After the fun from riding the heavy horses we buzzed rather quickly through the Lake District towards Keswick. Stopping every so often because the view was so damn pretty that we had to take some photos, we made it to Keswick just as the sun was starting to sink below the horizon. Tonight’s accommodation was in a little B&B called Blue Stone Cottage, just off the town centre of Keswick.
Keswick is the main tourist hub for the Lake District and despite it being the end of peak season, the little town was absolutely poppin’! Hiking and camping is a popular activity in the Lake District so it wasn’t unusual to see people walking around with big hiking sticks and heavy backpacks. We had dinner at the Bank Tavern where all three of us ordered pies. We got a lamb and mint pie, chicken and mushroom pie and a steak and ale pie. All three were delicious though I think the lamb and mint one was the winner. Afterwards we had a cuppa at a small Italian restaurant and played cards until tiredness settled over us and we retreated back to Blue Stones for a much needed sleep.
The following morning we packed up early, had a quick brekkie and headed down to Derwentwater for a boat ride and a stroll. The lake is absolutely stunning, surrounded by huge mountains and a layer of early morning mist still settled above the water. It was a crisp morning but warm in the sun. Overall, a really, really pleasant day in England! The boat ride took about 15 minutes and we sliced through the glassy water, passing a group of school children and their brave teachers paddling out on canoes.
We reached our starting point, Lodore headed over to the waterfalls for a squiz. I know I keep going on and on about how green this country is, but I still cant fathom how there can be that much damn chlorophyll in one part of the world! Anyway, the waterfalls were exceptionally green and pretty. I kind of expected some forest fairies to come flying out and sprinkle fairy dust everywhere. We continued around the lake, which was absolutely picturesque.
The water was still and the mountains reflected in the glass-like water. It was a photographers dream. The walk took about an hour and we arrived at the pick-up point just in time for the wooden boat to pick us up.
I can definitely see why the Lake District is such a popular destination is so popular with nature buffs and outdoorsy types. The air is so fresh and clean, you feel alive and energised. The last time I’ve really felt like this was in Switzerland, in Lauterbrunnen. It’s that mountain air, beats a hazy city anyday.
After our stroll we had coffee and cake at Laura in the Lakes and jumped back in the car headed for Scotland! First stop, Edinburgh!
J. x
A Blonde and Her Passport 