Spring comes to the English Lake District

The snow drops are long since gone, the daffodils are fading, and now it is the turn of the bluebells, which are beginning to fill the woods with their lovely blue flowers, and wonderful aroma. In the ornamental gardens, rhododendrons are bursting into flower.

Every time of year has its own magic, but many people say that spring is their favourite. Everything appears so fresh – the soft buds are beginning to appear on the flowers, and in some cases cascading into blossom. The green leaves are showing on the tree branches, but they are small and dainty, thus allowing the observer, whether visitor or resident, to see through the trees and take in the amazing view beyond.

As the trees and flowers come to life they begin to absorb the rain water which has been filling the hollows, and keeping the ground impregnated with the life-giving water that nature desires.

The sun is warm, but the air is still cool. As the hillsides and trails dry out walking changes from being a hardship to becoming a source of enjoyment. You can walk for pleasure, revelling in the warmth of the sun and the cool breeze at the same time. The ground feels firm beneath your feet, while the footpaths dry out to provide firm footing for your hiking boots. Breathe in the aroma of the flowers in the woods, the rhododendrons in the gardens, and the yellow gorse on the open hillsides.

And how could we not mention the lambs….? True, some of the lowland breeds were born from January onwards, but the joy of the Lake District has to be the mountain breeds, mainly the Herdwicks, whose tiny black shapes dot the hillsides from late April onwards. The Herdwick lambs are indeed jet black, but as they grow older they turn first into chocolate-coloured sheep, then begin to go grey and eventually white. But whatever the colour of the mothers, the lambs are always the same pure shade of black.

And the first “englishlakelandwalkers” of the year have completed their circuits: the first of many who will see this wonderful region of England during the coming weeks of 2018. They will all have a great experience, but there is no time quite like spring!
snow drops are long since gone, the daffodils are fading, and now it is the turn of the bluebells, which are beginning to fill the woods with their lovely blue flowers, and wonderful aroma. In the ornamental gardens, rhododendrons are bursting into flower.

Every time of year has its own magic, but many people say that spring is their favourite. Everything appears so fresh – the soft buds are beginning to appear on the flowers, and in some cases cascading into blossom. The green leaves are showing on the tree branches, but they are small and dainty, thus allowing the observer, whether visitor or resident, to see through the trees and take in the amazing view beyond.

As the trees and flowers come to life they begin to absorb the rain water which has been filling the hollows, and keeping the ground impregnated with the life-giving water that nature desires.

The sun is warm, but the air is still cool. As the hillsides and trails dry out walking changes from being a hardship to becoming a source of enjoyment. You can walk for pleasure, revelling in the warmth of the sun and the cool breeze at the same time. The ground feels firm beneath your feet, while the footpaths dry out to provide firm footing for your hiking boots. Breathe in the aroma of the flowers in the woods, the rhododendrons in the gardens, and the yellow gorse on the open hillsides.

And how could we not mention the lambs….? True, some of the lowland breeds were born from January onwards, but the joy of the Lake District has to be the mountain breeds, mainly the Herdwicks, whose tiny black shapes dot the hillsides from late April onwards. The Herdwick lambs are indeed jet black, but as they grow older they turn first into chocolate-coloured sheep, then begin to go grey and eventually white. But whatever the colour of the mothers, the lambs are always the same pure shade of black.

And the first “englishlakelandwalkers” of the year have completed their circuits: the first of many who will see this wonderful region of England during the coming weeks of 2018. They will all have a great experience, but there is no time quite like spring!