We both felt a quieter day was in order and snoozed on and off until after 10 AM. Luxurious. Taking nice showers and getting things together for a bit of a hike. We headed out for a beautiful brunch a few blocks down the road. On the menu was a full English breakfast. Sounded like just what we needed. This included a couple of pieces of ham, sausage, hash browns, a fried tomato, a couple pieces of toast, and a fried egg. When Patti asked if she could have her egg scrambled, and it caused a bit of a fuss. Apparently that’s not how it’s done, but they were able to produce it. Oh, and there was also a little dish of baked beans. We both thought we’d probably never eaten baked beans for breakfast before so that was also interesting. It was clear it was a “stick to your ribs” kind of brunch and that was exactly what we needed to get us through our little hike to the top of the hill.
We followed recommendations of our Airbnb host and walked to a footpath that was to take us to Orrest Head. This was a large hill, the path was about a mile up, including switchbacks to give us a glorious view of the town as well as the lake. We were grateful there were well marked signs and places that you had the choice of going a more difficult route or an easier one that was called “miles without stiles”, meaning an accessible less steep trail with no steps. We decided to do the easier one on the way up and the steeper one on the way down. Although they said the walk should take about a half hour, we ended up taking nearly 45 minutes going up because we had to keep stopping and taking pictures of the beautiful trees, the wildflower and the paths. There were people on the trails, but everyone was in good spirit and it was a very, very lovely walk. there was bright sunshine, and it was beautiful weather.
This path on the top has been donated by a family who wanted to make sure this would be open to the public forever. We’re so grateful for generous people who share the beauty that they could’ve kept for themselves. When we got to the top, it was a lovely view and we and many other people took it in, took photos, and some people ate their lunch.
On the way down, we took a little side path off into a pasture where sheep were grazing. It was about us pastoral of a scene as one could get, and it was very lovely just walking in that area and catching some photos of sheep. We followed the path down and really felt like we had had another quintessential Lakes area experience.
We tried to see an exhibit at the library, but it was closed by 1 o’clock. Apparently libraries in Great Britain are dealing with some of the same funding and staffing problems that it is not possible to keep libraries open as many hours as would be good for the public. So instead, we went back to our room and had a quiet resting afternoon.
For dinner, we went out and end up having a very delicious locally-sourced meal of mushroom soup and seafood pizza. More than enough food to get us through. And then back to the room for time working on photos, writing, and reading. It has definitely been a quiet and restful time here in the Lake District.
Your pictures bring back so many memories!
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