We stayed in The George and Dragon Inn in Clifton, just 10 mins from Pooley Bridge at the end of Ullswater. It had been recommended to us, and it certainly did not disappoint. Very comfortable room and excellent food every night. Portions sizes were enormous, and only once made it as far as pudding.
We arrived on Sunday, in miserable weather, but nipped down to the waters edge at Pooley Bridge to see if there was any kind of sunset. It wasn't the best, but at least not raining.
Our first morning, we awoke to horizontal sleet! Oh dear. We set off anyway, our planned first stop at Aira Falls, part way along Ullswater.
It was cold, but dry, until the next blizzard arrived, and we took to the carpark. A little further along, the views of Ullswater almost disappeared completely, but still lovely for photography even though difficult to keep the lens dry.
Shortly after arriving at Glenridding, the sun broke through.
After refreshments, we drove further on to Brothers Water, where there were some amazing views to the "closed" Kirkstone Pass, and also views to Helvellyn.
After a short walk, we retraced our steps to Patterdale, where we left the car and walked across to the opposite side of Ullswater. From here, some more amazing views as he light changed every few seconds. HUGE contrasts with the snow and sunlight! (nightmare for photography)
The following day, a trip to Scotland to visit family, and upin returning, a failed attempt at a sunset, when it started snowing!
The following day, we headed into Keswick, and took the road out towards Borrowdale, but first revisted Watendleth, where we went last year in the pouring rain. (Infact hubby's camera was wrecked here last year it got so wet. ) It's a pretty tiny Hamlet, with an "interesting" road of several miles to get there.
Next heading further into Borrowdale, following the River Derwent, we took a tiny detour to these views....
Next we stopped for a fantastic cream tea, and had the BEST SCONES EVER! We followed a sign for Yew Tree Farm, and the tea shop is just a few yards along this road. Hubby asked for the secret recipe, but the owner said she could tell him.... but then would have to kill him! Decided not to have the recipe after all.
We continued over the Honister Pass, with a few 25% gradients, and on to Buttermere. The light over the Pass was poor, so no photos on the way over. We soon arrived at Buttermere, and walked through the woods to Crummock Water.
Returning via the Honister Pass, the light had changed, and the chance for some photos of the valley. Whilst photographing, two Apache helicopter came just overhead!
And finally, a 3rd attempt during our short stay, to capture a sunset, this time a The Landing Stages over Derwent Water at Keswick. It was looking hopeful, then died a death.
