I was headed for the fells this morning but the rain was very heavy (and I mean bouncing!) so I decided to stick to lower ground and have a walk along the banks of Windermere. This walk on the outskirts of Bowness is a walk we have done many times over the years, in fact it brought back memories of Angus as he loved to swim here.
Heading down to Miller Ground.
Cascades on the way down to the mere.
Fun and frolics at Low Millerground. In the olden days, a rowing boat foot ferry crossed Windermere from here over to Belle Grange.
On this early 17th century cottage you can see the bell tower - without a bell now - that was used to summon the ferryman.
The view to Meregarth looking north along Windermere.
The view to Meregarth looking north along Windermere.
Boathouses and jetties at Low Miller Ground.
Have a stretch Casper! The Langdale Pikes are just about visible through the rain and mist.
Further along towards Rayrigg Hall, there is this plaque set upon a large rock - one which can easily be missed. In 1840 Bowness had a royal visitor when Queen Adelaide, the widow of William IV, arrived here by boat at the spot now known as Queen Adelaide's Hill which is a scenic viewpoint. Several establishments changed their name in honour of the visit including The Ship public house which became known as The Royal. This was recently demolished though still called 'The Royal' but it now houses Costa Coffee and Tesco amongst others in the centre of Bowness!
It is hard to see where Queen Adelaide landed - I presume there must have been a jetty here. The large rock in the foreground houses the plaque.