inspired by damson blossom

Just twenty minutes and there we were, in another world. Crossthwaite village, in the Lythe Valley, surrounded by green fields and old stone walls. We went to see the damson blossom again and we weren't disappointed. The knarled, weather-beaten trees and frothy milk-white blossom have a fairy-tale quality.

Lythe Valley damsons used to be well known in the area and Kendal had its own damson market. These small fruits were also used as a dye in the Yorkshire woolen industry.

In recent years there has been a revival of interest in these old orchards and many have been replanted. Crossthwaite will be celebrating their annual Damson Day next Saturday. We hope the sun shines for them.