My next step was to visit High Nook Farm to see how it may have looked back in Wainwright ’ s day . I contacted a friend Roger Hiley , who lives in a lovely old cottage near the centre of the village close to the farm . I explained to Roger about my research , and he kindly agreed to walk with me and share his local knowledge . He also brought along his two lovely Golden Retrievers , Dylan and Dougal .
Roger and I set off for the farm in the early afternoon on a mild but windy day . As we walked , I was mesmerised by the beautiful scenery around me . No wonder Wainwright chose Loweswater as a base for his work . We soon approached the rough track by the beck that led up to the old farm where the late great fellwanderer once stayed . Back then , you weren ’ t required to book a room in advance . Weary travellers could simply knock on the door and be given a room in the main house .
Carling Knott is the closest fell to High Nook , and surprisingly not a Wainwright .
However , it was considered for inclusion in Wainwright ’ s original notebook . Holme Wood is at the base of Carling Knott and has much history . It was replanted in the 1950s and designed in the shape of a pheasant by the Queen ’ s former Balmoral forester , Johnston Edwards MBE . The bird ’ s eye is comprised of larches . In autumn , the yellow leaves stand out against the green of the many other species of trees .
From High Nook , we headed north to the lake of Loweswater via Watergate Farm and then east to Crummock Water before returning to the cottage . Roger explained that until recently , the water from Crummock and Ennerdale was used to feed the local towns . However , due to the growing population in West Cumbria , Ennerdale Water was running low , endangering many rare and protected species , so the water is now piped in from Thirlmere .
While preparing to leave Loweswater , I re�lected on my visit and wondered what Wainwright might have been thinking as
The approach to High Nook
10 outdoor focus / autumn 2023