Blogs from Lake District, Cumbria, England, United Kingdom, Europe - page 9

Wetherlam may not be one of the heavy hitters in the Lakes District but its a worthwhile peak nonetheless offering quality views of the central fells and a couple of ridges to liven things up a bit. I added Swirl How and Great Carrs to the route to give a decent day out. My route started from the Low Tilberthwaite car park which offers the rare advantage of being free. The ability to glow in the joy of a free car park was soon displaced by a strong and chilling wind. The blue (ish) skies offered the hope of warmth only to be well and truly beaten by the wind which felt as if it had come straight off a glacier. Fleece and hat on and off up the path which ascends to the left ... read more

Patterdale isn't quite the Lake District mecca in the same way as the Lake Windermere towns or Keswick but it does pack a punch with some decent mountains and is a worthy addition to any Lake District trip. Arguably one of the most famous routes up Helvellyn via Striding edge starts from nearby Glenridding, and the proximity of Ullswater makes it all rather splendid. On a decent February day I would noramlly be drawn towards Helvellyn (finishing off with St Sunday Crag), but I decided to give Place Fell a try for a bit of exploration in area I've never vsisited before and the temptation of the views to the bigger peaks seemed like an ideal compromise. The car park in Patterdale (opposite the Patterdale Hotel - big white building) charges £3 for all day, but ... read more

Today has been spent with my boyfriend and my family. We have been to Holker Hall Christmas Market and are now having roast dinner at my sister's. Her partner Rob and my nephew are here and my dad is on his way also my mum has just phoned from her holiday in Cyprus. I am just beginning to realise how much I am going to miss everyone. We still have loads to do and we have not packed yet but we don’t care family is more important. I am very surprised at how calm I actually am. When I get home I will probably be up all night sorting things out and will have wished I had started a lot sooner but hey ho! We are both very excited and that’s just about flying on Emirates ... read more

Returned from a week in the Lake District at Dale End Farm again with extended family on Leigh's side. Stanley and Nina and Sallie and Avi didn't come because of personal reasons and the troubles in Israel with Lebanon. Dale End residents consisted of Leigh and me, Judy and new partner Brian, Leslie, Varda and Doron who hosted this year, Judy's son Ian and girlfriend Clare, other son Alan and Dori our labradoodle. Ruth and Paul Brass were staying in a hotel in Grasmere and John Clark, new partner Alison and 6 year old daughter Sam plus John's sister Linda and husband Ian were staying at Lea Cottage down the road which is brand new and very nice inside. Leslie, Varda and I did a short walk the first evening, but then we all did a ... read more

Slept in this morning to try and catch up on lost sleep. Looks like it’s been a busy day for the U.S. and England. I can only imagine the many ways the recent news will impact my vacation. I’m determined to not let it personally alter any of my plans or expectations. Only time will tell. Lei and I headed to the Lake District for the afternoon. We spent the majority of our time walking around the banks of Lake Windermere. Although the weather was overcast, the clouds eventually cleared the way for the sun to show itself for most of the day. The towns of Windermere and Bowness lie on the east banks of the lake. I really enjoyed the peacefulness of the entire area. The scenery surrounding the lake was very beautiful with the ... read more