Conquering

A kind local in Keswick suggested that we leave The Lakes District via "The Struggle" It is an amazingly narrow, winding, picturesque track which leaves Ambleside and winds up to Ullswater. We didn't know if it gained its name because of the difficulty of the track or because of the ruggedness of the countryside that it traverses!

[Lesley]

You are visiting a lovely area in The Lake District..it does rain a lot though! I know that as the Kirkstone Pass, the local name is very apt!!

[Rob Z]

@rosie00 Now that's interesting Lesley. We wanted to drive the Kirkstone Pass but never found it LOL Same pass - different name! It was fabulous. Thanks for the info.

[Lesley]

@robz Actually looking at a map I think The Struggle is a different road leaving Ambleside which joins the Kirkstone Pass higher up and continues over to Ullswater. Thank you for mentioning a new place for me to visit next time!

[FBailey]

Works so well in sepia:)

[Taffy]

Love the vintage look you've created.

[Ko*]

Whats happening Rob? you almost posted a b&w picture :)
now a serious note, the picture looks very good in sepia...

[Jane Pittenger]

Love the low key and vintage feel as well as the curves leading line

[Marnie]

It'd be a helluva struggle riding up that hill no matter what it's called. Love the sepia treatment.

[Rob Z]

@rosie00 Oh - thanks Lesley - that's good to hear - maybe we weren't as stupid as I thought!! Although it wouldn't be a surprise.... :) Cheers Rob

[Rob Z]

@taffy Thanks Taffy - I'm trying to avoid editing as much as possible, so this is pretty well SOOC - just with the sepia setting on my camera. It was a fascinating drive!

[Rob Z]

@madeinnl Well Ko - I'm blaming it on green overload!! I'm glad you liked the sepia. :)

[Casablanca]

That is a new one on me - I know the Kirkstone Pass but haven't spotted The Struggle. Will have to check it out next time I am up there. But not a bike LOL!!

[Sarah]

Possibly saw my son on your drive. He has been cycling in that area this weekend!

[Caterina]

great photo with the oldish sepia colour. fav

[Suzanne]

Looks great in sepia, the poor cyclists look to be struggling too

[Dorothy]

Love the sepia, it works so well.

[Rob Z]

@casablanca It was so good - and such a fitting name for it - it could refer to the actual road and its tortuous route - or it could refer to life in that region - it must have been an incredible struggle for the early pioneers in that area - it's all rock and peaks. Lesley told me that it joins onto the Kirkstone Pass - which is apparently more widely known? We missed it but this was a wonderful substitute. I think you might enjoy it... :)

[Rob Z]

@sarahlth Wouldn't that be funny Sarah - if that was your son we saw. We marveled at their tenacity because we saw them at the end of the track and knew what was ahead of them. You son must be a very dedicated and adept cyclist. :)

[Rob Z]

Thanks Caterina, Suzanne and Dorothy - the sepia was just a quick thought - it probably should have been black and white (or shades of grey!!) as the countryside was entirely littered with slate and the mountains were all jagged grey and gloomy. Incredibly tough looking. Thanks for your comments on the sepia though. :) @caterina @suzanne234 @nobled