Although the lockdown is irritating, we’re incredibly lucky to live where we do, with walks to open countryside from the doorstep and England’s largest lake only a 10 minute stroll away. This morning I walked down to Bowness – which was quieter than I’d ever seen it before – and took a few photos of the lake, which was looking lovely in the spring sunshine and still conditions. The boat trips have all been cancelled so there were loads of boats moored up by the promenade, making for a super foreground. I didn’t dare take too many snaps, though, in case someone thought I was a tourist and reported me!
A lake on the doorstep
FIONA GLASS 
That looks like Wildcat Island in the background! The Swallows and Amazons might moor at that jetty any minute. 🏴☠️
Absolutely! Wild Cat Island was mostly based on Piel Island in Coniston, I think, but there were plenty of references to Windermere hidden away (including Rio for Bowness!)
Oh yes I forgot that Coniston has an island.
Plus I think Ransome liked to play around with features and mix them up, so you can never quite tell which feature is which. 🙂
Yes that’s true. He seems to have stuck with reality more for Secret Water, but I have never been to Pin Mill, so I’m not sure.
Same here, must try to get down there some time. At least in the Lakes it’s fun trying to piece together all the clues!
I’m so glad to find a fellow Swallows and Amazons fan 😊
Yes, I absolutely loved the books as a kid – that sense of freedom and adventure and mystery. It kick started my love of the Lakes too. Think my all time favourite is Pigeon Post, with Squashy Hat. 🙂
Pigeon Post is awesome! I love them all (except Peter Duck and Missee Lee). Hard to pick a fave but probably Pigeon Post, Secret Water, and Winter Holiday.
I think the Lakes-based ones were my favourites too – and then we had holidays in the area and I spent my time trying to spot the landmarks!
My dad got the books for successive birthdays as a boy, so he has the full set. The green covers. I’ve read them so many times. When we went to the Lakes, we tended to go to the less touristy bits, but did go to Coniston and Windermere as well.
I have a couple of hardbacks with paper covers that date from the mid 70s and most of the rest in standard, much thumbed paperback! The area around Coniston has always been one of my favourites and I’d love to track Swallowdale down. It’s supposed to be easy (ha) but I’ve never managed it!