Ducks at Lake District

I have heard lots about a place called Lake District from a work mate of mine, about how pure it is, how spectacular the scenery is and how I must go. So finally I found the time and decide to head off to Lake District.

Lake District, as the name suggests, is a region full of lakes and mountains. It is also the home of Beatrix Potter and Peter Rabbit. If you enjoy hiking, relaxation, beautiful scenery and great food I would recommend visiting Lake District with its quaint English villages. Few cautions though, during popular bank/public holidays, the place is fully booked, thus I recommend that you should reserve your accommodation a minimum of 6 months to 1 year in advanced. Also, if you plan on going hiking, make sure you bring appropriate clothing, such as hiking boots, thermals and other necessary amenities. I have been told that many hikers have died hiking up mountains under prepared.

To get to Lake District, you can either:

• drive north approximately 5 hours from London (traffic dependant), or
• fly/catch a train to Manchester then drive a short 1.5 hours distance
• fly/catch a train to Manchester then catch a bus to one of the many Lake District villages.

I was lucky to be able to reserve accommodation during the easter period, had to book 4 months in advanced though. I stayed in a lovely & modern bed and breakfast called Lakes Lodge. It is located in a village called Ambleside which is right in the heart of the actions such as pubs, great cafes and the lot :). Some people prefer to stay a little bit out town to get isolated but I didn’t have that luxury since I only booked my accommodation at the ‘last’ minute.

I didn’t do the full hike although next time I plan to do a full 3 days hike including the tough trek of Helvellyn and the Striding edge where you need to use your ice axe and ensure you will not be one of the regular casualities of people falling of the ridge. Having said that, if you have a limited time and do not want to do a full hike, you can always do what I did which is to climb a little hill to get a lovely view of Lake Windermere. I drove to Windermere village and did a good 30 minutes light hike. I can tell you it was FREEZING. The scenery though was so spectacular and picturesque. 

I also managed to head to Grasmere Village to hunt for the famous Sarah Nelson’s Ginger Bread. You know, If you are a gingerbread person this is a must go. Definetely the best gingerbread I’ve ever tasted and I’m sure Im not the only one to agree, judging from the massive long lines waiting to get their slice. YUMMM. Later I found out they actually ship anywhere in the world :).

Also if you happens to be around Lake District during the weekends, make sure you visit one of the many farm markets. I visited one which was held every Saturday at Keswick. You can find anything from home made English Preserves to Pork Pies :).

Other than shopping, walking around the lakes and hills, I ate heaps too :). My favourite cafe is called Lucy at Ambleside. Scrumptious brekkies, lovely lunches and divine dinners. At Lucy’s you can also buy home made food or get them to pack you a picnic basket. If you love the place so much like me, you can always learn how to cook there :).

It’s Easter and the weather is really cold and yes I did wake up to a very thick blanket of heavy snow :). I managed to build a snow man and catch snow flakes in my hand.

Lake District is definetely one of my favourite getaway in UK and I can see why so many locals go there every year.

Related posts:

1. Canada - Niagara Express Tour (Niagara on the lake town and Vineyards)
2. Cradle Mountain Hike (overland track)
3. More Volcanic Adventure - Ijen Crater, East Java - Indonesia
4. Volcanic adventure - Mount Bromo, East Java - Indonesia
5. Long weekend in Launceston, Tasmania

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.