Monday, July 6 2026
Today dawned brighter than expected and I asked my B+B host for a suggestion of a scenic drive. Her choice matched closely what I had found online so that is how I spent most of my day.
I first drove into Keswick, arriving at the Lakeside car park while it was still relatively empty, and took a stroll through Crow Park and then south to Friars Crag along the shore of Derwent Water (below).
Next I headed to Castlerigg Stone Circle a few miles east of Keswick. This is one of several neolithic stone circles in the area and thought to date from between 3000 and 3200 BC. This makes it several hundred years older than Stonehenge. I have to admit that it is no Stonehenge to look at but visiting the more famous monument was a disappointment for me due to the lack of access. This circle is completely accessible and, I’m sure, has the best backdrop of all stone circles in England.
My next recommended stop was at Ashend pier, also on Derwent Water, but further south in Borrowdale. I was not impressed but did make the location the start of my scenic drive which resulted in the highlight of today’s post, the road video. It shows the magnificent Honister Pass in much more detail than any photo as well as the fun of driving on narrow, hilly and twisty roads with walkers, bikers and sheep everywhere. To give you an incentive to watch the best part of the video I include a photo of Honister Pass below.
I ended back in Keswick for a late lunch overlooking the lake but, by then, the weather was turning gloomy as can be seen from this view from the shore of Bassenthwaite Lake near my B+B when I returned.
A good evening meal in the Royal Oak pub in Braithwaite allowed me to watch some of the Spain-Portugal world cup match to end a good day.
Oh so lovely. Brought back wonderful memories. Your photographs are quite breathtaking!
Glad to remind you of wonderful memories. I have abandoned my phone and gone back to my point and shoot camera.
Susan and I think the Lake District might be the most beautiful place on earth. Our son and his wife drove there has year and hung about for a full week, loving their walks, the sky, and the pubs. It looks as though you only caught a bit of sunshine.
The lakes are, indeed, beautiful and, although the weather was not perfect, it didn’t really diminish the experience. Unfortunately, my trip is a whirlwind tour with little time in each place although I fondly remember spending several days there back in the 1980s.