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We part company for the day in order that everyone can enjoy their preferred activities.

Gareth, Rhian, Luke and Alexander head south to Windermere and Cathy, Ann and myself stay local for a longer lakeside walk here at home.

The first set of photos are Gareth and Rhian's.

They've travelled down to Windermere to enjoy a day out on the railway, incorporating a visit to the Lakeside Aquarium

Rhian and Luke are pictured at the platform cafe of the Haverthwaite and Lakeside Railway

They all embarked for the 15 minute rail journey along the banks of the River Leven that flows out of the southern end of Windermere.

It is a "full gauge" railway that served the Haverthwaite and Backbarrow Iron works and later the Windermere Steamers, until the line closed in 1965.

It re-opened by enthusiasts in 1973 as a preservation railway . . . click here for the full and interesting history.

Then it was a trip underwater.

The tourist centre also included a visit to the otter enclosure . . . then it was back on the train for the return journey.

" All aboard " for Haverthwaite.

After their visit they called at Bowness and took a (sadly forced) diversion home via Ullswater.

- - - o o o - - -

Cathy, minus Alexander and ourselves preferred a local lakeside walk today.

A first photo on Low Park Bridge as we walk towards the lake.

A quick dip in Park Beck for the dogs before we go any further.

A gentle climb 'up and over' after High Park gave us views of Low Fell, the Lorton Valley and the Grasmoor fells.

The latter were Whiteside, Hopegill Head and Grasmoor, seen across Lanthwaite Woods.

At the head of the small climb we saw the classic view up the valley, then opt for the higher of the two paths alongside the lake.

Dylan photo-bombs Cathy's picture of us.

He's having an enjoyable walk but does seem to appear rather sad in many of his photos.

A second go with Cathy this time finds him looking a bit happier !

The halfway point of the walk . . . Low Ling Crag.

Another family group have spread themselves on the grass ahead but they soon continued on their way, leaving us free-range of places to sit.

We did think for a moment about climbing to High Ling Crag

but the hot sun was warming the day and the bracken was high so we decided to give it a miss.

A light snack sufficed for our lunch and a few dog treats kept the four dogs close at hand.

Time to head back towards the northern, Loweswater end of the lake.

The weather beaten hawthorn tends to frame a photo nicely.

They can't resist a good rock when they see one.

For that matter . . . neither can we . . .

. . . especially one with a lovely sunny view.

Low Park House nestled amongst a group of cottages and barns.

Honeysuckle in flower in the lane on our return route.	Cow Parsley on the opposite side of the road.

Back up via the church for a change.

Turn right and right again at the "Negative Signpost ". . . we'll pass on the pub this time . . .