We spent a wonderful Bank Holiday weekend with our rambling group at the youth hostel in Borrowdale. I love the hosteling system in England and Europe and while basic, I've never been in one that had an uncomfortable bed or a lack of hot water for a shower. This one was no exception and had very substantial breakfasts, although the dinner meals were quite ordinary. They do offer a really good self-catering kitchen however, so that is another option if you want to stay in the area.
And who wouldn't? Borrowdale is one of the most beautiful spots in the Lake District. It is so, so peaceful; you immediately feel relaxed and on holiday. Look at this great view that greeted me and my morning coffee on Saturday, just in front of the hostel.
Quickly we were in the heart of the valley with misty hills all around us.
Then we started climbing, but not terribly high (saving that for the next day).
Looking back, you can see how green this valley is. Borrowdale is known for its annual rainfall.
Getting closer to Castle Crag (on the right), you get a splendid view of Derwent Water framed by these hills.
The path up Castle Crag doesn't take long and there's just one way up and down.
A lot of quarrying took place here in the past.
But the remnants give the place a very artsy, mysterious look.
There's also a memorial to the men from Borrowdale killed in the First World War.
Our way back was following the river path through a peaceful forest. Aren't all these greens absolutely gorgeous?
And that was the warm-up for the main walk on Saturday - tackling Scafell Pike, England's highest mountain.
No comments:
Post a Comment