Lakes beautiful, rain or shine…

But the Lake District is used to such weather, as are the walkers. Even a deluge of Noah-like proportions hardly seems to cause any inconvenience, as the water quickly drains into streams, river and the lakes.

On the fell tops it could be a bit nasty but most ramblers choose a low-level walk, like we did, and benefit from some blood-stirring sights as placid streams become rivers and rivers rapidly turn into... rapids.

Our apartment at Keswick, Rivers Edge, looked out over the River Greta, the level of which rose and fell depending on the extent of the downpour on any particular day, but the force of the current never disturbed a group of ducks and geese permanently stationed there, apart from making them paddle harder to get upstream. Downstream was a doddle!

We chose the Borrowdale Valley for our first wet-day walk.

Borrowdale is the wettest inhabited valley in Britain. You like rain, they got it.

A cloud of mist hung over the slate roof tops of Rosthwaite village as we set out but that was soon dispersed by a steady downpour.

Believe me, it is not dis-spiriting. As long as you are well wrapped up, with waterproof boots and windscreen wipers on your glasses, you are fine.

The path that leads you off alongside the Stonethwaite Beck is good most of the time, although the rocks can be slippery and surrounding ground boggy.

'The Beck was at times a torrent, forced into hurtling white foam by huge rocks and narrow gullies'

Early bushes and trees give way to a widening landscape as you climb, with the fell tops under cloud.

The Beck itself was at times a torrent, forced into hurtling white foam by huge rocks and narrow gullies, breathtaking power to be admired at a safe distance.

The walk, just over five miles, took us more than three hours, and although it was exhilarating, we were glad to drip back into the comfort of the car.

Keswick is a great centre for ramblers, with walks in every direction (if you have never climbed Cat's Bells you have missed a treat) and a wide range of shops, pubs and restaurants to keep you busy at other times.

Our apartment was spacious and comfortable for four people, with great views over Skiddaw and just minutes from the town centre.

But back to the walking. That is why we were there.

One day we left our car at the apartment and walked the Newlands Valley, returning via the shore of Derwentwater, about five miles of easy walking.

And then, on the last day, in clearing skies, we returned to an old friend, Haystacks, but this time by the route recommended by the walker and author Alfred Wainwright, via Scarth Gap, on mostly gentle slopes with an occasional scramble until we once again looked out over one of the most beautiful views of Britain, over Buttermere lake and the surrounding crags.

And as the sun came out, and the great rocks cascading down from the summit threw out jagged shadows towards Innominate Tarn, we could appreciate why Wainwright wanted this to be his last resting place.

We stayed at Rivers Edge, Greta Grove, Elliott Park, Keswick, which sleeps four plus an infant. n More information from [email protected].

uk, phone 01768 778555

For information about the Lake District, contact Cumbria Tourism on 015398 22222 www.golakes.co.uk, or www.lakedistrict outdoors.co.uk, the Lake District accommodation booking line: 0845 450 1199.