The principle feature of this holiday was the spectacular inaccuracy of the weather forecasting!
We were promised rain and mist but got, mostly, sun and clear blue skies (unusual for the Lake District!) Derwentbank is wonderfully situated and the views from the public rooms and the majority of bedrooms are superb. Many of the walks finished in nearby Keswick, with options (after a pause for a cream tea and a little light shopping) for a walk back, or to take a bus. The option universally favoured was a ‘water bus’ a regular service which cruised across the lake to a landing stage 200m from the house. As was to be expected we did get SOME bad weather, mostly on the day of the Hard BIG walk (Scafell Pike by the corridor route). The following day (the Wednesday) was our supposed ‘day off walking’ but it was so beautiful that most folk went on the hills for the extra day.
As ever the accommodations, food, wine and service was of a very high standard and our leaders capable and considerate. We has a most interesting illustrated talk by a principle member of the Cockermouth mountain rescue team which included dramatic pictures of the January floods in that unfortunate town. The final night caleigh was to the usual high standard, featuring several memorable recitations and other vocal delights.
