England's highest hill, deepest lake, smallest church and biggest liar.

I can't believe that I haven't done a blog on Wasdale before now as it's one of the most impressive valleys in the Lake District. Come rain or shine, you feel you are somewhere special. A visit to these parts would not be complete without a visit to the bakers in Gosforth as well. They serve the best pies and pasties I have ever eaten by a country mile but, guess what, they don't open on a Monday which was the day I visited. Unfortunately cafe's being closed, bakeries not being open and pubs closing down seems to be a theme in all too many of my jaunts these days.

Not being put off, I carried on down to Wast Water shore (England's deepest lake) with camera bag in hand. It was a gorgeous day but not the kind of day for good photography. It was a bit too warm and hazy for that but some days you just have to expect it and compensate by doing other things. I had a stroll along the shore and took a few photographs just for the record. There was plenty of activity on the Lake with canoeist and swimmers out in force and who can blame them? There cant be many better places than here to enjoy your passion. Add to this the many tourists and the place was quite busy.

I then headed up to the head of the Lake and had a short stroll in to the valleys which lead from it. I always like to call at the Church of St Olaf (reputed to be England's smallest Church). Looking at the headstones from the past gives you a real feel for the history of the place. The vast majority are graves of people who have passed away whilst climbing in the area they love although I did notice a cluster of graves for the Naylor family who I presume are all relative of the famous farmer and fell-runner Joss Naylor who I believe is doing a special 30 mile run to celebrate his 80th birthday! His assent and descent of Scafell Pike (England's highest hill) in 47 minutes is still a record to this day.

My visit was finished off with a drink in Ritson's Bar (the world's biggest liar) at the Wasdale Head Hotel and this is no word of a lie...I had a coffee!! My return journey was along Coniston Water and then up to the Northern Lakes on the recently re-opened A591 which was closed when it collapsed in the January floods. What a Godsend that is as every journey I made seemed to take twice as long when it was being repaired plus I have noticed a vast increase in the visitors to the Keswick area which is good for local businesses.

Hope everyone likes the photos.