The Source of the River LATHKILL

We had a quick look at the weather and decided to go for it. I couldn't get last week because of other commitments and this week our Rob can't get so we had a guest in the form of Geoff's daughter Sally, so we had to watch our P's & Q's. Last week the lads went to see the cave at Lathkill Dale where the source of the river Lather is said to be. Well I'm glad i didn't go because they got a right royal soaking, apparently it just never stopped raining and with a howling gale. They never got a good look so we decided to go back there. On the way the view from the hill overlooking Bakewell was brilliant with a temperature inversion flooding the valley. As is the norm for this time of the year and especially early morning the light levels are very poor so again apologise for some of the pics not being up to scratch.
We parked up at Haddon Grove and followed the footpath down to the Lathkill. It was a very steep path and we had to watch out for slippy rocks. Once we got down to the river level it was evident this was in full flood. The river very often just disappears in the summer and in the winter its just a bit of a trickle. In fact we were there in December 2008 and I've included a pic to show the difference. We had a good walk to the cave where we had breakfast and then back along past the weir which was a lot more active than normal. From the weir it was along to the remains of Carters Corn Mill and then the long slog up hill back to the car.

This weeks route just 3 miles

Temperature inversion over Bakewell.

The catch on the gate was frozen

Great views up Lathkill Dale with the river 250 feet way below in the valley.

Sally & Geoff

Ike

Ike & Sally

Me

Geoff

Geoff & Sally

Geoff coming down the steep steps

Wooden bridge over the Lathkill

Some great colour with these reeds

The river in full flow

Sally

Sally walking on water

Geoff

The river Lathkill flooding out from Lathkill Head Cave

Geoff, Sally Ike

This shows the full extent of the flow coming from the cave

Breakfast time

December 2015

December 2008

Sally

Weir on the River Lathkill

Steam coming off the river

Me at Carters Corn Mill

Sally, Geoff, Ike & me

Geoff

Sally & Ike

This was a great little walk and the scenery will be brilliant with a bit of sunshine and a nice sky, probably go back in the late spring. When there is water about, that's when i'm desperate for a tripod to get some long exposure shots.
See you next week