A few days in the Lakes has become an almost annual ritual. Spectacular though it is, in the summer months I find it intolerably busy, the hotels over-priced and the car parks full – hence my preference for late February. The problem with this time of the year is that the only thing predictable about the weather is its unpredictability but that is probably true of the Lakes at any time.
Consistent with tradition, one night was spent at the cinema followed by dinner at Fellini’s. This year it was Lion, a remarkable true story designed to exercise the tear ducts – casting the human equivalent of Bambi as the the five year old Saroo only serves to enhance this effect. It certainly put things in perspective – compared to some people’s lot, moaning about the weather doesn’t seem appropriate. Anyway, who wants blue-skies in every scene – except for the first two sunsets at Waterhead, the remainder were taken on a walk between Ambleside and Skelwith Bridge:
northumbrian : light 
Beautiful photos! It sounds like a lovely time.
Many thanks, much appreciated and thanks for stopping by.
These are all wonderful shots, but the rainbow shot stands out. What a beautiful place to spend time! I think I’d prefer the off-season, too. New blog theme? It’s great for showing off your photos.
janet
Thanks Janet – yes, I finally swapped to a new theme after four years. I always held back, not convinced that an updated theme would be entirely compatible with earlier posts. Sure enough, when I looked at my previous post from Ambleside, the formatting is all over the place. The only solace I can take from this, is that I was right 😉
Such glorious light in all of these! Great, great shots – and I think I agree with Janet…the rainbow is fantastic.
Many thanks Leya – the trio of walkers in frame apologised for getting in the way but I think they help make the shot.
I agree – they add to the picture nicely!
Incredible images. I spent a few weeks in Grasmere in the summer of 2004. I hiked to Ambleside and back at least once a week, and also hiked the surrounding fells. The crowds were nowhere to be seen on those trails, but once I got back into town there they were. Grasmere wasn’t nearly as bad as Keswick or Ambleside, however.
Many thanks Julie – I always give the Lakes a hard time because I compare it with NW Scotland where you can always imagine the world your own. Even on a cold and very changeable February day the hills were alive with walkers, all togged out in the very best gear. No wonder every other shop in Ambleside is for hiking clothes 😉
Who, indeed? The first 2 stunners are eminently frameable, Robin. You did, in fact, frame them 🙂 🙂
I like Autumn in the Lakes, if I get a chance…
Many thanks Jo – you have got me humming Tom Waits – “Ever since I put your picture in a frame” 🙂
Glorious shots. I’m with you on avoiding the peak visiting season. I hate sitting in traffic jams, adding to the pollution, and then leaving local businesses struggling to survive the off-season when all the visitors have gone.
Many thanks Su – talking of pollution – I was always vaguely amused when they ‘lit up’ Hadrian’s Wall end to end (just up the road from where we live) using butane gas lamps. For some obscure reason it was claimed to be a ‘green’ event. They were sited too far apart to be very impressive but it attracted loads of visitors in cars such that the Military Road, which runs parallel, was lit up with thousands of red tail lights – far more impressive than the butane lamps but not in the least green 🙂 Ramble over – all the best, R
That would be really funny if it weren’t so sad as well.
surprised to see so much green grass, even in February (our grass dies over the winter turning various shades of brown). Love the “purple” mood in the first two pics.
The Lakes are ever green – the rain is quite reliable 😉 That last picture explains it – a lot of water where water shouldn’t be.
Beautiful shots, my friend. I too prefer the winter months at the beach or parks, etc. simply because you do not have the crowds wandering in and out of the scene. There is a lovely serenity to the winter months.
Many thanks, Cate – I think I am turning into an anti-social curmudgeon 😀
The older I get the more I prefer my own space😊
So beautiful Robin! Atmospheric and dramatic yet ever so peaceful 🙂
Many thanks Sarah, much appreciated. It was a good walk described in one of the guides as being “ideal for families and courting couples”! – we were scrambling up rocks at one point. I think I took a wrong turning somewhere but it worked out well for the views/photos 😉 – all the best, R
Hahaha, maybe it’s suggested for couples to see if the relationship lasts past the obstacle course 😉 I managed to get lost at Canary Wharf the other week which was embarrassing and tiring on my little legs! Great results for your efforts 🙂
Lovely images, particularly the first two 😎
Many thanks John – trust all is well with you, yours and the Hound
Yep, next month we head over to Scotland and this time the Isle of Arran. The Hound has his passport and will venture over too 😎🐕
Lovely photos… I really like the atmosphere!
Many thanks, Malin – all the best ❤
Fantastic photos and nice post 👍🏼
Many thanks, much appreciated
Lakes doesn’t lack anything….they are just adorable !!
Many thanks, much appreciated