The Lakes of Cumbria

April 2010

Earlier this year myself and my girlfriend camped up in the Lake district of England, at that time there was snow on the mountain tops, blue skies and just enough of a coming summer to keep us warm. I hadn't been there since I was a child and it was the first time I could truly appreciate the beauty there.
The photo to the right is Derwent Water in early April.


We both said we should go back in the Autumn to experience the change in colour, and explore more lakes in the area.

Buttermere

There was a chill in the air different to the one before, which was on it's way out. This time the air was biting at every available piece of skin on show. The blue reflected on the water less warm than earlier and where snow once lay on top, sharp jagged rocks cut into the heavens.

Cave at Rydal

We managed to get out to less tourist type places, and experienced the quiet beauty of Buttermere, where we saw small numbers of people, mostly locals racing dogs across the hills for two- three hours.

Rydal was even less populated. Being a small lake it didn't seem like much at first, peaceful and tranquil, only to reveal an incredible cave like the gaping mouth of a dragon slain years ago.

Aira Force

Amongst other wonders, the more known Aira Force near Ullswater for example was spectacular, the light at times hitting the water and creating the rainbow it is known for.

We also travelled up to the landmark recognised on the front of the Derwent water colour pencils tin, Ashness bridge. Small it may be, but it holds a hypnotizing power, with the stream of water leading all the way down to the lake in the distance.

Ashness bridge

We were a little early to witness the dramatic change of colour we were expecting, but what we witnessed was as before, nothing short of wonderful. I hope to go again next year, perhaps we'll be mad enough to go when it is covered in snow.