High Sweden Bridge

Thwarted again by the Windermere Ferry. Got as far as buying the tickets but were advised by the crew that they could not guarantee us getting back if the weather deteriorated during the day. We decided not to take the chance as a taxi ride back would be expensive.

There's been a considerable amount of anger about changing the way payments are made for the Ferry. Since last year you have to buy your ticket from a machine rather than pay staff collecting fares onboard.

Even in February there was a queue of 4 people waiting to buy their tickets, all standing in the driving rain all struggling to work out how to use the machine. Who were the numpties who thought this change would be good? It's upset lots of motorists, so much so, that a notice is sellotaped to a window stating that Cumbria County Council will not tolerate violence towards their stands. We were a bit miffed after buying our ticket to be advised of not guaranteeing our return. In the past we've paid onboard. Not that the £1 matters but it is unnecessary.

So we went to Ambleside and spent money on boots and stuff in Gaynor's before setting off for a quick trot up to High Sweden Bridge and back complete with purchases in the rucksack and carrying a bag. It was wild and windy only half a mile or so out of the town and especially on the way down where the wind almost blew us to a stand. It's a lovely setting in any weather and an enjoyable walk.

We did have an unexpectedly good coffee and scones (and an acceptable vegetable soup) in Hayes Garden World before setting off on the shopping spree and up to High Sweden Bridge. We must have crossed Litl's path in Ambleside as their blip was of a rainy afternoon in Ambleside.

Looking forward to meeting you if you're coming to the blipmeet on Wednesday. The road from Penrith to Aira Force is closed south from Pooley Bridge. Diversions are via A66 then south at Troutbeck along A5091 through Dockray.