One of the best ways to spend an afternoon in the English Lake District is to walk in the footsteps of William Wordsworth. The famous poet called Grasmere, “the loveliest spot that man hath ever found,” and I am inclined to agree.
For a girl who loves small towns, swears she was British in another life, and thinks grass green is the most beautiful color in the spectrum, Grasmere seems like something out of a dream.
The fields and hills of Grasmere
Photo by: c.b.w. 2005
Situated in the English Lake District in the county of Cumbria, Grasmere is surrounded by pastoral fields full of sheep, cozy cottages, and that famous English mist. Even though Grasmere is often a tourist hub for buses heading in and out of the Lake District, it’s easy enough to escape the crowds and experience the local flavor of the region.
As usual, I veered from the tour group and wandered through the less trod areas of the village. I grabbed a hand churned ice cream cone before striking into the adventure of exploring side streets.
One of the first things to capture my interest was an old cemetery. No one famous is buried there, but I’ve always been fascinated by gravestones. I can’t help but wonder about the stories these people have to tell.
Cemetery in Grasmere
Photo by: c.b.w. 2005
Grasmere is pretty small, so it wasn’t long before I found myself at the outskirts with a half-eaten ice cream cone. Sheep roam freely in the green fields, but they are fenced in by an interesting phenomenon known as drystone walls. Stones are intricately stacked to created sturdy stone fences without the use of mortar or any other reinforcement.
Drystone fence and sheep in Grasmere
Photo by: c.b.w. 2005
The air was so fresh and clean, I leaned against one of those drystone walls and took a few deep breaths English country air. I don’t know how long I stood there, but it wasn’t long enough!
Upon leaving Grasmere, I considered myself lucky for privilege of walking through this dream world even if for a moment.
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Part of the A to Z Challenge!
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c.b.w. 2013
C.B. Wentworth 