A festive walk round Pooley Bridge

Winter sunshine? Well, maybe!

Winter sunshine? Well, maybe!

After all the hustle and bustle, it’s nice to get out and about again, isn’t it? Especially if the weather cooperates.  I can think of few nicer places to stretch your legs in the off season than Pooley Bridge, in England’s Lake District.

I was lucky enough to be there recently, and even though the day was grey, I managed to catch a hint of sunlight on the water.  Pooley Bridge sits on the River Eamont, at the head of Lake Ullswater.  The 7 mile-long lake slides off into the distance, and the temptation to follow is strong.  From the village you can walk round to the ferry point, or follow the lakeside path along the shore.

The path from the village leads over the bridge
and a nice old Pooley Bridge it is!
Crossing the bridge you can see right down the lake
Or look back at the tranquil riverside homes.
The ferry beckons in the distance

Subject to the weather, of course, the ferry sails all year.  A Round the Lake Pass gives you the option to hop on and hop off anywhere on the lake.  The villages of Howtown and Glenridding lie at the southern end.  If you time it right in December, you might even catch Santa and his Happy Elves on board.  For details see Ullswater Steamers.

You can head

The sign is so long

I had to photograph it in two halves!

I had to photograph it in two halves!

If you’re full of energy you can take the turn off in the village and head down to the lakeside path following the shore.

Soon the ferry is back in sight
And a couple of upturned boats
The jetty looks a little frail
But you the view from the pebbles is just fine.

The village is well supplied with pubs so  retrace your steps when you get hungry. The atmosphere in the “Sun Inn” (a natural choice for me!) was very convivial and the chicken curry quite spicy.  Just right for a December day.

Back into the village
The “Sun Inn” looks welcoming
And promises to be festive inside
And on the bar, the jolliest snowman beams through falling snow.

The waterproof jacket and pink scarf came too, but I was fortunate with the weather.  Enjoy your Christmas celebrations and don’t feel guilty about that naughty pud. You can walk it all off later.

Have a very Merry Christmas!

63 comments

  6. Merry Christmas, Jo; and since Christmas makes me nostalgic for Poland, let me also wish you “Wesolich Swiat”! Your photos are beautiful, but I have to say I am never homesick for England this time of year. 🙂

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  8. Nipped into the Lakes a couple of years ago en route to Alston, but it was mid August and VERY busy so we didn’t stay long. Must have a proper holiday there though, the landscapes are glorious as your photos show, and even though my knees aren’t up to the ups and downs much now, I can always admire a view with a glass of red in hand 😀

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    1. Pooley Bridge is a nightmare in Summer so it was lovely to see it empty and peaceful.
      Hope your Christmas is relaxed and peaceful too, Jude. Seems like a nightmare for southern travellers! Peeling sprouts soon with a glass of red handy. Salut! 🙂

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  10. Looks like a lovely walk, Jo. You always do know how to find the perfect places for a stroll. I still have fond memories of the Lake District, from when I was there in 1999. I walked up Catbells Ridge and it was one of my awe-inspiring travel moments. Enjoy your Christmas Eve and again, Merry Christmas! 🙂

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    1. I’ve worked hard today, Cathy, but still managed a quick stroll on the beach (rain stopped play 😦 ) All set to peel sprouts with a glass of wine shortly.
      Have a wonderful Christmas! Love to the family 🙂

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  11. There may not have been a lot of sun Jo but it is rather restful on the eyes just at this moment ! Really need to get up to the Lakes and get out Wainwright’ s guide books before the knees give way …
    Wishing you a splendid time !

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    1. It’s beautiful at almost any time other than in sheeting rain, isn’t it? I hadn’t been for such a long time and had forgotten how I love it. A wonderful Christmas to you, too 🙂

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  16. What a beautiful place, I thoroughly enjoyed the tour.
    The bridge reminds me of a little bridge in Beck Hole (just outside Goathland) in one of your photos. 🙂

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  19. The Lake District is wonderful at any time of year, isn’t it? Even when it’s dull and grey it’s beautiful, as shown in your photos. All that lovely scenery and those cosy pubs….perfect! A hot curry on a cold day sounds ideal.

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  20. This lovely post conjured up some great memories of camping on the fell in a heavy old Scout tent. with two toddlers and a large dog who kept showering us with water every time he came out of the lake! We were halfway up the lake in our little boat on our way back from the shop when we were overtaken by a storm much like last night’s with sea-sized waves. When we got back to the tent, water was rushing down from the heights, and we had to dig a trench all round the tent (no sewn-in groundsheets in those days!)

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    1. I love it when I spark a memory, Viv 🙂 It’s beautiful round there, isn’t it, even on a grey day! When will you see the family again?
      Here’s wishing you all the very best for Christmas and for a much healthier 2014.

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