The massive indulgence that seems to be demanded by society in order to have a “Happy Christmas” is not to our taste and we fin a week in one of our favourite locations, Keswick, Cumbria is far more appealing. Last year we found this suited us completely so we decided back in the summer to go again to see if we could replicate our good times.

Thus it was that a few days before Christmas we packed up the car and, amid various weather warnings for strong winds and heavy rain we headed north for Christmas. Our journey was extended by an hour following a main road closure and a diversion that sent us on a narrow moorland route through the Yorkshire Dales and we arrived an hour later than planned. No problem, we were safe.

The walk from Keswick to Portinscale is the route to the start of the climb up to Cat Bells and beyond, It is always a pleasant route, if very popular and can afford some lovely views if the weather behaves. The Chalet cafe at Portinscale is always welcoming as a coffee stop on the way back.

The images that follow try in some part to tell the story of our week, alone and with a group we met on Christmas Day. (more of which later).

Above: Scenes from our walk to Nichol End and the boat yard.

The familiar shape of Castle Crag with a snowy backdrop. A mono shot as the atmosphere and tones were virtually mono anyway, as can be seen from the bottom image which was shot around the same time.

Top and Centre: Some of the local “farm life”: a Highland cow and a Herdwick sheep or Herdy. Bottom: Three trees, shot at Friars Crag. I loved the snarled tree trunks and the skeletal branches.

Hugely popular in the Lakes, the Herdwick is native to the area and regarded as highly durable, healthy and tough animals, qualities which make them ideal for survival on the fells.

I have photographed Castlerigg Stone Circle many times and on our down day it is one of the most convenient places in Keswick to get to that does not involve water or a lake! Situated above the town, when it is clear the site affords stunning views of Helvellyn and the Thirlmere Valley. When it is cloudy the photographer has to work little harder as can be seen from the images below.

Thought to have been constructed about 3000 BC, Castlerigg is reckoned to be one of the earliest stone circles in the country. Many of the bronze age stone circles are thought to be burial sites, however the Neolithic sites such as this one show no evidence of formal burials. It is thought that sites such as this were important meeting places for the scattered Neolithic communities, but whether as trading places or as religious centres, or even both, is not known.

Today Castlerigg is a popular site in all weathers, yet on Christmas Eve (when I visited) all was quiet. I am guessing last minute Christmas shopping kept folk away or the cold inclement weather may have had something to do with it. For once I had the place to myself self for a while, which was great.

When the weather is rubbish, photographers have to work extra hard to come up with some reasonable images of Castlerigg. Again monochrome replicates the atmosphere!

And so Christmas Day came. In search of things to do during our visit we came across a social media post by someone leading a walk from Keswick Town Centre one Christmas Day. We liked the look of this so duly turned up at the meeting point (Moot Hall for those who know Keswick) to be greeted by over 80 like minded folk, all looking for a walk. Jay, our leader had two helpers whop kept in contact by radio as we set off on our route along the old railway line and onward to Latrigg Fell, the small hill that stands guard oner the town.

It was cool, dry with patchy sunshine, but I think the images tell the story much better.

The Leader and the Gathering. We get ready for our Christmas Walk

Leaving Keswick – dogs welcome.

On the path up to the summit of Latrigg Fell. By this time the group was scattered far and wide.

As we approached the summit, the dark clouds parted for a short while and shone a beautiful light on Derwentwater and Cat Bells. It was beautiful, and moody.

Looking across to Derwentwatwer and Cat Bells

A selection of images on the same theme of the view from Latrigg Fell

Happy Christmas!! The best way to celebrate Christmas Day. With a view like that, what more could we want!

Finally, as we left the top Latrigg I took this panorama on my phone. The pools of light on the mountains with Keswick in the shade of the valley looked fantastic.

Before we left home, Lyn, inspired by the “message stones” which became popular during the pandemic, made a few of her own, with the intention of leaving them in various discreet places on our walks.

This stone left in a copse by the lake shore

This stone left on a log in the woods near Keswick

For Christmas Day, she chose this one and left it in a sheltered gulley at the top of Latrigg Fell.

Lyn’s “message stone”. Not sure if it is still there. Hopefully the sentiment continues

How to follow a lovely walk on Christmas Day? We decided to do our own thing and headed out to Hawes End with a flask and mince pies. The intention was to follow the path on to Cat Bells Terrace and follow for while before dropping down and returning along the path beside Derwentwater.

We arrived at the path on to Cat Bells to find a mobile coffee shop trailer nestled in the lay-by. Rather than have our own instant coffee, we decided to support a young man in his enterprise and buy two coffees from him and we sat at a table nearby and chatted to two others who had done the same.

Lyn supporting a local entrepreneur. An impromptu coffee stop close to Hawes End. Behind Lyn is the path on to Cat Bells.

After the coffee (very nice) we headed down to Hawes End for a few pictures.

The view from Hawes End. Looking towards Walla Crag and Falcon Crag on the opposite bank

Top: Hawes End Jetty. Bottom: Lyn poses on Hawes End Jetty with Walla Crag and Falcon Crag as a backdrop.

Scene to the side of Hawes End Jetty

Resting “Herdy“

The weather improved during the week and by our last day it was sunny if little cool, and almost no wind. I took the opportunity to get out with the camera and headed down to Ashness Jetty. I missed out on my workshop in November because there was no room at the car park so it was great to re-visit a popular location.

Three images from Ashness Jetty before the calm reflections were disturbed by wild swimmers.

From Ashness I headed up to Castlerigg whilst the weather was good. I grabbed a couple of images.

Our last afternoon walk – Looking Down Derwentwater towards Castle Crag

Our week over we headed home. Once again The Lakes had delivered some wonderful experiences over the Christmas period and we have already decided to return in 2025.