Sun-seeking visitors returned to the North Lakes in their hordes for the first time during the coronavirus crisis as they tried to stay cool on the hottest weekend of the year.
Derwentwater, Bassenthwaite and Thirlmere all saw large numbers of day trippers take to the water on their own boats, boards and inflatables as temperatures reached 23C (73.4F) in Keswick on a sun-scorched Sunday.
Many people headed to Crow Park overlooking Derwentwater to picnic or sunbathe but most there seemed to be abiding by the two-metre social distancing restrictions before heading home because of the ban on overnight stays.
The same applied to those who flocked to Ouse Bridge at Bassenthwaite for a dip or to enjoy water sports and at Thirlmere reservoir, where off-road car parks were packed, with many vehicles carrying outdoor activities equipment.
But it was a different story in Keswick town centre, which remained largely empty as visitors got the message that all its tourist attractions as well as pubs and cafes remain closed.
Lyndsey and Sharif Mustafa were among those who came to Derwentwater on Saturday and they liked it so much they returned the following day. “On Saturday there was hardly anyone here at all but it is totally different today,” said Lyndsey, 47, from Workington.
Sharif, 48, added: “Everyone has been cooped up for so long that we just wanted to get out and enjoy some sun, now we are allowed to. All the car parks off the A66 were busy on the way here so a lot of people had the same idea to get out.”
