17 years

Flowers off my lovely mum to wish us happy anniversary

At the beginning of November Hubby and I celebrated our 17th wedding anniversary.

He had booked two days off work during the half term holiday and we went away to the Lake District for a night in a Country House Hotel.

We drove up on the Friday morning leaving the rain behind us in Yorkshire. 

We drove first to Ambleside and had a wander around and a bite to eat before a short drive to Brothers Water.

Cumbria was looking wonderful in it's autumn colour. Although there were a few threatening clouds, it remained dry all day.

As the weather was holding we had planned to go for a good walk around the National Trust owned Brothers water.

We parked the car at Cow Bridge just north of Hartsop and over the bridge that spans Goldrill Beck.

 Walking south with the lake on our left.

Bottoms up!

We walked up towards Hartsop Hall.

 The hall is in the care of the National Trust and dates from the 16th century. It was formerly the home of the de Lancasters then in the 17th century it passed into the ownership of Sir John Lowther.

Local history relates that when the hall was extended in the 18th century, it was built across an ancient right-of-way , a right which at least one dalesman insisted on exercising, by walking right through the hall! (ref:Towns and Villages of Cumbria by Terry Marsh 1999)

 We didn't go through the hall but headed east towards the Brothers water hotel.

Then North up the other side of the lake.

The sun was setting and there were fantastic reflections on the water.

At this point we walked along the road.

Back to the car park over Cow Bridge.

 It was dark when we arrived at the hotel.

It did look very pretty all lit up.

Built in 1904 it was like staying in an Edwardian Country House.

I did try and discreetly take photos of dinner. The other diners were not too close so I don't think anyone noticed the crazy woman taking photos of her food!

coffee and Kendal mint cake in the lounge.

And a walk before retiring for the night.

So that was day one. 
Join me next time for a rather wetter day two!