Sarah and I always enjoy visiting Keswick. This particular weekend was organised by Sue’s partner Andy with the help of some of her good friends. There were over sixty of us joining in and helping her celebrate a special birthday. This included some of us from Stockport Community Cycling Club.

Friday

Sarah, Andy S, Tracey and I travelled up in the morning. The Keswick Country House Hotel, where we were staying, is situated next to the old railway station.  Indeed, it was originally owned by the Cockermouth, Keswick and Penrith Railway Company and was built to coincide with the opening of the railway in 1865.

We decided to walk into town along the River Greta for some lunch.

We chose the cafe Merienda. Sarah and I have eaten here before and knew the food was good and they served gluten-free options.

Here we also met up with Neil and Nicholl. Having finished our meal and drinks we set off for The Lakes Distillery which is situated at the north end of Bassenthwaite Lake.

We had booked ourselves on a tour of the place.

The Lakes Distillery

It has been described as one of the best new distilleries in the world, and, importantly for us, it is one of only a small number of English whisky producers.the

It was an interesting and informative tour which also included explanations of how they make their gin and vodka too.

Afterwards, we all stocked up on supplies!

After heading back to Keswick we made our way over to the town centre and watched the Christmas lights being switched on.

Then we headed back to the hotel for the evening meal.

Saturday

The following morning we headed down to Derwentwater to catch the morning cruise boat. There were two walks organised and this was the shorter one of the two.

The boat was packed full of passengers!

Nearly thirty of us got off at the High Brandlehow jetty. Sue was leading this work



Our route began by following the path alongside the lake. We soaked in the fabulous views.

After a short while, we passed a wooden sculpture of cupped hands in Brandlehow Park. It is called Entrust, and commemorates the centenary of the National Trust’s first purchase of land in the Lake District.

After reaching Low Brandlehow we left the shores of the lake and headed inland a little.

We made our way to the Lingholm Estate. Here there is a kitchen and walled garden. We were stopping here for lunch.

Since there was going to be quite a queue at the kitchen, Andy, Sarah and I decided to first wander down to the lake.

We took a quick look around the walled garden. This was the inspiration for Beatrix Potter’s Peter Rabbit.

After lunch, we continued our journey.

We passed through Nicholl End. We had stopped here for a break on our recent Ravens Route tour.

Soon we were arriving back in Keswick. This had been a great little walk.

After a bit of shopping, Sarah, Andy and I headed over to Keswick Brewery to meet up with Neil and Nicholl. They had been on one of their tours.

We just had to sample the wares!

Back at the hotel, all the tour party joined Sue for her birthday meal.

Sue’s big day is actually in December, however, this is the nearest date for hotel booking before the Christmas schedule. It might not have been on the actual date but it was a fabulous birthday party. Sue lapped it up!

Sunday

On our final morning, we headed into town for a final bit of shopping. We then headed back down to Derwentwater for a little stroll.

Finally, it was time to head home. Sue’s birthday celebration weekend had been a memorable one.