CONISTON WATER

I decided that as Storm Ciaran (not sure whether it's spelt -an or -on it seems to vary) is on its way I would try and see some autumnal colours before they were all blown away.

It turned out to be both a frustrating and pleasant day to varying degrees.

All 3 of us went out for the day.  We first all thought of calling into the YMCA Coffee Shop, The Old School Kitchen, at the YMCA North Bay site as  it is owned by Sara from Thyme Out and we haven't been yet.  Well we got there OK, but there wasn't a space to be had at all in the car park but no sign of people about.

Ah well we will stop off at Esthwaite Water and have coffee there and take some photos.  The gate to the car par was closed, I've only just discovered that as from this week they are now closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays for the winter months!!!

Aaaargh, 2nd frustration of the day.  So we decided to go to Hawkshead.  We arrived whilst it was fairly quiet.  We went into Poppi Red, which was OK but the cappuccino was a style and not a barista one unfortunately but the staff were pleasant. The waiter said it was going to get busy very soon as there are still some schools on half-term!!!!!

We then went for a walk up to the church then around the village.  The Beatrix Potter Gallery is currently close for major repairs, I don't know how long it's been closed or for how long it will remain so. G had been feeling a little icky so he wanted to get a bottle of water for the car so popped into the Co-op whilst Hubby and I waited outside.  He was such a long time, Hubby went in to look for him and he wasn't there!!!!  He must have come the 10 seconds we popped around the corner to get a photo.  Aaarggh - his phone was not switched on.  So we thought we would go to the car - and there he was duly waiting for us!!!!  

We then drove on to Monk Coniston (see photo above and in extras).  G and I walked over to the jetty to take some photos and then decided we would go to The Bluebird cafe on Coniston Water for lunch.

There were a lot of people around and a lot of cars coming away from the car park down there.  Well that is because the car park was closed off due to a "night time canoeing event" due to take place this evening.  Not a space to be had anywhere, so another frustration, so we just had to move on.  Why they didn't put a notice at the top of the road to save everyone going down there is beyond me.  Aah well I do hope the canoeists have a good time and that this storm doesn't stop the event.

So we moved on and went to The Wilsons Arms at Torver.  It was open so we had lunch in there.  It's had a complete refurbishment since I was last there, it's now very light, airy and modern.  The food was good but the portions a bit too large.  

After this we just drove along the A5084, some of it by the shores of the lake.  I stopped off at one point for more photos, Hubby and G stayed in the car.  Whilst I was out the heavens opened - aaarrggh.  Aah well I had a hood on my parka and could cover the camera with it.

We then just drove through Water Yeat, Lowick and Greenodd to join the A590, to Haverthwaite, then up The Mosses (the B5278) home.

So a I said a day of frustrations and pleasantry.  At least we did see lots of wonderful autumnal colours - I did manage to get a few shots of it.  To be fair with waiting for this very important op for Hubby i get anxious very easily these days!!!

Back home now and the rain has started again, but still some blue skies about. Hope none of you suffer from Storm Ciaran, do stay safe and take great care.  See you all tomorrow.