45th: Foulshaw Moss – Cumbria

This is one of those times where I’m going to have to start with an apology, because my skill with words just isn’t enough to describe the beauty of this place. The fact that we arrived just as the sun was rising over the horizon, heralding the start of one of those beautifully clear, crisp cold, winter’s days that are so special, certainly helped. As did the fact the temperature was -2 degrees, meaning that the ground and all the vegetation were covered in twinkling frost.

All of that helped, but I believe it was the atmosphere of the place itself, that formed the core of the jaw dropping beauty we experienced.

Foulshaw Moss is a lowland raised mire that is a mixture of pools, mossy hummocks and trees. It was all very still, calm and quiet when we were there. As we walked around the boardwalks there were references to the pair of nesting ospreys that have made this place their home, during their breeding season.

They were long gone however, and the hints that this place may be crowded with many eager people , hoping to catch a glimpse of these fantastic birds only added to the special atmosphere of the place. Especially as we may very well be among those keen wildlife spotters next year!

All in all, we are eternally grateful for the decision to get up at around 5am to make the drive to this exceptionally special place. As you may have noticed, we were very impressed!