Windemere Wanderings

Rose early today by English standards - after 9 and I almost had Windemere's streets to myself - and climbed Orrest Peak with its 360 degree views over Windemere and the high Fells of England's Lakes District. Beatrix Potter land as I was reminded today in Hawkshead.

I can see why the English enjoy their walking so much here despite the weather - the mild climate, plenty of variety in the scenery and birdsong everywhere makes it a more pleasurable pastime than back home. The Snowy and Blue Mountains provide their own unique pleasures but it always takes so long to get there before the walk starts. Here you walk past someone's gate or horse paddock and there it is - Herriot country! I hope the clip captures some of the peace and enjoyment early in the morning and the English ountryside which seems never far from a town. I was communing with nature/catching my breath at this point when I heard the sound of heavy breathing and watched a younger but more foolish man jog up the hill, eyes on the muddy path and earbuds blocking out the birdsong. Me last time I was here in 1980.

What should have been a 40 minute walk took considerably longer due to frequent pauses for breath and photos. Will try to make it a regular hike after all the hotel breakfasts. Tess has put back on starvation rations now we are self-catering.

The girls were ready by 11 to venture out so we motored along the shore of Lake Windemere towards Newby Bridge, stopping at Beech ???? and Fell Foot parks and then headed along the other shore via Grizedale Forest, Hawkshead and Ambleside (love that name). Soup and a sandwich at the Red Lion in Hawkshead washed down with a Hawkshead ale then back to Oak Street in the rain. Brightening up now (6pm) so will venture up to the Elleray Pub again for their wifi and collect an Indian takeaway on our return. Em is supposed to be studying but seems immersed in Tess's novel, aptly titled, The Girl Who Played with Fire, much to her mother's annoyance.

Some garden with a castle tomorrow and a cruise on Coniston Water in the arvo - I'll look out for Donald Campbell's ghost.

Cheers.