Great British Railway Journeys
Windermere
S1 E8:
Michael arrives in Windermere for a two day tour of the Lake District following Bradshaw's guide. Steam boat enthusiast Roger Mallinson takes him out on his boat to the north end of the lake to take tea and enjoy the views just as the Victorians did. He then stops off at Claife viewing station, a popular lakeside attraction in Bradshaw's day before heading to the south end of the lake to meet environmentalist John Pinder who explains how increasing levels of tourism have resulted in high levels of pollution in the water. John and his colleagues sail out onto the water with Michael to show him how they're monitoring pollution levels in the lake and bringing them down. Back on dry land, Michael spends the night in Grasmere at The Swan Inn. Recommended by Bradshaw, it was also one of Wordsworth's favourite places for breakfast. The next day he travels on to Kendal. After a brief stop in the market to buy some Kendal mint cake, he meets local farmer Peter Gott of Sillfield farm. Peter's family have been in the area for hundreds of years and he talks to Michael about the impact the railways had on farming practices. Peter also takes Michael up onto the fells to see his herd of local Herdwick sheep and teaches him how to make sausages in his farm shop.