North-west passage

It's the end of June and time for our annual trip to the Lake District. Eleven of us converge in Keswick to stay in two cottages near the river, for walking, talking and drinking. The start of an excellent week.

It's good to see evidence of unspoilt wildlife. But it's a slightly ambiguous sign: do people think red squirrels are dangerous? We don't see any on our walks but we enjoy the beautiful rolling scenery and this tiny chapel at the hamlet of Littletown. On another walk we pass the elegant mansion of Rydal Hall, now converted into a hotel. and the oddly named Grot summer house. The end of that walk leads to Grasmere, and Grasmere means Tweedies, a favourite watering hole to shelter from the water from the sky.

The wettest day of the week takes us on a boat ride on Windermere. It's combined with a steam railway which leads almost to Morecambe Bay. Finally, despite the uncertain weather, it's time for an ice cream back at our base in Keswick.Read more