The Lake District (17-23.12.06)

The week before Christmas was spent in cottage in the village of Braithwaite which lies approximately 4 miles west of the town of Keswick.

Upon arrival on a very wet and windy Saturday evening we were informed by the locals that the area had suffered almost six weeks of constant rain, so we prepared ourselves for the worst. However, the next day brought sunshine and it proved to be the theme for most of the week.

A sunny December day and a view from the north bank of Bassenthwaite Lake

Following a well trodden path from the town centre of Keswick, we arrive at the north east banks of Derwent Water. This is a view from the boathouse looking out towards Derwent Isle

To prove it was almost Christmas, here's Santa...



Some old English hotels in Keswick



The next day (Monday 19th Dec) it was off to Buttermere and Crummock Water





Driving in the hills provided some fantastic scenery



Wednesday 20th December was a good day for walking and fell of Catbells was the chosen location.

Below, Isabel prepares for some rough weather in her bear suit and later assisting with some map reading





Another clear view of Derwent Water



and in the distance the town of Keswick



Kate and Jon with Derwent Water in the background



As the weather wasn't particulary good for walking, on the Friday (22.12) a journey south was made, past Grasmere and Rydal Water to Windermere.

Beatrix Potter is very popular (particularly with the Japanese we discovered), especially due to the current film, so the various Beatrix Potter attractions were drawing in the punters, including these two:



On the way home the Windermere Ferry was used to cross between Bowness-on-Windermere and Far Sawrey. The mist was drawing in as we crossed Lake Windermere.