Lake Windermere

Windermere

After leaving Kendal we headed for Lake Windemere. There was a steady rain falling so instead of showing the lakes clouded over and damp, I thought that it would only do them justice if I used the following pictures. They were taken from the book The English Lakes by Rob Talbot and Robin Whiteman.

Ambleside - Š by Talbot and Whiteman

The Lake District, is one of the most beautiful areas in Britain. The scenery ranges from high peaks, wild fells, spectacular waterfalls, lush pastures, secluded valleys, enchanting lakes, ancient sites to historic buildings, isolated farmsteads, remote villages and bustling towns. All of this in a 35 mile area! In the north, the fells are smooth and undulating, dropping steeply and evenly to the valley floors. The center are the wild, jagged and irregular peaks of the Borrowdale Volcanics. Scafell Pike at 3210 feet is the highest mountain in England. The third block lies to the south stretching to the Duddon estuary and north-east towards the Pennines. The landscape is gentler and is mainly moorland though heavily wooded in certain places. The Lake District must be experienced. There are many beautiful walks that take you to places with breath-taking views.

Lake Windermere is England's largest lake. It is 10.5 miles long and about 1 mile wide. The water of the lake reaches a depth of around 220 feet! After a nice packed lunch beside Lake Windemere, we did a little shopping at Lakeland Limited. It was great! I purchased a cookie container to keep my cookies intact on my way to work (needless to say, I use it everyday) and some wonderful mixed spices. Oh and some red licorice from Australia! I didn't purchase those. My friend did and was kind enough to share with me.

The houses and hotels in Windermere are mostly Victorian. Very grand and very pretty.

Lake Windermere Š by Talbot and Whiteman

Beautiful Ambleside Š by Talbot and Whiteman

A number of important monastries were established after the Norman conquest. The monks of Furness Abbey (it was the second wealthiest Cistercian house in England at the time of the dissolution) owned nearly all of southern Lakeland with some land to the north and to the west. It was the medieval monks that turned farming into an industry. They exploited the rock and minerals in Lakeland, cleared forests to make charcoal for smelting iron ore and in clearing the land, made way for sheep and cattle pastures. Oh those cute little sheep!

Travel Diary II

Ripley Castle