Following a lovely trip to the Lakes with the girls this month, my plan was to write up a blog post about spring flowers but the snow had other ideas. Rather than dwell on this I thought I’d look on the bright side and post some pics from my wintry weekend away.
Ahead of the trip we’d decided to give Langdale a go but once the weather hit we played it a little safer and did the circular walk from Ambleside up Wansfell Pike, down through Troutbeck and wander through Skellgyhll Woods. Although a challenging walk at times (sideways snow and hail!) the view was well worth it – the mountains looked like lovely little cakes with icing dusted on top.
To start off our days and warm ourselves up when we were out and about, we made a couple of pit-stops at some lovely little cafes and tearooms.
We couldn’t resist the hot cross buns in the window of the famous Apple Pie Bakery & Cafe in Ambleside. The cafe is in the back of the bakery, where you’ll find a range of delicious breakfast, lunch and snack options. Remember to get a bath bun to take out from the bakery on your way home – the best way to describe it is a hybrid between a currant teacake, hot cross bun and an iced finger.
Last time I was in Troutbeck I came across the Old Post Office Tea Rooms after we’d already had a lunch stop at a local pub (Mortal Man – definitely try it!) so didn’t get a chance to pop in. This time we planned ahead and I’m so glad I finally go the chance to go. We stopped off for hot chocolates and a slice of chocolate orange which set us up perfectly for the next part of our walk.
I’ve been lucky enough to visit the Lakes at least once a year if not more since being around five or six years old. If it’s not somewhere you know well and you’re looking for a walk to do, I couldn’t recommend Northern’s Windermere Rail Trail more. If like me you live in a city centre and don’t have access to a car the Rail Trails are a great to get out and about as they all start and finish at train stations (including the Windermere one) – you can find them all here.
