At the time, Little Asby Common was certainly the most expansive nature reserve for which I had been asked to create a tour. I realised that a single aerial overview from a central position would leave most of the points of interest as distant points around the horizon, so calculated that three linked overviews would be the best solution. This makes the tour more complicated to navigate, so had required more discussion with Friends of the Lake District and a degree of trial and error before settling on the final layout. As I have said before, the tours are ideal to be explored in whatever order the digital visitor wishes, so if it takes a little time to get one’s bearings and plan one’s route, I would argue it is not that different from the experience on the ground. I know I checked and double-checked my maps enough times during my visits!
I knew a little about the area, having visited once before to see the Tree:fold sculpture and Sunbiggin Tarn, but felt very rewarded by my trek around the common. Much of it is a remote and windswept landscape, and yet full of geological, historical and natural points of interest.
Virtual tours are an excellent way of exploring and interacting with the landscapes owned by the Friends of the Lake District. This can prepare you for visiting in person or replace the experience if it is not possible for you to visit. I get tremendous enjoyment from putting these tours together.