It's been so awkward finding consistently good conditions to see Scotch Argus and manage it is a day we decided to book a few nights away and take a couple of days over it.
28th July
We drove up on the 28th, a five hour drive and began with Arnside Knott.
We found a few near the tops, mostly hidden in the grass. This site has ticks and I picked up a great deal, them presumably being attracted to my pale trousers that might be mistaken for a sheep. With trousers tucked into socks, most were on the outside of my clothing. Chris got rather less.
Scotch Argus
Grayling
Painted Lady
Gatekeeper
Common Blue
A lot of difficult views of the Scotch Argus were had
Harebells
A dull, cool start, most welcome when the forecast was for temperatures of 35 degrees at home. We walked along the Lune where the water has formed interesting formations in the rock. Our primary objective was to find a Dipper, and we finally succeeded.
River Lune
Poetry for the landscape
Dipper sighting achieved, next on to Smardale Gill
This was a very easy site as the path is well maintained and takes walkers over the viaduct. Once there was a little sun we got better views.
Scotch Argus
Hummingbird Hawk Moth
Green-veined White on Scabious
Scotch Argus
Smardale Gill Viaduct
30th July
As the walk was quite short we went back to Smardale before heading south.
Speckled Wood
Scotch Argus
Scotch Argus
Meadow Brown
Red Admiral
