Lakeland

Next on our tour of iconic UK locations is the Lakes district.

We start with a trip to Keswick.  The long time home of the factory that made Derwent pencils - they moved in 2008 - and home of the pencil museum. Unfortunately the museum is currently closed - but Keswick is a lovely town anyway. And there is a Derwent shop in town which was fun to visit.

Unfortunately the NAVMAN was somehow set on "narrowest roads possible".  We travelled through tiny narrow roads where the sheep are free to wander across and narrow single lane mud tracks with hedges on either side. Possibly the scariest moment is where we encounter a farmer on one side of the road and a really large goose on the other side. Fortunately all survive unscathed.

From Keswick to Windemere the NAVMAN was confounded by a closed road (make a U Turn where possible). Dani rescued us with her local SIM card and data.

But the whole drive is like driving through a painting. Snow capped mountains, patchwork of green fields, beautiful reflective water. Gorgeous!

Windemere was a tricky place to find accommodation that we could afford. Somehow Grant managed to find the Hydro - a grand old lady in need of a facelift. The public areas have beautiful chandeliers and moldings mixed with strange sparkly ceiling light fittings.  the path to our room has lots of narrow staircases and twists and turns. When we get there the TV is a vintage 1980's portable TV and the furniture and decor are tired - but the views are beautiful 😀 I keep walking between the two windows to drink in the views.

Let's face it, if it was all pretty we wouldn't be able to afford to stay here.

We have a lovely walk around Windemere and pick a place for dinner.

Next day after our hotel breakfast we head down for a ferry ride across the lake to Ambleside.

Both Windermere and Ambleside are full of lovely shops. - but all too expensive for us. Besides - I am downsizing. We wander around Ambleside then catch the ferry back to Windemere. We would have liked to go to Beatrix Potters house - but it would have meant more driving and we have lots more ahead of us.

The thing to do here seems to be to walk or to "ramble". A lot of the stores stock outdoor gear of all kinds.  I can see how it would be a thing - I can't imagine that you would have to carry more than a packed lunch - as there would be bound to be a town and a pub every couple of hours. And as long as you count on rain - lots of it - and a chilly wind you are sorted for weather conditions.

The other thing is that it seems to be a top holiday spot for dogs to bring their owners to. A lot of the hotels - including this one- allow both dogs and humans to stay and lots of stores are also dog friendly. Plus - walking - ideal dog activity.

In the afternoon we are tired and settle into the downstairs lounge which has an open fire and Wifi. There is a board game there called the British Train game. It's a bit complicated to actually play but we while away some time answering the trivia questions.  It is nice to have some quiet time.

Fish and chips for dinner and then another wander by the lake.

SUCH a pretty spot - we've had a lovely stay.