Stumpy's Blog: Happy Days, a life in the Lakes

Wastwater

I've been planning to do this for some time, sharing some of my favourite pictures of the many happy days spent in the Lake District over the last 30 plus years. It surprised me that most of the images I selected captured friends and family I'd shared these moments with, not just the stunning landscape pictures.
The photographic quality will vary, some old pictures scanned in years ago, but I hope they'll encapsulate some of the joy I've experienced in this most beautiful part of the world.
If you're moved to preserve the environment of this region, I'd recommend joining Friends of the Lake District, a worthy charity that seeks to protect what we've always valued in this part of the world...timeless landscapes, traditional farming, and rural way of life. Please visit http://www.fld.org.uk/
No mention of the Lake District can pass without me recommending some of my favourite hostelries, essential for rehydration after a long day in the fells!
Best of the lot: the Golden Rule in Ambleside (on Smithy Brow) - a proper boozer, serving an excellent pint of Hartleys XB from Robinsons. Don't bother asking about food here. The choice is simple. Pork pie with mustard, or pickled eggs. Perfect.

Another, mainly for its views over the Newlands Valley, the Swinside Inn, a Jennings house.
And, let's not forget the Brittania Inn, Elterwater - tiny snugs, great pints of Hawkshead Bitter and Coniston Bluebird, with consistently good traditional English food.