Off to the Lakes District

Wednesday 02/05/12

An early start this morning so we could say goodbye to Gwenda, Nick, Jasper and Paige before we left on our next adventure.  Thank you so much for having us, we have loved every moment of it and look forward to seeing you next time either here or in Oz. Once packed we left Pippin's Orchard about 10am and proceeded to follow Auntie Muriel's directions to find the A5 road, a more interesting drive than the M6 which is a four lane motorway traveling around all towns large and small.  Fast but boring!  We managed to get it mainly right with just a little glitch as we were about to join the A5 but that was put right fairly quickly with the aid of the Tom-tom and very soon we were on our way right up the middle of this little country.  We passed through some lovely villages along the way but unfortunately did not have the time to stop at them all. We stopped a couple of times along the way for coffee and photo opportunities before finally succumbing to hunger about 2.00pm for lunch at a little pub beside the Ashby canal.

Called the Lime Kilns this little pub was full of character and we had a yummy bacon and egg roll before taking a walk beside the canal and looking with great interest at the barges that were moored there.  Once back in the car we decided that while the country road was lovely it was time to get moving and so we made our way over to the M6 and sped up the motorway for the rest of the journey. We arrived in the Lakes District about 6.15 and once we had established the address of our B and B we went in search of it.  11 miles in from Newby Bridge we found Slack Cottage in the tiny tiny village of High Wray and were pleasantly surprised.  Our room is gorgeous and the view over the lakes and surrounding hills is to die for.  Can't wait to get out tomorrow and explore properly.

Once settled and unpacked we drove back out to the nearest village for dinner.  Hawkshead is just a delightful place and with 4 pubs in this tiny village we were spoilt for choice.  The Queens Head won the day and the Roasted Lamb rump was delicious.  A walk around the village after dinner has decided the venue of choice for tomorrow nights dinner as well so that is one less decision we will need to make then! So now all that is left to do is get a good nights sleep so we can make the most of every moment as the little bit we have seen so far today has well and truly whet the appetite to enjoy as much as we can of this little corner of the world over the next 3 days before we head south again. Good night all, more stories tomorrow. Thursday 03/05/2012 - exploring the Lakelands

We woke up to a glorious morning, blue sky and sunshine, albeit very chilly for the first hour or two.  Not that I found this a problem as I stayed tucked up in bed while Bill ventured out with his camera at 6.30am.  By the time he got back I was showered, dressed and ready to face the day. We started with breakfast and it was so good, far too much as is usual when you stay at a B and B but we have downsized our order for tomorrow morning.  Our host Chris was very helpful in giving us some pointers of where to head for once we were ready to leave and after spending an hour or so enjoying the lovely morning in the beautiful garden we hit the road and followed his directions.   Our first stop was at Hawkshead to see it in daylight and it was just as inviting as it had been last night.  We had a good look round and have fallen in love with the little village.  I can certainly see why people come here and never leave.  Of course we are seeing this lovely area in springtime and I'm sure we might have a different outlook if we were here in the dead of winter.   From here we drove on to Skelwith Bridge and followed the road around to Great Langdale where we had the most spectacular views of the mountains on one side and the valleys and lakes on the other side.  One stop was to admire Scafell Pike which is the highest mountain in England and just round the corner was the very picturesque Blea Tarn ( a lake).  All of the roads are little country lanes and in most cases only room enough for one car.  We had many instances where we met oncoming traffic and one of us had to back up to allow the other one to pass.  Very civilized though and there is no road rage anywhere at all.  In fact I have not heard one horn beeped at any time during our week of traveling about. After our mountain sightseeing was complete we drove on through Little Langdale, back through Skelwith Bridge and on to Ambleside, stopping once at Brathay to take photos of an old stone bridge.  We stopped here for lunch and found that while Ambleside is a bigger town it is still full of charm and we wandered around for a while before continuing onto Waterhead, Windermere and Bowness where we stopped once more.  It is here that you will find the World of Beatrice Potter,an exhibition where all the characters are brought to life as you wander through each of her many stories.

Seeing Peter Rabbit, Jemima Puddleduck, Mrs Tiggywinks and of corse Farmer McGregor among many others was just a joy to behold and we managed to lose an hour or so here taking a step back into our childhood.   From there we drove on to Newby Bridge and followed the road home this time through Near Sawrey where Hilltop farm is.  This is where Beatrice Potter lived when she fell in love with this area and stayed all her life.   It is this place along with many other local towns and houses that appear as artwork in all her books.  Unfortunately it was closed for the day and will not be open again while we are here, a shame but not the end of the world as the whole area gives you an understanding of how she must have loved it and was inspired to write her many children's tales from here.

Once home again we spent an hour or so in the garden before returning to Hawkshead for dinner.  This time we tried the Kings Arms and while nice I'm declaring last nights meal the winner.  So now it's bedtime once more.  Time to recharge the batteries for another full day in the Lakes District.   Can't wait.....more tomorrow!