The Lake District

muttclugg · 14 Nov 2008 at 11:57

Booked Friday and Monday off work a few weeks ago, woke up and decided me and my partner were going away for 3 days so we booked a hotel in the Lake District. Leaving early Saturday and getting back later on Monday.

Just wondering what everyone else thought of the area (places to see, things to do etc). We've only heard good things but thought we'd see for ourselves. Rather excited if I do say so myself

.

P.S.Staying on the East side of Lake Windermere.

FTM · 14 Nov 2008 at 12:11

depends whether you intend to do any walking

if you want something low level but with nice views..castle crag in borrowdale has nice views down the valley..or you can walk from rosthwaite up and over to Watendleth Tarn..borrowdale in general is very pretty (but recently suffered flood damage)..some nice walks along the valley floor following the river

bot gentle strolls on proper paths rather than serious walks

I also like Honnister slate mine..but I'm a nerd when it comes to rocks and especially mine spoil tips

if you are not into walking theres always bowness or ambleside..or you could head into langdale for some nice scenery...aquarium on windermere as well I think..or the beatrix potter museum if thats your sort of thing

Ice Globe · 14 Nov 2008 at 12:19

Keswick and Derwentwater area is very picturesque. Then if you feel energetic, you can climb Scafell Pike and hope its a nice day with good views.

Otherwise, there's normally something watery going on, on Windermere, Sailing, Kayaking the likes.

And don't miss out on the Gingerbread shop in Grasmere!

muttclugg · 14 Nov 2008 at 12:21

We shall be walking

! Going to pick up an OS map later and hope for decent weather.

Berserker · 14 Nov 2008 at 12:22

Ice Globe said:
And don't miss out on the Gingerbread shop in Grasmere!

Agreed. And the same goes for finding Kendal Mint Cake. Ambleside seems to be a good bet for that.

If you're taking a car, it's in good condition, and you're a good driver, then all I can suggest are three words - Hard Knot Pass. :cool:

floatindolphin · 14 Nov 2008 at 12:31

Berserker said:
Agreed. And the same goes for finding Kendal Mint Cake. Ambleside seems to be a good bet for that.

If you're taking a car, it's in good condition, and you're a good driver, then all I can suggest are three words - Hard Knot Pass.

It's scary enough on a bike! It was quite funny seeing cars go up/down!?

marin · 14 Nov 2008 at 12:33

Do Helm Crag from Grasmere Village.

Its a nice walk and there is plenty to do in Grasmere.

http://www.virtualwalker.com/018/

snail1 · 14 Nov 2008 at 12:40

Eat or drink here

http://www.drunkenduckinn.co.uk/

Not cheap but one of the best meals I have had in a long time.

BigglesPiP · 14 Nov 2008 at 12:54

muttclugg said:
P.S.Staying on the East side of Lake Windermere.

Good, nice and quiet there.

There is an OK shopping centre in Hawkshead fir the Mrs.

Plenty of epic views in the peaks to your east if you're into walking, if you're not, then Honister pass will take you half way up a couple by car.

Cybermyk · 14 Nov 2008 at 12:59

Drop into Francines in Windermere. The kids loved their breakfasts and the evening meals are spot on.

BigglesPiP · 14 Nov 2008 at 13:25

The Villa Positano (italian) just off ash street in Bowness is very good.

And the local epic chef owns a Pizza spot up in Windermere, can't remember the name, but it's just opposite a computer store called Triarom. They certainly don't do take-aways, but the pizza will be epic.

Italian seems to be popular in the area.

Le_Petit_Lapin · 14 Nov 2008 at 13:32

I hear that there's a few Lakes to look at.

Cooper · 14 Nov 2008 at 13:38

marin said:
Do Helm Crag from Grasmere Village.

Ooooh, does that lead to Helm's Deep?....looked awesome in the movie.

PhillyDee · 14 Nov 2008 at 14:37

Dont go to Kendal. Theres nothing there. Couldnt even find any mint cake there . . .

Meridian · 14 Nov 2008 at 17:16

Ice Globe said:
Then if you feel energetic, you can climb Scafell Pike and hope its a nice day with good views.

It's the Lakes - what are the odds?

Skiddaw:

Dollywaggon Pike:

Etc - you get the idea. But the climbing is still worth it.

M

PhillyDee · 14 Nov 2008 at 17:17

Lol.
Ive been quite lucky. The fog has rolled in AFTER we came down

Meridian · 14 Nov 2008 at 17:17

Berserker said:
and you're a good driver, then all I can suggest are three words - Hard Knot Pass.

M

BigglesPiP · 14 Nov 2008 at 17:35

Le_Petit_Lapin said:
I hear that there's a few Lakes to look at.

Only one, and it'll be the other side of the district from him.

PhillyDee said:
Dont go to Kendal. Theres nothing there. Couldnt even find any mint cake there . . .

Agreed, used to be that you could hardly find room on the pavement on a weekend in Kendal. The council has seen to this though, shops all went bust and it's all sheltered housing for the elderly now.

Workington is supposed to be doing well at the moment.

chino · 14 Nov 2008 at 19:16

Relative to the rest of the places in the lake district I've been, I'm not actually a fan of the windermere area. Ok, it is a massive area so that is a generalistion, and i haven't spent much time on the western shore...

Just a short drive up towards grasmere raises the level significantly though, and then you can do the short walk up to helm crag. Then, weather and time dependant, you can continue along the ridge for a bit.

Spent last week there, and this thread is making me want to go back!

Dave M · 14 Nov 2008 at 19:30

Wansfell isn't a bad walk, nice view anyway. Park at the car pack at waterhead (the bit of ambleside by the lake), the gate out the back of the car park is the start of the walk. Remember to turn left up the hill before the farm - right by the tree that isn't there anymore