St Bega’s church, Bassenthwaite Lake

Originally uploaded by John Barnabas.

This ancient church is dedicated to St Bega, an Irish virgin who is reputed to have lived part of her live as an anchoress at St Bees in Cumbria. Her cult centred on the Benedictine priory of St Bees, but is also to be found elsewhere in Cumbria, for example at this little church in the middle of a field by Bassenthwaite Lake. The church has, apparently, no connection with St Bees Priory.

Erica and I came across St Bega’s church on the first day of our walking holiday in the Lake District.

Technorati Tags: church, Lake District

Ravenstone Lodge near Keswick

Originally uploaded by John Barnabas.

This picture reminds me of a wonderful walking holiday Erica and I had in the Lake District in April 2003. We stayed at this four-star guest house above Bassenthwaite Lake, near Keswick. Ravenstone Lodge was really rather luxurious and the food was wonderful and very fattening.

We quickly found out why the Lake District is a walkers’ paradise. There are so many routes, some very challenging and some, as suited us, rather less so.

Technorati Tags: church, Lake District