Lakes & Whisky

Another hot sunny day is waiting for us to go exploring but only once we’ve indulged in another wonderful breakfast then its off driving north towards Bassenthwaite Lake and as we later learn is the only true “lake” the rest being “waters” or “meres. The drive takes us through some of the most stunning countryside easily comparable to our trips to America and Australia. We pass through tree tunnels, sending shafts of dappled sunlight down onto the road, glittering stretches of water, picture postcard housed built in Lakeland stone and painted white and all underneath cloudless blue skies. After many “wows” we fall silent just drinking in the stunning scenery, not able to open our eyes wide enough to see it all.

We pull in to the Lakes Distillery and are immediately struck with how well manicured everything is. Neatly labelled bushes and herbs, mint, juniper, blackthorn and immaculately tidy walkway down to the converted old cowsheds which now house the distillery. We join the tour which is just starting and are taken through to the presentation room to see a wonderful birds eye view of the course of the river Derwent before going into the still rooms with its two large copper stills, Susan and Rachael and the smaller gin/vodka still, Chemmy (named after the Olympic skier). And finally we come to the all important tasting, now as the distillery was only converted 4 years ago there aren’t yet any single malts their blended whisky called One is just to Dave and my taste. We’re not quite so keen on neat ice-cold gin and vodka, it definitely needs a dash of tonic!

Lunch in the courtyard under big parasols is lovely and relaxing, croque monsieur and a beetroot & goats cheese salad mmm… After this we must walk down to see the river Derwent, passing the time of day with the alpacas on the way before driving back to Hawkshead to look around the village enjoying the lovely stone houses and the 12^th century church before finally driving back to Hillcrest.

After a relaxing couple of hours in the sunny Hillcrest garden we set off for an evening meal at Rusland Pool, unfortunately the Bank Holiday crowds and an unhelpful barmaid ended that plan so with a quick phone call a table is booked at the 14^th century coaching in turned pub, The Farmers Arms. The doorways are so low that even I need to duck! As we go in a notice instructs us not to use the cigarette disposal box as Blue Tits are in residence! The pub is delightful, obviously authentically old and serving good honest pub grub. Home to bed and tomorrow on to Ireland.