Dear Diary: 13th November 2019 – Snow on the fells above Lake Windermere

I had to go to the dentist yesterday – never the most enjoyable outing at the best of times! The sky reflected my emotions: everything looked alright, but just that little bit threatening. Lowering clouds dispersed shower spats, but there was nothing too concerning. On the road north, we drove past a vast expanse of Lake Windermere, where high fells seemed to have created a ring around its farthest shore. Of course, this wasn’t the case; for the fell I saw were The Langdales some miles away, but nevertheless providing a picturesquely grand backdrop to the deep blue waters of Windermere.

What caught my eye were the snow caps on those fell tops. We have had a mild Autumn thus far, so it was a treat to see those snow-capped peaks standing out against almost stormy skies. Helvellyn is the mountain that the Lake District National Park’s Fell Top Assessor Team ascends to take readings for Weatherline, a website which relays weather conditions in the Lake District, including information pertinent to Winter hiking and climbing. There had actually been snow on those peaks for some while already, but this was the first time that I had really observed them. (In fact, due to our B&B’s elevated position and far-reaching views to the Langdale fells, Hubby had already noticed snow caps on the fells from our hilltop vantage point at Blenheim Lodge. Lake Windermere, of course, is ever before our eyes since our Bed and Breakfast, Blenheim Lodge, looks directly upon and over much of Lake Windermere.) However, this time, with nothing to do but to muse upon my upcoming dental appointment, I was trying to distract myself by taking more notice of my surroundings.

It really is looking very picturesque in the Lake District right now. And, despite the heavy rainfall that has flooded some parts of the UK, the Lake District has remained fairly dry. There has been some rain, but, thankfully, there has been nothing like the serious deluges and flooding being reported in other counties.

I wonder whether we will have snow at ground level this year. It would be nice to see some real snow, not the watery stuff, but the dry, fluffy snow that is so delightful to trample upon. It really does make a place look Christmassy too and imparts a holiday feel. I love it – and Horatio loves it too!

‘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.’