so the Rannerdale ones will be likely be in full bloom. Maybe a year of being less disturbed than normal will do them good. Take care.
FANTASTIC!!!!
Thank you.
Really enjoyed that Eric. Last summer my wife and I parked up near Rannerdake Knots on the edge of Crummock and climbed Grasmoor returning viaWhiteless Edge. We were tempted to squeeze in Rannerdale Knots, but decided to leave it for another day walking along the secret valley back to the car. Really loved the walk; Buttermere and Crummock are wonderful. Thanks for your film and hope you are keeping well.
Thank you. The walk you did is a glorious, if rather steep edged one, ideal for a fine day, and after all the exertions Rannerdale Knots would have seemed rather easy. What I love about Rannerdale Knotts is the views. It is a bit like being in an interactive landscape art gallery. The Bluebells and Secret Valley just add an extra dimension. I am well, and was actually in the Buttermere area on Saturday, although I do confess to giving Grasmoor et al a miss. A lovely day all the same.
Thanks for the reply Eric and pleased you’re still enjoying the wonderful Lake District; you really can’t beat it can you? Take care.
I was here a couple of days with my family.we loved this place its so so beautiful
I fully agree. It is somewhere that is always a pleasure to visit.
@@jonathancraigguides cant wait to revisit there again next yr
This is great. I'm planning to do a video about Nicholas Size and his little book, and you've covered many of the main points here! Thanks for sharing
Thank you. He was the knd of character I like.:- a little bit different. I look forward to seeing your video.
What a wonderful channel you have created. Your videos are outstanding, giving the viewer the opportunity to savour the delights of the lower fells and also a peek into the history of the Lakes. The presentation is very professional but also very natural - its a great watch. Thank you for your hard work, I really appreciate it.
Thank you Martin. Your comment is very much appreciated. It may be hard work, but it is also very enjoyable, and when I see comments like yours it makes it all worthwhile.
What a lovely video, thank you.
Thank you, I'm pleased you enjoyed it. Bluebell season is almost upon us again, hopefully with some warm, dry weather to enjoy it.
Great video, beutiful scenery & well narrated!
Thank you.
Thank you Eric .....We saw the video and have now 4th Aug 19 ..have
just done the walk...Stunning...excellent ... Thank You....
Thank you for letting me know. I'm glad you enjoyed it, and hopefully were not bothered by any of those pesky rain showers that we had.
Brilliant content / visuals and charms to your videos … ace 👍
Thank you. One of my favourite springtime haunts, and again, apart from those viewing the bluebells, hardly anyone up on the fellside.
Thank you forsharing this video. How good to see all the beautiful scenery especially in the lockdown days we are living in. Really well presented thank you.
Thank you, and I agree, they are my antidote to the lockdowns.
Great Videos Eric , we did part of the walk this week May 16th 2022 the bluebells were out if force but the weather was so bad we chose to drop down into Buttermere village from the scrambly bit and leave the Knott for another day. BTW Scrambly bit is now a fixture of our vocabulary. (another) Eric and Margaret
I heard that the weather was not brilliant that week. I was away from the Lakes in deepest Bedfordshire, where the weather was better, but the views were definitely worse. Plus, they don't have any scrambly bits there!
Thank you! Outstanding views!
Thank you. On a fine, clear day the views are hard to beat.
What a fabulous walk Eric, beautifully filmed and professionally narrated, great watch! Cheers Alan
Thank you Alan. Was a superb day. Looks like you had a good one yesterday. I quite fancied that walk, and it would have been good to meet with everyone. I'm kind of getting impatient waiting for retirement so I can be a bit more active. Spent yesterday morning sat at a desk!! is there a video in the offing?
jonathancraigguides - there will be Eric but not a very good one, I was too busy yakking lol. Me and Mrs Metalman tool voluntary redundancy and early retirement at 55, best thing we ever done. I now work 2 days a week, with no stress and no hassle - bliss!
That was my plan. Retire on my 60th birthday, but my wife passed away 3 months before that, so I kind of changed tack. Didn't seem to be any point retiring, at least working kept me in touch with other people and reality. Helped me keep my sanity, but now, I am ready to leave the office work behind.
jonathancraigguides - Sorry to read that Eric and I can understand why you kept on working. My best mate (hiking) passed away at 59 and it was a massive shock to us all, I decided then and there, to live for the day, never know what is round the corner.
Lovely to see you,keep going all the best xx
Thank you.
I love your videos, great watch. The lake district is my favourite place on earth and I hope to move there one day.. Can see how passionate you are about the lakes and also very knowledgeable , please keep these amazing videos coming!
Thank you. It is an area that is easy to fall in love with. I've been wandering around these fells on and off since 1970, and I really cannot remember one bad walk. The really nice thing is that even on fells that I have walked many times there always seems to be something different to see every time I go. I hope you manage to realise your dream.
@@jonathancraigguides Thank you and yes the walk looks absolutely stunning, its like heaven on earth. Thanks for giving your viewers the next best thing to actually being there , your videos are fantastic and I get really absorbed by them , such knowledge , excellently put together and you’re very professional. I’m in Crosthwaite this weekend, can’t wait !
Just came across your channel , i love the lakes. I'm from North Essex but go there whenever possible, beautiful beautiful scenery... and your filming is just fabulous !
Thank you Jamie, I'm glad you enjoyed it. The scenery makes it easy, and it is great fun to do.
@@jonathancraigguides hey, you my good man are more than welcome 😊👍
Amazing video Eric,
Rannerdale Knotts has to be one of the best small fells in the lakes. Great views, nice littles scrambles, secret valleys, ancient folklore it has it all. Also aa great place to watch the Sun go down behind Melbreak. many thanks
Andy H
Thank you. Have to agree with you about the sunset, especially, I have found, in the autumn for some reason. It is certainly one of my favourites. I love the variety once you get up on the small ridge, with views in all directions.
Another really enjoyable video Eric, beautifully put together.
We look forward to your videos.
Regards.
James and Kirsteen
Thank you James and Kirsteen. Went back over there last Tuesdy, and the bluebells are all but gone, but oh, those views. Take care, Eric
Very pretty valley views! Love your storytelling and explanations! I'd love to do that hike!
Thank you. It is one of my favourites, which in an area of stunning valleys, beautiful lakes and easy on the eye mountain scenery, is saying something. I like to put the history of the people of the region into the landscape, and the story of Rannerdale is one of the most wonderful examples of local history in the area.
Very interesting and such beautiful views. Nice video :)
Thank you. Everything dropped nicely into place. Great weather, the bluebells in profusion, and clear air. Throughly enjoyable to shoot.
Another really good video Eric, full of info and facts ( and great views!) thanks for sharing. Cheers. Eddie.
Thank you Eddie. The views take care of themselves up there. I think that there are a small number of low fells that have the best views in the whole of the Lake District, and that is up there with them. As for the battle, the book 'The Secret Valley' is a great read if you can find a copy. I lent mine out years ago and never got it back. It is out there somewhere!!! Take care, Eric
Well that was bloody lovely, thank you! Visiting the Lakes again soon so putting it on the list!
Thank you. It is a wonderful walk, regardless of whether the bluebells are out or not. I hope you thoroughly enjoy it.
Lovely. We'll have to add this one to our next trip.
Thank you Kris. I've always said the small ones are the best. Hope you have a safe journey, Take care, Eric
Wainwright would be proud a fantastic guide really enjoyed it thankyou
Thank you. It is a lovely walk, and the bluebell season is barely a couple of months away!
Super Walk... Love the history and story of the battle.. Once again I am very impressed with your presenting skills.. Second to none.. Big tv again... ;)
Thank you. It is a super walk at any time, but the bluebells just lift it, and the smell of them this year was intoxicating. It is just a shame that no-one has invented smell-o-vision. As for the big TV, well I can see I am going to have to upgrade the camera. Good choice though, as they are big views.
jonathancraigguides Your camera is really good, may I ask what your using?
It is a standard Canon DSLR 1100D. Inexpensive and relatively tough but the video capability on it is very good. I did try out a Canon 7D a couple of years ago, as well as a top of the range Nikon, but at well over a grand for the body of the camera I decided against it. The thing is that over the last couple of years it has been dropped, charged by a goat, got soaking wet, and infested with flying ants, midges, and other assorted wildlife. So the less expensive the better as replacing it will not be so much of a pain. I have a good lighweight tripod, and use a few crafty techniques to get some of my panning shots like using elastic on the tripod handle to make the pan smooth. Unfortunately, on this shoot I got bombed by tiny little flies, and some have got into the camera when I changed lenses. You can see them as dark specks on some of the shots. It is going off to have the sensor properly cleaned next week.
jonathancraigguides I have a cannon 600D and never use it as I get lazy with trying to focus it.. L9ve the elastic band tip, I have a floating head on one tripod, but the dam thing weighs a ton so ends up staying in the shed on most field trips.. I have a small quad at the moment and getting some great results from that, but crashed it twice, lol...
Jonathan... Great videos. Congratulations!!!
Thank you. I'm pleased you enjoy them.
I'm watching every single video, hard to choose, amazing places... Could you suggest 3 kids friendly hoking in Lake District with nice views, please? I will be there next month. If you can, of course. God bless you!!!
@@micheldossantos I suppose it all depends upon the age and abilities of the children. Having said that, there are very few places that I have been where I have seen no children, particularly if they are keen and don't mind a bit of climbing. My experience walking with my own children was that they liked walks that were not too long, nor too steep. They didn't mind a bit of low level scrambling, but nothing too high or strenuous. Also, it needed to be a good, easy to see path with few navigation difficulties. Gowbarrow Fell is a good one. The path up is quite steep, but easy to see. The return route is delightful with views all the way, plus children love the waterfalls at Aira Force. Rannerdale Knotts is also good, although there are a couple of short steep parts but the rock scrambles are suitable for older children. Return the way you came, as on the video, as the other routes are very steep and not good for children. Dodd is easy for all ages, although the drawback is the walk up to the first viewpoint is through the trees, so can be a bit tiring. It is moderately steep, however, kids love the forest. The walk from Bowness, across the ferry and then through the forest via Claife Station is a kiddies favourite. The return via Far Sawrey is not too far and the views on the route are good, although not spectacular. Sale Fell is a delight, again ideal for all ages. Moderately steep up, and it can get windy on top, but lovely views and it is not too far. There is also a choice of return routes. I always like the one on the video but there are others. Don't forget to take your maps, and have a great time.
@@micheldossantos Further to my previous reply, Slaters Bridge and the Falls is a really good child friendly walk. Start at Elterwater and walk to Slaters Bridge, then back via Colwith and Skelwith Force. You could add in Cathedral Cave, which is near Slaters Bridge. It may be a bit long for younger children, but in my experience those who don't mind the length love it as they see so much of interest. Have fun.
Wow... Many thanks Jonathan, your are amazing. 👍😉🧗🙏
Another fantastic video Eric,you are a walking encyclopaedia 👍
Thank you. I love the history, it adds an new dimension to the landscape.
I had to give up my Rannerdale walk last year due to bad weather..I hope when I return its as lovely as it was when you filmed your walk. Another cracking video
Thank you. Yes it was a super day, really quite hot for the time of year, and very busy, although once up the valley there were very few people. I can remember being in the area and Rannerdale Knotts being shrouded in cloud. Very eerie. I hope when you do go back you get clear weather, and great views.
jonathancraigguides Thank you. Stay safe up there during this horrible weather you are experiencing up there.
Excellent video.
Thank you. I'm pleased you enjoyed it.
Lovely video as always. 🙂
Thank you.
Brilliant video as always Eric, some stunning views and interesting facts what more can you ask. Oh and a natural narrator thanks for sharing Leona and Chris
Thank you Leona and Chris. My late wife used to call me a natural narrator. Or was it a natterer? Cannot quite remember.
happy new year jonathan to you and family keep these vidios coming please
Thank you, and a happy new year to you too. Looking forward to creating more videos after the pandemic.
Another epic video 💚❤️💚
Thank you. It is a wonderful walk that packs in a lot of interest in a relatively short distance. Glad you enjoyed it.
@@jonathancraigguides do you have castle crag on your walk channel ? Just thinkng !
@@kevinevans2022 Not at the moment. Was going to do one this spring, but pandemic and family events have overtaken that plan.
Fantastic bud 👌
Thank you. Glad you enjoyed it.
Wonderful video, Eric. Very informative and interesting, and of course breathtaking views! It's a shame people stop at the bluebells, there is so much more to that area as you perfectly pointed out. Thanks again for a great watch and all your advice!
Thank you. it is a wonderful little fell at any time, but the scent of the Bluebells is slightly intoxicating, making a visit in May very special.
Great video Eric, thank you. A lovely place to visit especially on a quiet day or very early in the morning. Looks like you had some fine weather for your walk which is always a bonus. I have to admit that I am one of those who has visited just to take photographs of the bluebells but after seeing the fantastic views from the ridge I think that I will take the trip to the top next time that I visit. Cheers.
Thank you. I hope you enjoy your trip to the top. Pick a clear day and you won't be disappointed. Having said that, for those visitors that are not fell walkers the Bluebells are a wonderful attraction. I met some lovely people. Shooting those scenes at the Bluebells took me over 3 hours! Worth every minute.
Enjoyed that :D
Thank you.
Very interesting 👍
Thank you.
This looks lovely, must check it out next time we go =)
Thank you Shirley. Been looking at your channel. Had many a happy holiday down at Burnham. Despite us living in the Lakes, my late wife's favourite walk was up the steps at Brean Down and along to the fort. Hope you enjoy Rannerdale as much as she enjoyed Brean Down.
Love the history in yout vlogs you really do inspire me to get out. Heading up to the lakes on Saturday to this very place. Shh don't tell anyone doing a bit of wild camping. hope fully I will get some good early morning shots!. And yes i will leave the ares as I found it!. Yey you mentioned Bradford my home town.
Thank you Owen. My lips are sealed. I hope you have a fabulous time. The weather looks set fair, so hopefully you'll stay dry. Whenever I camped in my younger days it seemed to rain!!
Feel so lucky to be from the Lake District 😊
Having lived here for many years, I know how you feel.
Something else isn't it mate 😊👍
Excellent video and history. Love the bluebell story. We discovered a carpet of bluebells in Barkbooth Lot, the nature reserve, but no battle story! Regards, Ashley
Thank you Ashley. Barkbooth Lot, now that brings back many memories. My late wife was born and raised very close to there, and often told me tales of how, as a young girl, she spent wonderful summer days in the local woodland. I'm not sure as to whether it was actually called Barkbooth Lot in those days. She went to Winster School, and the teacher was from Crosthwaite, and on fine days in the summer term would walk the class, about 15 children, across the fields and through the woods to her house. She called it a nature ramble. They would have a picnic lunch in the garden, and then return to school on the back of the farmers trailer.
jonathancraigguides Thats a wonderful memory, Eric. I'll have to get a move on with my videos as Barkbooth Lot was one of our last walks. We also did a wood walk there too that ended up passing by a ford.
If that was Winster Ford then I once got my car stuck in there. Had to be towed out. Very embarrassing.
Hi Eric, it has taken me until now to get to our day at Barkbooth Lot and Lamb Howe. The ford we came across was at Birks Bridge a few miles south of Winster. I will get the video sorted this weekend and then you can confirm the location! Regards, Ashley
That's the ford. Look forward to seeing the video.
Cool video ❤
Thank you, it's a cool place!
The maid of Buttermere is my 6x great grandmother ❤️
Wow. When I was up at Caldbeck we went into the churchyard there to see if we could find her grave. It was there, but being the lady of the house, her name was at the bottom of the list, a common occurance in country churchyards with graves of that period. I hope that when she was in Caldbeck she had a good life.
Just caught up with this one Eric - Another couple of B's with the others you mentioned - …. bloomin' brilliant ! The powers that be should give your own TV series of the Lakes :) atb
Thank you Stuart. A TV series would be good, but I'm not sure I'm pretty enough! Glad you enjoyed it. Eric
You have great documentary and video blogging skills! Why don’t you extend your coverage beyond Lake District ?
Thank you. That is something I have given a great deal of thought to over the last couple of years, however, there are a number of reasons why I remain in the Lake District, most of them to do with other aspects of my life. Family is very important to me, and for various reasons my family commitments are currently taking precedence. But who knows what lies ahead.
Where have you gone mate hope you are okay. You haven’t uploaded in a while
Thank you for asking Kevin. Don't worry, I haven't gone far. Just had extra family commitments this year so not been able to get out on the fells as much, however, you will be pleased (hopefully!) to learn that my video camera was in full use earlier this week, and that next week, all being well, there will be a new video for all to see.
Looking forwards to seeing it mate take care
Thank you.
th-cam.com/video/vZiZU__bXUo/w-d-xo.html had a busy year myself mate up I the lakes
Hi Jonathan, these are really interesting videos. But the quality is very poor in parts and some of the hills haven't even got an outline to them. Anyway, thanks for all of the work that's gone into them. All of the editing and story telling. They're quite unique.
Thank you David. You are absolutely right. The hills are quite unique, which is why they are so much fun to climb, especially on a really fine day when the views are clear.
Thanks for the kind reply Jonathan. Take care. David
How’s things Jonathan you not been out and about for a while
Hi Kevin and thank you for asking. I'm fine. It is just that the intricacies of life are keeping me off the fells at the moment. Work and family commitments mainly. Got lots of videoing ideas to put into action, so fear not, I will be back!