I’m participating in the #AtoZBloggingChallenge 2016 with the theme – Pins on the Map of my Memory – which is about places that bear a special connection with me for reasons mostly personal!
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W for Windermere
The memory of this journey takes me back in time almost 10 years ago! On a crisp, clear morning we had set off on a short weekend trip from Manchester Piccadilly station to catch the Oxenholme-bound mid-morning train. Our destination was Bowness-on-Windermere, roughly about an hour and a quarter away. The main aim of the trip was to spend a memorable time in the village of Ambleside and Windermere for the very last time, before we moved back to India.
As the train chugged along and pulled out of the station, we noticed the cityscape change. Gradually, the narrow passes began to appear, and soaring mountains and plunging waterfalls all added a new dimension to the place that has historically been a point of inspiration to poets, writers and artists of all times. Interestingly, Wordsworth, Coleridge, Ruskin, Beatrix Potter, Arthur Ransom all lived here once and the place bears a testimony to that.
As every visitor will vouch for, this district is arguable the most beautiful corner of England, with a combination of beautiful lakes, rocky mountains and green dales, all existing within what is known as Wordsworth Country and his houses in the nearby villages of Grasmere and Rydal are nothing short of literary shrines for millions today.
We stayed at a Bed and Breakfast (B&B) place in Bowness/Windermere towards the South. It was wonderful to walk our way through the village and a 30-minute walk took us down to Bowness on the lakeside by the grand lake Windermere.
The best part of our stay was to enjoy a scenic two and a half hour cruise that took off from Bowness, followed by a freshly prepared buffet and live music on board a historic ‘steamer’. Our journey took us through Bowness, Ambleside and Lakeside and the spectacular voyage gave us magnificent views of the mountain scenery, secluded bays and the many wooded islands.
One of our most unforgettable experiences was the trip to the Derwent Pencil Museum near adjoining Keswick, where we saw the world’s longest pencil (see pic above). It is, in fact, the world’s longest coloured pencil (it’s yellow) and, according to the Guinness World Records Certificate it measures 25ft 11.5 inches in length and weighs approx 450 kg. Made by the Cumberland pencil factory in 2001, apparently, 28 men were needed to carry it from the factory to the museum. Not having a pencil sharpener big enough to accommodate it, they had to sharpen the tip with a chainsaw.
On display, arranged in neat glass cases, were various packets of Cumberland pencils produced since the factory opened in 1832. I confess here, that for someone who goes totally berserk at the sight of a stationery shop, It was hard to resist picking up a few packs of the famous Derwent Pencils and Sketch Pads, as a token of our memorable trip.
Today, as I recall that trip my only wish is to take my son along to revisit our wonderful trip a decade ago. Some experiences need to be revisited again and again. 🙂
Yes some places need to be revisited. Short and crisp was the writing like the beautiful countryside you visited a decade ago. Interesting to know about cumberland pencil. I know almost all English counties and their cricket grounds but never got a chance to visit. Reading about Windermere my mind went to that famous witty play “Lady Winderemere’s Fan”
Thank you so much Sir! Places like these are a gem of a treasure house…not just in natural beauty but so many things to discover as well. You must visit the Lake District next time…I assure you that you will not be disappointed!
You are so well travelled Esha and seen so much in this world. I am amazed by the visual imagery depicting UK in all its forms. Travel and exploring offer such visual treat in the form of memory journey.
I am deeply grateful to life for having given the opportunity to see the world in all its’ amazing forms – as cities, landscapes, mountains, rivers, islands and beaches!!! So glad to have those warm words of appreciation from you, Vishal 😊
That seemed like such a lovely trip. English countryside is every bit as beautiful as described in books I see! The name itself is so romantic. The pencil factory thrown in for added attraction. Lovely images.
@KalaRavi16 from
Relax-N-Rave
Thanks Kala. Yes, you’re right about the English countryside…every bit beautiful and soothing to the eye…and has an old world charm that is so typically English!
I have never been to Windemere but your photographs have created in me an urge to visit there one day.
Visiting from the A to Z Blog Challenge.
Shalom,
Patricia @ EverythingMustChange
Thanks Pat…do try and visit if you ever get a chance to do so…you’ll love the village and the history associated with it.
It looks lovely there. The lake is so peaceful looking. My W post is up http://atcad.blogspot.com/2016/04/winsome-wednesday-wicked-wild.html
Thanks 🙂 Will hop onto yours now and check it out!
Such a serene beautiful place.. Loved the roads ..
http://serendipityofdreams.blogspot.in/2016/04/withering-summer.html
Thank you Deepti… It is very serene, and soothing to the senses … Lovely quiet village
Your pictures make me want to go!
Not a place to be missed Jeanne… The sooner the better… You’ll love it:)
I now know why so many buildings in Mumbai are called Windermere. It does seem to be incredibly beautiful and idyllic
Really? Interestingly many places in the country owe their origins to a beautiful place somewhere in England