Autumn half-term is always busy in the Lakes, and this week the autumn colour was great \u2013 golden leaves on the trees and some dramatic skies.<\/p>\n
We always get a bit of rain too, but that\u2019s about right for the Lakes and if you wrap up warm, you can stll get yourself out and about.<\/p>\n
We\u2019d planned a photoshoot around the Windermere area, to gather some pictures for our new website which is going live before Christmas. We went out with Mark Gilligan <\/a>of Wastwater Photography who is quite well known around these parts, and is an award-winning photographer. Jen, one of the Lake District Lodge Holidays team had offered to be our \u2018real\u2019 model for the day, and turned out to be a bit of a natural.<\/p>\n The day was set fair for working outside, enjoying the views and having some fun. Typical photographer \u2013 he doesn\u2019t like having his pic taken, so here he is in action.<\/p>\n Jen \u2013 as well as being part of our customer service team, happens to have done all the Wainwrights during her young life \u2013 putting us all to shame! So her knowledge and experience of the Lakes is fantastic \u2013 if you ring us for booking advice she\u2019ll also give you lots of ideas for great walks! Only a small or \u2018lesser\u2019 Wainwright today: Gummer\u2019s How. But we had a bit more of a low key day, messing about on boats, walks by the lake shore and a quick view point.<\/p>\n My job was to provide ample food, water and coffee, and a bit of art direction and wardrobe management thrown in. e.g. \u2018look that way, look over there, get that view in, smile, don\u2019t smile\u2019, and equipment support for Mark \u2026. a tough job but someone had to do it.<\/p>\n The weather was dry, a bit chilly and with some dramatic clouds. Sadly no sunshine as we started off. But we are grateful for dry weather in the Lakes, and it was nice and calm too, so no wind issues.<\/p>\n We set off at the boat landings at Bowness, thanks to our friends at Windermere Lake Cruises <\/a>who had set us up to go out on the 11.10am sailing \u2013 a lovely ride up the lake to Ambleside, and a chance to take in the autumn colour on both sides.<\/p>\n We sailed past Fallbarrow & White Cross Bay Parks, both of whom have some of our lodges and it was great to see them from this side of the water for a change. Makes you realise too, what a cracking location they both are for any guests who crave being near the water\u2019s edge, and within walking distance of the buzz of Bowness or Windermere villages.<\/p>\n We alighted at Ambleside -Waterhead \u2013 and took a few more pics, then it was definitely time for coffee at the little coffee bar on the shoreline at Waterhead Coffee Shop.<\/p>\n Warm and cosy and excellent coffees, hot chocolates and cakes! Their blueberry scones and choc-dipped icecreams are something else\u2026<\/p>\n Back to work, and the sun began to come out as we sat on the shoreline, watching the swans, the geese, and enjoying the warmth of the colours of the traditional wooden rowing boats. There were lots of visitors about too, enjoying the autumn sunshine, as it was half term. We hopped back onto the boat again and headed back south.<\/p>\n Next stop was a drive down the Newby Bridge Road, almost to Fell Foot and then a left turn up the hill to the Gummer\u2019s How car park.<\/p>\n Gummer\u2019s How<\/a> is a fabulous viewpoint, easy to access and one to take the older or younger members of the family, who still want a great view over the Lake, but can\u2019t walk very far.<\/p>\n Time for a sandwich stop, and more views right across the fields and down to the Lake.<\/p>\n Lovely paths lead up to the top if you do want to have a bit more exercise.<\/p>\n