The Enid Blyton Society

It's not where you are, but who you are with that makes a holiday.

Totally agree, Nigel.

Cat Bells isn't much of a challenge, Number 6, when you compare it with Helvellyn, Great Gable or Scafell Pike. It isn't too strenuous, which suits me at my age, and the walk back to the landing stage to catch the boat back to Keswick is a level, lakeside stroll through the trees.
I never read Swallows and Amazons either, Anita, but I had read the Bannerdale books by Geoffrey Trease which I am reminded of when I visit the area. Wasdale, and Wastwater, I've been to which is much more remote and sinister when the lake is in shadow. Windermere I find too touristy nowadays, I much prefer Buttermere on the other side of the Honister Pass. When driving over the pass I always think of the pass in Valley Of Adventure and I'm grateful that this one isn't blocked by tons of rubble.

Oh wow, Floragord — have a wonderful trip! (Just as long as you're not pining for the fjords... )

John Pickup wrote:I never read Swallows and Amazons either, Anita, but I had read the Bannerdale books by Geoffrey Trease which I am reminded of when I visit the area.

I've read two or three Bannerdale titles (only as an adult) but I found the Swallows and Amazons books more poetic and imaginative.

John Pickup wrote:Windermere I find too touristy nowadays, I much prefer Buttermere on the other side of the Honister Pass.

My daughter went hiking in Buttermere last year - one of several hikes she's done in the Lake District.

floragord wrote:...packing again (or changing suitcases ) as we're away to West Norway to sample the scenery and fjords for the first time

Norway is another of my favourite places. I'm sure you'll have a fantastic time, Floragord. It's so tranquil and unspoilt.

I love Italy too, with its picturesque old towns - especially Florence and Pisa.

John Pickup wrote:Windermere I find too touristy nowadays, I much prefer Buttermere on the other side of the Honister Pass. When driving over the pass I always think of the pass in Valley Of Adventure and I'm grateful that this one isn't blocked by tons of rubble.

I agree - Windermere is great for a boat trip, but far too touristy. I do like Bowness for a day's out, but prefer the more out-of-the-way places. We visited Buttermere and also Crummock water - two lovely lakes, as well as a nail-biting car ride along wrynose pass and Hardknott Pass.

Chick and I have enjoyed a number holidays in the Lake District. Like Rob, we love Hill Top and Dove Cottage.

Dove cottage is so interesting, with the one room that is decorated with old newspapers! Hill Top is brilliant if you're familiar with Beatrix's books. I found it fascinating to see the real-life locations for many of her illustrations.

Hill top is fab & well worth a visit. Not keen on the timed ticket entry, though. The little Tower Banks arms in the same village is also lovely. It also featured in one of BP's books. Not done Dove cottage yet, but it's on my bucket list!

We'd been studying 'The Prelude' at college when I first went to The Lakes, so visiting Dove Cottage was a must! In fact when I think about it, we basically went to the lakes for the first time when I was about 16 or 17 purely because of my interest in Wordsworth!

The same happened when we visited Swanage when I was around 26 - purely because of my rekindled interest in all things Blyton.

Courtenay wrote:Oh wow, Floragord — have a wonderful trip! (Just as long as you're not pining for the fjords... )

Thanks, Anita and Courtenay for your good wishes, no doubt we'll be "repining" by the time we leave Norway ! We've action-packed our schedule with Rome next month, Venice in October, by November we'll probably be fit only to totter to Portmeirion and Ludlow to dump ourselves by the fire and look at photos !

Have a super holiday!



I remember buying this postcard when I was about eight and being shocked when my dad told me he was about 93 years old!

Snap! I remember buying a postcard of the same pic, Pete! I wasn't very old, either. Being a massive fan of Patrick Mcgoohan's, 'The Prisoner', Portmeirion has long been a fav haunt of mine. Love the village.

Anita Bensoussane wrote:

floragord wrote:...packing again (or changing suitcases ) as we're away to West Norway to sample the scenery and fjords for the first time

Norway is another of my favourite places. I'm sure you'll have a fantastic time, Floragord. It's so tranquil and unspoilt.

I love Italy too, with its picturesque old towns - especially Florence and Pisa.

Safely back from Norway!, what a stunning place. We loved the towering snowcapped mountains, deep and tranquil fjords, turbulent rivers and shimmering waterfalls; managed to pack a fair bit in, a boat-trip on the Naeroyfjord (and it was narrow!), the impressive Flam railway, Stave churches, express boat to Bergen and the vibrant city and funicular, and the historical village of Norwegian life at Sogndal plus the most interesting boat museum - and all in lovely golden sunshine. We were impressed with our historic Kviknes Hotel at Balestrand on the Sognefjord, an attractive village where everyone made us hugely welcome - altogether a fantastic time indeed, Anita, I can certainly see why Norway is one of your favourite places!