Weekend in the Lakes District

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With mum heading down from Scotland to spend a week relaxing in Appleby-in-Westmorland in the Lakes District of England, we took the opportunity to duck up for the weekend to catch up and see the area for ourselves.

We had always heard great things about the area and it's natural beauty, so this was a trip we were looking forward to - even though we would only get to spend two days up there.

We caught the train up early on the Saturday morning enjoying the picturesque trip up to Penrith where we were to meet mum and Archie. When we arrived the first thing we noticed was the drastic change in temperature from London to northern England, and it was about now that Ange realised she might not of packed enough warm clothes - especially with the forecast being for a rainy weekend.

Nevertheless we made the most of the intermittent good weather and spent Saturday driving around the region. From Penrith we took the roads up through the Pennines and to the town of Alston. The region up here was so barren and windswept but still very striking. From here we worked our way back down towards our accomodation in the cute little town of Appleby-in-Westmorland via many quant little villages.

Following a nice meal out in the town and a few beers we retired for the night with our aim being to head south-west on Sunday and take in the sights of the Lakes District itself.

We woke Sunday to rather grim and rainy weather, but we pushed on. At first we made our way down to Windemere and the main lake system. Now even though this was a rather miserable day the area was still packed and traffic jams couldn't be avoided given this was peak tourist season. Unfortunately this meant we couldn't get a park within miles of the lakes, and with the pouring rain we decided to just to a drive through and continue on with a drive around the region.

As we slowly made our way back towards Penrith for our train back to London, we ventured through the Cumbrian Mountains which I have to say was by far the most beautiful area in the region which its more impressive mountains and lake systems. A big plus of course being it is nowhere near as touristy as around Windemere. This area and the town of Glenridding appeared to cater more to the hiking visitors, and with the misty and rain soaked area it made for quite a sight, especially with all the waterfalls appearing with all the rain.

So after a fantastic drive through this region and a nice pub lunch in front of an open fire place in Glenridding, we made our way back to Penrith and our train back to London.

So all in all it was a nice relaxing trip, but it has definitely wet our appitite to go back up there and hike some of the region.

But till then, enjoy the pics.

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Photos

The Cumbrian Mountains
The cold and rainy weather just added to the impact of the beautiful region

Waiting for our connecting train to Penrith
and realising it is a bit colder up here than in London

Heading up through the Pennines
The landscape was so serene

The clouds were rolling in again
but added to the striking scenery

Looking across the barren fields of the Pennines
and the lone little house in the middle of nothing

Old buildings in Alston
located up in the Pennines

Driving back down the Pennines
slowly heading back towards Appleby-in-Westmorland

One of the little villages in the region
and was targeted by us (well the girls) for one reason...

...their amazing chocolate shop.
Even I was impressed by the chocolates.

Along the lake in Windemere
A great day to stroll around the region :(