Rest day in Grasmere

Early morning scene in Grasmere

A perfect day for a rest day as the rain set in early. We had a leisurely breakfast. It’s been difficult to resist the full English breakfasts which are on offer as part of our B&B packages.

Julie, Mark and I took the local bus to Keswick along a very scenic route of Derwent Water

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Along Grasmere - Keswick road

Derwent Water

Keswick is another thriving town with countless outdoor outlets. One of them advertised their wares with the sign “The problem is not the bad weather, it’s the wrong clothes’. Every shopper seemed to be sporting walking boots and a backpack – maybe it’s mandatory in this area.



Bustling town of Keswick



Locals were out on many of the walks on surrounding hills, many with dogs. And if not walking with them, they have them in the pub, tea shops or in hotels (‘dogs welcome with well- behaved owners’).



Pet-friendly area



At 1.15 we met Paul Warren, a former university chaplain at Lancaster, when we were living there in the ‘70s. We met at the pub, The Lamb, for lunch. He is now the parish priest of the Anglican Church in Silverdale about an hour’s drive away. It was great to catch up with him after many years and reminisce about our time at the university.



Lunch with old friend,  Paul Warren



This afternoon we visited William Wordsworth’s home, Dove Cottage, and the museum attached to the site. The information and artefacts are beautifully presented; many of the displays are based on William’s sister, Dorothy’s journals.

Dove Cottage

We have been looking at tomorrow’s  have  been looking at tomorrow'map and geological features like Little Tongue Gill, Brothers' Parting Stone, Dollywaggon Pike and Nethermost Pike line the route…hopefully in sunshine or has our good luck run out? There are flood warnings in southern Scotland and around Manchester and worrying scenes on the news of torrents down main streets and families evacuated. At least we are moving to higher ground....

M&M