The English Lake District boasts some truly stunning scenery, not least of which are the overarching views that one sees when negotiating some of its high passes. Yesterday afternoon saw Hubby and me taking a jaunt out to Wasdale, and quite literally taking the high road(s) to this magnificent lake set in what I can only describe as a powerfully atmospheric location. Encompassed by England’s highest mountains, the waters of Wastwater rippled with underwater currents, where white horses rode. Really, it could be the setting for a dark fairy tale!
Anyway, back to our journey from Blenheim Lodge, our guest house in Bowness-on-Windermere, where, incidentally, we offer lovely guest rooms with amazing spectacular views of Lake Windermere and the fells . . . . It was probably just after noon when Hubby and I and the dog climbed into our vehicle in readiness for our day trip. The sun played hide and seek in the sky throughout the day, but otherwise the day was fine except for a little pitter patter of raindrops now and again – nothing that could not be brushed off the jacket! My idea was that we should take the low road to Wasdale. Hubby’s idea was the high road, and I only realised too late which way we were heading when we found ourselves just a little bit lost. That was when Hubby admitted that we were heading towards the passes.
I am afraid of heights. And I get motion sickness sometimes. Unfortunately, we were already now far from the route that would take us via Millom to Wasdale Head. Instead, I found myself directing Hubby to Wrynose Pass, from which one can certainly enjoy some incredible views into the valley as the road snaked steeply down from on high, with lofty fells and wide expanses of fell pasture on either side.
However, the fun really began when we drove onto Hardknott Pass. Hubby was in his element. I did not know that he liked negotiating passes quite so much! As we headed towards what was possibly the steepest part of the pass, Hubby pointed out a farm truck that was hauling a trailer as it puffed up a steep incline. It was actually rather entertaining watching the farmer driving uphill, and we could only appreciate his skill at handling his vehicle. Then, it was our turn.
Remember, what goes up must come down. I cannot say that I would like to repeat the going down aspect for a while. The road is so narrow that we could not see it as we turned this way and that coming down its snake-like length. I was afraid that we would go off road when, of course, we wanted to stay on the tarmac. The steepness of this ribbon of a road made it even more difficult to negotiate. The relief of having completed the twists and turns safely cannot be understated.
Wrynose and Hardknott Passes are certainly must-dos for visitors to the Lake District. They showcase another aspect of this beautiful National Park, with the bleak beauty of the fells that tell of the hard lives that its long ago inhabitants must have taken in their stride and endured. Sheep and cattle dot the landscape, which, to my unpractised eye, looks barren, but which surely cannot be as they support both livestock and mankind.
I am actually pleased now that Hubby decided to take the high road to Wasdale. It made our day out more fun and exciting, and we enjoyed roaming around the Roman fort at Hardknott. The May Bank Holiday long weekends are coming up, so if you are thinking of a break, why not come and visit with us at Blenheim Lodge and explore the Lake District National Park for yourselves? We would love to welcome you to our home!
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.’
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