The Fishy Tale of Bowscale Tarn

[@jimmybaby9892]

The new wainwright of today 😀 great informal video 👍 well done!

[@jonathancraigguides]

Thank you. I happen to know that one of the last walks that AW did alone was the walk to the tarn. I think that with it's atmosphere of peace and quiet it was his kind of place.

[@richmcbride9269]

I hadn't realized how much I was eagerly anticipating more of your videos until I saw the notification for this one. I haven't even watched yet, but just seeing the notification put a big smile on my face!

[@jonathancraigguides]

No pressure there then Rich. I hope watching it puts an even bigger smile on your face.

[@richmcbride9269]

@@jonathancraigguides My expectations were exceeded--another absolutely delightful video. Thank you!

[@jonathancraigguides]

@@richmcbride9269 Thank you, says I with a sigh of relief.

[@terrykenny]

another lovely video. thank you jonothan

[@jonathancraigguides]

Thank you. I'm pleased you enjoyed it. It is a lovely walk.

[@dealan-de8467]

I am from Germany and I visited the Lake District 3 years ago. For me it is one of the most beautiful landscapes I have ever seen. You are very blessed that you live there. The reason why I have subscribed to your channel is that you not just walk around, but also tell so many interesting things about the deeper meaning offen the landscape.

[@jonathancraigguides]

Thank you. You are right, I always feel blessed to live here. The point is that although the mountains have been here for many thousands of years, the landscape has also been shaped by the humans that made their living here. There is much history to tell. Thank you for subscribing.

[@dahenjo7633]

It's nice to see you back, Eric!

[@jonathancraigguides]

Thank you, it is nice to be back.

[@chinsewying7447]

I was looking for u So so nice to hear yr voice again

[@jonathancraigguides]

Thank you.

[@davesenior9577]

Glad to see you again

[@jonathancraigguides]

Thank you.

[@petermoody6147]

Yes, I have fished there twice. My father had a book on Lakeland tarns which had included that poem. Inspired, I only managed to catch small perch; to be expected given the overall sparse flooring of the tarn. They are surprisingly coarse-skinned compared to their counterparts in the main lakes. On the first visit my holiday was cut short due to a severely sprained ankle as I hurriedly and excitedly rushed to a quivering rod. My return trip was straight down by the gill, mostly by backside and using my rod as a crutch. I wasn't deterred, and have returned, in part because of the sense of serenity and self-isolation that I felt, tucked away securely from the outside world. You are quite correct, it can be very atmospheric. Despite the mishap, this place remains amongst my fondest memories.

[@jonathancraigguides]

Thank you. So no talking trout then. Actually, I'm not surprised. A good friend of mine has fished it on several occasions and only ever caught small perch. He's convinced that there are no longer any trout in the tarn. Evidently a study was done in about 2005 to determine whether the tarn would be suitable for a brooding stock of Vendace, which were in decline in Derwentwater. The result of the study was that there was a small population of perch, but no trace of brown trout was found, however, it was not deemed conclusive. A fisherman I was chatting to whilst up there in 2007 claimed that there was definitely a population of small brown trout as he claimed to have caught one on a previous visit. Personally, I'm not so sure.

[@ursamajor6546]

Well, what a fantastic surprise to see you back!!! And you look younger and slimmer too!! Cheers Eric!!

[@jonathancraigguides]

Thank you, although I'm not so sure about the slimmer and I'm certainly not younger -- if only!!

[@kevinevans2022]

This is wonderful how great to see you again, magic 👍

[@jonathancraigguides]

Thank you, it is good to be back on the fells with the camera.

[@julianbeesley5059]

Wow made my day to see you back 🙂😀

[@jonathancraigguides]

Thank you. It's good to be back.

[@ipaales7552]

Perfect....I wild camp all over the lakes some places inspired by your guides, brilliant to learn some of the history behind these fells, thankyou all the best stay safe 👍

[@jonathancraigguides]

Thank you. Long time since I last wild camped. The last time wasn't the best spot. We were on a beach and we when we got up the next morning the wind had piled a load of loose sand against the tent door. We had to dig our way out!

[@kriswalter560]

Welcome back! How I've missed your lovely walks. Really glad to see you ❤️

[@jonathancraigguides]

Thank you Kris. I'm really glad to see your comment. Hope you are well.

[@Muddipaws1308]

So glad to see you back. Great video

[@jonathancraigguides]

Thank you. I'm pleased you enjoyed it.

[@bikes-life-hikes]

The many times I have been to Caldbeck Common, I have never done this walk.. this is one I will 100% be doing.. thanks Eric.

[@jonathancraigguides]

Thank you. Only just down the road from Caldbeck Common. Spent a lovely afternoon there a couple of years ago. The wild ponies there are certainly inquisitive. I've often wondered if they are direct descendants of the ponies used for the treks up to Bowscale Tarn back in Victorian times. Seems logical that they are, since they are clearly used to human interraction.

[@bikes-life-hikes]

@@jonathancraigguides the wild ponies are great, every time I’m in the lakes we see them, I counted 12 of them in Aug, always get a video with them! Feed them the odd apple or two.

[@MrQuintonia]

Fantastic to see another great video from you, Eric, you are the best walker on youtube, and this video just made my day and I see I have another one to catch up on. Thank you so much and please, please keep them coming...

[@jonathancraigguides]

Thank you. I hope you enjoy the other one just as much.

[@mrlionrocks]

Camping at the tarn right this minute...Still no talking fish 😊

[@jonathancraigguides]

Love it. Hope you had a good night.

[@kacaikadaratoke4406]

Alam yg sangat indah mantap

[@jonathancraigguides]

Terima kasih

[@evelyngrammar]

Thank you. Very peaceful.

[@jonathancraigguides]

Thank you. It is a very peaceful and relaxing place. I could have sat there all day.

[@pure46]

Great to to have you back !! Missed you

[@jonathancraigguides]

Thank you. It is good to be back.

[@lissajacob9244]

So Very Happy to see you again!! You have made my day!!

[@jonathancraigguides]

Thank you. You've very kind.

[@SirPrancelot1]

Very enjoyable as always. Great to have you back, thank you!

[@jonathancraigguides]

Thank you. I'm pleased you enjoyed it. It was wonderful to get back out with my camera. I'd almost forgotten how to operate it.

[@Budgie-Boo]

Really like your videos, it’s great to see you back again, can’t wait for more

[@jonathancraigguides]

Thank you. More soon.

[@blapidarious780]

Yay you're back. 🙂 Will watch this with the wife tomorrow.

[@jonathancraigguides]

Thank you. I hope you both enjoy it.

[@bikes-life-hikes]

Wow!!!!! the man is back.. woop woop Eric

[@jonathancraigguides]

Thank you. I think my appearance has surprised quite a few folk.

[@jtmarch8203]

Thank you for your wonderful walks, it’s a joy to be able to follow in your footsteps, which we are trying our best to do this week (whilst avoiding some dramatic downpours! 💦). I think you’ll be part of every Lakes holiday we’ll ever go on again!

[@jonathancraigguides]

Thank you. Hope the weather is not spoiling your holiday too much. The golden rule here is if it is raining, head for the waterfalls. By Thursday thery should be really spectacular.

[@jtmarch8203]

@@jonathancraigguides thank you! Great tip 👍👍

[@andys1760]

Good to see you back. Once again a excellent video. More please

[@jonathancraigguides]

Thank you Andy. Fear not, all being well, I shall be shooting another next week.

[@frankfitzgerald5832]

Great to see you back out again Eric....really good video ....Regards Frank & Lee ..Lancashire Walks......

[@jonathancraigguides]

Thank you Frank. I actually did a walk in Lancashire a couple of weeks ago. Not very long, but a place that I think would merit a nice video. It featured a ruined chapel, viking graves and a secret garden. Both different to my normal routes, and very very enjoyable.

[@frankfitzgerald5832]

@@jonathancraigguides Sounds like Heysham Well i hope you do release it as a video Eric ..There are so many wonderful places in lancashire and i know myself and Lee try and show people that on our travels...Keep up the good work .. regards Frank & Lee..

[@happyclient1269]

Fab story and video. We were there last week. Thanks for posting. See you on the hills.

[@jonathancraigguides]

Thank you. I'm pleased you enjoyed it.

[@russellsprout2223]

Beautiful video, interesting, informative and engaging commentary. I sincerely hope you're in good health Eric, and look forward to watching your next masterpiece. Atb.

[@jonathancraigguides]

Thank you. I'm glad you enjoyed it. I'm in good health, although I've yet to find a cure for ageing!

[@russellsprout2223]

@@jonathancraigguides Ha! I'm awaiting my second knee op in as many years! Hurry up with that cure. Take care.

[@heinz-dieteroelmann9960]

happy to see you again - thanks for your guidance - I love to listen your stories... stay healthy... :=)))

[@jonathancraigguides]

Thank you. I'm pleased you enjoyed it. Healthy I can do, it is ageing that causes the problems.

[@davidkeel]

I thought I should join in with all of the comments Eric. I regularly watch four or five of your selected videos for therapy for my anxiety most days. Good to see you have made a new video. It's a good one. ! Thanks

[@jonathancraigguides]

Thank you David. I'm pleased to hear that watching my videos helps you. You'll be pleased to hear that more new ones are on the way over the coming months.

[@davidkeel]

@@jonathancraigguides That's great news. ! Thank you !

[@margerozum5010]

So good to see you back walking! I was wondering where you had gone to and glad to see your interesting videos

[@jonathancraigguides]

Thank you. I'm more than happy to be back on the hills with my camera. Walking the fells is always better than my most recent habitat, where I was to be found somewhere on the M6 or the M1 or in deepest Bedfordshire and other such places.

[@stepheneverett6131]

Loved that ,as all your videos Eric ,very informative and interesting,love the lakes ,keep it gannin Marra.👍

[@jonathancraigguides]

Thank you. I really enjoyed making it.

[@BantamGX]

Great to see you back Eric. No one does Lake District walks as good as you. Thank you for making my day! I hope there is more to come

[@jonathancraigguides]

Thank you. Fear not, there is more to come, in fact, if it wasn't pouring with rain I'd be out with my camera today.

[@BantamGX]

@@jonathancraigguides Any thoughts of a High Rigg, Ling Fell or a Binsey Walking Video some time down the line? I was gonna ask for a Bowscale but you beat me to it. I’ve gone on to walk all your videos so far except today’s Bowscale but that will be my next walk in early 2022. I really appreciate all your time and effort. Thank you Eric

[@jonathancraigguides]

@@BantamGX High Rigg has been on my list for some time, I've actually set out to shoot a video of it in 2019, only to be foiled by the weather, which did not turn out as forecast. From a video point of view I feel that a nice clear day is required, as the views are some of the finest in the Lakes, but despite being assured by the met office that a sunny day with little fluffy white clouds was in prospect, I ended up being unable to see the summit from about 200 yards away due to the mist and drizzle. I've thought about Binsey on several occasions, but again a really fine clear day would be required. Black Combe is another in that category. You can see the mountains of Mourne from both fells, but only on a really clear day. As for Ling Fell, well, let's just say that I have never had the urge to climb it more than twice. Sadly it is not a favourite of mine.

[@Charlottelucy1692]

I have been waiting so long for you to upload again! So happy to see you. Landed in the lakes again today and this video pops up in my notifications :) thank you

[@jonathancraigguides]

Thank you. I'm pleased that I have finally been able to end your wait. Hopefully, it won't be anything like as long before the next video appears.

[@susanberry7438]

Great to see you back. Love your walks a your cheery nature and knowledge of the area. Especially liked the waterfall in the langdales. Took my friend and I two attempts but got there in the end lol. And your so right no one there. I even took my shampoo 🤣 regards sue Berry

[@jonathancraigguides]

Thank you. So, the reports I heard about two young ladies washing their hair in waterfall are true! Whether you actually went in or not, I hope you both had a thoroughly enjoyable day.

[@stephenmorton9789]

You are back!

[@jonathancraigguides]

I am. Thank you for your welcome.

[@kennybrydges9084]

Hey Eric.. waiting with patience for your next top video.. ATB from Canada 🙏

[@jonathancraigguides]

Hi Kenny. I'll let yuou into a secret. I finished my latest video, then scrapped it because I was not at all happy with some aspects of it. It was slightly different to my previous work in that the main subject was not the walk, or the scenery, but the archeology of the region. However, fear not, as I shall be out with my camera next week. Take care. All the best, Eric.

[@kennybrydges9084]

Thanks for the update Eric 👍🙏🏼

[@rogerackroyd2150]

Great to be out walking with you again Eric, hope there will be more to follow, thanks for taking us along. Roger

[@jonathancraigguides]

Thank you Roger. Fear not, more are planned. Although, after all the fine weather, now I've charged up my camera the weather has turned. Absolutely tipping it down this morning.

[@tonym480]

Really happy to see you back Eric. Hope you and yours have been well. Best wishes from West Sussex. Tony

[@jonathancraigguides]

Thank you Tony. It is good to be back, and yes, we are all well. Hope you are too.

[@Josh-uk8mg]

Very pleased to see you making guides again 😄

[@jonathancraigguides]

Thank you Josh. I'm very pleased to be able to get out there and carry on doing it.

[@isme7590]

Hi, So nice to see your videos again. Hope your ears were burning in August 🙂 your name was mentioned several times as we were out walking in the Lake District on our annual holidays. Many times we have done your walks and they never disappoint. You are the best ❗️👍🌟

[@jonathancraigguides]

Thank you. Hope you had a totally fabulous holiday. Actually, my ears were burning one day in August - now I know the reason why.

[@MegaBaz12]

Great videos love watching them may have to do one of these walks one day

[@jonathancraigguides]

Thank you. I hope you enjoy the walks as much as the videos.

[@jonmapp6803]

Good to see you back out and about Eric, have really missed your videos, so like everyone else I was excited to watch. 👍

[@jonathancraigguides]

Thank you. It was an enjoyable video make. I too am looking forward to shooting my next one.

[@markbutler9076]

Good to see you out n about Eric,not seen you for a long time( Silver How walk 2016 !...i got you some gingerbread)...glad to see more additions to the channel too...crackin walks

[@jonathancraigguides]

Thank you Mark. is it 5 years since we did Silver Howe together? Gosh how times fly. Hope you are well, and keeping busy.

[@russellhomans2173]

I started to watch your videos during lockdown and was so pleased to see that you are out and about again. Made my day to see the notification of new content this morning.

[@jonathancraigguides]

Thank you. Quite a few people have told me that watching Lake District videos, (not just mine but from a range of producers) has really helped them through lockdown. I think people have found the sight of the scenic beauty very relaxing.

[@eddiecaisley5746]

Seems ages since we had one of your fascinating videos, good to have you back! Bowscale Tarn looks like a place I could spend some time relaxing after walking the fells or just have a walk to the Tarn and enjoy the peace and quiet! Cheers. Eddie.

[@jonathancraigguides]

Thank you Eddie. It has been quite a long time, just a little over 2 very eventful years in fact. As for visiting the tarn, well I can tell you from experience that it tops off a great day walking on the Northern Fells. The short walk to the tarn is ideal for a winter morning when the sky is blue, and the air is clear. A great place for a mug of hot soup for lunch on a cold day.

[@sorryofficer1]

Welcome back Eric and thanks for the upload. Still hoping to bump into you on the fells (or the pub) sometime. Keep ‘em coming.

[@jonathancraigguides]

Thank you Steve. Spent the rainy day today looking up the history for my next video, so if you are out and about next week, who knows.

[@sorryofficer1]

@@jonathancraigguides we are actually Eric. Going tomorrow (Saturday) for our wedding anniversary week, staying in Coniston. Got some walks lined up, weather permitting and hopefully climbing Skiddaw, Pillar and The Old Man.

[@jonathancraigguides]

@@sorryofficer1 Sounds like you've got a good week planned. Happy anniversary to you both.

[@ianleslie2079]

Welcome Back Eric. You've been sorely missed by many as you can see by the comments already. I thought I was seeing things when it popped up. Just the kind of boost people need after the ghastly Covid lockdowns. You've still got it mate 👍👍👍

[@jonathancraigguides]

Thank you Ian. Your support has always been much appreciated. Looking out of the window today I'm beginning to think that me getting back on the fells has affected the weather. I planned to do another one this weekend but with the rain teeming down all day all I've done is watch the footie.

[@ianleslie2079]

Hope it wasn't Newcastle Eric 😂 I'm hoping to get over this week. I havnt been for a month now. I did think about you funny enough on my last walks. I did Alcock tarn for the first time along with Fairfield again. Then the week after I got up to Kings How. What a view up there. We must meet up one day although I bet I'm in a long que of people who'd like to meet you. At least I've got your autograph 🙂👍

[@jonathancraigguides]

@@ianleslie2079 Fear not Ian, it wasn't Newcastle, although when I last saw them it was quite an entertaining game. Kings How is brilliant, as is Alcock Tarn, in fact, one of my favourite walks up Fairfield is to go up to the tarn from from Grasmere, then cut right across the fell past the wonderful Dockey Tarn, which some claim to be the smallest tarn in the lakes, to meet the main path up from Rydal just beyond Nab Scar. Then you take a left to walk to Fairfield, before dropping down to Grisedale Tarn and following the bridleway down to the Travellers Rest. A brilliant day out. As for a queue of folk wanting to meet me, well all I can say is that those who do are always disappointed - I'm much shorter than I look on screen!!

[@ianleslie2079]

@@jonathancraigguides 😂 I shared the video with a lady last night who has just been wild swimming in Bowscales tarn. I'd asked her if she had seen any of the big fish but she didn't believe me. She might not go swimming there again now 😂 that was the route I took to Fairfield but I came down by Stone Arthur as last time I was there I'd missed the cairn on the lower crags thinking it was higher up the fell. So really I only finished the Wainwrights a few weeks ago 👍

[@jonathancraigguides]

@@ianleslie2079 I hope everyone has told you that in order to truly complete the set, you also have to do the outlying fells. A few gems in that little book.

[@kennybrydges9084]

Nice one Eric... i never did that walk. ;-(

[@jonathancraigguides]

Thank you Kenny. You are not alone. I actually met a man in the car parking space who asked where I had been filming, and when I told him I'd been up to the tarn he said that he'd done Bowscale Fell that day, and several times previously, but had never actually been to the tarn. It is hidden from view when you are on the top of the fell.

[@cosmofoxgaming1268]

Great to see you back Eric! You’re looking well my friend. Thanks for the vid . Great facts and clear instructions as always. 👍🏻

[@jonathancraigguides]

Thank you. I am feeling good. I felt a fairly easy one would be a good idea. My knees agreed!

[@cosmofoxgaming1268]

@@jonathancraigguides it was a pleasure to walk with you! Keep well mate 👍🏻

[@neilcox7879]

Great to see you back again Eric. Sitting here on the south coast, NSW, Australia in lockdown just waiting for our time to get back to the Lakes District and do some of your fantastic walks.

[@jonathancraigguides]

Thank you Neil. With virtually all restrictions having been lifted here, it is easy for us in the UK to forget that in some parts of the world strict lockdowns are still in place. Hope you are keeping well and that things will get back to normal for you fairly soon. It will be good to welcome everyone back. I for one have missed the foreign visitors we get.

[@daverogerson7766]

Yay.....great to see one of your videos again Eric.....was beginning to wonder where you had disappeared to. Hope all has been well with you. Great film and loved the tale of the talking fish! Hopefully more to come?

[@jonathancraigguides]

Thank you Dave. All I can say is that the pandemic made me busy in many unexpected ways. Pleased you enjoyed the tale of the fish. I dream of doing a follow up where we get to interview one of them. Now that really would be a sensational video!

[@sarahhunton7275]

I was so excited to see your video! As always I loved it! A new place to explore now x

[@jonathancraigguides]

Thank you Sarah. I hope you enjoy visiting the tarn, and the fells and valley close by. It is a lovely area, and always so much more peaceful than the central lakes.

[@sarahhunton7275]

@@jonathancraigguides I certainly will. I will be back across in a couple of weeks so I will definitely plan that one in x

[@tabrizihussin4784]

Welcome back Sir... Was in Ambleside for a week in March 2020... Did a repeat of Loughrigg Fell from Waterhead right up to the peak stone (first did that in 2017 but end up somewhere at one of the lower peaks instead)... The view was amazing... Secretly hoping to stumble upon you somehow, shake your hand and say thank you for all your walk videos...

[@jonathancraigguides]

Thank you. Heading for the top of Loughrigg and ending up at another peak is quite common. Done that myself a couple of times in my younger days. I actually did walk Loughrigg at the start of March 2020, so you never know, it may have been on the same day. There were plenty of people around, and the weather was just perfect, with early spring sunshine and nice clear views.

[@Thebluedocful]

Welcome back!

[@jonathancraigguides]

Thank you. It is nice to be back.

[@ashleyjarnold]

Eric, just brilliant to see you out in the fells again and making videos. We always love your stories and history but we've never heard of a talking fish! Hopefully you'll be able to make more like this and inspire many of us to stay healthy and continue to enjoy the Lake District. Regards, Ashley and Andrea.

[@jonathancraigguides]

Thank you Ashley. Staying healthy is top priority in this day and age. I always feel that getting out is good for both body and mind, although I'm not quite sure where believing in talking fish fits into the mental health part of that. The strange thing is that it is only 150 years ago since perfectly well educated people really did believe in these things. Hundreds of well to do Victorian men and ladies went to Bowscale in the genuine hope of seeing them.

[@gberish602]

Hi Eric, so many have commented already but I'd like to add my voice to theirs. Great to see you back on camera and I hope this is the first of many. Hope also to bump into you one day for a good natter. Kind Regards Graham

[@jonathancraigguides]

Thank you. I'm pleased to be back, and also slighly overwhelmed at the warmth of the welcome my video has received. Rest assured every message has been greatly appreciated. As for having a natter on the fells, well fear not, nattering to other fell walkers is something I both enjoy, and seem to be very good at.

[@gberish602]

Back in the 90s I started a Berkshire based walking club called Stride (Start To Ramble Its Downright Enjoyable), aimed at the 35 - 45 age range. Most of the original members are still with us but correspondingly older. Gone are the 17 mile day walks, 10 is now the preferred. Knees are often mentioned when descending, conversations tend to pause when ascending, and so we very much appreciate your videos showing similarly stunning scenery for less altitude. We also note that in Cumbria as well as Berkshire you don’t have to go far from the beaten track to escape the masses.

[@jonathancraigguides]

​@@gberish602 I love the name of your group. It is very fitting. As for knees crunching, ascending without being able to speak and shorter walks, I can totally relate to all that. I also admit to becoming a bit more fussy about the weather nowadays. If I am going to expend all that effort then I want to see the views, not a shroud of mist! I still enjoy the idea of a long walk, or going onto the high fells, but more time needs to be allowed nowadays. Having said that, at my last health MOT my doctor commented that walking was keeping me both healthy and sane. It is good for the body, and also for the mind. Sounds to me as though you are having the same experiences, but in a different part of the country.

[@Path2Peak]

Soo glad to see you back out making videos,

[@jonathancraigguides]

Thank you. It was great being back out with my camera. I've really missed it during the pandemic.

[@Path2Peak]

@@jonathancraigguides yeah I think we were all bit worried when you just stopped posting, tough times atm. But looking forward to many more of your adventures.

[@larkinabout1432]

Great video , this was my first ever wild camp 🏕 it will always be a special place to me ❤

[@jonathancraigguides]

Thank you. A good place to wild camp I think. It has atmosphere.

[@christinejones2205]

Good to see you back! Loved the video and local history. Hope you are well.

[@jonathancraigguides]

Yes, I'm very well at the moment thank you. Pleased you enjoyed the video, it was good to get back out there, even if the tripod feels a little heavier nowadays.

[@cairnscrow8713]

Great to see you back Sir. Lovely, relaxed, informative vid/vlog as usual.

[@jonathancraigguides]

Thank you. I'm glad you like it. Bowscales has a lovely relaxing atmosphere.

[@whitecamel]

I thought I was seeing things when I got the notification about this but no, it was real. I've never clicked a link so fast, it felt like normal service is resumed! As ever, a great video Eric and thanks for letting us join you on your walk. Looking forward to seeing a few more of these.

[@jonathancraigguides]

Thank you. I'm pleased you enjoyed it. It is lovely to be back, even if the knees are a bit creakier!

[@Quaker521]

Great to see out and about again Eric. Great video and informative too. Must be over twenty years since I last tramped around Bowscale and Mosedale. I must go back some time as I remember it as a nice quiet area? Cheers.

[@jonathancraigguides]

Thank you. I find that with the exception of Blencathra the Northern Fells are usually quiet when compared areas such as the Langdale Valley, Grasmere or the fells around Derwentwater. What I also find fascinating is that it hasn't always been that way. Evidently the pony treks up to Bowscale were very popular in Victorian times, despite the fact that getting there was not easy, unlike today when the starting point for the walk is less than half an hour by car from the M6.

[@plumjam]

Good to see you back :)

[@jonathancraigguides]

Thank you, it is good to be back.

[@christopherevans1300]

Lovely to see you back Eric! I’ve been watching your collection of excellent vlogs for some months now in preparation for my first visit to Lakeland in October. Many thanks and looking forward to walking in your footsteps.

[@jonathancraigguides]

Thank you. I hope that when you finally arrive the weather is better than today! Having said that, the rain does top up the lakes, and also makes the waterfalls more spectacular. Whatever the clouds have in store, I hope you have a wonderful time.

[@jonathancraigguides]

@@christopherevans1300 If the light is right you should get some cracking shots. Now it has turned cold the leaves should be nicely on the turn. If you are in Keswick then the Railway footpath from Keswick to Threlkeld should also provide some nice photographic opportunities.

[@alanglasgowbassist]

So very glad to see you back again with another wonderful video Eric. I had a big smile when I seen you had published a new video. And what a great video it was. Very interesting. I never knew about the talking fish! Take care and hope this is the first of more to come.

[@jonathancraigguides]

Thank you. I've always loved the story of the talking fish. First learned about it in school long before I ever set foot in the Lake District. We were studying Wordsworth and the teacher showed us a picture of the tarn that she had taken on her holidays the previous year. I was more interested in the tarn and the fish than the poet I was supposed to be learning about.

[@tomdauben]

Great to see you back. We discovered your videos during lockdown, and they’ve been a very welcome comfort and escape in the everyday, as well as educational, and have helped inspire two trips to. The Lakes. Thanks for all the effort you put in to making them!

[@jonathancraigguides]

Thank you. I hope you thoroughly enjoyed your visits to this very special area, and that you are able to enjoy many more.

[@nicolabolton3185]

Lovely to see you’re back out and about! Hope you’re keeping well! Nic (we met last year at school knott)😊

[@jonathancraigguides]

Thank you. Yes, I remember meeting you. I can still be found occasionally wandering over by the tarn. I'm well, thank you, and looking forward to getting onto those hills a bit more.

[@AlanMETALMAN]

Nice to see you back out again Eric and posting videos again as well. Nice relaxing walk out and as always, great local knowledge and history to boot too, cheers Alan

[@jonathancraigguides]

Thank you Alan. Been a long time, as you say, but one thing that has kept me going has been watching yours. It is a lovely little walk, but always been one of my favourites. Handy for a quick, last jaunt up the fellside before a car journey home.

[@judemoulsher5808]

Love, love, love your videos. Thank you so much for all your input. Really appreciate them all. Have you published a walking book with maps/directions ect of your walks? The Lake District is my favourite place to go. I love walking there. Don't know anywhere as beautiful and compact. If you have done a walking book please can you give me the details. Xxx

[@jonathancraigguides]

Thank you. I fully agree with your comments regarding the beauty of the Lake District. As for a walking book featuring the routes in my videos, you will be pleased to hear that I am currently working on a book of all my videos, featuring details of the walks and the route taken. It is scheduled to be available until next summer.

[@judemoulsher5808]

@@jonathancraigguides that is excellent news. 👌 can't wait to get one. Definitely looking forward to that as I'm sure so many others will be. Your videos are superb quality and so is the content so I know your book will follow suit and be used for many many years to come. Hope everything goes according to plan xxx

[@jonathancraigguides]

@@judemoulsher5808 Many thanks.

[@georgehardy3524]

Brilliant to see a new film from you Eric! When I visited Bowscale Tarn last summer I took option 3 up the steep path to the summit and on to Bannerdale Crags, its such a lovely spot. Hope to see more videos from you in future.

[@jonathancraigguides]

Thank you George. I last did that route in October 2018. Saw just two people on the entire walk, one of whom was coming from Bannerdale Crags and heading for the Tarn. The other was a young chap on a bike!

[@stuartNeil-pk7lv]

Hope you are well Eric, not been any new videos posted. I am trying to complete my third circuit of the Wainwrights, but your posts show me some nice routes when I fancy a down day, and still long enough that Merlin my border collie gets a good workout

[@jonathancraigguides]

I am well, thank you, and a new video or two in the pipeline. I tend to take longer making them nowadays. . Giving your border collie a good work out is important. Where do they get their energy from?!!!

[@stuartNeil-pk7lv]

I have probably been theit 30 times, and I have never ever seen another person. Set off around 8, you will have all of the summits all to yourself

[@jonathancraigguides]

Thank you. Actually, I got an early start one fine autumn day in the nineties, so early in fact that I disturbed a couple of late rising wild campers up by the cairn near to Bannerdale Crags. By then I'd already been up to the tarn and onto the top of the fell. They reckoned they'd had a 'heavy night', whatever that meant. They were only teenagers by the look of it, and I'm not sure that my advice to get their gear packed up and off the fell as heavy rain was forecast was heeded.

[@stuartNeil-pk7lv]

I'm sorry. I lived in the lakes for many and Wordsworth was treated like some pioneer. His poems are bollox!!!