After an 8 hour drive from London on Friday we made it to Ambleside, a town on Lake Windermere and our base for the weekend. We settled into Printer's Cottage and Jaimee treated us to a delicious risotto before we headed for bed.
On Saturday morning we rose early ready for the day ahead. First we headed to Grasmere. Flavia's recent knee operation meant she was wasn't able to join us on any long walks, so she explored the village while Jaimee, Lou & I walked along Loughrigg Terrace (footpaths up the surrounding hill) for a view of Grasmere lake and the settlement.
In Grasmere
View of Grasmere lake
A cup of tea later and we drove on to Hill Top Farm, where Beatrix Potter lived for many years. Many of her children's stories were inspired by her life there and she contributed a lot to the conservation of the district.
The girls at Hill Top
Me in front Beatrix Potter's house
Afterwards we crossed Lake Windermere on the car ferry to Bowness for a spot of lunch (this was my least favourite place - very touristy - full of dodgy gift shops). Then it was back to Ambleside for a bit more exploring. Dinner was at a tapas place called Lucy's No 4 which was good fun, and so was the choc fondue dessert we shared!
Lake Windermere
Another view of Windermere
On Sunday as we were setting off, we drove by a gorgeous stream so pulled over and ended up walking from Skelwith Bridge to Elterwater which was very, very pretty. Another cup of tea in this sweet little village and we continued on for a drive through Langdale and the Langdale valley. We stopped for an early lunch at the Old Dungeon Ghyll hotel which gave us the energy for our afternoon's activity. While Flavia waited patiently, Jaimee, Lou & I and climbed up Stickle Ghyll to Stickle Tarn (a lake at the top of the mountain). It was quite a challenge for me but I am so glad we did it!! The view over the valley was pretty spectacular not to mention seeing a glacial lake on top of a mountain. With such long days of light we managed to squeeze in a peek at another lake, Ullswater, before going back to Ambleside.
Walking to Elterwater
Some of the locals
Langland Pikes and Lakeland Fells
A view of the valley while walking up Stickle Ghyll
Jaimee Me & Lou at the top!
This is the lake on top of the mountain!
Dinner on Sunday night was quite a treat. We ate very well at the Drunken Duck Inn - 3 courses plus cheese and finished off with cognac & port! The Drunken Duck came highly recommended (I had to book 3 months ago to get a table!) and it lived up to our expectations. We followed our very glam dinner with a very cheesy Ambleside bar hosting karaoke night which was a great laugh.
Dinner at the Drunken Duck Inn
This morning Lou cooked us a gourmet omlette for breakfast and we drove to the top tip of Coniston water and Tarn Hows and had tea and homemade stuffed monkey (scone with fruit and spices) at a tea house before we left for our long haul drive back to London (only 5 hours on the way back).
Tarn Hows
It really was a fab weekend away with the girls. We had a great time and we were surrounded by the loveliest Spring scenery. Definitely worth the driving. And we all could have stayed for another week!
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