Ullswater from Arnison Crag

A day of contrasts. Up on the Fells this morning bagging another diminutive Wainwright, Arnison Crag, directly for the door of the Hotel.

A five mile round trip taking us up the Crag and back through Glanamara Park and Grisedale to Glenridding. A considerable change in the weather from yesterday, 13c, so mild and almost dry. Mizzle blowing in the wind and generally thick clouds dampening the views.

We arrived back at the hotel just time the world’s most expensive coffee in the much changed (and not for the better) Ramblers Bar before a quick change ready for the holiday proper to start.

Here’s the great contrast. Two muddy, bedraggled figures stumble off the fells and half an hour later are enjoying a sumptuous afternoon tea with gin in the lounge. (Extra)We’re probably the only two in the hotel to have been up the fells today.

The tea was only a prelude to the remainder of the day. Canapés and sparkling wine at 6.00pm, a five course dinner with coffee and petit fours and a stroll down to the gazebo for a hot toddy or hot chocolate or mulled wine and roasted chestnuts as the moon shone serenely over the lake and fells. No chance of that happening.

Our very best wishes to all of you for a very Merry Christmas tomorrow and we hope you have a wonderful day.