Great Week At Hassness House

With winter approaching, and thinking of warmer weather, I wanted to tell everyone about 18 lucky Ramblers who enjoyed a great week at the stunningly located Hassness House on the banks of beautiful Buttermere in the Western Lake District.

The sun gods shined on the group every day except one making for a memorable and enjoyable week walking around Buttermere, Crummockwater, Loweswater, Derwentwater and surrounding areas. The routes included a day to Watendlath, a National Trust Farm, down to ‘surprise view’ and then a launch trip across Derwentwater; a walk from the top of Honister Pass, past Castle Crag on the old Roman Road, down to a great tea stop at Grange, some walking back via Rossthwaite, others catching the Launch and then the open top bus; a day ramble via the fish ladders of Crummockwater, then picnic lunch at the famous Kirkstyle Inn (with a beer!) and back via Scale Force; a walk though Whinlatter forest, not forgetting the great walk through the Rannerdale Bluebells (still there in June!) and up over an easy pass on the ridge of Rannerdale Knotts, with fantastic views before heading down for farm-made ice cream in Buttermere.

Expert guidance, local knowledge and leadership was provided by Walk Leader Alison Mellor which was very well received by the group membership at all times. Alison’s relaxed and confident style set the bar for a knowledgeable and confident weeks walking interspersed with enjoyable stops at a number of ‘watering holes’ along the way.

The group was varied and got on really well, supporting each other at all times and walking together as a consolidated group, even though we came from all over, not knowing each other to start with. The social atmosphere was excellent with much banter and ribbing taking place! All was rounded off by an excellent meal at the Fish Inn where the warm welcome from the landlord added to the evening’s enjoyment. This is clearly the most welcoming public house in Buttermere!!

It would be remiss not to mention the resident hosts at Hassness House, Carole and Brian, who assisted by their lovely daughter Ruby provided fabulous catering and hospitality – second to none, especially the cakes!!

The group was comprised of Peter, the three Davids, Dorothy, Hugh and Ros, Geraldine, Linda, Annie, Mick, Sandra, Jane, the two Janets, Bernard, Andrea, Richard, Wendy and Sally and (sorry) a few more! Hopefully, we will be planning a reunion next year to enjoy the delights of Hassness House and the fabulous Lake district walks and each other’s company once again.