Visitors to the Lakes in March 2014 can join enjoy the wonderful Words by the Water Festival, taking part in the Theatre by the Lake, Keswick, from 7 – 16 March 2014.

Those of us who live in the Lakes consider ourselves very fortunate to have this event on our doorstep. Billed as a “Festival of words and ideas”, it features a wide range of authors , broadcasters and all round very interesting people.

I’m keen to hear Joanna Trollope, A. L. Kennedy, Philippa Gregory and Penelope Lively.
Or would I like to hear Melvyn Bragg ( again), who is President of the Festival?
Maybe Jeremy Paxman? George Monbiot? Michael Rosen? This is an outstanding programme.

Here’s a link to the Words by the Water Festival so that you can see for yourself the great range of speakers for 2014.

If you don’t live in the area, you could rent our Lakes Holiday Cottage and drive the very scenic 20 minutes to Keswick to hear your choice of speakers. A week in March is just £490 if you book during January ( usual rate £550) Here is a link to more info about our Historic Grasmere Holiday Cottage with amazing views .

On Silver Howe, March 2011- Grasmere Village and Dunmail Raise in the background.

March can be a great time for walking in the Lakes. The days are already quite long, and the weather can be good ( but no promises!) Here’s a photo ( a rare one of me – I usually take them) taken on a sunny March day. It was so warm I didn’t need a jacket, even on the top. It’s taken on Silver Howe, which is a walk than can be done directly from Brockstone, our Grasmere Holiday Cottage. In fact, you can see Brockstone from the top of Silver Howe ( and vice versa of course)

Grasmere taken March 2011 on Silver Howe walk

Here’s a photo taken on the way to Silver Howe on the same day. Lovely.

Yesterday the weather was gorgeous, and we headed off at about 2.15 from White Moss House, on one our wonderful White Moss Walks. We went up to our holiday rental cottage, Brockstone, then headed up the steep path by the side of Dunnabeck, heading past the lovely old sheep fold and on up to Alcock tarn.

Alcock Tarn

Setting off back down via the main Grasmere path, the snowy Langdale Ridge forms the horizon.

Heading back – Langdales in the background

On the way down the main path you have brilliant views over Grasmere Village .

Grasmere Village from a point just below the flag post at the top of the Grasmere Guides Fell Race route.

The day ended with a beautiful sunset – here the sky is looking amazing over Grasmere Lake

Sunset over Grasmere with the Coniston Fells in the background.

Just a reminder- you could have this walk right on your doorstep if you book our Lakes Holiday Cottage. Special rates for March if you book right now.

The weather has picked up over the last few days. Looking out of my office window right now I can see blue sky over Nab Scar. The BBC website tells me it is raining right now. Don’t always believe the BBC- it’s not. In 5 minutes I’ll have my boots on for a quick walk, all part of the New Year’s resolution to go for a walk every day whatever the weather. January 10th – so far so good!

If you can get a cheap deal to visit the Lakes this weekend you’ll find that it’s a really good time to visit. It’s quiet, but the walking is great . Make sure your boots are waterproof though. Maybe this would be a good time to buy a new pair in Grasmere or Ambleside? There are some excellent sales on.

Here’s a photo I took yesterday showing a sprinkling of snow on Seat Sandal.

Seat Sandal Grasmere from Loughrigg Terrace- taken on a short walk from White Moss yesterday.

This photo is taken from Loughrigg Terrace, an easy circular walk from White Moss . We are taking a break from B & B at White Moss House in 2014, but you can still stay in the wonderful Lake District Holiday Cottage, Brockstone , which has fabulous views over Loughrigg towards Wetherlam and the Coniston Fells, with views over Rydal Water as well.

It’s fully booked until the end of February, and for many weeks in the year, but if you want to book now for March, we are offering special rates. You can check our Grasmere Holiday Cottage offer here.

That’s all for today folks- the outdoors is calling…

Walking round Rydal Water today I met a man who said “aren’t we lucky- it’s dry and there’s a hint of sun”. After so much bad weather, that was indeed a reason to be cheerful. Having such great walks on the doorstep is another, though as this man was from Buckinghamshire he wasn’t a lucky local like me.

Here’s a photo from the path just by Rydal Caves, taken this afternoon.

Rydal Water looking over to White Moss House and Brockstone, our Lake District Holiday cottage

Here’s a description of the walk round Rydal Water if you would like to get more idea of the wonderful walks from White Moss and from our holiday cottage .We have guests there who have booked to rent the cottage for the whole of January. We were concerned that the wet weather might be daunting, but as they are from Chicago where it’s been -20 C, they are very happy with the mild weather we’re getting here.

The cottage is booked until 27 February, but if you want to book if for a week between then and the end of March, and can pay in full before the end of January, the rate will be only £490 per week ( usually £550). This includes all laundry, heating etc.

One more reason to bee cheerful- a lovely little red squirrel keeps popping up in our garden. I thought they would be hibernating at this time of year, but this one is bright and breezy. I never have the camera to to hand at the right time, but I WILL get a photo soon.

BTW, if you’re in Grasmere tomorrow, Thursday 9 January, why not come to the Grasmere WI Open meeting at 2.30 pm in the Tithe Barn. Only £3 for a fascinating talk, tea, cakes and raffle. More details about Grasmere W I here.

Are you looking for a break in the Lake District for a week between 27 February and 29 March 2014? If so, Brockstone Cottage, on the famous “coffin road” walk from Rydal to Grasmere may be perfect for you.

• Great Views
• Woodland Garden
• Two bedrooms
• All modern comforts
• Spa Bath
• Well equipped
• Log Fire
• Superb walks from the door,- easy strolls or high fells
• South facing- if there is sun, Brockstone gets it all day and all evening.

Lunch on the terrace in January at Brockstone Lake District holiday cottage

This is the view from the terrace looking west. You can catch a glimpse of Sergeant Man over the Silver Howe Ridge. Look the other way and you get a lovely view of Rydal Water.

Route planning with Rydal Water in the background.

A view in summer looking south east. You can see Rydal Water and Loughrigg in the background.

2013 has been a great year for us personally- we became grandparents for the first time. Felix was born on 1st September, and he has just spent his first Christmas with us ( along with his mum and dad and all our family). White Moss House is just the best place to spend a family Christmas, whatever the weather.

Going forward into 2014, we have decided, after over 30 years of welcoming guests to White Moss House from all over the world,that we’re going to take a break. We’ve been one of the top restaurants in the Good Food Guide for over 30 years, and in the last few years, although we haven’t offered dinner every night, we’ve been a very highly rated Guest House. It’s all been great fun.

Brockstone Cottage, our Grasmere holiday cottage,

Brockstone Cottage from White Moss viewpoint

is still going to be available for self catering . It’s fully booked until March, but the weeks are filling up quickly for the rest of the year.

Here’s a reminder of one of our favourtie recipes, the famous White Moss Sherry trifle. As usual, we made one for Boxing Day. It was delicious. Yesterday I found a tiny portion left in a small bowl in the fridge, and ate it for breakfast – as you do.

Today is another dull day, but it has stopped raining, so we’re off for our last walk of the year. We’ll be walking round Rydal Water with my brother, who is visiting for New Year.  We’re looking forward to lots more walking in the year ahead.

Thank you to everyone who has supported us , and best wishes to you all for 2014!

We have late availablilty for our Lake District Cottage, Brockstone Grasmere Holiday Cottage. Perched on the hillside overlooking Rydal Water, this south facing cottage gets all the sun going in winter. When the sun dips behind the hill, Grasmere Village is plunged into the shade, but our cottage gets at least a precious extra hour of winter sun.

Our current guests leave on Sunday 15 Decemebr, and our next guests arrive on Thursday 2 January. We are offering 4 nights over Christmas from £520, and four nights over New Year from £580. This is for up to 4 guests. Dogs are welcome for a small extra charge.

We can be flexible about changeover days, and we may be able to offer extra days at special low rates.

Please email  esuedixon@gmail.com or ring 015394 35295 to check for rates, availabilty, or to ask any questions you might have.

Here’s a picture taken at dusk in December the other year. This could be your view over Loughriggg to Wetherlam the the Coniston Fells.

December view from Brockstone Grasmere Holiday Cottage to Wetherlam.