Its been a while, and today I wanted to tell you all about my holiday last week, to Coniston in the Lake District with my immediate family (and dog).
We stayed in a lovely little cottage in Old Brown Howe, called the Potter's Wheel. It was right on Coniston Water in some woodland, with private access to the lake 100 meters away. The cottage was cosy and remote, being 5 miles from Coniston Village. It was a wonderful retreat from the hustle bustle of everyday working life.
Coniston Water from the cottage
Saturday
We arrived on the Saturday in sunshine. However this was pretty much the only sunshine we saw all week as it rained heavily most days! Nevertheless, we enjoyed ourselves and fitted in a fair few wet walks!
Sunday
The Sunday was incredibly rainy. We set off from the cottage and up the windy road opposite for a hike up Beacon Fell and around Beacon Tarn. It looked different from the part of the Lakes I have grown up to know and love, but it was wonderful to absorb in a brand new landscape, to see so many shades of lustrous green and fells I didn't actually know the names of. The walk itself was lovely and only took around 3 hours, although we didn't stop for rests or lunch once the rain set in and enjoyed our picnic back at the cottage!
Monday
This was arguably the worst day weather-wise and ironically the day we decided to do the biggest walk, Coniston Old Man. The walk was fascinating as there are so many old mine workings and dilapidated building structures en route. It was definitely the most interesting and unique walk I have ever done and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Sadly, due to the typical British weather, we didn't get any views from the top, and we didn't even see the tarn until we were halfway back down, the mist had been covering it on the walk up! It's a walk I would love to do again on a sunny day.
Tuesday
We spent Tuesday in Coniston village. We took a trip on the Gondola on Coniston water, taking in all the views and learning about the Lake's history. Following our boat trip, we picnicked by the lake before walking into town and looking in a few shops. There was a vintage fayre, so I obviously bought myself a coat that I definitely needed.
Tarn Hows
Wednesday
We took a trip to Tarn Hows on Wednesday, and the weather wasn't too bad while we were there. The tarn was beautiful and there were so many different views whilst walking around it. The walk was around 90 minutes, but we took a few stops to absorb our surroundings and of course have lunch! There was also a waterfall which we walked down to after the tarn walk.
Thursday
Another rainy day which involved a trip to the coastal town of Ravenglass. The place itself was peaceful and quiet, with what would have been beautiful views, had it not been raining heavily. We visited an art gallery, had a walk to the old roman baths and explored the Railway Museum. I really enjoyed visiting Ravenglass, its not a place that I can say is easily accessible to visit on a regular basis, which is probably why I liked it so much, it was a bit different.
Railway Museum
Ravenglass
Friday
Our final day was once again spent in Coniston Village. We had a short walk along the lakeside for about 90 minutes or so. We also went in several shops, picnicked by the lake and had a delightful cuppa in the Bluebird Cafe, which had a glass-covered veranda to shelter us from the impending afternoon rain. A lovely way to end a relaxing week before venturing home on Saturday.
I had a fabulous week in the Lake District, despite the questionable weather. It was lovely to get away from normality for a while, spend time with my family and let all my troubles wash away in the rain.
