Trekking in the Stilluptal

It's early in the day, and we have already trekked down from the Grüne Wand mountain hütte at the head of this valley - the pathway travelled can be seen meandering off into the far distance. The Stilluptal is a beautiful 'U' shaped valley that was once home to a mighty glacier which has now split into three, two parts can still be seen on the mountain top, the third is hidden by crags. On the walk through the valley we counted 25 waterfalls cascading down its rocky sides, and our attention was continually captured by the abundance of alpine flowers

How lucky were we to have it all to ourselves apart from busy bees, butterflies, insects, and the inevitable cows. As well as enjoying the magnificient scenery I was in botany heaven. The Stillup Valley is privately owned by 15 local Mayrhofen families, and entry is allowed only with permission. 

The peace and silence only broken by the screech of a bird of prey patrolling the skies, distant waterfalls crashing down from on high, and in the meadows the pleasing dulcet tones of cow bells chiming in harmony

Years ago the farmers would travel up to these high alpine meadows with their cattle and stay from early summer until September. Today with the advent of their own power for milking the cows and 4WD vehicles it is not now necessary for them to remain in these high pastures for weeks on end.

This chalet is over 400 years old, and although no longer used as a residence it still provides shelter, and a place in which to work from and stay if necessary

It is these grazing traditions that have given the Alps their distinctive appearance of large flower strewn meadows that would originally have been covered in forest

Finally after several hours the end of the valley comes within sight terminating

 at a reservoir filled with turquoise glacial waters. This is the main source of hydro electric power for the whole of the Zillertal Valley. 

Time to enjoy our well earned ham and cheese rolls

and absorb our beautiful surroundings

The English Lake District

I really appreciated all of your thoughtful comments on the previous post  - thank you. 

There is no turning the clock back. Now is the time for those of us living here to join together and help our country move forward 

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  Cumbria, as she always does, worked her special magic on us - a green haven of beauty, peace and tranquility.

Nineteen freshwater lakes sparkle like strings of diamonds, some fringed by ancient deciduous trees, others wild moorland, or stonewalled fields cropped by sheep. A backdrop of gentle rolling hills and mountains whose azure shades change minute by minute throughout the day
Evening

The merry sounds of gurgling waters flowing over stones, chasing along becks and down waterfalls as it makes the journey from the mountain tops to the lakes

The weather can be fickle, but it is that very mercurial nature which makes it what it is - a verdant, lush beautiful landscape. A place beloved over the centuries by poets, painters, locals and visitors alike

close encounters

 Rhododendrons and Azaleas love the rich peaty ericaceous soil as does the pretty Meconopsis

The Himalayan blue poppy - not a true poppy - originates from the lush mountainous regions of south eastern Tibet and requires a damp sheltered position in order to perform and thrive happily

2 images courtesy hotel website
We stayed at this wonderful Victorian hotel the 'Lodore' overlooking Derwent Water. It serves magnificent food in splendid suroundings, gives courteous service, and

has the Lodore Falls within its grounds - the falls were eulogised by poets. They were also a great visitor attraction to guests at the hotel during the Victorian era

...dashing and flashing and splashing and clashing;
And so never ending, but always descending,
Sounds and motions forever and ever are blending
All at once and all o'er, with a mighty uproar,
And this way the water comes down at Lodore.
Robert Southey 1774 - 1843

As we watched the evening sun on the last evening sink behind the mountains, we decide we must return again soon