A quiet afternoon, and heaven for our pal Allen, the arch cafe stuffer and tea belly, as we had steaming mugs in paw, and delicious cakes.
"The tiffin is scrumptious, Little Eric", said Tetley. "You really are ace at making it."
"Thanks pal."
"These scones are delicious too", said Allen, taking yet another and liberally spreading butter and jam. "Thank you Grizzly."
"It's not me you have to thank, but Southey. My contribution is the Chorley cakes."
"Which are lovely as always", replied Shaun, as he refilled Tetley's mug.
"Thanks", then lifting it to take a mouthful, he said, "where is Southey. He is as much a tea belly as you Allen."
"Aye. Definitely not like him to miss out", agreed Allen.
Just a few minutes later he indeed arrived, calling out, "I have been talking to Dad and have news."
"Well first have a mug of tea and some cake", said Shaun. "You have a lot to catch up with Allen."
"No doubt", he laughed, taking a Chorley cake and piece of tiffin.
"Your scones are delicious", said Little Eric. "There are hardly any left."
"Glad you like them. Here's another tin full."
"Ooh you spoil us", cried Tetley.
Southey satisfied and with a refill of tea, "next week is Dad's holiday to Armathwaite Hall. We are going, as Dad is planning to take us on the walk round Derwent Water. It's about 9 miles, but pretty level all he way."
"That's will be super", cheered Tetley.
"Aye pal", agreed Shaun. "We have never done it before, rather seeing it from the fells all around that we have climbed over the years."
Looking thoughtful. Grizzly said, that will make 5 of the lakes that we have walked round. Buttermere, Crummock Water, Derwent Water, Loweswater and Thirlmere."
"Can't wait", cheered Little Eric. "Here's to the best Dad in all the world."
Yesterday it had rained for most of the day, but in stark contrast to our delight, today was dry with sun at times, despite the view from the room being rather misty to start.
Anxious to be off we quickly settled in the car for the short drive to Keswick, parking by the lake. Dad was soon ready and with us safely tucked in the rucksack, off we went, passing the Theatre by the Lake.
"You've been a lot of times there to see plays", commented Southey.
"Yes lad. Many times with Uncle Brian, and more recently."
Rex and Starbuck always go with you too", said Grizzly.
"Yes lad. We went to see Noises Off, which was very funny, in June, and we are booked to see Pride and Prejudice next month. Always excellent and very enjoyable performances."
Approaching the jetties where the launches depart, Tetley pointed, "that's a super view of Rowling End and Causey Pike. We last climbed them with Uncle Eric, in June 2010."
"My", said Shaun. "I would not have thought it was so long ago."
Dad strode out along the gravel path, his progress being halted by Allen pointing, "what's that plaque about. We missed spotting it last time."
Peering, Grizzly said, "it is to Canon Rawnsley who was one of the founders of the National Trust." Grizzly the patiently read it out for us -
TO THE HONOURED MEMORY OF
HARDWICKE DRUMMOND RAWNSLEY 1851-1920
WHO GREATLY LOVING FAIR THINGS OF NATURE AND OF ART
SET ALL HIS LOVE TO THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAN
WAS CANON OF CARLISLE CHAPLAIN TO THE KING
VICAR OF CROSTHWAITE 1883-1917 AND ONE OF THE FOUNDERS
OF THE NATIONAL TRUST INTO WHOSE CARE FRIARS CRAG
LORDS ISLAND AND A PART OF GREAT WOOD WERE GIVEN
BY SUBSCRIBERS WHO DESIRED THAT HIS NAME
SHOULD NOT BE
FORGOTTEN 7 SEPTEMBER 1922
Thinking on this, we continued to Friars Crag where there is this stunning view along Derwent Water to Borrowdale.
Nearby stands the memorial to John Ruskin.
"I have notes", said Grizzly. "This memorial to John Ruskin was erected on 6th October 1900, shortly after his death, largely through the efforts of Hardwicke Rawnsley. It consists of a monolithic block of Borrowdale stone. It is of the type of the standing stones of Galloway the earliest Christian monuments of the Celtic people, and was chosen as a link with Scotland, the land of Ruskin's fore-elders. Upon one side is incised a Chi-Rho enclosed in a circle after the fashion of the earliest crosses, with the following inscription beneath from Deucalion, Lecture xii., par. 40
The Spirit of God is around
you in the air that you breathe,
-His glory in the light that
you see; and in the fruitfulness
of the earth, and in the joy of its
creatures, He has written for
you, day by day, His
revelation, as he has granted
you, day by day, your daily
bread
On the side we see, facing the lake which Ruskin once described 'as one of the three most beautiful scenes in Europe', there is a medallion in bronze, the work of Signor Lucchesi, representing Ruskin in profile as he was in the early 1870s, when he composed Fors Clavigera and was Slade Professor of Fine Art at Oxford University. A crown of wild olive is seen in the background of the panel, which is hollowed to give the profile high relief, and Ruskin's motto, 'To-day', is among the olive leaves in the background over the head. Above the portrait is the name "John Ruskin," beneath are his dates 1819 to 1900. Beneath these again is incised an inscription taken from Modern Painters, vol. iii, ch. vxii:
The first thing which I remember, as an event in life, was being taken by my nurse to the brow of Friar's Crag on Derwent Water.
The lettering was designed and drawn by Ruskin's biographer, W G Collingwood, and was so designed to indicate Ruskin's dot and dash style of drawing. Ruskin wrote that 'all monuments to individuals are, to a certain extent, triumphant; therefore, they must not be placed where nature has no elevation of character.' The scene was chosen thus, like the stone, which exists quite naturally amidst its surroundings." (Source Wikipedia)
"Take the path round Strandshag Bay", instructed Shaun.
Looking across, Little Eric called out, "super view from the left of Maiden Moor, Catbells and Skelgill Bank."
Tetley laughed, "there will be hardly anyone on Maiden Moor, but many people on Catbells. With Walla Crag the most popular fells around here."
"Look, there's that fallen tree", pointed Allen. "And the tree clad hill behind is Castlehead. We climbed that on the last walk round here that took us through Great Wood."
"We should sit there for our first picture in this story", stated Southey.
Into the woodland of The Ings, where this boardwalk allows passage over the boggy ground.
Exiting, the path right led on to pass the houses of Stable Hills, backed my the majestic bulk of mighty Skiddaw.
Now along the shore of Calfclose Bay, Grizzly pointed, "there's the Hundred Year Stone."
Producing some more notes, he told us, "The Hundred Year Stone is a 1995 sculpture by Peter Randall-Page. It was commissioned by the National Trust to commemorate their centenary. The artwork is made from a Borrowdale volcanic rock boulder, cut in half, with the artist carving ten segments within ten rings on each face, symbolizing a centenary of the National Trust. The location on the lake shore means it is sometimes partially or fully submerged, depending on the water level."
"Thank you pal, once again. Always adding interest to our adventures", said Tetley.
Minutes later Allen called out. "Superb view across the lake. Barrow in the centre, with Grizedale Pike to the right. Grizedale Pike is special to me marking my completion of the Wainwright challenge on 19th August 2010. I was a very happy and proud bear that day."
The path led on through some Scots Pines.
"Hmm", said Shaun. "The lake is too high to continue on the lake path. We need to get onto the road."
"That rocky path will be a bit of a scramble", said Little Eric, dubiously.
"I've had a lot worse", replied Dad as he made short work of the ascent to the road, where we continued along the pavement to Ashness Gate landing stage, where a launch had just arrived.
"Down the steps, Dad, we can rejoin the shore path now", advised Shaun.
This led round a promontory.
"That's a lovely tree", pointed Southey.
And minutes later, Tetley called out, "just look at all that meadowsweet. Beautiful and so fragrant."
Then along the top of the stone walkway below the road...
...and arrive at Kettlewell car park.
"Cross the road and go right through the woodland", instructed Shaun.
Just look at that wall, so much covered in moss", commented Allen.
The path dropped down to the road just before the Lodore Hotel...
...with its amazing spa that was quite recently built.
Southey instructed, "continue on the road for a little way, then go right on the track signed to Manesty.
As can be seen it was rather flooded probably due to the heavy persistent rain yesterday, but not very deep and Dad made short work getting past.
"What a fine view to King's How", pointed Grizzly. "Must be a while since we climbed it."
"10th November 2010", replied Tetley. "It is one of the Birkett challenge."
Little Eric was shaking his head. "I never cease to be amazed how you remember all these facts, pal."
The Chinese bridge...
...allows passage over the River Derwent.
"Why is it called the Chinese Bridge?", asked Little Eric.
Once more our ace researcher Grizzly had the answer. "The bridge is known locally as the Chinese Bridge due to its shallow arch."
Here we joined the Cumbria Way, and the path on a boardwalk continued on to a gate and then on with more short boardwalk stretches.
"Oh my, what a superb view to Blencathra", cried Shaun. "Take a picture please Dad."
Onwards through the woods of Manesty Park to join a drive by this house and walk right...
... and reach the house of Brandlehow.
"Look", called out Southey, "there's a teddy in the window."
Grizzly told us, "Teddy first came into the life of the former owners' daughter Deborah Clarke 37 years ago, when her parents found a Teddy on the shore one day, so they put it in the window of the garage thinking someone would claim it.
After a year or two he started getting the odd Christmas card and over time he started to get even more letters. So many people were leaving
him little notes that they put a slot in the garage and started raising money for charity.
Teddy has since raised money for the Lake District Mountain Rescue Search Dogs, Community First Responders, Breast Cancer UK, Macmillan, Battersea Dogs and Cats Home and Pets Lifeline.
He is so popular online that he has over 1,800 followers on his Facebook page and fans in America and Australia."
"Wow, what a lovely story", said Allen. "Just look at all the messages that have been left for Teddy."
We all said, "hello", to Teddy and then waved goodbye as we strolled on.
"That fallen tree trunk would be a good place to sit for another picture", suggested Shaun.
Following the shore round old heaps of mine waste brought us to High Brandlehow landing stage and then the woods of Brandlehow Park to Low Brandlehow landing stage.
Towering high above us was Catbells. "Look, as you said Tetley, it is busy on the top. We can see all the ant figures", called out Allen.
Beyond the gate past the jetty, Tetley said, "that's an interesting carved seat."
On closer inspection, Grizzly said, "there are two dates. 1902 and 2002. So would seem it celebrates some centenary." After further research he told us, "Brandlehow Park was one of the first areas purchased by the National Trust in 1902. So this seat indeed celebrates the centenary of the acquisition."
"Got to sit there for our picture", insisted Southey.
Eventually the path brought us via gates onto a tarmac drive. "Go right", sad Shaun. "This will bring us to the entrance to Hawse End Outdoor Centre.
Then after passing the private drive to Derwent Bay, Shaun instructed, "take the next path right."
Now in woodland then across a field into the woods of Fawe Park.
The track took us to the left of the Lingholm Estate, coming to the imposing entrance gates.
"Ignore the path right into the estate and keep ahead to reach a junction", advised Southey.
"Now take the waymarked path left", said Shaun.
This climbed and then descended to the road, by the entrance to Nichol End Marine, passing on the way the Derwentwater House Hotel.
Shortly we came to the village of Portinscale, passing the cafe. "We have stopped there previously on walks", commented Tetley.
"That we have lad. Today however I plan to go to Hope Cafe, just a very short way from the car."
"We go right at the road junction and pass the Derwentwater Hotel", advised Southey.
"Ah, a long time ago Uncle Brian and I stayed here a few times. That was however before we discovered our second home Armathwaite Hall."
The road ends and leads to a path and the suspension bridge over the River Derwent.
Shortly Southey called out, "take the path right between fences. It leads to Keswick."
There we were soon onto Lake Road and the Hope Cafe. We opted to stay in the rucksack.
Dad had a nice pot of tea and scone with butter jam and cream!!
"After all the effort you deserve it Dad. Thank you for a truly lovely day", said Allen.
It was the just a short walk Hope Gardens...
And passing the statue of Max the Miracle Dog, where we sat for our final picture.
Quickly we settled in the car to enjoy our picnic of sandwiches, cake and tea. We were ready. especially Allen who is always hungry.
"For sure you really to take after Dad", commented Shaun.
"I certainly do."
Meanwhile after a few minutes rest Dad drove back to Armathwaite Hall.
"It's been a really grand day out", stated Tetley. "Thank you again Dad."
