If I were to plan a driving tour of this, are there any ilxors with local knowledge/experience to give me pointers or were it as well done via yr touristy sites?
― loudmouth darraghmac ween (darraghmac), Wednesday, 4 January 2017 23:03 (eight years ago)
What are you hoping for?
― djh, Wednesday, 4 January 2017 23:14 (eight years ago)
ah only hanging my hand over the side of the boat lazily tbh. erin d'ors will v likely itinerise within an inch but in case there were any off beaten track spots, food or accommodation recs, general experiences anyone had so i could showily contribute at some stage while obv fully crediting my internet friends and what have you
― loudmouth darraghmac ween (darraghmac), Wednesday, 4 January 2017 23:18 (eight years ago)
Wastwater is my favourite lake there, atmospheric and sombre, less *pretty* than a lot of them. At the end of it is Wasdale encircled by the biggest hills in the district and with a great pub.
The best drive is arguably a loop from Keswick up the Newlands valley to Buttermere and back via Honister Pass and Borrowdale.
Blencathra is England's best mountain.
― ewar woowar (or something), Wednesday, 4 January 2017 23:24 (eight years ago)
lovely, thanks
― loudmouth darraghmac ween (darraghmac), Wednesday, 4 January 2017 23:24 (eight years ago)
Blencathra it ain't no Carrauntoohil for sure, but it'll do
― calzino, Wednesday, 4 January 2017 23:28 (eight years ago)
Did you watch The Trip?
https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2010/dec/06/the-trip-boosts-lake-district-tourism
https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2010/nov/27/the-trip-northern-england-restaurants
I've always felt like the Lake District has the most changeable weather I've ever walked in, so the sensible part of me would advise to always be prepared for that.
― djh, Wednesday, 4 January 2017 23:38 (eight years ago)
im irish btw we have individual weather patterns
she watches the trip most weeks iirc so we are going to the lake district now
― loudmouth darraghmac ween (darraghmac), Wednesday, 4 January 2017 23:39 (eight years ago)
driving? driving?!??!??
― j., Wednesday, 4 January 2017 23:51 (eight years ago)
driving! but we can mix it up
― loudmouth darraghmac ween (darraghmac), Thursday, 5 January 2017 00:01 (eight years ago)
Went to Blea Tarn and Langdale in early summer last year and it was really gorgeous. Also visited Patterdale, Glenridding and Ullswater earlier in the spring, which is also great, been to Ullswater a few times over the years.
― NWOFHM! Overlord (krakow), Thursday, 5 January 2017 00:21 (eight years ago)
Or Something knows what's up. Keswick to Buttermere is beautiful. As is Lake Wastwater, near Scafell Pike.
The A66 from around Bassenthwaite to Keswick, and from Keswick driving down the B5289 alongside the lake is beautiful too. As is Glenridding and driving around Ullswater: fantastic views.
Should you find yourself in the proximity of Ennerdale, I can strongly recommend heading west for a bit, and drive to St. Bees Head. St. Bees and Sandwith are equally time-stood-still real England places, but the coastal path of St. Bees Head is something to behold. Magnificent views yet very friendly coastal walk.
― Le Bateau Ivre, Thursday, 5 January 2017 01:00 (eight years ago)
Also: destroy Windermere, way too touristy imho. Instead search Buttermere, located in a nice triangle of Grasmoor, High Stile and Dale Head pikes. And from Buttermere it's but a short a drive to St. Bees Head.
― Le Bateau Ivre, Thursday, 5 January 2017 01:06 (eight years ago)
Once did the Cumbria Way walk from Ulverston to Carlisle. I think my favorite section was Ulverston to Coniston, but nearly all of it was wonderful. Definitely search the Old Dungeon Ghyll -- great pub and the gentleman who runs the hotel is full of stories. Gorgeous spot for a pint in nice weather.
― daily growing, Thursday, 5 January 2017 01:21 (eight years ago)
this is good stuff folks, thanks
― loudmouth darraghmac ween (darraghmac), Thursday, 5 January 2017 11:19 (eight years ago)
It's nice round Bassenthwaite, the north is pleasingly empty, and you're not far from Carlisle, which is a nice little city
― ogmor, Thursday, 5 January 2017 11:51 (eight years ago)
Carlisle is nice indeed. Edge of the town offers beautiful views over River Caldew, which is nice to stroll along (dont forget your boots)
― Le Bateau Ivre, Thursday, 5 January 2017 11:59 (eight years ago)
Did Keswick/Buttermere for a day-trip last year. Definitely recommended, although Honister Pass was fairly hair-raising for a wuss like me in somewhat dicey weather.
Seems like the whole place must be absolutely jammed in the summer though? We were queueing in Windermere for ages and it was the middle of October
Spent the majority of our time in the Dales, which felt a little more "real" although that's probably my latent indie snob talking. A split trip would definitely be doable though
― Number None, Thursday, 5 January 2017 21:41 (eight years ago)
dales obv better
keswick is run by dogs
― ogmor, Thursday, 5 January 2017 22:29 (eight years ago)
we're looking at that cheeky bank hol bonanza around easter, april time so not quite summer
― loudmouth darraghmac ween (darraghmac), Thursday, 5 January 2017 22:42 (eight years ago)
all organised, although herself has the itinerary and all other matters sorted and ive only sketchy idea as yet
lake district, dales, wales, manchester. if that sounds right.
― trilby mouth (darraghmac), Wednesday, 25 January 2017 15:16 (eight years ago)
where are you going in wales? if you have some time in manchester and want guidance/a pint feel free to send an ilxmail
― ogmor, Wednesday, 25 January 2017 15:20 (eight years ago)
seems as likely as not, cheers
snowdonia quick tour on the cards
― trilby mouth (darraghmac), Wednesday, 25 January 2017 15:21 (eight years ago)
far prefer snowdonia to the lakes tbh, it's all pretty beautiful but I bet you'd like conwy
― ogmor, Wednesday, 25 January 2017 15:37 (eight years ago)