Today’s travels took us to Keswick so we could venture over to Derwentwater. There are some lovely footpaths along the edge of this lake, and of course…water. For those of you who weren’t sure, I would like to confirm that the Lake District is indeed…filled with Lakes. So we have come to see if this is different from any of the ones we have come across so far. And would you believe, it is!
Walking around this lake there are a few more people, and dogs to say hi to. There are some hotspots for paddle boarding, and the lake is surrounded by woodland for some squirrel chasing. I don’t condone this behaviour, but as most of you will know, it can’t always be helped. As we are walking around the banks of this lake, I spot the best bit of marketing I have seen in a long while. It is a sandwich board in the middle of the footpath. It says ‘Drinks this way. Dogs welcome’. How can you say no to an invitation like that? And so, we head over to the Mary Mount Hotel, where we are welcomed into a dog friendly bar, and as always, staff who give Isla a fussing. It is a really lovely spot and has wonderful views over the lake. We handn’t planned this little stop, but like I said, who can say no to such genius marketing tactics? And so, after a cool cider, and icy tap water for the pup, we continue our walk.
We come across Friar’s Crag and the jetty near by. This is Isla’s first time jumping off. And so, like any professional dog swimmer, she gets her mark, she makes a run for it, and chickens out. I jump in first…she does not follow. And so, we have to walk in off the path, like a couple of chumps. I can’t stay mad at her, but I feel like the small dogs are judging us. They definitely are.
The town of Keswick is also lovely. Lots of pubs to stop off at and things to do. A big stamp of approval from me and Isla.
Controversially, Isla and I threw caution to the wind one day, and headed to the beach. I know, a bold decision when you are in the land of lakes, but we do like to live life on the edge. We went to Whitehaven as we heard it was good, but you know, it was also the closest to us. We found ourselves parking up by a farm, with an honesty box to take up one of their spaces, and from there, it is a short 20-30 minute walk. The scene is beautiful with a delightful Lighthouse on the way. And then you get to ‘the stairs’. I feel I really need to highlight these stairs, not because there is anything specifically noteworthy about them. It is more that, you realise if you go down, you are going to have to come back up. I already know it is not a journey I am prepared for. But what the hell, we descend nonetheless. The beach itself is very stony. The weather is wonderful and we can sunbathe for a bit. For me that means chucking on some extra factor 50 and finding a shady spot. While it is nice today, the area is very small, and not really what I consider a ‘beach’. Especially as there are many a dangerous rock to climb over if you wanted to attempt a sea dive. I would however, not advise it. So all in all, a nice walk, with a sub par beach. But as per, Isla took the most of this opportunity to pose for the camera. It was therefore, a worthwhile trip. Or at least, she thinks so.
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