Saturday 12^th May 2012

It was great to wake this morning to mostly sunny blue sky, some high dark cloud, but no rain. Temperature was a warm 15°

As the weather was good we headed to Near Sawrey to visit Beatrix Potter’s home, Hill Top, where she wrote and illustrated many of her books - one being ‘The Tale of Jemima Puddle-Duck’. The house is full of her possessions and treasures and we had an enjoyable time looking through the house. 

We had trouble finding the road to Tarn Hows, so crossed Lake Windermere on board the car ferry instead.  As Windermere was very crowded and there was nowhere to park we continued north towards Keswick, stopping at the Kings Head Hotel at Thirlspot for a late lunch.

After a lovely lunch we continued north to see the Castlerigg Stone Circle. The stones are set on a grassy hilltop with the mountains of the Lake District in the background, an absolutely beautiful setting.

Next point of interest was Whinlatter Forest Park  where we walked part way on  one of the tracks which had great views over Keswick and the hills. On the way back to Keswick we stopped at a lookout and took some photos of the magnificent views looking towards Bassenthwaite Lake.

Returned to Keswick for some retail therapy and had dinner at Sweeneys.