We are planning a visit to Buttermere in June from the USA. We love the walks we have taken in the past: around Buttermere and Crummock, Red Pike, Haystacks, etc. Any possibility of things opening up? Have there been any cases of FMD in Buttermere, Cockermouth?

Anna

Welcome to Keswick's on-line forum.

There have indeed been cases of FMD in Cockermouth (3), but that is quite a way from Buttermere. The cases there were jumped on very quickly by the authorities and with luck have been contained.

June is quite a way off and a lot can happen between now and then - like this virus can go away! It does not survive in warm weather, so a lot of us are hoping for those warm sunny days which we so often get in late Spring.

At the moment the lake District seems to be covered in daffodils! The scenery is wonderful today - we have been having brilliant sunshine interrupted by light snow showers.

What part of the US are you coming from?

Kelvyn
http://www.jenkinhill.co.uk

I'm from Savannah, Georgia. My mother grew up in Distington, my grandmother in Arlecdon and my grandfater in Pica. I truly love the lakes and Cumbria and I'm doing my best to infect my three boys. My husband (a native to Georgia) was hooked the first time I got him to the Lake District (1988). We are really saddened about the situation there. We are bringing friends this time so I'm hoping the FMD will clear up . . . soon!

Sorry - but the latest case just announced today (thursday) is in Lorton - between Cockermouth and Buttermere, about 10 miles away from Buttermere.

Anna

So the draw of the Lakes is inherited from your mother.

Yes, it is very easy to get hooked on the Lake District scenery. Millions have done just that over the years. I found it easy to 'infect' children with a love of the area. Playing in mountain streams, clambering over rocks, swimming and boating........

The foot and mouth situation is certainly serious, but the truth has been grossly distorted by the World media in search of sensationalism. It is very difficult to know what the situation will be like in a month's time.

As Julian mentioned, there has been a new case at Lorton. This one is at Armaside Farm, which is fairly close to Strawberry How, the last previously infected farm in the Cockermouth area. We all hope that it will be the last case.

Kelvyn
http://www.jenkinhill.co.uk