The after-effects of storm Desmond.

I’m sure you will be aware from news reports that we had large amounts of rain last week in the Lake District. It caused quite a lot of isolated pockets of damage including a number of landslides. Fortunately most of the valley withstood the deluge remarkably well. At the head of the valley where the underlying rocks are the very hard Borrowdale volcanics, there has been minimal damage. The land slips have occurred mainly in the part of the valley where the underlying rocks are the softer slates.

Path washed away

More path damage

Our new footbridge survived ...

... but the path will need some repair.

We are working as quickly as we can to have everything repaired and made safe for access. Some of the Trust guys from Wasdale have come across to help and they are doing a sterling job. It won’t be too long before we are back to normal.

Some of the damage on Catbells.

Repairs underway

Culvert firmly in place

Bridge at Watendlath - closed as it is dangerous.

It’s sad to see the people of Keswick, Braithwaite, Cockermouth and indeed county-wide who have had their homes flooded yet again. Some, including my brother, have had this happen three times in recent years. It could have been so much worse though but the emergency services and community flood action groups did fantastic work to keep people safe.

Work underway to clear beck above Braithwaite.

The calm (and some snow) after the storm!

Daisy here: 

Everything’s changed on the lake shore. My favourite walk is not the same but it’ll be OK.