Covid Spring

Once Covid hit, the Lake District became a different place. There were few cars, no tourists and those of us living here were stuck in our own little patch. 

In our case that was Scout Scar and the Barrows, a small ridge and collection of low limestone hills to the west of Kendal.

For many weeks that was as far as many of us got. We walked up, wandered around and came back. It was an acceptable hike from home so we didn't need a car.

I got to know it really well, not having the option of blasting off into the Lakes. To the proper big hills and mountains. It became a well trodden route with its particular variations, both in paths and weather, and later with socially-distant company.

The roads were quiet and it was good to hear birds and insects. The movements of early leaves without the background of diesel-engine roar.  There were clear skies with virtually no vapour trails. Despite the strangeness of lockdown, that was something good that came out of the Covid Spring.  

A chance to see our local area differently.