DO NOT MISS YOUR TRAIN AT 6.05AM (which we did)
Take the train to Kendal and hop off, grab a car to drive yourself to Windermere's beautiful town – check into the prettiest B&B with a flowering garden (the North sure loves its gardens), greeting you with late summer blooms and fortunate rays of sunshine.
Elim House
Biskey Howe Road
Windermere LA23 2JP
Have lunch at The Flying Pig, a local gastropub with airy natural light from big windows. Walk down the Lake Windermere (!) and get an ice cream in the sun. Spend the afternoon walking around the shops, and get into the car again to explore the rest of Lake District in the evening.
The Flying Pig
Rayrigg Road
LA23 3BZ
Try not to get car sick.
DRIVE THROUGH THE SCENIC ROUTE
All the way down to Ulverston, discover it is a dead town on weekends. But stop and take photographs as the sun sets along the way.
On the way back, avoid touristy Ambleside and instead find solace in Thai food back in Windermere. It's much better than a 40-minute wait.
THE NEXT DAY
WANDER UP ORREST HEAD
Opposite from Windermere rail station, find the opening and trek through the narrow and lush paths. Don't stop atop a mound which could be Orrest Head. It's not. Make it to the peak to have a cup of tea from your thermos and enjoy the beautiful view of the lake.
Wonder if the mists rolling in are clouds' breaths. Jump for pictures.
HAVE TEA IN TOWN
Find amusement in more beautiful plants and flowers gracing pubs, cafés and shop-fronts. Settle for a wonderful indie (cum hipster) café called Homeground - wooden panelling and plants indoor. Get busy eating without taking any non-shakey photos.
White blondie was great.
Homeground
56 Main Road
LA23 1DX
DRIVE TO KESWICK
Do shopping at the New Balance outlet and forget the reason you went there. Remembered, and slowly walk towards Derwent Water. Think about how autumn is coming, and how you hate the cold. Shiver at the thought of it.
MINIGOLF AT HOPE PARK
Forget about how you hate winter and get excited at playing minigolf for £4.50 for 18 holes. Think about why you live in London. Win mini golf through a blend of skill and clever manipulation.
Celebrate.
END THE NIGHT AT MERIENDA
Dinner at a cosy and homely restaurant. Meatballs and pork ribs with sweet potato fries on the side. Write love letters in your head. Never post them. Think about them on the drive back to Windermere in the absence of streetlamps.
10 Main St
CA12 5JD
This was our trip back in early September, a weekend in Lake District which was relaxing and beautiful! I can do a part two if there is demand ;-)
(Btw, hi Dieu/Martin/Claudia if you're reading, ha!)
