Top end of Derwentwater

Rather than walk the whole way round the lake, we decided to do the best bit. We parked in the Kettlewell carpark - lots of spaces mid week January - and walk through the temperate rainforest at Lodore; across to Chinese Bridge and then out across the Mansty boardwalk to the cottage at the far side of the lake. Rocky really enjoyed himself, as did Rowan....as did we!

On arrival at Kettlewell there was a raft of Tufted Duck, with a couple of Greater Scaup.

Greater Scaup.

And into the rainforest....

A spectacular Dog Lichen sp. 

Looking towards Skiddaw.

Dipper.

Sunshine! Chinese Bridge.

The 'Jaws of Borrowdale'. Castle Crag.

Blencathra.

Birch bark.

A pair of Ring-necked Duck.

Skiddaw and Blencathra.

Rowan paying attention!

Walla Crag, Blaeberry Fell and High Seat

 A rather rushed walk, as rain was forecast for the afternoon. Said rain though didn't make an appearance until we were back home which was a bonus. Hazy dark skies, so not great photos ...and we had Ashness Bridge to ourselves on the way back - which was bizarre! 

Across Derwentwater from Walla Crag.

Keswick in the sun.

Looking down Derwentwater to Bassenthwaite.

Back towards Walla Crag.....

..and forwards to Blaeberry Fell.

Threatening skies.

Looking towards High Seat...boggy.

Moor Club (Clavaria argillacea).

A pleasant path down to.......

Ashness Bridge.

Derwentwater

 An early arrival in Keswick, before sitting at Crafts of the North...in glorious weather (humf...), allowed me a quick wander down by the Lake and around the Isthmus. 

It's always nice ot find a different view ..

The Istmus.

Skiddaw with a little remaining snow. 

Textures ....and below.

Looking back to Skiddaw...

Derwentwater - reflections

With a beautiful day - unluckily for me, I had booked to be at Crafts of the North in Keswick! So, it was a quick nip down to the lake shore. The classic views were lovely as always ...

Skiddaw.

Catbells.

Reflections...

Seeking views outside of the normal ones ....

The top Skiddaw looking inviting.

Frost and ice patterns in the shore-mud.

'Tideline' leaves....

Black-headed Gulls enjoying the sun.

Keswick has to have the tamest and easiest to photograph Robins. 

 

Derwentwater fungi and lichens

The path between Kettlewell carpark and Lodore Hotel, under the screes, is always a fabulous example of temperate rain forest ....

Mossy lushness...

Apologies - bit I don't do moss id. 

I can, however, admire their forms....

So fern like...

Peltigera membranacea  ...and close ups below...

Candle Snuff fungus in various stages ...below.