Mountain Ringlet posing with wings open
The time had come.......a few years ago I set myself a target to see 400 species of bird & photograph all 58 butterflies species of Great Britain. Having passed 400 birds over twelve months ago I had to write off the reported Red-necked Stint in north east and stick to the plan of seeing the final two butterflies. I've learned with butterflies, take your chances when you have them and (given very changeable weather in Lake District) Sunday was just an opportunity that had to be taken.
Mrs D joined me as we have some happy memories in the lakes, I'm not quite sure she knew it would require a full fours hours to get to Irton Fell (instructions below). It wasn't an easy journey either, diversions & restriction speed areas made it frustrating but on the plus side the weather in Cumbria was better than anywhere else in the country.
Safely parked in the old quarry car park we headed sharply uphill on to the fell. On entering the fell you have instant views of the amazing Wasdale valley. The lake view was voted by ITV viewers as the best in Britain. Wastwater Lake is Britains deepest lake at 258 metres deep and is over looked by Englands highest mountain Scarfell Pike, 3210 feet.
Thankfully Irton Fell is a mere 751 feet and is well known as part of Wainwrights walks. The Mountain Ringlet is our only true mountain species and can only be found on mountains above 250 metres. Colonies are almost exclusively found where the underlying geology is Borrowdale volcanic rock and in a relatively narrow band of latitude from Wasdale in the west to Mardale (Haweswater) in the east. The species are well known difficult to locate on the fells as need the right location and the weather must be both reasonably warm (15 degrees minimum) AND sunny for adults to fly. Whilst there was a bit of cloud, wind speed was light and it was 16 degress and getting warmer.
We were scanning hard for anything that was small chocolate brown coloured butterfly flying purposefully low above the vegetation. To start with we only saw Small Heath & plenty too and then the sun went in so I stepped in the tussocks and out popped our first Mountain Ringlet which flew a short distance before landing again. As the sun reappeared the Mountain Ringlets rose from the vegitation and we had them all around us, I didn't know which one to follow. Thankfully a few of them allowed some opportunity for photos. The sun light seemed to be a huge factor in when you could see them easily. The further we went up the fell more appeared. It was a genuine treat. We had timed our visit to perfection. Thanks to everyone who kindly offered directions & advice.
Directions to find Mountain Ringlet
To reach the Mountain Ringlet target the old quarry car park (Grid reference NY122013). The Bridge Inn at Santon Bridge is nearest land mark in google maps, then head towards Eskdale Green up a long winding hill the car park is on left.
Old Quarry Car Park
From car park head down hill and look for this gap on left hand side. Go through & advance up track.Follow this small track through ferns for around 150 metres where it joins a wide track. The last step is steep so be careful.The above photo shows where the paths meet. Turn right and progress up the steep wide path.You will reach this fork after 800 metres, great views on right, its steep and you will be blowing! Take right fork and walk another 400 metres to the fell.
Climb the stile and head straight on. After initially rising you will drop again and pass over a track running the opposite way, muddy & worn. The Mountain Ringlet are seen from this area going forward. If you keep with 50 metres of right hand fence you are in the prime areas.
I was informed there is a second colony that emerge a week later, keep going up hill and take gate and stick to path to open grassed area. Good Luck.....
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