Red squirrel 1.10.20
Today is our final day in the Lake District before we return home. So some final experiences. There are some further passes to traverse. Heading via Keswick we then head south past Derwent Water and then over the Honister Pass – negotiating which is made interesting when we encounter a bus service coming from the other direction.
Our road then skirts Buttermere and Crummock Water. After another couple of miles we make a sharp turn to the right taking the B5292 which passes through Whinlatter Forest and the Whinlatter Pass.
It is a devious route to find our luncheon dining spot – the Cottage in the Wood. A well known fact is that whilst the foreign grey squirrels, introduced in 1876 from North America, have largely ousted the native red squirrel in most of the country one of the outposts where the red retain control is the Lake District. Until today, as far as I was concerned, this was unproven.
Squirrel in box 1.10.20
The management of the Cottage in the Wood have taken steps to encourage the local squirrels to entertain diners and there are a number continuously scampering around outside the restaurant and we have an excellent view of events through the window.
Peacock 1.10.20
On return to our lodge some of the local wildlife is wandering around between the lodges and whilst the peacock did not give a demonstration of plumage it remains colourful.
Come 2 October it was time to drive home – the usual progress along the M6 and the M40 to get ourselves home. Something like 300 miles and rather more than 5 hours whichever route we take.