First of all a stop off at the Gatefoot Gallery in Staveley to drop in some prints.

Thomas and Lewis stood by a 750x500mm oak framed view of Wastwater. Here you can see my selection of Prints of Wastwater That’s Lewis’ biggest smile by the way. Note the clenched fists. Above Lewis’ head is an A3+ print of Goats Water below Dow Crag taken on a previous walk up Coniston Old Man. Behind Thomas’ head is my Sepia Buttermere View Panoramic print in a Walnut Frame.

Not looking too happy now is Lewis, eager to get going for his walk, my Buttermere Tree Panoramic print is in the centre in an 80mm Oak frame, My Wastwater Favourite print in the background A3+ sized and hidden behind Thomas is my 30x90cm  Striding Edge print on Helvellyn in 80mm Oak.

My 750 x 500mm prints are a great size. This ones shown in an 80mm wide Oak frame. A feature in rooms of all sizes.

This Buttermere Tree Panoramic print is 30cm tall by 90cm wide. Shown here in an 80mm Oak frame.

My sepia version of the Buttermere View looks great in a Walnut frame. The print is 30x90cm and the frame is 80mm wide.

An A3+ Print of my Wastwater favourite shown here in a 60mm solid Oak frame. Onwards for our Walk.

Parking up at the free Car Park at Pelter Bridge just North of Ambleside and below Rydal, we head up the track to the water.

Yesterday I got my new iPhone 5 until the phone is activated I’m carrying the iPhone 4 too, so I task Thomas with taking some pictures of his own, just look for something interesting I tell him.

Apparently he liked this Tree because he saw the sun shining through the branches and it looked good. His shot is below.

Thomas’ shot of this fine oak Tree.

An alternative view by me.

With his second shot. Processed by Instagram it looks pretty good.

A short walk up the road brings you to a fine view over Rydal from this well positioned bench, at this point there’s a fork in the path, you can either go down to the water’s edge or along a decent path elevated over the water, this route gives fantastic views over the surrounding area and opposite to Nab Scar.

Grasmere is just over the trees.

Nab Scar above Rydal.

Nab Scar from further up the path

A decent path leads up above Rydal and towards the Cave.

Plenty of photo opportunities with the tall trees filtering the Sun.

Come on Lewis. He’s doing well to say his entire legs and chest are wrapped in bandages due to his recent onset of Eczema.

Further up the path Thomas taking a shot of his brother.

Checking the result.

The result. Eyes shut, typical.

Great light through the trees. Processed with Instagram.

Not far to go now. Will Batman be in Dad……

Great light on a pleasant afternoon.

My own saplings. Growing fast.

A fine Oak.

The entrance to Batman’s Lake District Hideout. They were actually scared to enter at this point.

Reflections in the still water.

Looking out of the cave.

Looking back on the Cave and the path back down to Rydal Water.

From here we took a short walk to a vantage point where the views of Rydal and Grasmere are excellent. We were running out of time so headed back from here. This shot was taken with my iPhone 5 using the panorama feature. Not bad for a fully automatic setup.

Available for Catalog work.

Thomas doing what young lads should be doing.

Lewis approves of his walk.

Back down at the waters edge and through the woods for the return journey.

Kissing Gate. This should provide me with enough material for behaviour control when they are teenagers.

Available for Catalog work. Down by the boathouse.

He’s had enough of photos now.

A small boathouse on Rydal.

Panoramic Boathouse on Rydal.

Reflections on Rydal.

A fine residence over Rydal.

A wider Panoramic Boathouse on Rydal.

A wider view over the southern end of Rydal.

A close up of the Boathouse on Rydal.

Back through the woods on the low path to the car park.

Looking back through the trees to the boat house.

Last of the summer green here.

A great short walk out, ideal for young kids given the interest of the Cave. If your staying in the South lakes its worth a trip.

Here you can see more of my Lake District Landscape Prints from around Rydal.

We picked up the Gondola from Monk Coniston launch (above) by our cottage and were transported over to the Bluebird Cafe,

Steaming over to Bluebird Cafe, we were advised the trip would officially commence after a lunch break so we took the opportunity to have lunch of our own at the Bluebird Cafe.

Great views of the Boat houses on Coniston water from here.

Bank House Farm as featured in Swallows and Amazons by Arthur Ransome.

Bluebird Cafe on the shore of Coniston water. I can remember coming her a few years back on my own when it looked more like a dated wooden shed. Nowadays it’s a great modern facility. Very light and airy with some great architectural details.

After a great lunch we hopped aboard the Gondola, we were as excited as the kids. It’s not every day you get to ride on a steam-powered boat.

Some fine Autumnal colours all around the Lake. Shortly after embarking on the trip the crew suggested the kids could sit up in the cabin a bit later in the trip, this was a great gesture from the friendly crew and one the kids couldn’t wait for.

Amazing buildings all along the Western Shore. A wine merchant lives here apparently.

As we headed South down the Lake there was an excellent and informative commentary by the crew about the history of the Lake, the famous residents who reside along the lake, both current and previous and of course lots of details about Sir Donald Campbell and Bluebird.

As the trip reaches the most Southerly point we turn around and head back up the East side of the Lake.

Looking back up the length on Coniston Water from the turning point at the Southern end.

What a magnificent Boat House. Darf Vader could have built it himself.

Lots of Photo opportunities from the Steam Gondola

The hidden Launch is located in this area. The crew giving us loads of details about Donald Campbell’s run here.

Detail on the front of the Gondola.

Eventually we moored up at Parkamoor Jetty where I’d visited just that morning. We got off at this point to stretch our legs a little.

10 or 15 minutes later and were off again.

Kids aye.

Pulling away.

Looking back at Parkamoor Jetty.

Within a few minutes the kids were invited up into the cabin.

All 3 of us headed up there. It was a great experience.

The driver suggesting not every 3 and 7 year old get the opportunity to drive a 3 million pound Gondola. Thomas couldn’t believe it. They had a good 15 minutes behind the wheel, eventually taking us back to Monk Coniston.

Fantastic Autumn colours all around the Lake side.

Brantwood home of The John Ruskin Museum.

We got off here at Monk Coniston, the Gondola steams back over to the Bluebird Cafe to conclude the tour for the rest of the passengers.

Coniston Old man in the background with one of the mines visible.

What a great day, a fantastic trip and the sights along the shore are a must if you are staying locally, you simply can’t see these any other way. I’ll definitely take the trip again. Autumn seems like a good time of year as the colours are fantastic along the lake.

We’re inspired to try the Ullswater Steamers next time. Now to get tired boy home for a rest. Too much excitement.

Carry Me!

Here you can see more of my Lake District Prints from Coniston.

I’ve only walked around Buttermere 2 times prior to this trip, once with Amanda and her sister in 2006 then alone in December 2008. On my first trip I noted some locations that had to be investigated further. The weather was pretty grim on this initial trip but on my second visit I was rewarded with a great clear winters day. So what would a summer walk bring…..

Now that Thomas and Lewis are pretty good walkers we thought they could manage the 4-5 mile walk without the hassle of buggies etc. Lewis was 2, nearly 3 and Thomas 7. This should be a doddle for him given his Lingmoor fell climb at 5 years old.

Parking up at the Fish Hotel in the village we headed out down towards the water, as it was Summer there had been a lot of rain recently and the shore and paths were quite flooded, adding to the interest for the kids.

I’ve not seen the tree so flooded. It’s also looking a little depleted from my previous visit. A branch to the right seems to be missing.

Getting down low for this shot added a new dimension as the tree is normally on the shore. Passes by wondering what I’m doing…

Breaking through the cloud some patches of light illuminate the trees below the High Stile ridge

Turning along the length of Buttermere from this point.

As you head around the Lake there you can appreciate the scale of the place, it’s like you are in a giant bowl, surrounded by the most attractive of sides. Heading along the Western shore on our way out we arrive at several flooded paths and contributories to the lake that have over-flown, covering the paths. At one such point we were crossing a fence as the gate was flooded, a kind lady offered to lift Lewis over the fence, which she did, placing him down next to the stream which he then slipped and fell in, full body soaked. I was gutted, not only for him but also as this could well have been the end of the walk, with no spare clothes and no towel it wasn’t warm enough to be walking around soaked to the skin. However he wasn’t bothered, after the initial shock of getting wet he was too wrapped up in the experience to give up. We pressed on and eventually stopped for lunch further down the path.

Haystacks and High Crag above Burtness Wood.

The short tunnel on the side of the water.

Through the cave and into the Jungle.

A pleasant view for walkers of all ages.

Thomas taking in the view. Sometime he struggles to get to sleep at night, I tell him to remember the time he was sat on this bench to help him relax and drift off. It seems to work every time.

One for the family album.

Time to through a few stones back in the water before we head off again. Wet Jeans had enough photos for now.

The view over Buttermere to Burtness Wood with Chapel Crags above Bleaberry Tarn nestled in-between High Stile and Red Pike.

I’m not sure on the technical name for this but a mini spiral of water was being whipped up by the wind and moving down the lake.

A wider view showing the grandness of the High Stile Ridge. Some nice summer clouds too adding to the scene.

As you make your way around the shore from here what you are greeted with, is in my opinion the finest view you can possibly see in the Lake District if not the UK. It’s a magnificent vista across Buttermere toward the finely shaped Fleetwith Pike, over Warnscale to Haystacks; Wainwrights favourite and ultimately his final resting place, up to High Stile, High Crag and Red Pike. Collectively known as the High Stile ridge. Looking up from this position, I’m questioning did I actually walk all that in one go. It seems a fair tasks these days as I’ve not walked up high for a couple of years. I need to get back into that.

Fleetwith Pike above Buttermere

Haystacks above Buttermere. The path to the right leads from the waterside to Scarth Gap and then down into the Ennerdale Valley and Black Sail Hut Youth Hostel. The path is known as the Scarth Gap Pass.

Looking back down the High Stile Ridge.

Heading round the Lake and up to Gatesgarth Farm we promise the kids an ice cream from the van that usually parks up in the Farm car park. What a disappointment, Thomas has an allergy to Egg and the Ice Cream man couldn’t tell us the ingredients of the ice cream, Thomas is pretty cautious when it comes to this so declined to have anything just in case.

Haystacks above one of the barns at Gatesgarth Farm.

Continuing on the well signposted path past the mountain rescue hut the path takes you over a small bridge known as Peggy’s Bridge and on to the foot of the High Stile Ridge. From here you get a real view of haystacks and you can appreciate where the name Haystacks comes from.

Warnscale in-between Fleetwith Pike and Haystacks.

A close up with Warnscale Beck in the centre of the frame with Green Crag above. Can you see The Retreat from here?

Haystacks and several shades of green.

The view from Peggy’s Bridge back to Warnscale, Fleetwith Pike and Haystacks.

Looking the other way over Buttermere with the lower slopes of the High Stile Ridge to the left and possibly Goat Crag and High Bank on Low or High Snockrigg.

Just from the side of the bridge. Trying to use the line of the Beck to lead the eye to the trees.

Thomas giving a Royal Wave to a Sea King Helicopter just in case it’s Prince William.

The bottom of Scarth Gap Pass looking up to Haystacks.

Looking back to Warnscale.

An alternative way to see the area.

Spurring each other on to the finish line. They’re not always this civilised.

It’s a relatively easy-going and un-flooded path back to the Northern end of Buttermere. There’s a stream coming down the fell side that is worth stopping at along the path above Burtness Wood pictured above as is  Sourmilk Ghyll below Bleaberry Tarn at the end of the path pictured above right. From here it was back to the pub for a well-earned drink, I was so proud of the boys for walking so far, especially Lewis at only 2 years old and drenched from the outset. They had and we had a great day, needless to say they were both asleep by the time we got on Honister Pass.

I hope we can have many more family walks around here over the years ahead, it’s a joy to walk and a pleasure to photograph.

If you take the Lake road or path along the Westerns side of the High Stile Ridge with Haystacks and Fleetwith Pike at the Southern end of the Lake has to be one of the most attractive scenes you can see in the UK. Go and see for yourself. If not then take a look at some of my prints available from this location.

Grasmere Garden Centre and a bright Red Acer.

Looking the other way back to St. Oswalds, Grasmere Church

Heading up the driveway to Allan Bank.

A fine driveway at that.

Helm Crag coming into view.

The entrance porch.

Not a bad view from your front door.

This fine Piano in the Hallway a magnet for the kids.

Lewis showing promise on the Piano. I’m surprised we weren’t asked to leave at this point.

A fine view from the main room.

A wider view of the main room.

Here’s a view out of the main window over Grasmere.

A fine staircase leads to the first floor.

One of the bedrooms.

What a fine view from a bedroom window.

A stitched shot showing the Staircase in full.

Artefacts laid out for viewing.

The young painters at work in the main room.

Lewis enjoying some artist freedom……

with a little guidance from Amanda.

A look around the garden to find the swings.

Looking back at the House. Excellent from this angle.

A fine vista over Grasmere.

a regular view over Grasmere.

What a great little building, a games room apparently. Would make me a great gallery.

All photos taken with my iPhone 5.

On the east side of Lake Windermere. I noticed a Tree Top Treks adventure play section had opened up, a bit like a mini GoApe and with Thomas being too young for GoApe I fancied trying it. They allow younger kids on at Tree Top Treks. Unfortunately we couldn’t go up today as I was on my own with both kids and you have to accompany them with an adult, however we’ll be back.

We took the opportunity to check out the grounds and playground, see some photos below for a quick tour.

Part of the Tree Top Treks.

The visitors centre and gift shop.

Thomas and Lewis on the climbing wall.

A small red Maple close to the house.

A quick visit to the Bird watching hut. We didn’t see much.

A young kid up on the Tree Top Treks.

A free playground for kids and a good picnic location.

Thomas emerging from the slide.

The Langdale Pikes over Windermere with CCTV camera looking down the Jetty.

The modern ferry terminal. You would never guess this is here.

The fantastically designed ticket office, ruined by the position of the alarm box.

Brockhole Jetty with the Coniston Fells in the distance.

The path alongside Windermere at the bottom of the garden.

I bet these like the damp around here.

A nice morning for a boat on Windermere.

Low cloud covering the Langdale Pikes, hope it stays a while for a later visit.

A Jetty on Windermere looking over to the Langdale Pikes.

Fantastic colours in the gardens this time of year.

Not often a red coat is camouflage.

Lewis climbing the steps. He’s doing well as he’s wearing bandages on legs and arms to help his exzema.

Autumn colours on the steps in the Garden.

The Monkeypuzzle Tree in the gardens, subject to be removed shortly as it spoils the view apparently.

The front of Brockhole.

The road to Elterwater

A fantastic view of the Langdale Pikes appearing through the clouds.

Thomas takes some shots of the Langdale Pikes with a long lens.

A fantastic display at the Elterwater Maple.

The Elterwater Maple as seen by Thomas.

Some great autumnal colours in the Lake District at the moment, hope they come out a little more in time for our week long stay in Coniston in a weeks time. Here you can see more details of my Windermere prints for sale.