It was my last day in the Lake District and I couldn't leave without going out onto Windermere. So on a bright but cold afternoon I went out onto the Lake for the first of my boat trips.
I put on another layer of clothing as well as my hat,scarf and gloves, knowing there would be a chill wind off the Lake. I also wanted to sit on the open upper deck of the boat to get the best views. Winter may not be the ideal time for cruising on the Lake but the lack of foliage enables you to see much more of the land. No-one else seemed to share my view though!
The Lake is the longest in England at over 10 miles and reachest a depth of 250 ft in places. As we sailed along we passed all manner of boats from small rowing boats and sailing yachts to the ferry boat.
There are islands in the middle of the Lake only one of which is big enough to be inhabited. The others are home to many seabirds especially the cormorants whose acidic droppings have stripped the bark from the trees and its branches.
Here was the hill I had climbed that morning with the Victorian viewing station.
As we returned to Bowness the clouds came down the mountainside making a dramatic sight.
The sun was now going behind the clouds and the cold was seeping into my bones. I went down into the lower covered deck to warm up.
I enjoyed my trips out onto the Lake and I feel I have got to know it a little over the past couple of days. I have walked many miles along its shoreline. I have climbed up to the view points to see it from further afield and it has never failed to impress.
As I got off the boat the clouds cleared and the sun shone down on the Lake for my last view.
There are islands in the middle of the Lake only one of which is big enough to be inhabited. The others are home to many seabirds especially the cormorants whose acidic droppings have stripped the bark from the trees and its branches.
Here was the hill I had climbed that morning with the Victorian viewing station.
The second boat I got on took me to the Northern end of the Lake which is the mountainous end. There are 4 mountains in the Lake District over 3000ft (900m). Tiny by other countries standards but large for England. There is still snow on the high ground at the moment which made the views that much more picturesque.
Ambleside is a small town at the northernmost tip of the Lake. Its grey stone buildings standing out on the shore line.
As we returned to Bowness the clouds came down the mountainside making a dramatic sight.
The sun was now going behind the clouds and the cold was seeping into my bones. I went down into the lower covered deck to warm up.
I enjoyed my trips out onto the Lake and I feel I have got to know it a little over the past couple of days. I have walked many miles along its shoreline. I have climbed up to the view points to see it from further afield and it has never failed to impress.
As I got off the boat the clouds cleared and the sun shone down on the Lake for my last view.
I love your pictures of the clouds rolling in! And you look properly dressed for the weather, and I'll bet you feel better for having been out and about (or is it oot and aboot?) :-)
ReplyDeleteOh ---I was cold riding there with you on that boat. BUT--I'd be just like you. I'd go up top also --just to get some great photos. You got some wonderful ones!!!! Thanks so much!!!
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Betsy
A beautiful outing on the lake ... I love your return captures with the sun shining through clouds creating a beautiful picture and those wonderful old wooden boats lined up at the waters edge are a sight to behold.
ReplyDeleteWell worth braving the cold.
I really love your photos and it is refreshing to see someone enjoying the cold and all the views. I share your joy!
ReplyDeleteI have just been catching up with all your posts from the Lake District. You sure are one for adventure to be doing all this hiking and boating in freezing temperatures. Well done. It is a beautiful area in both winter and summer.
ReplyDeleteSplendid post(s). The Lakes are about the only thing I would import to Australia if I had the chance. I used to live at the southern end of Windermere - and on many an evening I have had a beer in the Tower Bank Arms - which I assume is the pub in your earlier post.
ReplyDeleteStewart M - Melbourne
PS; now I'm homesick!
Sounds like you had a really good time if a cold one. The photos even give the feeling it is cold.
ReplyDeleteYou are a tough lady to sit outside on deck. We made the tour in May and it was also cold at that time. But this time of the year it must be freezing cold. But you gave us beautiful photo's of the lake, so I appreciate your firmness.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful place ! Looks as if you were the only tourist :) but well wrapped in different lays of clothes I would have done that too !
ReplyDeleteBeautiful scenes from the lake. Definitely one can not miss sailing in it.
ReplyDeleteIt does look cold, but so beautiful and you were smart enough to dress for the weather!! What a great tour of a wonderful place! Thanks for sharing the fun! Have a great week!!
ReplyDeleteGreat tour!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.
ReplyDeleteMagnificent scenery and it sound like great boat trips - but - I would like it a bit warmer!
ReplyDeleteIf god's image was ever to appear on earth, I think it might be in the forming clouds coming down the mountainside.
ReplyDeleteI can almost feel the chill through these photos. But what dramatic views when clouds gather amid the mountains ... and how pretty the splash of red on the beached boats!
ReplyDeleteyou came well prepared for the chill. great lake shots.
ReplyDeleteWonderful lake, I like those landscapes! Excellent photos!
ReplyDeleteA truly lovely post with beautiful images.
ReplyDeleteWhat wonderful piece of nature. Air must have been great to breath. Please have a good Tuesday.
ReplyDeleterobert geiß
Beautiful views. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteYou come prepared on your trip! Beautiful views!
ReplyDeleteManaged a sail from Bowness to Ambleside last year and it was great to get out there. Just a couple of pedantic quibbles - it should be just "Windermere" as "mere" means "lake" so "Lake Windermere" is a tautology - and Ambleside is a small town not a village - as, of course, is Windermere (the town by the lake).
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comments. Have corrected my unforgiveable mistakes!
DeleteThe scenery is stunning! Such lovely shots.
ReplyDeleteIt's wonderful that you braved the cold to enjoy the beautiful scenery. You've got some fabulous shots! My favourite is the last one with those lovely boats all lined up. Stunning!
ReplyDeleteVery beautiful scenery, I bet the weather must be very cold. Glad that you visited the bird park in Sg. I have not visit for a long time. Sorry for the long absence in visiting your blog cause have not been feeling well lately. Have a nice day.
ReplyDeleteLooks cold but beautiful!
ReplyDeleteHave a happy Tuesday. ☺
Gorgeous sights! One can never be tired of taking such shots!
ReplyDeleteGreat scenery you had. Great pics!
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by Coventry :). You are so near! Wonderful. Lovely website you have. I'll be back for another visit!!
ReplyDeleteYour blog has brought back memories for me - we visited the Lake District nad stayed close to Coniston Waters - but we also walked along the shores of Windermere - visited HillTop and Ambleside - I found Hilltop so interesting and there was a marvellous old book open in a glass case upstairs - and big rabbits in the orchard - Jane
ReplyDeleteWow, gorgeous shots of the lake scenery! And I love the mountains, very pretty with the dusting of snow. Lovely post!
ReplyDeleteThose are some gorgeous photos!
ReplyDeleteAnd seabirds on the lake's islands? I guess the coast must not be too far away then...