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.

The sign is so long

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!