While at the Lakes, we stayed at our usual cottage, The Stable, which nestles in the heart of Eden. This glorious waterfall is right outside the cottage and the endless rushing, roaring and thundering, is utter music to my ears.
While we were there it poured down almost every day, but being the stoical little soldiers that we are, we wrapped up and with our heads down, we walked and climbed through whatever weather nature threw at us.
Tree roots forming steps
Now, while at the Lakes, I like to get the physically demanding climbs out of the way quite early in the week, while the old bones and muscles aren’t suffering too much, it’s accumulative y’see….for as the week progresses the torture builds to the point where it can be impossible to raise a knee in the end.
Annie in Grassmere water
But…..something went a little pear- shaped during this holiday, for some strange reason all the walks became climbs and each day they actually got harder!
Loughrigg
By Thursday hubs and I, complete with dogs, found ourselves climbing the route to Alcock Tarn. Now my friends, Alcock Tarn is not to be taken lightly, it involves a brisk, steep clamber lasting roughly an hour, which then becomes a brutal climb for a mile and a quarter…..I honestly cannot describe the torment of that climb….especially that late in the week! We managed it by climbing for thirty seconds, then gasping for breath for two minutes…then repeating the process over and over again!
We stumbled across this delightful little pool about half way up….lots of nice flat rocks to draw ragged breaths on!
Almost at the top….here the air begins to thin…
While climbing, mist would suddenly descend, always on the most treacherous paths…
And as suddenly as it came, the mist would retreat and the sun would shine out!
Then back to misty again…
The views from the peaks are beyond description, and once up there, all pain is temporarily forgotten, nature in all it’s splendor is utterly humbling, for the aged hills have a life force of their own and have been witness to more than I can ever even dream about. Awesome is the correct word to use!
After that grueling climb, we had to walk another four hours or so to get back and actually staggered, almost drunkenly into the cottage. We were so exhausted we couldn’t even manage to take our boots off, or bend down to dry the dogs initially!
Yet that evening, like every other, eventually found us with the boots off, molded to our chairs, with a good book resting on our laps, gazing idly into the crackling, glowing log burner, with the waterfall thundering away, the lights flickering as they tend to do in the Lakes, and …..with a large glass of wine sitting either side of us. The dogs would lay contentedly on the rug and the lingering aroma of our evening meal would blend pleasantly with the burning wood. Owls would add their voices for good measure just to let us know that all was well in our little world.
Unbeatable!
The last thing we do before we drive on home is to book another week.
And Finally….
Each year we go a week later, and each year the bluebells still fail to flower while we are there.
We’ve booked two weeks later next year….surely they’ll be out by then?
Doesn’t time fly Keggs???
Yes, I remember you mentioning Alcock Tarn, and to be honest, I had no intention of climbing it that late in the week! But….I’m SO glad I did, it has such stunning views for sure!
How brilliant that you got to climb it too, and paddle, too cold for that for us!!!
Annie loves swimming, a first in my book for a collie….the water is freezing but you can’t keep her out of it, Sam isn’t that keen, a bit of a paddle will do him.
The evenings in the cottage are always utterly wonderful, when you are that tired and achy a fire and waterfall are simply heavenly!
You are so sweet….Thanks Keggs.xxx
Gosh is it already a year since your were last there ? I remember commenting on Alcock Tarn and how I had paddled in it once at the top. We did have warm weather when I was there though. But I know only too well what it can be like in the Lakes when it rains constantly ! However, it’s still gorgeous. Your new camera is proving to be great for those photos. What clear pictures. I love the one of Annie where you can see the droplets of water. Fabulous shot.
And how idyllic to walk all day and then relax in your cottage in front of the fire. You deserve it. You have worked tirelessly all year for those poor critters and now it’s your turn to run free.
Thanks for sharing. I will mentally sit by that pool…
It’s so beautiful there! Glad I made it up for a day! xx
As were we sweetie….xxx
Beautiful setting. Love the Lakes. Great photographs that capture the essence of the Lakes, its beauty, a place that changes daily with the seasons and something we can be grateful for. Will be booking a place up there soon. Thank you for the inspiration.
Lovely to hear from you Karen, if you want to know the details of the cottage where we stay just email me, it’s gorgeous, and dog friendly.The Lakes are so stunning… I hope you have a fabulous time, you must post on your time there……just for me!!! Hope all is well with you and yours.xxx
Super photos, they took me right back to when we were a lot younger and did the same! When we lived in the NW, the lakes were only an hour away so it was a favourite walking and climbing spot.
That’s the beauty of the Lakes for us too, they are only a couple of hours away! I’m sure you miss them. Thanks Pauline.xxx
Yikes, the hills would be alive with the sound of me snapping the top off my Naproxen…but, what riches for the senses! My quads and hamstrings kind of seized just reading this. 🙂
Truly, though, how gorgeous, Dina! Phillip and I would do the same thing, go off and hike all day, and love it, no matter what the weather. How wonderful that the pups can enjoy it, too!
It sounds like a perfect break. I do hope the bluebells will behave for you next year! Even better. Thank you so much for blessing my day with these gorgeous photos and feeding my imagination regarding future adventures. 🙂 Joy to your week!
Now….WHY don’t I ever think of taking painkillers along???? Certainly makes sense now you mention it!!!! But no…we stumble, gasp, and suffer…..sighs…
It is stunning there though and once at the top, or in a pub, or back in the cottage, it’s totally worth the pain! It takes a week to recover though….
It has been said that there is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing, we have to enjoy the outdoors whatever the weather! Shame we can’t all go hiking…..all eight of us…people and pups!
The views feed me for months…..truly beautiful. Thanks Kitty.xxxx
Beautiful pictures, and a beautiful description of the intimacy with the surroundings, including the difficulty of climbing. I was able to feel it in my bones. So glad you have this opportunity to enjoy another aspect of wild life… to enjoy what you love while getting away from the routine. Sending you both my best wishes. xxx
It is such a beautiful place, even I can’t take awful pictures there! Oh….climbing is never easy is it? Hubs and I always try to prepare but never get around to it, so have to go cold turkey and put up with the pain…..but when you get up that high it is so worthwhile! The evenings are wonderful as you can just relax and let everything ache….fire and thundering waterfalls sure do lull you! There is something about the Lakes that keeps pulling us back….thanks Shimon. xxx
This sounds like an incredible way to spend the week but I couldn’t manage all the steep climbs as I developed arthritis in my knees in my 30’s. But what glorious views!
Oh…what a shame you developed arthritis so young….there is nothing worse than throbbing knees!!! I doubt hubs and I will be doing those climbs in the years to come, so we are trying to make the most of them while we can. The views are to die for! Thanks Casa.xxx
Your attempt to catch the bluebells in bloom sounds rather like me trying to time a visit to our hill country when the leaves are at their peak of color in the autumn. I always seem to catch the trees coming or going — one of these years I’ll time it just right.
The photo of the pool is my favorite. I’d be content to stop right there and spend some hours.
Lol…I’m glad it’s not just me chasing shadows!!!! Maybe your leaves and my bluebells are a pipe dream!
You have no idea how tempted hubs and I were to just sit by that pool, it was such a delightful random little pool too, I think the dogs were up for staying there too! Thanks Shoreacres.xxx
Sounds like an excellent holiday. My daughter went to the Lakes camping last Summer – I warned her beforehand about the weather and, wouldn’t you know it, they had scorching sunshine every day! She doesn’t believe me when I tell her that it usually rains rather a lot! Your evenings sound idyllic and I love the thought of the sound of a waterfall lulling you to sleep. Good luck next year with those bluebells! xx
We have had the same experience weather wise…..we always got rained on and so finally bought the right kit, then, wouldn’t you know it, but, the sun shone out for years and we didn’t need the fancy new kit….until this time, and because it was so mild the heavy duty coats were too bulky and warm so I ended up wearing a lightweight raincoat and ended up drenched….you can never call the weather in the Lakes!
I have a feeling that those bluebells will continue to allude me! Thanks Veggie Mummy!xxx
wow that sounds the best sort of holiday…. sounds just wonderful. Always so rewarding to do the terrible hard climb/walk and then see the staggeringly amazing view! And to hear the waterfall whilst sitting by the fire etc…. sounds just perfect!
Glad you had such a lovely time in spite of wet weather. Well the bluebells have been out down here for ages, so I’m astonished they haven’t got up north yet! Fancy that! xxx
Thanks Arose…how spot on….yes, it is all worth it in the end, as they say, no pain, no gain, and the views and the sense of accomplishment are brilliant…., and then we get to chill in the evening…..perfect! Yes! Without a doubt, it’s your sort of paradise too….you really should rent that cottage dog with daughter and Spotty dog!
Even my bluebells were farther on than the ones in the Lakes….it would appear that they are meant to allude me! sighs…..xxx
I dream of such a holiday! 🙂 One fine and splendid day! 🙂 xxx
Yes…..one day…and when you are there I shall pop in and keep the log burner going!xxx
Another Super Mini Travelogue eloquently illustrated by wonderful pictures. Brought our favoured Lake District to life as I read and pondered the images. Positively idyllic. Thanks for sharing. Hugs! xx
The Lakes certainly are a National treasure for sure, I’m always amazed that they remain so unspoiled, but long may that continue! Thanks Bushka. Big hugs to you too.xxx
What a lovely time you had but a bit more sun would have been nice. I have been to the Lake District in May and had glorious weather. I must say these days I prefer not to do the stiff climbs. I prefer a more leisurely amble. You must be very pleased with yourselves, what an achievement. You must be very fit. I am very envious. I don’ t knows whether I am less fit than I was, or suffer more from ‘ can’ t be bothered’ syndrome.
I must say that I almost enjoy the Lakes more when it’s misty and rainy, only because everything becomes so much more atmospheric and brooding……but, sun is nice too, especially while sitting outdoors in a Lakeside pub!
As the week goes on, the stiff climbs do phase me, somehow we always ended up on one!!!
I don’t think we’re that fit, just enthusiastic!!!! Thanks Chloris.xxx
I love the Lake District and the cottage where you stay sounds idyllic….oh what joy to have a waterfall right outside. My idea of Heaven:)
The picture of you all sitting by fire with dogs and wine is delightful. What a great place to paint.
Janet xxx
You would love that cottage Janet, it really is in the heart of Eden, one day you may join us for a few days!
The evenings are always heavenly, all the hard climbs are done and it’s then time to reflect and ponder……marvelous! Thanks Janet.xxx
Awesome indeed, as are your pictures….the camera and you are becoming as one. I was almost envious that your mists came and went before your eyes. Ours, when they come, can stay, stay and stay. It has been known for them – the Haas – to outstay their welcome over weeks. Other times they wander in and wander out from whence they came.
You’ve certainly got the right kit for hill walking and climbing.
Sounds like a really good holiday. xxx
Thanks Menhir….praise indeed, coming from you! I do love the camera and am gradually beginning to find my way around it….
The Haas….oh…how fascinating they sound, as a mist lover I would enjoy them but I’m sure if I lived with them as you do, they may get old….driving in the mist is not fun, at all….I shall find out more about the Haas though…..maybe you have pics or would consider posting on them?
It took hubs and I a long time to get the right kit, now we have good boots and coats but I ended up in a light raincoat as it was mild and ended up drenched! xxx
Thank you thank you! The views of your walks are magical. And, yes, I think awesome in its truest meaning is the appropriate word. So much atmosphere and breath-taking vistas. But. I am glad you were there with your camera because those hikes sound too strenuous for me. Maybe if you trained Annie and Sam to pull a sled (properly fitted with shock absorbers and maybe robotic feet), I’d come along 😉
Your evenings by the fire sound absolutely enchanting. That I can do with ease 😉 In fact, I’m headed back up to Cambria to visit friends this week (tomorrow!) and it promises to be drippy and cold and perfect for fires and books. Wish I could take the cats, too, but they are bad travelers, unlike your Sam and Annie.
p.s., I like Caro’s remark about not being built for speed. That’s me even when I was a kid!
Thanks Anne, it really is a magical place, funnily enough, when the weather is poor the views tend to be better and more atmospheric than they are in good weather…..I must say I am a fan of brooding views!
Lol….if my two canines pulled you on a sled, you would end up going over the edge, they always pull in different directions, and sadly, NEVER pull at all uphill!!!
I could spend my life in front of a real fire or coalburner…..a good book and a comfy chair….sighs….what more could anyone want?
I am looking forward to hearing about your visit to Cambria, it’s a shame you can’t take the cats, but I’m sure they are well cared for!
lOL…..Me, you and Caro were running is concerned!!!
Your climbing is like my running – lots of stops for gasping breath! I’m definitely not built for speed these days! What an amazing experience though, the views you found are stunning, as are your photos. I think even I may have endured the climb for that scenery, lovely sense of history and the mist is very atmospheric. I love the sound of your quiet evenings by the log burner, sounds like the perfect antidote to your daytime efforts!
Re not being built for speed….lol….you and me both, I couldn’t run these days to save my life!!!
The views are stunning and it always feels like a huge achievement to reach the top, especially as we almost give up a thousand times! One step at a time is the only way we can manage it!
The evenings are lovely, we’re usually too exhausted to go out so it’s great to just rest the aching bones in front of the log burner, the cottage is pretty too. Thanks Caro.xxx
A lyrical post about a place you love and which we can enjoy seeing from the comfort of our study chair! Seriously – glad you all enjoyed the week away. The scenery looks spectacular. I’m sure you enjoyed your evenings after your strenuous walks lulled by the sound of the nearby waterfall. I did think about you as the weather wasn’t so great here. As I recall you got a little disorientated when you were out walking last time so I’m glad you’re safely home! You will return and let’s hope the bluebells are fully out next time! 🙂
Lol….there are times when I think I would enjoy the view better from the comfort of my chair!!! It is always hard work but I am always stunned by the views, breathtaking they are! I do always feel like resting for a week afterwards though…..The weather was pretty wet, but in the main it dried up during most of our walks…..we did get a terrible drenching one day, we were like drowned rats by the time we got home…..thanks Linda.xxx
Such fantastic views, the climb is certainly worth it. Glad you had a good time and I don’t need to ask if Sam and Annie did, what a wonderful playground for them to let off some steam.
Thanks Jo, once at the peaks it certainly is worth the climb…..the PAIN afterwards though!!!
The dogs do love the Lakes, it’s dog heaven for sure….xxx
A most enjoyable post and lovely pictures. You have my sympathies as my knees certainly wouldn’t be up to walks like that any more.
I think that I’d pass on Elaine’s suggestion as I bet the water was freezing cold.
Just looking at the photos is slightly exhilarating and I can imagine breathing that lovely clean, fresh air. xx
Thanks Flighty, I must say we feel it in the knees too….and the calves and thighs!!! Yes….that water sure was cold, I’m surprised Annie loves it so! Oh…the Lakes are certainly exhilarating and the air is so beautifully pure!xxx
There is a reason for all that lovely scenic water.
Oh….there certainly is!!! Endless rain!xxx
Hello lovely
Nice to see you back. Such stunning photos too. Your holiday sounds like it was darned hard work to me (I think I’ll stick to Norfolk where it’s nice and flat ha!) But you enjoyed it – that’s the main thing. Love the photo of the little pool you found – did you go skinny-dipping?
Lol….I have to agree, those climbs certainly are hard work and when beginning them I almost want to turn around and head for a pub instead, but the views are worth it. Skinny dipping? Moi??? Sadly, it was a little cold or wild horses wouldn’t have stopped me! Thanks Elaine.xxx
You and your husband are hardy souls, but it sounds like the privations were worth it. What a gorgeous region that is, I didn’t know there were parts of England that are so rugged.
Thanks Jason, I don’t know about hardy though, those hills almost broke us! The Lakes are simply stunning, certainly worth a visit if you ever come this way.xxx