Lake Windermere & Fell Foot National Park

Hi everyone! Today's post is all about my morning at Lake Windermere and my afternoon at Fell Foot National Park in Cumbria. Two spots that were incredibly beautiful and well worth a visit if you're in the area.

We started off the day at Lake Windermere with Sam's family. We had gotten pretty familiar with the area after our first excursion to the waterfalls at Ambleside, and so headed straight towards the boat tours as we felt like having a nosy at the lakeside from the top of a boat.

 While we waited our turn, we made friends with the local wildlife, who posed politely for pictures.

What a pro!

Before long, we were on the boat and cruising around the lake (Costa in hand, it was a cold day and raining--- we picked a boat with a roof for a reason!)

Sam was very keen for me to take many pictures of all the boats. I personally have no interest in boats and so will spare you the two hundred shots currently saved to my memory card. I did like this rocky old viewing station though! It's actually quite modern, but almost looks Arthurian.

The boat ride was only an hour and a half, so we soon were back ashore and decided to stop by Fell Foot Park. We drove past the entrance to Fell Foot everyday to and from the house, but it was never mentioned in any of the tour books or visitor guides. That being said, it was by far my favourite place in the Lake District. Funnily enough, if we had stayed on the longer cruise of Lake Windermere it would have taken us straight to Fell Foot, but as it happened it was on the way home anyway.

Starving, Sam and I headed straight for the cafe, which was right next to this old stone dock. In person it was really arresting and beautiful, and I really feel like it got me to 'get' the Lake District.

Of course, being a National Trust park, there was a gift shop or two-- but I liked that this one sold plants.

It was also nice to see that the money from the Cafe and Gift Shop (both of which were very lovely and not at all touristy and naff) went straight back into the park itself. It was sad to see the effect that humans had on the park and it's wildlife, but also heartwarming to see the good the community was giving back in turn.

 Beautiful reeds, growing back slowly. It warms your cockles!

After being fed and watered, Sam and I wandered out into the meadows for a bit and took in some of the countryside views.

I could have taken a million photos and sat out there for hours, and I really regretted not bringing my art supplies, but before long it was time to head home once again.

By far my favourite place in the Lake District. It's not big and imposing like Wast Water, or quite so well-mapped as Derwent Water, but it's got room to wander and plenty to see. Please do visit if you're in the area :)

Until next time,

Steph