Day 19 Driving to The Lakes District

Gary had given us the estimated time of departure as 9.30am, so up at 7.30am, breakfast, showers and car packed, we were all ready to go. Basically it was straight up the M6, which was smooth flowing, so I took the opportunity to catch up on some blog writing. It took just a little over 2 1/2 hours to find our destination, a cottage that we had booked at Far Sawrey. Not helped along by "Gertie", which at this point, Grant was ready to throw her out the window! She took us along a very narrow single lane road, with not many places for passing on coming vehicles. The stress was over bearing, we did argue, and then I started laughing, to the point that I was then crying!! Having lost Gary and Katie, and "Gertie" announcing we had made it to our destination, yet feeling like we were in the middle of no where, we continued along the road (if you could call it that) a short distance and turned left onto a wider (not by much) road. It was here that I said to Grant, "I bet anything we will pass Gary and Katie heading in the opposite direction". Sure enough around the next bend, they pass us heading to where we had come from. A quick turn around, in a very tight spot, and we followed them back to exactly where "Gertie" had originally taken us!!

We drove up the very narrow driveway, which opened out into an acre block with a beautiful newly renovated cottage, with a view that was so incredible we had to pinch ourselves, to believe it was all true!  (Mum and Tina - an ideal place if your thinking the Lakes next year!).  We look directly over Lake Windemere to the Windemere township, and under normal circumstances the car ferry runs from Far Sawrey (where the cottage is) to Windemere. However it is shut at the moment, but would be "well good" if it was operating, apparently it's open again in May. 

A very quiet Pheasant living in the backyard - Grant was stoked to see one up close.

We dumped our bags, and a quick trip into Hawks Head for some lunch and a wander. It was here that we realised we were in Beatrice Potter country, and I was beginning to think that the Peaks District was amazing, but the Lakes District is going to be absolutely spectacular! With three full days to enjoy this countryside, we were all very much looking forward to what we would see.

Our lunch at the Sun Inn was delicious, and they had the Football playing, which was even better, so Gary was able to unfortunately, watch his beloved Liverpool lose to Chelsea!

We enjoyed looking around the shops, we picked up a few groceries, some delicious homemade jams, and a little something for Grandad!

The cakes look amazing!! Plan to have morning tea here before we leave for Edinburgh on Wednesday morning.

It was then back to the cottage for some relaxing family time, and many duels in Chess. We had seen on our way Beatrice Potters home, so we stopped for photo opportunities, and then a bit further along was a lovely little pub called the Cuckoo Brow Inn, so it was decided that it looked like the place for dinner.

Dinner was amazing and even more enjoyable as two of the bar staff were Aussies. They were super excited to hear our accents, apparently they don't see too many Aussies in Far Sawrey!

After a delicious meal, finished off with an amazing sticky toffee with cotted cream dessert (yes the jeans are starting to feel a little tighter!) it was home for another well earned rest, ready for the anticipation of what tomorrow would bring for us all!

Highlights

* The cottage, the view, the lake, the food, the shops... Everything!!!

Lots of love,

Chrissie xx