THE LIGHT IS STRONGER TODAY. Ullswater is high and the deeper blue of lunchtime sky colours the swell of the lake’s surface, whipped as it is by a cold and stiff gale. I’m glad of the colour. The dirtied yellowed hues of winter’s lakeland fells make me yearn for bright new green and the lamb’s wool white of Spring.

This past winter’s depths have been harsh and powerful here. Attempts have been made at Glenridding spit to divert the river’s flood, but even huge boulders have been persuaded to yield by powerful current, and frost and flood have left their mark on lake-side road and pier-house.

But the light is stronger and longer today. When the wind quite suddenly slows, and the high cloud breaks, and the sunlight chases the gloom across the heights and the lows, hope grows. We’ll be warmed and coaxed and brought alive into Spring again. Soon.