Rydal reflections- as described by Wordsworth

These are lines from William Wordsworth about Rydal Water

"Like a fair sister of the sky
Unruffled doth the blue lake lie
The mountains looking on..."

Here's a photo I took on my phone on this glorious morning-

Rydal Water- perfect reflections on a November morning

I think you can see what Wordsworth meant. The sky and the lake were a perfect blue. What a day! The snowy tops of the Grasmere Fells can be seen in the background.

Here are a few more pictures from my short walk around Rydal Water. More about this walk can be found on this webpage which I wrote some time ago.

Rydal Water reflectios with the Fairfield Ridge in the background on a crisp November morning

The contrast between the sunny side of Rydal Water and the frosty side this morning- the sheep are on the cold side!

White Moss woods- the sun peeps through at the start of this morning's walk.

All these photos were taken on my simple mobile. You can see why photographers so love this area. If you start with such great raw material, add a really good camera and some professional skill, you can produce really wonderful photos.

The guests who are staying at our Grasmere holiday cottage, Brockstone at the moment are from the USA. They asked in advance what the weather might be like. I suggested it might, perhaps, be a little rainy in November.....oh ye of little faith! It's sun, sun ,sun all the way in the Lakes...long may it last!

White Moss Common plan refused! Great News!

The Lake District National Park planning committee has today turned down the application to build a "Welcome Hub" on White Moss Common.

The plan was the idea of the Lowther Estate who manage the land, and was actually supported by the LDNP planning officer, but the committee rejected it by 12 votes to 2.

We are very, very happy, not just because this lovely area (White Moss) is right on our doorstep at White Moss House ( the name's a bit of a giveaway), but because this would have set a precedent . There has been no new building ( apart from a very small toilet block ) anywhere in this area for generations. We have to protect this area for future generations.

Something very special has been preserved today. Our voices have been heard. I think we might have a glass of something to celebrate tonight. Trying to channel "What Would Wordsworth Do?" see Polly Atkin's brilliant blog on this by clicking here. Possibly a glass of claret?

Here a picture of the area on a winter's day. The "Hub" would have been on the left of this picture.

The beautiful, unspoilt White Moss and River Rothay on a winter's day. Saved today. Thank you.

Last chance to express your views on proposed building at White Moss

The Lowther Estate has submitted a plan to build a "Welcome Hub" on White Moss.

You can read all about it here. 

If you feel, as we and every local person we have spoken to feels, that this is totally inappropriate then please email the Lake District National Park Authority by Tuesday 4 November.

The planning meeting which will make this crucial decision is on 5 November.

You need to quote the planning application reference 7/2014/5399. You can see the plans by searching the LDNPA website and inputting this reference.

Their email is    planning@lakedistrict.gov.uk

Thank you .

 

Reasons to be cheerful, even though it's January.

Walking round Rydal Water today I met a man who said "aren't we lucky- it's dry and there's a hint of sun". After so much bad weather, that was indeed a reason to be cheerful. Having such great walks on the doorstep is another, though as this man was from Buckinghamshire he wasn't a lucky local like me.

Here's a photo from the path just by Rydal Caves, taken this afternoon.

Rydal Water looking over to White Moss House and Brockstone, our Lake District Holiday cottage

Here's a description of the walk round Rydal Water if you would like to get more idea of the wonderful walks from White Moss and from our holiday cottage .We have guests there who have booked to rent the cottage for the whole of January. We were concerned that the wet weather might be daunting, but as they are from Chicago where it's been -20 C, they are very happy with the mild weather we're getting here.

The cottage is booked until 27 February, but if you want to book if for a week between then and the end of March, and can pay in full before the end of January, the rate will be only £490 per week ( usually £550). This includes all laundry, heating etc.

One more reason to bee cheerful- a lovely little red squirrel keeps popping up in our garden. I thought they would be hibernating at this time of year, but this one is bright and breezy. I never have the camera to to hand at the right time, but I WILL get a photo soon.

BTW, if you're in Grasmere tomorrow, Thursday 9 January, why not come to the Grasmere WI Open meeting at 2.30 pm in the Tithe Barn. Only £3 for a fascinating talk, tea, cakes and raffle. More details about Grasmere W I here.

Happy New Year- we're looking forward to 2014.

2013 has been a great year for us personally- we became grandparents for the first time. Felix was born on 1st September, and he has just spent his first Christmas with us ( along with his mum and dad and all our family). White Moss House is just the best place to spend a family Christmas, whatever the weather.

Going forward into 2014, we have decided, after over 30 years of welcoming guests to White Moss House from all over the world,that we're going to take a break. We've been one of the top restaurants in the Good Food Guide for over 30 years, and in the last few years, although we haven't offered dinner every night, we've been a very highly rated Guest House. It's all been great fun.

Brockstone Cottage, our Grasmere holiday cottage,

Brockstone Cottage from White Moss viewpoint

is still going to be available for self catering . It's fully booked until March, but the weeks are filling up quickly for the rest of the year.


Here's a reminder of one of our favourtie recipes, the famous White Moss Sherry trifle. As usual, we made one for Boxing Day. It was delicious. Yesterday I found a tiny portion left in a small bowl in the fridge, and ate it for breakfast - as you do.

Today is another dull day, but it has stopped raining, so we're off for our last walk of the year. We'll be walking round Rydal Water with my brother, who is visiting for New Year.  We're looking forward to lots more walking in the year ahead.

Thank you to everyone who has supported us , and best wishes to you all for 2014!

Stay in our Lakes Holiday Cottage for Christmas or New Year at reduced rates.

We have late availablilty for our Lake District Cottage, Brockstone Grasmere Holiday Cottage. Perched on the hillside overlooking Rydal Water, this south facing cottage gets all the sun going in winter. When the sun dips behind the hill, Grasmere Village is plunged into the shade, but our cottage gets at least a precious extra hour of winter sun.

Our current guests leave on Sunday 15 Decemebr, and our next guests arrive on Thursday 2 January. We are offering 4 nights over Christmas from £520, and four nights over New Year from £580. This is for up to 4 guests. Dogs are welcome for a small extra charge.

We can be flexible about changeover days, and we may be able to offer extra days at special low rates.

Please email  esuedixon@gmail.com or ring 015394 35295 to check for rates, availabilty, or to ask any questions you might have.

Here's a picture taken at dusk in December the other year. This could be your view over Loughriggg to Wetherlam the the Coniston Fells.

December view from Brockstone Grasmere Holiday Cottage to Wetherlam.

There must be sunshine after rain....

The Rydal Show took place yesterday, guests loved it, and it mostly stayed dry. Overnight however we had torrential rain. Today has dawned bright and sunny- just like in the old Dire Straits song- "Why Worry?"!

August has been very busy in the Lakes - it's really great seeing so many families here. We've welcomed families from Holland, Germany and Belgium in the last couple of weeks. The weaker Pound v the Euro certainly helps.

If you would like to stay at our Lakeland holiday cottage, Brockstone the next available date is 7 September, for 1 week. We are also offering a two night break on Saturday and Sunday, 14 and 15 September.  This is a rare chance for a short stay- just £250 for the two night break.

Next week we have rooms available for B & B at White Moss House until Thursday- check our rates- we've reduced them for last minute bookings.

Today's photo is of one of the tubs on the terrace. I wasn't planning a red, white and blue theme. It was supposed to be pink, white and blue, but Hayes Garden Centre sold me begonias that were wrongly lablled "pink" when in fact they were red and yellow. Ah well- it looks suitably patriotic- good for celebrating the Royal Baby, the Great Summer of Sport, the Better Summer This Year................!

Red, white and blue tub on White Moss House Terrace

Here's one visitor who made it through the snow

It's been snowing all day- some guests have been unable to get to Grasmere and the Lake District.
However, we have one visitor who has arrived- but we're not that delighted.

Deer in White Moss House herb garden.

I've just taken this photo- his/her friend's back legs can be seen running off as they heard me. Deer may look pretty,( well , OK, they really do look cute)  but they can eat any green shoots in seconds.

News about availablity. Our cottage is now fully booked until the middle of April- all the last minute gaps were filled.

We do have rooms for Easter in White Moss House still available. You can email sue@whitemoss.com, or ring me on 015394 35295 . 2 night minimum stay.

The days are getting longer.

It's noticable now that the days are getting longer. Today it was light before 8pm, and it doesn't get dark until well after 5pm.

We've had a very heavy snowfall in the last week, but all the snow has gone, and the daffodils are well on their way. They must be very confused with the huge variations we've been having between very mild weather and very cold weather. Here's a photo I took through the window of Room 3 on Saturday morning.

Rydal Water from White Moss House

Here's another one of the terrace, where you'll be be able to enjoy your complimetary afternoon cup of tea with homemade Lakeland tea bread when you check in at White Moss House !

For early bookings of three nights midweek, or four nights over a weekend ( including Easter and other Bank Holidays) we are offering 10% discount on our 2012 rates. For more details check our  White Moss House website.

Wonderful Autumn Colours in the Lake District

It was a glorious day today- maybe the last chance this year to see the wonderful autumn colours in the sunshine, as the forecast is for cloudier weather.
Here is a selction taken this afternoon on my favourite White Moss walk, described here as walk 2

Penny Rock Woods and Grasmere Lake from Loughrigg Terrace

Brockstone Grasmere Holiday Cottage from Loughrigg Terrace

Peter playing in the leaves in Deer Bolt Wood

Tree by the River Rothay, White Moss

River Rothay, last of the autumn leaves, White Moss

 

I've taken lots of pictures of the new path-coming soon- bookmark this blog!

Otter spotted outside White Moss House!

Yesterday we were walking down the path from Brocsktone Cottage to our gate, past the White Moss waterfall, when a creature ran out of our Coach House gate, across our path about 50 yards away, and dashed towards the beck ( Dunnabeck).

I wasn't sure what it was. I wondered if it might be an otter, but I had only ever seen them in water before, and this creature had a longish, fairly furry tail. I didn't know if otters had tails at all. So, anyway, I looked for otter pictures and found that indeed they do have tails, and the pictures of them on land are exactly what I saw! So that was the first otter I'd seen apart from in a wildlife reserve. I'm thrilled!

On a more mundane note, we've had cancellations for this weekend, and are offering really good rates. Check our Special offers page or ring us on 015394 35295 for our rates and availability. It's not raining here ( at present!) and the forecast is reasonable for the next two days.

Great last minute rates from now until Thursday

Have you got a window in your diary this week?

The weather is supposed to be dry for the next few days, and with the light evenings it's a great time for walking.

We've had a cancellation , and so we've got a very special offer from now until Thursday 21 June ( we're fully booked Friday and Saturday 22 and 23 June)

2 nights in room 2 is just £190 ( usually £236) and 2 nights in room 2 is only £150 ( usually £196) . This is for two guests, for 2 nights, including our award winnind breakfasts and tea with home made cake on arrival.

White Moss House afternoon tea- no charge for this on arrival!

 

Here's a photo of our famous Lakeland tea bread, made to our own special recipe. You can get the recipe for White Moss Lakeland tea bread here

Please ring 015394 35295 or email sue@whitemoss.com to book at these special rates. These rates are not available via the online booking sites. To read more about White Moss House and our Grasmere specail offers please take a look at White Moss House website here.

The Bunting's out-we're ready for the Jubilee

We've hoisted a new Union Jack on the flagpole, and Jade and Peter have strung the bunting round the windows. Now we're hoping the sun will last until after the weekend.

White Moss terrace and Jubilee bunting

 

I planted the tubs last week, once the weather warmed up and the frost danger was ( hopefully) past. Now they're starting to fill out and look festive.
We've got rooms until Saturday, then we have some gaps next week. See our website for details of special offers.

White Moss House porch, bunting and the Wordsowrth orse.

Back home at White Moss House, Grasmere

In case anyone has been wondering where we've been for the last few weeks- we've been away on our hols.
Now we're back, and looking forward to opening the doors of our historic Lake District guest house to you all in 2012.
We'll be opening at the end of March, just as the daffodils will be at their best. At present, if you make a reservation it will be at our 2011 rates, and for a few weeks we are still offering our "book 4 nights and have a 5th night free" offer. This applies to any nights except Bank Holiday weekends.

Please email me with any questions, requests, and reservation queries. I'm in a generous mood right now, and may be able to offer you extra discounts!

Some pictures to remind you of why you really would like to stay in this Wordsworth House!

White Moss House, Grasmere. Terrace

The Terrace- perfect for a cold beer or chilled glass of wine after your walk round Rydal and Grasmere Lakes.

Wordsworth Lounge at White Moss House

We now have a baby grand piano in the Wordsworth lounge for guests to use. We've got games, books, magazines, and lots of space for you to just lounge about. How many B & Bs can say that!? It's a lovely room to enjoy the afternoon tea ( served in china cups) and home made Lake District tea bread and cakes that we give our guests with our compliments, an arrival.

Red Squirrels and the heron

Walking past White Moss Tarn yesterday, we saw our old friend the White Moss Heron, standing and posing in the tarn. He's often there, on his own, looking totally fed up. That must be just how herons look.
We were just waving goodbye to him, when something rushed past us on the road.
It was a red squirrel- joy and excitment all round- apart from the heron of course.

We've seen red squirrels a lot recently, but it's still a thrill.