Hidden Gems

Ullswaters Hidden Gems

Stop the car, step outside, pull on your walking boots pack your waterproofs into a backpack along with some food and drink and lets go exploring.

By James Hurley

Nestled comfortably at the southern end of the majestic Ullswater you will find the villages of Glenridding and Patterdale.  At first glance they are typical small villages, but take a moment to look around, take a moment to look beyond the pubs, cafes, the local shop and art gallery (which incidentally should not be missed as they are the heart and soul of the village).

Look further, look higher, listen.  What do you see?

“Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.”

Albert Einstein

How many times have you driven through a village like these two, seen all the cars and buses parked up and people walking around aimlessly looking bored and lost, kids on phones and waiting for the parents to take the lead and show them why they came to this well-known little village.  They looked in the gallery, had a coffee and cake in the café, got an ice cream from the shop, wandered around the walking cloth shop, walked up the side of the Beck, walked down to the lake and maybe had a trip on the steamer. But what’s next, should we drive up to Windermere or drive up to that waterfall we saw the signs for?

NO! NO! NO! NO!

Stop, look passed the carpark see that huge lump of rock covered in green (or brown) stuff (depending on the time of year), look behind the café and pub, that wet stuff, look behind it more big tall rocky things and look there are lines along the side of the lack with little dots on them which seem to be moving……..head back to the shop and ask them, pop back to the walking shop and ask them, head to the tourist info signs and take a look at the things you are about to drive away from.

This is the place you can get some use out of those expensive walking boots you have in the car, those high end coats and the water bottles you have never used that are sat in the boot of your car.  You don need to go far, you don’t need to climb high, there is plenty to see if you walk a little further than you would normally do.  Trust me, you will see.

There are short walks a plenty, hidden paths, secret hideaways and places to sit and have a picnic, all of which are within easy reach and will reward you with stunning views and happy memories (even if it rains!)

Over the next few weeks I will add some photographs of the short walks I have found and enjoy year after year.  Walks that can be done by anyone that is moderately healthy.  Each of them will include the photographs I have taken whilst on the walk (all of which are available to buy to decorate your home or office).

For now I wish you goodbye and I hope to see you here again soon when I add the first short walk.

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