Three Lakes

From our cottage outside Hawkshead we were within easy reach of the central lakes.  One walk took us through bluebell woods to the Gothic pile which is Wray Castle on the shores of Windermere.  This was built by a Manchester cotton manufacturer, and what a monstrosity it is.

Ice-creams on the terrace made a great turning-point for our walk, however.

Another day we drove to Torver near Lake Coniston.  Here the walk took us past two very different tarns with views of the Langdales beyond.

On Coniston itself we were able to see the Gondola plying its trade.

On another day we drove over Kirkstone Pass from Ambleside to Glenridding.  We had been given a voucher for the Inn on the Lake so we enjoyed a civilised lunch for once and then took the steamer for a cruise around Ullswater.  It was quite a breezy day and the yachts were out.

 Back to Ambleside for tea where we saw the heron fishing for his supper.