There’s something enchanting about the Lake District under a rainy sky. The drizzle that dances across the landscape doesn’t dampen its beauty; instead, it enhances the allure of this cherished locale. While many might seek sunshine for their outings, seasoned visitors know that rain adds a magical touch, elevating every experience and deepening one’s bond with nature.
Read how local campaigners are helping to stop raw sewage pollution on Lake Windermere. Also make sure to bring your strong umbrella and sustainable rain jacket – there are downpours here – and lots of them!
The Unique Atmosphere of Rainy Days
Imagine mountains shrouded in mist, their peaks hidden yet holding a mystic allure. The valleys, with their lakes, display perfect reflections, each ripple adding an artistic touch. The rain gives an ethereal charm, turning every landscape into a painting. Peering into the water, you’ll see the clouds mirrored, a reminder of nature’s artistry.
The melody of raindrops tapping on leaves and rippling across water creates a soothing symphony. It’s a calming sound, like nature whispering to its visitors. This gentle drumming allows one to pause, breathe, and find peace. Is there a more perfect lullaby than rain in the Lake District?
For those who relish in the rain, don a raincoat and enjoy a misty walk. Tarn Hows offers a magical stroll where nature’s colours deepen under the rain. Each path is an invitation to uncover hidden beauty, urging you to discover more with every step.
More Sheep than People!
In winter, the population reverses, going back to more sheep than humans! Cumbria has six times more of our woolly friends – 3 million of them! These amusing creatures are also intelligent: they recognise up to 50 people for up to 2 years, and know when you are smiling at them!
Leave sheep be, as they easily spook and miscarry. Herdwick sheep are suited to the isolated Cumbrian Fells climate, counted by farmers using the yan-tan-tethera method, a rhyme that uses rounds of 20 (also used in ancient times to count knitting stitches!)
Always follow the Countryside Code to keep dogs and livestock safe. Learn how to right an overturned sheep or it will die (hold upright until rain has drained off, to prevent it happening again).
Rewilding in the Lake District
Wild Fell is the incredible and uplifting story of how a group of people (saddened by the extinction of a lone golden eagle, who died amid the remote eastern fells of the Lake District). Decide to bring back wildlife, even if it means a careful negotiation with some not-too-happy local farmers.
In this book, the author (an RSPB site manger) writes of efforts to breathe life back into two hill farms and their 30 square km of sprawling upland habitat. He and his team go about repairing damaged wetlands, meadows and woods, but change is not always welcome.
Alongside Rutland, the Lake District is also one of the best places to spot ospreys (fish-eating birds of prey). Almost extinct not so long ago, these migrating birds are now found mostly here and in the East Midlands.
This is a great example of a conservation program made good. We almost lost these magnificent birds, now it’s quite common to spot them, sweeping down to catch trout in the many lakes.
I found myself turning the pages, with an inward leap of joy. Reasoned, intelligent, compassionate, well-informed; this is a story of hope and renewal for both nature and farming. Isabella Tree
Saving nature is a tough job. In this book we get to understand why people do it; real soul-deep passion. Simon Barnes
His writing is studded with moments of intense beauty – you can almost smell rock and moss and nectar, hear butterflies and grasshoppers flit and whirr, feel the shadow of a great wing passing between you and the sun. British Wildlife
