Grasmere 6-8 October 2017

Friday 6 October

The final weekend of the year took us to Grasmere in the Lake District. Most of the party stayed in the YHA with a few staying in rather expensive B&Bs.

Butharlyp Howe

On the way up there were three walks on offer all finishing at the New Dungeon Ghyll Hotel. I opted for the C walk led by Jayne from Skelworth Bridge about 7 miles. Some of these photos were taken by Jayne.

lunch stop at Colwith Force

Colwith Force

Naughty Girls!

It was a lovely walk and the weather was fine. What more could you ask for. We finished with five minutes to spare and then had to wait an hour for a missing person from the A party that had become separated from the two halves of the party. All was well that ended well but a bit worrying at the time. Always remember to carry a whistle so that you can alert the leader if you get too far behind.
We were a bit late arriving in Grasmere but fortunately the meal wasn't till 7.30 so that wasn't a problem.

Saturday 7 October

The forecast for today was for rain and several people decided not to do the official walks which all finished at Buttermere. The A walk was particularly strenuous with 4000ft of climbing so well done to the four people who completed it, David, Ron, Ben and Kirsten.

I decided to walk with Jean in the Grasmere area and we had a lovely day walking around two lakes and doing touristy things!

Grasmere

It was a bit grey with very light drizzle as we walked around Grasmere and Rydal Water.

Rydal Water

Now for the touristy bit. 

We visited St Mary's Church, Dora's Field and Rydal Hall where the smell of food drew us towards the cafe so we had a nice sit down before visiting the gardens. Rydal Hall is a Christian conference centre and retreat. You can stay there in the Hall or on the campsite in a tent or Yurt. The gardens are free to visit at any time.

Dora was Wordsworth's daughter

Wordsworth used to worship at St Mary's Church but is buried in the village church in Grasmere.

Rydal Hall

The Grot

 The Grot:(a summerhouse designed for viewing a waterfall) became a major attraction for a succession of visiting artists and writers in the 18th and 19th century.

Next stop Dove cottage where Wordsworth lived with his sister Dorothy and also his wife Mary. Three of their five children were born here.

Dove Cottage

Dove Cottage garden

Next stop Grasmere village, after a walk along the Riverside Walk from the car park I arrived at the Daffodil Garden. Wrong time of year of course but I was rewarded by seeing one of these!

Not this particular one but one like it. It was far too quick to have its picture taken!

River Rothay in Grasmere

Pretty in springtime

It was quite busy in Grasmere with queues of people waiting to buy gingerbread.

Yum, yum

After a wander round the shops it was time to return to the hostel for a cup of tea but not before seeing a beautiful rainbow. I don't think the walkers believed the sun had shone briefly in Grasmere, but here is the proof.

The walkers did get a bit wet but I think eveyrbody enjoyed themselves. Here's a few photos from the B walk taken by Jayne. Braithwaite to Buttermere

Sunday 8 October

All luggage loaded by 9.30, A and B walks set off walking from Grasmere to Patterdale. With a change of plan B walk went by coach to Patterdale and it was a beautiful journey in the sunshine which we all enjoyed. Then a circular walk around Brotherswater led by Frank.

C Party by Sheila

Brotherswater

On the way back into Patterdale Jean and I called at the Wool farm shop which was hidden away near where we had seen goats earlier in the day. What a find that was and very interesting. They have a website and have featured on Countryfile, www.crookabeck.co.uk well worth a look. They breed Herdwick sheep and Angora goats and send all the fleece away to be spun and made into garments. We both treated ourselves to some mohair socks made from the fleece of the goats on the farm.

Connie had got us all excited by the prospect of a farmhouse cream tea but unfortunately it was shut so we had to make do with the pub or the hotel to finish.

These are some of Jayne's photos from the B party that had a really good walk finishing with St Sunday Crag.

The end of another good weekend away with CHA. Thanks to all involved with the organisation especially Jean Galthan and all the walks leaders, not to mention Steve of course who got us there and back without too much grumbling about mud in the coach!