A Ride Around Thirlmere, A Walk in Whinlatter Forest.

Last week it was my husband's birthday. In the morning I thought of asking him if he would like us to go to Whinlatter Forest for a short walk and lunch. There is a great little Siskin café there that serves up homemade food — simple but delicious. Tables outside too where you can watch the birds flying through the trees and feeding from nut and seed feeders that are drawn up to eye level. (The café is built up an incline so as to get lovely views of the forest.)

I decided not to ask as it is a good way for him to drive. Half an hour later, he asked me! This often happens. Sometimes it is quite funny. We both come up with the same reply, or automatically look at each other with the same expression when asked a question, or told a story.

“OOO… Fancy that!” Of course, you may think, “So what!”

We just find it funny.

The drive to Whinlatter takes us along country lanes and roads by the side of lakes and through valleys. Thirlmere Reservoir has been in the news lately because an earlier dry spell lasting far longer than usual had caused a considerable drop in the water level. It caused a hose pipe ban in the areas it feeds, as far down as Manchester. The water is now rising although it still has a little way to go. You will see this from the photographs. They are all of Thirlmere. There are plenty of photographs of Whinlatter in an earlier post.

Since we intended walking, we both decided on a bowl of soup with roll and butter. A piece of cake to share afterwards. (Well, it was hubby's birthday!) My eyes popped when the soup arrived — in two pound size pudding basins! The large seedy roll was also homemade — delicious with tow large pats of butter. (We don't usually eat butter because of the cholesterol) The cake too, was lovely. It was with a heavy tummy that we took a walk afterwards — not far, just about 50 minutes. Slow going as I soon get puffed, as well as my knee being sore at present.

The weather kept fine for us, even if clouds threatened rain.

We drove home via the other side of Thirlmere and I took some photographs.

Once home, hubby decided to cut the grass as rain was forecast for the weekend.

Just as well, rain has poured down!

A lovely day to remember.

Walks around Ulverston

We are very lucky to be living in an area of outstanding beauty, and luckier still to have footpaths close to our home and taking us on walks both short and long.
Sunday we walked on a path running along the Flan (local hill) across a road, uphill again through woods alive with scented bluebells, and along a well-made path up to the Hoad Monument — with breathtaking views across Morecambe Bay, round to the high hills of Lancashire and still further round to the lovely fells and mountains of Cumbria.
Yesterday, we walked along the coastal path from Canal Foot to Plumpton and taking the footpath across fields back to where we started. Here we had views across the bay and distant hills plus more local scenery. This walk was minus the struggling uphill of the former one and, in its way, just as pleasant. The tide coming in gave us sun-lit ripples of fast-running water, and the wild flowers along the paths, both sweet and pungent, were a joy to behold.

The Lake District National Park.

The Lake District is a wonderful place to be close to. So much beauty to experience with all the senses, but especially with one's sight.No matter where you go there is beauty. No matter the time of year there is interest. Colours and shadows, sun and mist, textures and reflections and movement. This photograph was taken on a day of showers. Rainbows abounded but hard to capture as they came and went so quickly! Whenever we feel like a relaxing hour or so, a drive around the Lakes is a true delight.