Tuesday 16th July marked the 160th year since Ullswater Steamers began sailing on Ullswater and I was chuffed to be invited along on a Gin Cruise to celebrate. We had the most glorious evening weather for sailing and the fact there was a steady supply of gin didn’t hurt either!
The evening began at the Pooley Bridge pier where our gin boat, Western Belle, was waiting for us along with another Steamer, Lady Wakefield, filled with guests on a ‘Fish and Chip Supper Cruise’. I did get a waft of fried goodness as they wheeled the containers past us and my word did it smell good! We set off soon after to the tune of Rod Stewart’s nautical anthem ‘Sailing’ out onto the calm waters of Ullswater for a once-in-a-lifetime event – all five Steamers assembled together on the lake. As I mentioned, this flotilla celebrated the Ullswater Steamers’ 160th anniversary. Not only this but we also celebrated, to the very day, the birthday of Raven, one of the five-strong fleet.
Each of the five boats played a different role in proceedings. The birthday boat herself carried invited guests and Lake District Estates staff, whilst Lady of the Lake and Lady Dorothy were each allocated to Patterdale Mountain Rescue and Aira Force staff respectively.
The wonderful Lakes Distillery staff kept the gin flowing through the evening, presenting their Lakes Gin and Explorer Gin – a bottle of which sits in my drinks cupboard at home, purchased during my Twilight Tour visit. The sweetness came at the end when we tasted a few of their gin liqueurs, including the Rhubarb & Rosehip which, I have on good authority, pairs particularly well with prosecco. I’ll take one for the team in trying this one out, don’t worry.
The highlight of the evening came when all five Steamers met in Howtown Bay in what can only be described as some fantastic and seemingly well-rehearsed choreography. Like Strictly for boats. It was wonderful to be part of and it’s fair to say I got quite a few photos as did my Dad who took some from the shoreline; here’s a wee selection:
Thanks again to Ullswater Steamers for having me – I had a blast! See more from the Steamers over on their website and as always, for more Holme & Away, catch up on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.