The guide was Alan, a teacher of radio communications, and a passionate Lakelander. The bus arrived to pick me up from beckmead, bang on time, and then headed off towards this swanky hotel where some of my to-be copassengers, also Indians, were staying. Once they were safely on board, the bus passed through Troutbeck and we got to see Beatrix Potter's Troutbeck farm nestled as cosy as it can be in the valley.
Our next stop of interest was Kirkstone Pass, highest road pass in this region, and called so because of a certain church-shaped stone; and churches are called Kirks in Scotland, apparently!
Following that, we went over to Ullswater, considered by a section of the population as the most beautiful of the lakes; fact is that it is the second largest of the English lakes. At that time of the day, and given that we did not have too much time to explore this lake in detail, I did not find it sufficiently appealing.
From there, we went straight to the North Lakes, absorbing gorgeous views of the lonely Blencathra and the smooth Skiddaw mountains. And then to Castlerigg stone circle; one of those God knows what things set up by ancient beings; or by aliens, as some people believe (no comment!). Seriously, I wonder why this stone circle was built here, in the most gorgeous of locations with some of the best views around! Whatever the reason, whoever had the opportunity to sit there for a while and do whatever they liked, with no pressure except avoid being eaten by wild animals, was damn lucky!
This was followed by lunch in Keswick, then a cruise on Derwentwater lake, a view over Derwentwater from what is called Surprise View (also due to a sudden drop down into the valley if you are stupid!).
Then driving down Borrowdale - the most beautiful valley in England - we reached Honister Slate Mine. Here is what is called Honister Pass, which is quite narrow and looked rather brooding, under the stormy clouds.
The rest of it was rather fast; we saw Buttermere (quick snapshot below) and Crummock water, two rather lovely lakes that could be photographically exploited under the right light, Bassenthwaite lake, the only "real lake" in the Lake District (whatever that means), through Winlatter forest and then back to the South Lakes, Grasmere and Rydal - two villages where William Wordsworth resided!
And then back to Windermere, for some after-dusk shots of the lake!
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