BARK
HOUSE MOUNTAIN BASE
ASHNESS BRIDGE, KESWICK, CUMBRIA
During
the 1970's and 1980's 'Bark House' was a regular haunt
for Rufford Scouts. It is a stone built mountain base
fitted with bunks (to sleep 12), an open log fire and
a gas cooker.
We
would arrive on a Friday Night and leave on a Sunday
afternoon having usually spent a morning in Keswick,
boated on Derwent Water and hiked up Skiddaw or
Cats Bells.
We
would also try and fit in a hike to Watendlath and
back giving us a chance to cool our feet in the
mountain stream (extremely cold) when we arrived
back at base.
This
gave the scouts an opportunity to brush up on their map
& compass work, cooking, fire-lighting and safety
in the mountains techniques. It was always an enjoyable
weekend and well worth the organisation that was necessary.
