Let’s move away a little from the landscapes and nature.
Lisabet and I recently had occasion to enjoy an outdoor swimming session with esteemed outdoor and wild swimming guide Suzanna Cruickshank. Not only was Suzanna a total delight, with the patience and compassion of a saint, but the weather couldn’t have been better with clear skies and 20+ degree sun. We were guided on a swim in Bassenthwaite Lake, which thankfully allows for a gentle drop into the water unlike most other lakes in the Lake District. The experience was exhilarating, fun, and freeing.
If you’re ever in Cumbria, and want a pair of safe hands to guide you through swimming in the lakes of the Lake District, I can wholeheartedly recommend Suzanna.
After our session, Lisabet and I decided to have summer’s day wander around Cockermouth, one of our favourite Cumbrian towns. We had a late birthday meal to catch up on, so booked a table at the beautiful Aspava for some of the finest Turkish cuisine around.
All in all, it were a top notch day, and of course I took some photos of it. I hope you enjoy these photo memories of mine as much as I enjoyed creating them.
All photos shot on my Fujifilm X-T2 using my Samyang 35mm f/1.2 lens. Images made 80% in-camera using a customised Classic Chrome film simulation, then minor edits applied after in Lightroom and Affinity Photo. The photo of me and Lisabet swimming in the lake is provided by kind courtesy of Suzanna Cruickshank.
Lisabet and I, swimming in Bassenthwaite Lake! Photo courtesy of Suzanna Cruickshank .
Making our way into Cockermouth town centre. “Shampoochies” is an excellent name for a dog grooming business.
Cockermouth is such a bonny town, especially in the summer.
The marble statue of Richard Southwell Bourke, sixth earl of Mayo, MP for Cockermouth between 1857-68. A famous resident of the town. He was assassinated in 1872 whilst visiting the Andaman Islands as Viceroy and Governor-General of India
A good way to start off a Turkish meal, with Turkish draft beer. Delightfully hoppy and refreshing.
Part way through our starter, comprising of hummus, cacık (a bit like Greek tzatziki ), patlıcan ezme (a Turkish aubergine salad), Kısır (spiced bulgar wheat salad), Mücver (deep fried courgette fritter), and Patates Kavurma (boiled potatoes with onion, parsley and chilli).
A selection of grilled spiced meats with rice and salad. Nobody does meat better than the Turkish.
Baklava , one of the world’s most famous desserts. Layered filo pastry, filled with chopped nuts, and sweetened with honey.
Kopper’s Café and Bar, named as such as the building was the old Police Station.
The outdoor seating area of The Honest Lawyer, nicely decorated with hanging flowers alongside the River Cocker.
One of my favourite aspects of Cockermouth town centre is how colourful the buildings are.
See? Super pretty.
The Jennings Brewery, which started life in 1828 in the nearby village of Lorton.
The brewery is now owned by Marston’s PLC, itself part of Carlsberg UK.
All the ale and beer barrels.
We crossed the bridge and made our merry way through the Memorial Gardens, snapping idyllic scenes along the way.
Couple of young lads, deep in discussion.
Summer in Cumbria is one glorious vista after another.
A bit of old-school advertising on the side of this building. An indicator, too, as to the importance the brewery once had in Cockermouth.
A partially-masked man pauses in the street to reply to someone on his phone.
More traditional signage on the side of the Bridge Gallery building.
I love this side of Cockermouth, Market Place, with all the colourful buildings. More of this in Cumbria, please.
Then support me