It is a real shame that I only got to visit the Lake District once in 2016 but fitting everything into my new retirement regime has been trickier that I anticipated. However I did try hard to make the most of my time in Grasmere and the weather was extremely kind so I was able to get out as much as I wanted.
The misty dawn at Rydal Water was the best part of the week but I enjoyed many expeditions as well from an easy trot around Buttermere to a wet slog up the vertical side of Silver Howe. The upside of this was that the sun came out and provided some lovely light both over Grasmere and the Great Langdale Valley on the other side of Blea Rigg.
I also visited Black Crag with its 360 degree views of Windermere, Coniston and the Langdales, followed by Tilberthwaite with it's incredible slate quarries and footbridge over the busy stream.
My sunset walk took me back to Elterwater and the Langdale Pikes forming an imposing backdrop. It is always one of my favourite views.
Here is a small selection of my favourite photographs from my week to give you a flavour of where I went.
