Defining my favourite places was always going to be difficult with so many to choose from but without any doubt the English Lake District has to be very near the top of the list. The mountains, valleys and passes are dramatic, the villages and towns full of character, the weather, its people and history add extra flavour but the icing on this cake is very much the numerous Lakes and Tarns that give the area its name.
If I was selecting one part of the Lake District as my ‘jewel’ amongst many jewels it would be Derwentwater. Surround by mountains Derwentwater is at the foot of Borrowdale, Skiddaw mountain to the north and the Great Gable range to the south…..and very importantly the mellow slopes of Cat Bells (the home of Beatrix Potters, Mrs Tiggywinkle) sweeping down to the western shores of the lake.
Otter Bay, Derwentwater looking to Skiddaw
A summers dawn over Derwentwater is often calm, the Oak and Pines that line the shore below Manesty and Brandlehow Woods sparkle in the early morning sun and like Skiddaw on the horizon are reflected in the mirror like calm of the waters.
But as is the way of the Lake District the weather can soon change and the outlook become more stormy……
River Derwent flowing into Derwentwater,
Cat Bells to the left and Skiddaw to the right from nr Lodore
It is these contrasts……contrast of high mountain, to valley floor, river, streams and lake, wooded slopes of ancient oak and then open marshland, sun and calm one moment moving through wind to rain another that makes this spot so wonderful. Yet even though this is part of a National Park, a major tourist area, a walkers, climbers and mountaineers paradise it is still a place of peace and tranquillity……..
A Derwentwater Dawn
Without any doubt……I wish I was there right now on my favourite seat.
19th July
DAVID OAKES - IMAGES. 