Just before the long drive South I was out with Julia, Barbara, Debs, and Vicky for their annual walking weekend in the Lakes. This coincided with some very heavy rain, so our original plan to walk high level routes was set aside for next year. We followed wonderful low level routes from Hawkshead on Saturday and summited Wansfell Pike from Ambleside on Sunday. For our homely place to stay in central Ambleside check out our B&B here
As the girls were staying in Hawkshead, we chose to walk from there on Saturday. Aiming for Latterbarrow to gain the shores of Windermere we turned South along tree lined tracks for most of the way to Far Sawrey. Here we enjoyed the shelter of the Cuckoo Brow Inn for hot tea and coffees. The fire was roaring so we managed to dry out a little before leg two!
Leaving the pub, the rain was still biblical, so we got another properly good soaking, but by now that didn’t matter at all. This walk followed some beautiful scenery and despite most of the paths having turned into streams, we were fully embracing and loving the experience. Moss Eccles and other Tarns were passed on our return route, the sky brightened slightly giving us better views, but still that rain pounded down, it was epic.
Back at Hawkshead more hot drinks flowed and laughter had. A great day.
On Sunday, with a better weather forecast, we ventured a little higher and included Wansfell Pike in the itinerary. Starting from Ambleside we walked through Skellghyll Woods and onto Robin Lane to reach Troutbeck. Stopping for tea and coffees in the village café before we continued via Nanny Lane and up to he summit of Wansfell Pike. Today we were treated to the most amazing views in all directions, fantastic.
A quick descent into Ambleside and making sure to visit Stockghyll falls on our way down, brought to an end this weekend of walking.
Not a plan A weekend, but a fantastic weekend all the same.
Thanks to Julia, Barbara, Vicky, and Debs – looking forward to next year already. For more about our Lake District Walks
Mark
