Nether Wasdale and Wast Water

From Buttermere we took the longer than expected drive to Nether Wasdale near Wast Water. This is a part of the lakes district that we had not visited before, being further west than we had gone last year, we even got glimpses of the sea on our drive. We were welcomed into the village of Nether Wasdale by a herd of sheep, making their way on the main road in the opposite direction. We had to just sit in the car until they swarmed around and past us, a humorous event. We parked the car at the Screes in and started on another walk. It wasn't long until we again encountered sheep and helped a local farmer by opening a gate as his border call and he (on a quad) herded them into a pasture. A little father down the lane the farmer passed us again with another herd of sheep heading to yet another pasture (we saw a lot of sheep on this trip and particularly on this walk). We made our way though more fields, full of sheep, to a small river. We followed the river through woods to Wast Water. This view of Wast Water has been voted the most beautiful view in England. It was certainly quite lovely but it was the variety of views on this walk that made it a favourite: views of the lakes, of pastures of fells and fields, tree lined tractor paths and grassy stone bridge all made up part of the scenery. It was a very satisfying walk. We made our way back to the car and headed back through Hardknott and Wrynose passes (one of the most terrifying experiences in my life as we had to climb a 30% grade comprised of mostly hairpin turns on a road one lane wide with two way traffic). Somehow we survived the passes and made our way to Coniston where we stopped for some postcards before heading North again.