I suppose this could be a Monday walk, but I really just wanted to share my experience of Glenridding with you, before it fades like the leaves. It’s many a long year since I spent a night in the Lake District, and I wanted to savour every moment.
If you walked with me this week you’ll know that after my visit to Aira Force the rain hit hard, and I was ‘forced’ to eat cream scones and bide my time. I should maybe apologise if you were sitting in the Orangery. Once the scones had disappeared I took to pacing up and down, waiting, not so patiently. Lake Ullswater needed filling and was supremely disinterested in my desire to be out exploring, so I had to contain myself until morning. Very early morning, so it was really no surprise that I had Glenridding all to myself.
I was staying in a guest house immediately across the road from the lake
You may have observed that it was rather misty!
But I was optimistic!
And I could see the boats moored at the landing stage, beyond the trees. Enough incentive to venture further.
I crossed the stream
And looked back at the sleepy village
And there was the lake! Not much mountain to see though…
But there’s the steamer
And two wonderfully curious swans
I imagined it to be brightening a little, and turned from the water’s edge to head back into the village. I tucked my camera into the comfort of my pocket. Mistake! At just that moment the swans decided I was a tad boring and, with a graceful flurry of wing, lifted off from the lake’s surface and glided away to the distant shore. I gazed after them, bereft!
Back to the village, which was just waking up
I don’t think I’ve ever been anywhere with so many options for walking. I saw at least 4 signs pointing out different routes, including one for Helvellyn. Curiosity prevailed and I had to follow the latter a little way, finding a couple of pretty little cafes and a fine letterbox as I did.
I continued a little way along the trail, upsetting a little black dog in the privacy of his morning walk. My shoes were totally inadequate for the task, and breakfast was calling. Enough adventure for an early morning. The rain began in earnest soon after I reached the guest house.
Back via the village ‘green’
I never did manage that steamer ride to Howtown and the walk back to Glenridding. I guess that means I’ll have to go back another day. Let’s look on the bright side- I did find a couple of Autumn benches for Jude.
restlessjo 
Wow! Gorgeous. First I noticed the benches, then the trees, and the water and the mist….divine.
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It’s a lovely place, Renee. Glad you enjoyed it 🙂
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Lovely – the Lake District always is, even in the mist and rain. You will just have to go back to do the ferry / walk. (We did it once, but at a kinder time of year, weather-wise).
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You’re probably right, Anabel. I’ve always wanted to stay on Bassenthwaite too, and never made it 🙂
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Walking as only the English can do it. I am wishing for one of those trails, even with the mist.
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And the half Polish 🙂 🙂
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Looks a beautiful place in spite of the weather Jo! We used to visit the Lake District a lot when I was growing up – my parents had family friends who lived at Lake Windermere. I don’t think I appreciated it back then as much as I would now. Looks like you found yourself a lovely little spot to stay! 🙂
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I like to be as near to the lake as possible, Rosemay, and you couldn’t get much closer other than paddling 🙂
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I always love staying by a lake too Jo – it’s so relaxing 🙂
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Einen lieben Gruß wunderschöne Fotos wünsche ein schönes und gutes Wochenende lieber Gruß und Umarmung Gislinde
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Vielen danke, Gislinde. 🙂 Gutes Wochenende!
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Such dreary weather, Jo! Thanks for braving the dampness to get these lovely photos. The letterbox is quite unique, and I see you found a few boats of course. 🙂
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Can’t have a lake without boats, Ad 🙂 Right cheered me up!
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Great post about a wonderful part of the world, Jo 🙂 Shame the weather wasn’t too good, but that is pretty much the ‘norm’ for the Lake District, or any other mountainous area of the UK.
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More often wet than dry? 🙂 I really loved being there, and the colours more than made up for the weather. Thanks a lot 🙂
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You are very welcome 🙂
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what a lovely morning walk, Jo! and i enjoyed every minute of it 🙂 you captured the charm of the place both in pictures and in words! thank you so much! 🙂
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I think we visited just in time, LolaWi! It’s wild, wet and windy right now. Lovely to have you join me. 🙂
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Another lovely walk, perfectly illustrated with these gorgeous photos, despite the weather. I’ve never been to Glenridding but your article does it proud, Jo. Entertaining and informative as always.
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Thank you so much, Isabella. I think you can tell how much I enjoyed my brief visit. That’s always my aim. 🙂
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Excellent! I always think that if a place still looks fabulous in bad weather, it must be a very special place.
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That’s exactly why we bought our Algarve home where it is 🙂 Thanks for your company, Susan.
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A romantic feel with the mist and subdued autumn colors. The sun is shining this morning but we do have some white stuff on the ground. 🙂
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It seems you have sent Abigail whistling after us, Sue. The leaves are fleeing fast 🙂 Yes, it was quite romantic. Nice while it lasts 🙂
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Wonderful walk. All photos are beautiful, but most of all I love the first photo. In it, all elements are ok.
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It’s a pleasure to have your company, Sartenada. 🙂 Thank you very much!
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It’s years since I last stayed in the Lake District (or even visited actually) so thank you for showing us how lovely it is even on a damp day with the mist covering the hills.
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We’ve got sunshine over here in the north east today but we’re waiting for wicked Abigail! I suspect it will hit the Lakes much harder 😦 It’s beautiful though, in all weathers. 🙂
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Such a wonderful walk! Thanks for sharing!
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Happy you could join me 🙂 Thanks very much!
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l’autunno con le sue nebbiline rende tutto malinconico, ma le tue immagini lo rappresentano in modo perfetto.Ogni stagine ha il suo lato bello!
Buona giornatas
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Grazie, cara! 🙂 I love lakes and mountains almost as much as the beach (and maybe more, sometimes 🙂 ). Un bacio x
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Absolutely amazing post, I walked next you with the help of your fantastic pictures! I have never seen more beautiful place!I envy you, Jo!
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The Lakes are absolutely beautiful, Ann. I wish I could spend more time there, but we can’t be everywhere. (though it sometimes feels like I’m trying 🙂 🙂 ) Thank you so much!
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You are most welcome! Your photos are super, I just wonder!
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I remember a sudden rainstorm like that on Ullswater in our little outboard dinghy, made even more memorable by an aggressive swan. The children were obliged to cower under the thwart, protected only by swimming towels. When we got back to where we were camped, the tent was flooded and we had to dig a trench round it to carry the water away. No cream scones for us!
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Oh dear! 😦 I must admit those swans were giving me a bit of a look. Happy to report that I have never camped in the Lakes, Viv. (or anywhere else, come to that- we always did caravans when I was young 🙂 )
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That camp was our first in the Lakes, with a borrowed scout patrol tent – heavy canvas, no sewn-in groundsheet, no fly sheet. The children were aged 2 and 3. We went on later to caravanning.
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Good idea!!!! 🙂 🙂
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Well this is gorgeous isn’t it? I suspect if the sky was blue there would be way too many people for my liking. However, all that mist doesn’t make for an attractive G, I turn into a fuzzball 🙂 Swans always do that to me as well – fly away that it not turn me into a fuzzball, most rude of them.
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It would have made the most perfect shot, Gilly (not that I could have captured more than a tail feather, but I can dream 🙂 ). Probably full of midges in Summer too!
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And a country kitchen too, wonder if the coffee was ready… 😀
Wonderful walk, wonderful colors and a wonderful bench for a break… 🙂
Wonderful captures… 🙂
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It was still closed as I walked back past it but there was a little B & B with a heap of hungry walkers all tucking in. I was jealous! Had to go and make my own coffee 🙂 🙂 Beautiful times and places, Drake. Hope your week is not too busy- I remember you have a work project. Thanks for stopping by.
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I love all that mist, Jo. Beautiful 😀
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Wonderfully atmospheric, Dianne! I did have hopes that it would rise majestically. 🙂
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