November in the Lakes has been beautiful this year. We’ve enjoyed lots of walks around Rydal Water and Grasmere in perfect weather.
When guests visiting from the USA asked in advance what weather to expect, we told them that it would be unpredictable, but that rain would probably feature. However, as yet they’ve been here for 5 nights, and there has not been one drop of rain.
It’s been dry, cold and sunny this November in the Lakes.
The other day I set out from our front door and walked around Rydal Water. This walk can be done from the door of Brockstone Grasmere cottage too. Here are some of the photos I took. I was using my phone, no settings, just simple snaps, and even with such basic technology I hope you’ll agree that the walk round Rydal Water is pretty spectacular.
A still Rydal Water reflects the sky
William Wordsworth often walked around Rydal Water. He lived his later life at Rydal Mount, a lovely house which you pass on this walk and which is open to visitors.
In one of his poems he wrote about Rydal Water-
“Like a fair sister of the sky
Unruffled doth the blue lake lie
The mountains looking on”
I think that he must have written these lines on a day like this, when the lake is still, and the sky is reflected in the lake- making the lake a “sister of the sky”. You can clearly see “the mountains looking on” as they are highlighted by snow in my photos.
Looking towards the Fairfield Ridge, more reflections in Rydal Water
It’s hard to tell in the photo above where the land ends and the lake begins, as the reflections are so realistic.
On the frosty side of Rydal Water
In winter, the west side of Rydal doesn’t get any sun. Loughrigg Fell stops the low sun making it over the edge to the west shore. However, the opposite side of the lake is bathed in sun. The contrast can clearly be seen between those areas which stay frosty all day, and those that get the sun.
This sheep was not impressed-” move along please, I don’t want my photo taken” Rydal Water in the background
Half way round the walk you come to Rydal Hall, where the formal gardens still look good even in November. The Old School tearoom behind Rydal Hall serves delicious home made cakes, soup, sandwiches and hot and cold drinks- all at very reasonable prices.
Rydal Hall Gardens on a beautiful crisp November Day- a short walk from Brockstone cottage
For more information about Rydal Hall you can visit their website by clicking here.
Rydal Hall on a frosty November morning
Winter in the Lake District can be wonderful.A winter walk in the sunshine is good for your mind and body. Wrap up warmly and get outdoors. Brockstone Grasmere Cottage is a wonderful base for your winter break.