A River Kent Ramble.
Start. Natland.
Route. Natland - Hawes Bridge - Low Park Caravan Site - Park Head - Levens Park - Lancaster Canal - Sedgwick - Natland.
Notes. I'm pretty hopeless at taking photo's in woodland, they never look quite like they're supposed to, it's a problem I've had for years, if you've followed my ramblings you'll know what I mean. Today I decided to have a late afternoon wander along the banks of the River Kent, make time to have a fiddle with the camera, take some notes so I can get it right next time, all in all it was a pretty hopeless attempt, I'm no closer now than I was thirty years ago, judge for yourself.
My route today was simple, follow the west bank of the river south, wandering through Levens Park before fording the river at Levens Bridge, my return was made on the opposite bank, following the famed avenue of oaks before accessing the Lancaster Canal just south of Sedgwick, an easy level walk through fields and woodland brought me back to Natland.
My starting point for today, the well manicured village green of Natland, dominated by the Church of St Mark's.
Viewing The Helm from Hawes Lane.
Hawes Bridge seen from the west bank of the River Kent.
Natland Gorge, a view down stream.
The River Kent near Low Park Caravan Site.
Reflections.
This is what makes the path on the west bank the one to walk, a slice of industrial history, the mill race once powered the water wheel and grinding stones of the New Sedgwick Gunpowder Works, the remains of the buildings are scattered throughout the woods.
Striding through Levens Park in the late afternoon sun.
Rising above the tree tops Heversham Head.
The River Kent in Levens Park.
And again this time from Levens Bridge.
Striding out on my return route.
A glimpse of Whitbarrow from the east bank of the river.
Apart from being home to a small herd of Norwegian black fallow deer, Levens Park is also the abode of these rare Baggot Goats, originally believed to have been brought to England in the time of Richard the Lion Heart.
Striding out down the famed avenue of Oaks, this grand drive was once the main entrance to the house and gardens.
I'm now walking the line of the Lancaster Canal looking to Sizergh Fell.
This is the northern reaches of the canal, a sign on the gate I've just passed through announced I was about to walk along the Canal Trail.
Canals by their nature cling to the contours of the land, every so often you get a view like this one.
Looking to The Helm from Crowpark Bridge.