Eating out, and a walk or three.

For years my PR people have told me I should do a definitive Lakes' guide incorporating all the wonderful things to do and where to eat. I have started but not finished this many times. But the Blog allows me to drip feed this information instead, so from time to time I am going to recommend some of my favourite Lake District things.

Many of you will know the Jumble Room in Grasmere. It is a wonderful relaxed dining experience run by Andy and Chrissy Hill. Refreshing, colourful, beautifully designed. It's small (you need to book) but the food is robust well sourced and cooked. Service is perfect. One of the other things I love about it is the owners love of good music. That's their and my opinion of course and you can see a list of LP's they play on their web site. I think it's best for dinner. But of course you need to be back at Linthwaite for that, so try a light lunch instead, or maybe on the way home?

 

Another favourite place is the terrace at Lakeside Hotel, Newby Bridge. You can feed the ducks and actually dip your toes in the water the lake's that close. Food's great anytime all day but especially tea. If you see a ginger haired manager moving plant pots in and out of the conservatory that'll be Marcus. Say hi to him from me!

 

Ambleside: Opposite the Waterhead Hotel just by the jetties there is a very small cafe, serving at the last visit massive freshly cooked blueberry scones. You can take them out and sit on the deck overlooking the Lake and West to the Langdales. Perfick.

 

I suppose after all that eating I ought to recommend some walks to work it off. What about the mini three peaks challenge then? We are blessed with three lovely little miniature mountains nearby. The nearest is Post Knott, just across the road from Linthwaite. Then there's Orrest Head which is a mere 20 minute stroll uphill from the A590 in Windermere near Booths/Lakeland. And finally there is the magnificent Gummer's Howe, more like a half hour stroll up, but steepish in places. It is situated up the hill on the left when you drive down the lake opposite Fell Foot park at the lower east side of Windermere. You can really feel you deserve to eat again after those three.

 

For some serious walks visit the BootBoys site here http://tinyurl.com/3l8vr5r