Sizergh Hike

We finally had a day with decent weather so we could have a 3 generation support bubble hike to Sizergh Castle. It's the best way to safely spend time with my mum until things improve. Our walk started on the Old Lancaster Canal along the old tow path and underneath the relict bridges:

After a steep descent from the canal we reached the river Kent. Sherlock sniffed out a painted rock and then led us across Wilson Bridge:

It was far too tempting not to make use of my son as camera man and film my daily whistle dance on the bridge. An interesting experience as the gets quite wobbly when you move around on it...

@lakessinglemum

##whistledance 131 on Wilson Bridge, ##sedgwick and yes it wobbled! ##cumbria ##danceoutside ##mumsoftiktok ##over50 ##wendyswarriors

♬ Whistle Dance - Nguyễn Quốc ✅

When we reached the other side Sherlock wasn't very interested in the beautiful snowdrops or the ruins of the old Gunpowder Mill:

@lakessinglemum

Old Gunpowder Mills at ##Sedgwick ##cumbria ##history ##gunpowder

♬ original sound - Becky Willoughby

We were trying to find our way to the Sizergh Farm Trail which connects the woodlands to the farm. A slight bit of off course wandering and we finally found what we were looking for:

The trail is very popular with local families and we had last walked it when my children were little. It has a focus on fairies to keep the little ones interested. Part way round is a lovely woodland with a pond where the fairies live:

As we had joined the trail half way round (and backwards) all the signs were in other direction. By the time we reached the start of the trail (at Low Sizergh Farm) Sherlock was definitely telling us it was time for a lunch stop:

Fully refuelled at the cafe we nipped across the A590 to get into the back of Sizergh Castle. The good thing about lockdown is that it is easier than normal to get over the bypass:

The footpath took as alongside the castle gardens and past another wood full of spring flowers. We also got a peek at the castle:

Our aim was to reach the Wild Play area which we hadn't been to for a few years. In fact my mum had never been so it was a bit of an adventure. Luckily the obstacles aren't compulsory but we all had a go at a few of them. Including Sherlock taking the leap:

Some of the wooden challenges have been replaced over the years but many are still the originals. A good test of our balancing skills. Obviously the teen was the best at all of them:

@lakessinglemum

Bit of log balancing at the Wild Play at @national.trust Sizergh Castle ##kendal ##cumbria

♬ Ang Pinagmulan - IV Of Spades

The route is cunningly laid out so that it sweeps through the woodland and keeps you entertained as you go:

@lakessinglemum

I got braver! This was over a pit... @national.trust Sizergh Castle Wild Play

♬ Boulevard Of Broken Dreams (Acoustic) - Joker x Green Day

The highlight is definitely the rope swing. Even I had a couple of goes on it:

@lakessinglemum

##mumdance 20 and couldn’t resist ##wreckingball at Sizergh Castle ##danceoutside ##mumsoftiktok ##over50 ##sizergh @national.trust

♬ Wrecking Ball(fast ver.) - Miley Cyrus

Then we had to escape back into the castle grounds and head across the fields. There was a stile for the grown ups!

@lakessinglemum

How to tire out your dog! Teen vs Bichon ##dog ##bichonfrise

♬ Boulevard Of Broken Dreams (Acoustic) - Joker x Green Day

This lovely little path had a tree with a dog's face. It has snowdrops and soon it will have bluebells and then wild garlic:

By this time Sherlock had gone on strike so I had to carry him to the top of the hill! He didn't appreciate the views across the Lyth Valley from the Chapel of Ease, St John's Helsington:

He was very happy that we stopped for all four of us to have a snack and a drink on this lovely bench:

We then headed back towards Kendal over the fields. It seems like a long walk on tired legs! Luckily the views were distracting for the adults any way:

The town never seemed to get that much closer! We also got a bit confused as the pathways are not very clear and there were very few signposts across the fields. Seeing stiles helped us to realise we were on the right track though:

We knew we were close to the end of our walk when once again reached the bypass. At least here we had an underpass to cross it. Going the other way the signs were more obvious:

 In total we walked 14 km which was a good effort for Sherlock!