Lake District - Day 3 Cycling dayThe promised sunny weather arrived as predicted and with only a light breeze it had all the hallmarks of a great day for cycling.
Lake District - Day 3 cont.After a fairly challenging day a Chinese meal seemed the order of the day. So we stayed in Keswick and although the meal was reasonably priced it was not that great. Rather than rushing back to the Pub where we were staying we decided to have an easy stroll alongside Lake Derwentwater and hopefully watch the sun set.
It was very peaceful with few people about and for some of the time I just sat and enjoyed the tranquility and the beautiful fresh air. We then made a slight detour around the Lake where we could see some of the damage caused by the rains earlier this year but even this looked beautiful.
Although the setting sun didn't fully live up to my expectations the Lake District always does. I watched the sun slowly sink in the sky and wondered when the next time would be that I would enjoy a sunset in this magnificent part of England - not long of that I am certain Lake District - Day two (cont.`)The walk along the coastal path had been quite energetic but as we returned to the car park at St Bee's the promised sun appeared; the temperature rose significantly and the wind dropped. The prospect for the afternoon was excellent and so decided that we would stop on the way back to Keswick and climb Sale Fell. A fairly small Fell at 1,178 feet. Starting from Wythop Mill this Fell provides excellent views over Bassenthwaite Lake. One of my favourites lakes in the Lake District. The Fell did not disappoint.
We decided that a gentle drive into Keswick would be a perfect end to the day with a fish and chip supper. Supper was very quickly eaten and we wandered down to Lake Derwentwater to enjoy what promised to be a beautiful sunset which fully met my expectations.
Lake District - Day twoOriginally had planned to cycle on day two but the weather forecast was for high winds and driving rain. Although the morning started out wet by the time we had eaten a hearty English breakfast there was some break in the clouds and so we decided a walk along the coastal path from St Bee's Head to the Lighthouse close to Whitehaven was preferable to cycling. This is a fairly relaxed walk but there are lots of opportunities to stop and observe the seasonal wildlife - at this time of the year it was Black Guillemots around Fleswick Bay and there were thousands of them nesting precariously on the cliff face.
Lake District
I now have a four day holiday and on this the first day, after an early morning drive, we arrived in Keswick. Our first climb of the holiday was Dale Head. We started at the Grange for a climb of 2350 feet and walked past Castle Crag and then turned for the major steep climb up to the summit. However the path was a mixture of loose stones and scree and although I made a good distance I realised my 'dodgy' knees were going to struggle with the descent. Although not far from the summit I felt it was dangerous to continue and my colleague graciously agreed that he would come back down with me. I was not disappointed as the views of the area are spectacular as the picture looking down over Seatoller shows. To finish the walk we walked alongside Honister Pass for a few miles and watched in awe as one cyclist after another attempted and in most cases, succeeded in climbing the ascent! For the first day although the weather was cold and blustery there was no rain which is remarkable in itself!
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