Lake District

Friday 5 August
Set out for Coniston. Climbed Old Man Coniston - almost made it to the top until it became too rocky - Robin went on a bit further but then decided not to proceed. It was a great walk and took us two hours. It is beautiful scenery.

We then continued into the village and parked the car at the local school - fundraiser for them. Walked down to the lake and had a look around - could not go far (private land on one side and sewerage works on the other).

However it is a pretty spot and inspired Arthur Ransome to write Swallows and Amazons.

John Ruskin lived near the village and there is a museum dedicated to him as well as the school named after him. The house where he lived on the other side of the lake contains some of his artwork as well as artwork of Arthur Ransome. Donald Campbell broke two speed records on the lake and died making another attempt.

We walked to the village

and then drove to Beatrix Potter country at Hawkshead. Very pretty countryside with narrow winding roads. Take a deep breath when another car approaches. Continued to the other side of Lake Windermere and attempted to go for a walk to Hill Top where Beatrix Potter lived but badly signposted so gave up and drove back to the hotel via a series of narrow lanes until finally reaching the main road. Quite an adventure.