The Lake District

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Geo: 54.2536, -2.63181

Well my extended departure from Durham, led to me being able to get one more full daytrip with Joe. We headed out to the Lake district in North West England, roughly 2 hours drive. The Lake district is kinda like a miniature and slightly different version of the beauty of Scotland. It was a different kind of impressive, more condensed and well "pretty" i suppose, than its Scotish equivalent. There are much more lakes around (hence the name) and its a much smaller, and more lush environment than Scotland.
We set off around about 9.30 in the AM, our first stop being Castlerigg Stone Circle. This ancient circle was eeriely facinating, much in the same manner as Stonehenge. Its believed this circle of 30x1-2m stones, dates as far back as around 3000BC or even earlier.
Next up we drove to the central lakedistrict town of Keswick. Once again I was stoked, because although it had rained on the way in, the weather had totally cleared up, revealing mostly blue skies. We stayed here for a few hours, exploring the town and nearby lake.
Next we drove south towards Grasmere and Rydal Waters. Here we stopped and explored some more, taking some time to climb this huge mountain! It was quite an effort, almost a mile trek.. but at constantly a 30degree angle or steeper, and far from well prepared. The views at the top were heaps rewarding though!! We also got ourselves to a nice waterfall called "Aira Force" We climbed the long walk to the top, and it was fairly impressive. The day seemed to fly by, we saw so much, and it was plenty tiring!! One full day left in Durham, then off to Amsterdam i hope!

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Photos

Aira Force Waterfall
The camera takes a heap of spray from Aira Force Waterfall. Im still standing up there on the bridge

Ambleside Bridge
Thats Ambleside bridge, one of the most popular bridges in the lake district. Probably because of the cool little house that is on top of it. Im on there too if you can pick me out.

Derwent Lake
You know those fancy pencils "Derwents" that used to be so popular.. yeah well i think they come from here :)

Duck District
It couldnt be the Lake district without ducks eh?

Dusk
A shot across the valley as dusk falls in the Lake District

Dusk Lake
Just a really cool shot across one of the lakes, just before dark :)

Hatred of Seagulls
Joe rightfully, and maturely showing his disapproval of seagulls by charging down the pier to remove them.

Joe at the Summit
yeah Joe actually made it too, but second to me :)

Kris Aira Bridge
Me standing on the bridge that crosses over the peak of Aira Force waterfall

Kris Ashness Bridge
Me on Ashness Bridge, one of the most popular bridges in the Lake district. Quaintly small, and crossing a stream in a really scenic area, its not hard to see why.

Kris at Castlerigg
Myself standing at Castlerigg Stone Circle in the Lake District. Mysterious type things really interest me!! N this place was no exception :)

Kris at the Summit
It took us some time, but we managed to climb to the summit of this huge mountain in the Fairfield region. It was about 30degrees or steeper for almost a mile.. so it was a fair effort. the views up top were well worth the climb!!

Kris Lake Dusk
Thats myself in front of the lake just before dark.

Lookout
I think this lookout is called "Surprise Lookout" but im really not sure. anyway this is the awesome view from up there!

Lookout 2
Another shot from Surprise Lookout.

Mountainous Views
Views on the way down from the mountain top in the Lake district.

Raby Castle
Saw this on the way to the Lake District, near Darlington. Pretty impressive castle :)

Rockin Robin
Just a robin that came to greet us on our way back.

Sheep O'Clock
Just some sheep that stared at me for a fair time. It was amazing though!! These sheep just calmly live on the top of this mountain. they just climb there, willingly when the grass is just as greener at the bottom. Such hearty animals..

Thirlmere Lake
Just a really nice shot of Thirlmere Lake. The weather made this place all the more pretty to look at.

Valley Tofor
Myself standing in a valley in the Lake district

Valley View
View across the valley near our climb, with a distant lake on the horizon

View at the Summit
Just one of the really rewarding views after our long climb! Every time we seemed to reach the peak, another stretch just appeared. was satisfying to finally make it!