Surrounded by mountains, Patterdale valley get's more than it's fair share of rain (almost double that of Penrith just 12 miles away). As can be seen from the rainfall records, it is 'normal' for us to get 2.5m to 3.0m of rain a year (that's almost 10ft). However, in recent years we have had some exceptional and sustained downpours in a short period. For example, in January 2009, almost 150mm (6") fell in 36 hours and fell onto ground that was frozen solid after 10 days of sub-zero temperatures. The water ran straight off the fells and overwhelmed the gills and becks, causing flooding. Then again in November 2009, the torrential rain that fell on Cumbria caused severe flooding in this valley.
Here are some of the amazing pictures and a video taken by villagers during those periods of flooding.
November 2009
Hartsop Road End - Photo by Sarah Brockbank
Ullswater Steamers Pier House - Photo by Paul Neate
A Tractor was the best way of getting around - Photo by Paul Neate
The Bridge over the Goldrill at Beckstones - Photo by the Smiths
Glenridding Bridge - Photo by Paul Neate
The Beck in Flood below Glenridding Bridge - Photo by Paul Neate
Glenridding Beck in full flow - Photo by Paul Neate
Ulswater Steamers Car Park - Photo by Paul Neate
Goldrill Beck - View Upstream from Goldrill Bridge - Photo by Neil Sullivan
Goldrill Beck in Flood near Beckstones - Photo by the Smiths
Goldrill Beck in Flood past Patterdale School - Photo by Neil Sullivan
The Road from Glenridding to Glencoyne - Photo by Paul Neate
Looking down Goldrill Beck towards Ullswater - Photo by Neil Sullivan
The Road from Glenridding to Patterdale - Photo by Paul Neate
Hartsop Road End - Photo by Liz Clarke
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