Lake District

[Jackyd99]

I'm in the mood for a road trip - it's about a 4 ¹/₂ hour drive from me - but have never been.

Anyone been and can suggest a nice area (ok - the whole area is nice!!), some place with good walking and possibly cycling?

Thanks in advance!

[cheryls]

The whole area is beautiful but my hubs cousin lives in Nr Kendal which is really nice and the area surrounding Lake Windemere is wonderful too. I can't tell you the exact way to get there but once there ask a local how to get to "Hard Knocks Pass" which you can drive or hike but the top has the most spectacular view I have ever seen. One other note, I am not huge on Sausages but up there you can get THE BEST Cumberland Sausage I have ever had. There is also a miniture train ride that is nice to take and at the end there is a pub which is where we had our Cumberland Sausages that were outstanding.

[Howard]

Have you beem watching Wainwright's Walks (repeated regularly on BBC 4), Jacky?  Any of those walks particularly grab your fancy?

The first series is out on DVD - http://www.bbcshop.com/invt/av9620&bklist=%3Cvenda_bklist1%3E&source=2239

Each of Wainwright's books is a little gem.  In case anyone doesn't know about AW, here's a reference to his wiki article:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alfred_Wainwright

[Lotus Freak]

I highly suggest staying in Ambleside, you'll be close enough to Lake Windermere, Kendall and places like Cockermouth and Grasmere. There are some great hikes just a few miles up the road in Thirlmere. All you have to do is find a waterfall and there are some trails along most of them. Spectacular views around there when you reach the top. If you're into stone circles, Castlerigg is a must see. The area around the stones are great, you can see from some of the pics I took when my mom was here. There's Dove Cottage in Grasmere it's where Wordsworth wrote many of his works and Cockermouth was where is was born. I also recommend The Glass House restaurant in Ambleside, yummy food nice atmos.

[Jackyd99]

Gosh - a wealth of information in only 3 replies!! Thanks guys!

I did look into Ambleside, but it's all booked up, so I found a cute little place in Windermere.  I'm considering taking my bike (save on hiring one), but then I have to see if I can borrow a rack from my workmate.

I'm so excited I can't stand it - I've wanted to go to the Lake District since I moved here!

Here's my little B&B: http://www.chestnuts-hotel.co.uk/

[lplkemc]

We prefer Ullswater to Windemere.  Personal preference really I suppose.  We tend to camp at Pooley Bridge which is at the top of Ullswater.   Loads of walking and fells around

When you are in the lakes, try to go to Keswick (my favourite place in the lakes).  Great place to get gear as well.

Have a great time!

[Jackyd99]

I would camp, but the weather this year has been too iffy...although...I might look into it now - save me a bundle. 

[Jackyd99]

I'm off to the Lake District this afternoon after work - pity we have to wait for DH to get off work!!

Never mind - I'm ready to get my nature on!!! 

[weesoul]

I'm off to the Lake District this afternoon after work - pity we have to wait for DH to get off work!!

Never mind - I'm ready to get my nature on!!!  

Have a good time and take lots of pics to share with us.   

[Jackyd99]

I'm back from my weekend in the Lake District - it was lovely!! Although very expensive - flippin' £3.10 for a piece of fish at the chippy (not included chips!!) !!!  B&B was gorgeous - Saturday in the hills was gorgeous.  We walked from Windermere to Ambleside over the mountains....great stuff!!

Will post the pictures when I get home tonight from work.... 

[Lotus Freak]

glad you enjoyed yourself

[weesoul]

Glad you guys had a good time.  How was the weather?

[Jewel]

Looking forward to seeing your photos Jacky.  I'll try to post some next week...DH came home yesterday and decided that's what we're doing this weekend.  We found a B & B on a working farm near Ambleside (Chapel Stile) and will head up there Saturday am for some exploration.  Neither of us have been any nearer than 'driving through', so we're really looking forward to it.

[dubsy]

I'm also glad you had a good time and would love to see photos as well.

I never tire of seeing images of the Lake District, whether by photos or even better on telly. Did anyone watch those Wainright's Walks series recently (there were 2: one hosted by a man and the other by this female news correspondent---I don't know their names, sorry!). They were both excellent!

I will always have a soft spot for the lakes, in particular Keswick because that is where my hubs proposed to me! 
We go up at least 2 times a year. In fact, we are going up at the end of October for my FIL's birthday (it is an annual tradition to go up there for his birthday--he wouldn't have it any other way).

Julie...good deal on your booking. You will love it!

[Jewel]

I can certainly understand your soft spot, and won't be able to help but think of you guys when we're taking a look at Derwentwater!