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Wednesday 17 May 2023

Lake District in the Spring

 & WowOnWednesday

Peaceful scene from the Lake District in spring with sheep grazing and St Begas church near the Mirehouse in the corner, on the banks of Bassenthwaite Lake

Dear friends. I'm back after a break in the wonderful Lake District, in the north of England. Spring is a lovely time to be there to see ewes, lambs and pheasants galore. I actually saw a red squirrel this time (very rare in the UK now) and a hare.

J and I were taking it fairly easy this time. We've both had bad colds recently  and J was keen to avoid any muscle strains prior to his gruelling cycling holiday. So unlike previous trips, we didn't climb the really big fells like Scafell Pike, Helvellyn or Skiddaw.  

Our first walk was around 9 miles but mostly flat.  It started from our hotel in Grange near Keswick. Turning right, I immediately saw some fantastic spring colour in a couple of gardens. Acid lovers such as azaleas and rhododendrons thrive in this area.

The walk took in Derwentwater,  Cat Bells and the Newlands Valley. There's a shed near the banks of Derwentwater which has a window with a teddy bear looking out sadly. The teddy gets a lot of greetings from around the world. 



We ended up at one of my favourite lunch spots: 

I had curried cauliflower soup with home-made bread and J had a pork and black pudding burger with sweet potato fries.

On the way back we went to Brandelhow Woods to see the bluebells but they'd gone over. J had an encounter with a lamb. It had been fast asleep on the path as we approached.

Day 2 was also cloudy but warm and we parked at Dodds Wood and did a charming 5 mile walk from the Mirehouse, which has pretty gardens and a church, St Bega, in the grounds (picture at top).  We circumnavigated Bassenthwaite Lake.  We saw some bluebells in a small wood.  Past their best.

Our third and final day of walking was bright and sunny. We drove along the twisty roads to the Honister Pass and down to Buttermere.  We did 600 metres of ascent to Rannerdale Knots and were pleasantly surprised that it was quite easy, motivating us to up our game next time. 


Halfway up and looking down at Crummock Water: 


The walk also took us around Buttermere, seen below with Fleetwith Pike on the right.  We climbed this one a couple of years ago and learnt afterwards about the tragedy that explains why it has a large cross on its side  (read my post)

Capsule Wardrobe

Gail Hanlon from Is This Mutton in fresh green, one of the outfits she wore for dinner in the Lake District

We had to share a large suitcase because we were transporting J's bike in the boot  (it was delivered to the holiday company taking him to Portugal). As you never know to expect weather-wise in the Lakes it's wise to prepare for every eventuality. So I took just a few items for our evenings in the hotel, where people change out of their hiking clothes or jeans.  I managed with four tops, three wraps, two scarves and a couple of pairs of jeggings. Amazingly, for me, just one pair of shoes! I made sure I chose mostly green with some blue so that I could mix and match. 

We've already booked to go back in September, and this time two bikes will be coming with us for the stay. 

What are your favourite spring sights?Wildlife, places, flowers.....

Sharing this post with: On Mondays We Link Up at Glass of Glam, Weekday Wear at Away from the Blue, #AnythingGoes at My Random Musings, Rena at Fine WhateverTurning Heads Tuesday at Elegantly Dressed and Stylish,  Confident Twosday at I Do Declaire, Style with a Smile at StylesplashTalent Sharing Tuesdays at Scribbling BoomerCurated by Jennifer (Wednesdays), Chic & Stylish at Mummabstylish, #SpreadTheKindness  and #Linkup on the Edge at Shelbee on the Edge,  Thursday Fashion Files at Doused in Pink, #Neverendingstyle at The Grey BrunetteFancy Friday at Nancy's Fashion Style,  Traffic Jam Weekend at Marsha in the Middle Senior Salon Pitstop at Esme Salon#FridayCoffeeShare at Natalie the Explorer

I'm back tomorrow no less, with this month's Tell Us About Challenge. And it's a corker, Gardens and Gardening.

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Now it's time for the #WowOnWednesday link-up, where readers can find new blogs to read and bloggers/vloggers can find new followers!  I feature the 3 favourites each Wednesday on Instagram, and my five or six top picks at the weekend on Twitter and Facebook

Last Week's Favourites (most clicked)

Kellyann from This Blonde's Shopping Bag featured a gorgeous pink jacket in Liquid Leather for Spring


Karin from Karin's Cottage with How to Wear a Funnel Neck Top


Is This Mutton non-fashion pick: 

Hilda from Over the Hilda with Berlin is the Perfect City for a City Break

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

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4 comments

  1. We want to go to the Lake District too, but we always end up in the South, lol. But it looks so very beautiful there. But it isn't wheelchair accessible is it?

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    1. Regretfully it isn't very accessible. We see quite a few people with walkers in the hotel, and I think you could build a schedule of a few walks. But they would need to avoid the hills and lakes, because even walking round lakes usually involves negotiating tree roots and rocky areas.

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  2. Looks like a lovely place and peaceful I love your photos you shared here. https://www.bauchlefashion.com/2023/05/how-to-style-golden-goose-sneakers-this.html?m=1

    ReplyDelete
  3. This really does sound amazing. I’ve never done something like this, but I think I’ll add it to my agenda! Not sure David would like it, so maybe with others. Thanks for sharing your perfect photos too. Sorry I missed the linkup! X jacqui x

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