I woke up today expecting rain, but was pleasantly surprised. Outside, bright blue skies beckoned, and the air was still. Not a breath of wind stirred the tiniest leaf. It’s days like these that make the colder months of the year so wonderful in the Lake District. I love the crispness of the air, without the addition of chill winds.

Autumn in the Lakes: flame-touched leaves of this tree stand out against a bright blue sky. Stunning! (Photo courtesy of www.cumbriaphoto.co.uk.)

Bright clear days come about in the Lakes more than people give this lovely area credit for. The quality of light creates a glow that seems to light this fantastic landscape from within, whilst simultaneously illuminating the delicate facets and lines that comprise and contain its stunning beauty and structure. Today’s glorious autumn skies were much appreciated by many after some few days of unsettled weather.

I like to tell our guests about the panoramic Lake Windermere and 360-degree views from high rocky outcrops accessed through the farm gate at the back of Blenheim Lodge; and I especially enjoy pointing out the routes to our visitors when clear skies predominate because I know they will enjoy these fabulous vistas even more. The Lake District National Park is well known for its spectacular scenery and bright still days are best for appreciating its landscapes. For climbers, walkers, mountain-bikers and riders, a walk or ride to any viewpoint must surely reap a just reward!

Walkers on Newland Hause on a clear day. (Photo by Tony West courtesy of www.cumbriaphoto.co.uk.)

My men folk enjoy fishing and a day like today would have been perfect for angling from a bank or on a lake. Mild and bright, with no wind to mar the calm of fishing waters, my anglers might well have been in alt if they had had the time to fish today. Alas! Our two boys were at college and university, Hubby was doing some DIY in the house, and my brother was working.

Water is an obvious feature of the Lakes, and provides hours of entertainment for our visitors. Guests enjoy sailing or cruising on the water. The more energetic will indulge in a good work out rowing, canoeing or kayaking on glistening lakes. These activities are available all year round, but are made more enjoyable on clear days with good visibility.

Isn’t this a fantastic photo of Grasmere Lake? Two canoeists row in the still deep silence of a glassy lake which reflects the beauty of its surroundings. (Photo courtesy of www.cumbriaphoto.co.uk.)

Sightseeing around the Lakes is a particular treat when blue skies abound. One can see for miles and it is nice to get out and walk a little – or a lot, as the case may be – to get a feel of this pretty countryside. If one is a sightseer on a bicycle, a bright and clear windless day makes exploring the Lakes an even more pleasant exercise.

There is a kind of innate freedom for visitors who come to the Lake District during the autumn and winter seasons. If one wants to experience the peace and quiet for which this area renowned, and enjoy its stunning scenery without the summer crowds, then these cooler months are a good time to visit. As with elsewhere in the UK, the Lake District has its fair share of bright sunshine and clear skies for delightful days out. However, the 885 square miles of the Lake District National Park is ever resplendent, weather permitting or not! Thus, it is impossible not to be awed by its splendour.

‘View over Borrowdale to Derwent Water and Skiddaw from Castle Crag.’ (Photo by Ben Barden courtesy of www.cumbriaphoto.co.uk.)

‘Blenheim Lodge . . . panoramic Lake views, peace and tranquillity, nestled against acres of beautiful fields and woodlands, in the heart of the English Lake District National Park.’

Visit our website: www.blenheim-lodge.com

Email: enquiries@blenheim-lodge.com

Phone: 00 44 (0)15394 43440