Lake Windermere Trek, the Lake District
Our second day in the Lake District started quietly and with a lie-in in the comfy bed. Once we’d had enough of dozing, we got up and made delicious bacon and egg butties. Having not been joined by Jodie and Carl on the Friday, we were still hopeful at this point that they could have been travelling down that day. Because of this, Dave and I chose to stay close to the park and went on a trek down to and around Lake Windermere.
Not fancying to pay car park charges, we plodded down to Bowness-on-Windermere.
Along the way, we took a quick detour on the National Trust’s Miller Ground trail. Albeit pretty muddy – much to Dave’s annoyance when a dog bounded past and sprayed it on his trousers! – it was a gorgeous little walk.
The trail started next to a babbling brook and opened up in front of Lake Windermere. It was a gorgeous sight! The fact that the weather was pretty bleak didn’t matter either. If anything, it added to how dramatic the lake and surrounding mountains looked!
We followed the pathway alongside the water, soaking up the views as we went. The trail then took us up through a field to join back to the main footpath and we continued our descent in to Bowness.
By the time we arrived in to the town, it was midday. So, we did what we always do on holiday: stopped for refreshments! The pub of choice being The Flying Pig. It was a fab place and the ideal location to relax. Whilst there, we also had confirmation that Jodie was still unwell and that they would check in again on Sunday. At this point, we were keeping everything crossed!
After the drinks had been supped and I’d thrashed Dave at Love Letters, we wound our way to the Lake Windermere Cruises. We bought a ticket for the red cruise and settled in to the warmth of the boat. The cruise was great and it allowed us to enjoy the views, under cover, as it sailed across the water.
Once we’d disembarked at Ambleside, lunch was forefront in our minds. On a whim, we chose the YHA Ambleside Lakeside Restaurant and what a good choice it was! The menu had 3 ‘light bite’ courses for £11 and obviously, we had to test it! Out came mouth-watering plates filled with Loaded Nachos, Southern Fried Chicken Fillets and Sun-dried Tomato & Red Onion Houmous with Mixed Olives. It was all delicious!!
With full tummies, it was time to head back ‘home’. Another slog – made slightly harder by prosecco, beer and amazing food consumed! – and we finally made it back. As if to celebrate our return, we were graced with a lovely sunset at the patch of lake on site. It was incredibly pretty!
We walked a total of 15,879 steps throughout the day…go us! Therefore, this achievement earnt us an extra-long soak in the hot tub and it was goood! I genuinely don’t think there’s a better way to end a trek than blissfully relaxing in a warm jacuzzi, with a glass of bubbly in hand. Heaven!
To see the photos from & read about our first day in the Lake District, click here.
