UK 2014, Around Derwentwater

Up early, breakfast and I walked to the Moot Hall Tourist office to get discounted tickets for the Keswick Launch. We had packed a picnic and caught the 10:30 launch going anti-clockwise around the lake.

We left the dock on the Annie Mellar

Pulling away from the dock at Keswick. It was drizzly at this point but typically the weather was
"changeable" all day.

There were sailboats out today, a laser, a number of laser 16's and a large 30ft plus, heeling in the wind.

Periodically today it actually was sunny and we frantically snapped pictures as the camera
captured much truer colours in the sunlight.

We got of the launch at the second stop and walked along the shoreline to the third stop. It was dense, quiet, damp and rich, We were astounded by the holly, profuse with berries, ferns, oaks and some massive trees. There were other walkers, some with dogs, some up for a chat and others striding along, on a mission.
We caught the launch again at the next stop and rode it to the hotel, at the 4th stop.

The clockwise launch passing.

Subtle fall colours along the shoreline.

We had coffees at the Lodore Hotel, very ritzy. Towels rather than a blow dryer in the washrooms.
little biscuits with our coffee. We were very happy when we saw the sign in the window that read
``ramblers welcome`.

Behind the hotel a trail lead to Lodore Falls. My pictures don`t do it justice. We ate our picnic lunch (brie, branston pickle and lettuce sandwiches, cherry tomatoes, grapes and ginger fudge) on a damp bench looking at the falls.

Really doesn`t look as impressive as it was. High rainfall has filled the rivers and streams. Often
there is water flowing across the footpaths.
 

We walked to the next launch pick up, through woods and then along the shore.

There was a fallen, rotting tree, that hikers (sorry ramblers) had pushed coins into.

Don followed suit.

From the next launch site we walked up a very steep road to Ashness Bridge which is rumoured to be the most photographed bridge in the UK. We had to add to the stats.



We left Don at the bridge taking pictures and Heather and I continued up to Surprise View. Steep, steep road for another 10 minutes or so. Sweating and heavy breathing but worth it:

Magnificent views down Derwentwater to ...

... the lake in the next valley.

We rushed back down the hill, met Don and rushed some more. If we missed this launch we would have to wait another hour. Just made it. Next stop Keswick and we were already talking about the pint and which pub.

Sun on the Derwentwater from the Keswick launch area.

First pub choice was the Dog and Rod but it was full, so we went to the Lake Road Inn. Heather and Don happily tried a different ale and I had a pint of cider. Aaaah.

The sign had a picture of the bridge we had visited.

It was a long day of walking. The launch rides on the lake were lovely. So nice to see sun periodically. For supper we finished off some leftovers. Don`t feel bad for us, that involved pork pies, chicken curry, sweet garlic, sundried tomatoes, olives, salad, cheese, crackers and gingerbread for dessert. This evening we spent at least half an hour trying to identify, on the internet, the gulls we were seeing on the lake. Turned out it was a black headed gull (in winter plumage).
Need to pack. Tomorrow we head for Scotland.