Our Lake District stay - Day 1

 Sunday 4 August

We woke at about 5:30 am to the sound of rain. By 6am I was ready to have a coffee and "shower-bath" and sort belongings for our stay. We are both happy to start our real holiday at last after so many hiccups and adventures to get here.

Our breakfast was served in the dining room with the other guests. It certainly was enough to fill us well with only a snack during the day - a full English breakfast but not fatty and fried.

Then we were off to walk around Bowness and to Windermere and back. The lake front has lots of hire boats and boat tours and the birds are all there waiting for a feed - swans, Canada geese, sea gulls, ducks and more.

Our first stop was "The World of Beatrix Potter". This was fascinating with large dioramas and a garden and a short film to introduce it all.

 

 

I loved this little water feature.

 Then our walk continued on uphill via the main road to Windermere to stop and take photos along the way.

A bumble bee

We stopped at the Lighthouse Cafe for coffee and icecream for "lunch" then onwards and upwards again to Orrest Head lookout. This was a steep but pleasant walk through the forest and at the top we enjoyed a well-deserved rest and fantastic views over the fells and the Pennines. 

Looking back down Lake Windermere towards Bowness and our home for the week.

The lower part of the walk to Orrest Head.

 Down the hill again to Lakeland Kitchenware shop where Elaine found the orange peelers she'd been looking for since our trip to New Hampshire, USA. I bought some too and a few bits and pieces but it does have some fabulous things.

Back on down the hill stopping to munch on an apple on the way and browsing in a few more shops.

By the time we got home we both collapsed on our beds after about 14500 steps for a rest. I then typed up the blog but we have not yet downloaded and backed up photos yet.

Tonight we ventured out to dinner at The Carvery on the water at Bowness and enjoyed a delicious roast dinner and a glass of wine each.

 

A quick walk back home to avoid the rain then another time of rest, chat and diary catch up. I think I'll be asleep very easily tonight.