Planning trip to the Lake District
By Darren Cronian on Tuesday, July 11th, 2006

I haven’t been camping for a few years – the last time I spent 2 days on the North east coast in Scarborough, at a superb campsite. This time I am going to Ambleside in the Lake District National Park, with my younger brother Liam, and I am really looking forward to it, so much so that I thought I would share my planning experience.

The Lake District

I spent the weekend searching the internet for campsites that were near Ambleside and Lake Windermere, and thanks to Aaron the Aardvark who helped me sniff out the best campsites, and recommended the Great Langdale campsite, which is where we will be staying.

We are going to get the train from Leeds, to Windermere, and then find a bus or walking directions to Ambleside and the campsite – this will be my first trip to the Lake District, and from what I’ve seen it looks awesome.

The plan is to walk and walk get plenty of fresh air, have a few pub meals, and take in the scenery – whilst I love living in a city like Leeds, it’s great to get away from the city, and into the countryside.

Next I have to plan what we are going to take with us – my brother has a tent, and so do I – do we take both tents, or do we just take the one, as we are travelling by public transport we will have to take as little as possible – thank god we aren’t going with any women!

Watch this awesome video of the scenery in the Lake District from the back of a motorbike - thanks to the guys at Throttle Jockey Motorcycle Club for the excellent video! Enjoy!


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20 responses to “Planning trip to the Lake District”

Ravenbajan | 12 July, 2006 at 6:52 pm

Very nice!

It looks quite different from our ‘lake district’ here in southern Ontario, Canada. Locally, it’s just known as ‘Cottage Country”.

Darren | 13 July, 2006 at 1:38 pm

The scenary is outstanding - this will be my first visit to the Lakes, and it is home to the UK’s largest lake in Lake Windermere. I’ll be testing the new walking boots out before we go though so the treks are blister free!

Amanda Han | 17 July, 2006 at 9:19 pm

Check out my website for pictures on the Lakes - I live and work there. There is another camp site in Langdale called Baysbrown - it’s cheaper and doesn’t get as full.

Amanda Han | 17 July, 2006 at 9:30 pm

Have just watched the video - you went nearly to my old house but ot quite - now I know what the video’s look like that I often see people taking when I drive to work!!!

My first transport in the Lakes was pillion on a bike in Langdale - we used to use the bikes to get to the pubs in Ambleside!!! I still ride bikes (pillion only) did you get to Kirkby Lonsales Devil Bridge at all - a spectacular place to be on a Sunday - if not you need to go.

Great music too.

Darren Cronian | 17 July, 2006 at 9:50 pm

Hi Amanda, thanks for dropping by the blog. The video / bike rider isn’t me - I found the video on http://www.youtube.com as I wanted to give non UK readers an idea of how beautiful the Lake District is.

It’ll be my first time to the Lake District - I’m thinking of changing the campsite because I am wanting a site between Ambleside and Windermere, as we’ll be relying on public transport.

Any ideas of sites around there?

Darren

Rebecca | 17 July, 2006 at 11:35 pm

Hello. I am so jealous that you are going to the Lake District. I have just got back (to Leeds) and I am so depressed.

I stayed with a friend near Kendal so I can’t advise on accomodation but I recommend Lake Windermere - hire a boat an go swimming it is fantastic! And, buy an ice cream from a Kiosk in Bowness on Windermere. They dip the ice cream in warm melted chocolate, it is huge and it is £1.80.

I think I had one of the best holidays of my life there in the Lake District (me and the ice cream).

Lancaster is not a bad night out either and for a little Sunday day trip, Kirkby Lonsdale is very beautiful and the scones in the town square are amazing.

I’m planning another trip there for the last weekend in July so let me know what you think of Ambleside!

Have an absolutely wonderful time. I hope you get beautiful weather.

Rebecca

Darren Cronian | 17 July, 2006 at 11:43 pm

Thanks Rebecca! :) I’m from Leeds too - and I can’t wait to go camping in the Lakes. I hope the weather is great too, but not as warm as today! I want to take in as much as I can, but if it’s too warm we’ll end up staying in the beer garden all day! (nothing wrong with that though)

Rebecca | 17 July, 2006 at 11:50 pm

Hi Darren.

Yes, Leeds was very hot today. I even went and did a bit of sunbathing in City Sq on my dinner hour today lol! I’ve got 2 days off now so I am going to sit in my garden and read, unfortunately I have a dissertation to write :(

Have you done some research on bus routes/timetables for the Lakes? Having a car was fun but parking was a nightmare and it costs an arm and a leg! But, I would hate to think of you sitting in the pub waiting for the bus - that would be a tragedy!

What do you think to my ice cream suggestion?

Rebecca

Darren Cronian | 18 July, 2006 at 12:00 am

Hi Rebecca, I was sat at the top of the ‘Dry Dock’ pub this lunchtime drinking magners cider with tons of ice in it! I love the warm weather, but I always go lobsterish colour…

Yes, I’ve been on to the sites for bus and train timetables today, the plan is to get a train to Windermere, and then walk or catch a bus to a campsite between Ambleside and Windermere.

Once the tent is up we’ll not need public transport other than catching the boat to the overside of the lake at Bowness, we plan on walking or mountain biking it everywhere - but it’ll all depend on the weather.

The ice cream sounds delicious - I’m not a big ice cream fan, but if the weather is like it is at the moment we’ll need it to cool down!

Rebecca | 18 July, 2006 at 12:12 am

The Dry Dock?! R u a student? I like it there too, but it seems to be full of ‘moshers’, a bit like Leeds! I feel so…normal in there.

Sounds like you have really planned your trip well. Are you going for a week? I only went for 2 nights and cried on the train from Carnforth to Leeds. I really think the quality of life of the people living there must be so good. All the outdoor things you can do without spending a penny. It reminded me of France. Have you ever been to Annecy or Aix les Bains? It’s great forwalking and watersports.

Leeds is great most of the time but it just isn’t very green. I live near Hyde Park but it is full of skateboarders and 18 year olds who think it is cool to burn a hole in the ground with a disposable BBQs. Thereisalways the Dales I guess!

Rebecca

Darren Cronian | 18 July, 2006 at 12:20 am

Haha no the only time I go to the dry dock is when the students have all gone home! I’ve never been in when students are around, but its a great pub to visit when the weather is good.

I’m guessing your a student? :)

The intention is to stop for four nights, but I’d love to stay longer - I agree with you about Leeds - great city, but I’d love to be near the coast, or lakes. Maybe one day I’ll get the opportunity to move out there.

I live in Pudsey, don’t know if you are familar with the Park, but I live quite near there.

I’ve only been to Paris, and to be honest, the people are that rude it put me off visiting again - but I’ve since heard that the country folk are much more pleasant and polite - I love walking, but haven’t dont any watersports in years!

Darren

Rebecca | 18 July, 2006 at 12:34 am

Yes, I am a student but I’m an old(ish) one. I’m 23 and this is my Masters year so my 5th year at uni. Impressive eh?

I study languages and lived in Paris for 8 months and absolutely loved it but it did take a lot of getting used to. I also lived in Lyon which was brilliant. Lots of lakes and mountains around to look at and get lost in. Don’t be too harsh on the Parisiens. They are just very busy and don’t understandthe concept of personal space but they know how to live. They put life before work and wine before water so they get a thumbs up from me.

I’ve heard of Pudsey but have never been. I’m sure it’s lovely. It’s gotto be better than Hyde Park but I do like living in the city. No taxi’s no car. I just walk or buss-it everywhere.

In 4 days you will be able to see a lot. You’ll be shattered when you get back. You’ll be in the Dry Dock again. I love cider on a hot day - so refreshing. you must try the rasberry and strawberry beer in the pubs in the Lakes!

Rebecca

Darren Cronian | 18 July, 2006 at 12:43 am

If your old(ish) at 23, then I am ancient at 33 ;)

It sounds like you’ve done a lot of travelling in France - there’s so many new countries that I want to visit. This year I’ve been to Prague, Paris, and I’m going to Kos, in October for a relaxing holiday.

Next year I’m determined to get to Hong Kong and New Zealand. Strawberry beer sounds very nice, I’m sure to give that a try. Well I should head to bed, nearly 1am and I’m going to try and sleep even though its warm!

Thanks for dropping by and pop by again soon! :)

Darren

Amanda Han | 18 July, 2006 at 10:19 am

Hi Darren,

Sorry to dissapoint you but the nearest campsites are Langdale:-

Gt langdale - national trust, expensive, 3 pubs near, shop on site, gets crowded and site full most weekends.

Baysbrown - on a farm, cheaper, 2 pubs near, shop in village & PO, gets busy but you aint cramped in like sardines (you have to walk further to the toilet block)

Both on the bus route from W’mere via A’side - note the bus is only max 3 times a day

All sites between W’mere and A’side are caravan only.

Next nearest is Wray Castle other side of Ambelsdie towards Coniston
Then there are 2 on south on W’mre - Park Claiffe (busy & packed and £22/night) & Pound Farm on the Crook Rd (£18/night) both are pre booked only and like a Butlins camp!!!!

There are more but located further away - most camp sites are in the mountains rather than the towns.

I have heard rumour that a farm has opened a field at orrest head - thats right opposite W’mere Station up the hill towards the viewpoint but I can’t be sure whether it was a one off or a more organised thing.

Check my website for 2nd - 4th June and 20-24 May to see the Lakes and the June one shows us at Baysbrown Campsite - also lets you BBQ

As I work on the Lake you may even be bumping into me without even knowing it!!

The evenings can get chilly even in this heat whe the sun drops below the hills but most nights at the moment are still very warm although I’ve put on a thin fleece late at night. temp can drop quite dramatically.

Have a great time - if you want any more info letme know.

Seagull | 19 July, 2006 at 11:43 pm

Hi there,
I’ve just discovered our Lake District bike video on your website . Great !

There are a few photo’s here on our website if anyone would like to see them.

http://www.throttlejockey.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=2168

Regardsa
Seagull

Ian | 19 July, 2006 at 11:49 pm

Hi,
It was nice of you to use the video footage on your site. It was created by members of the throttlejockey motorcycle club here in the north of England.
It would have been nice to have been mentioned as a credit but I don’t suppose the members will mind

Darren Cronian | 19 July, 2006 at 11:50 pm

Thanks for dropping by! It’s a great video, and very good music in the background!

Darren Cronian | 19 July, 2006 at 11:58 pm

Hi, we got the video off youtube.com so don’t have any credit information. If you want to email me your link information I’ll make sure credits are added.

Ian | 20 July, 2006 at 12:08 am

Hi Darren
Sorry its my dry sense of humour (no need for credits).
The video was made by Jill and Andy who I and my wife spent 2 days with in the Lakes on our motorbikes. As you will have seen we both ride Triumph Trophy 1200 motors.
Anyone interested in visiting the throttlejockey site can at http://www.throttlejockey.co.uk.
I see Andy has already put a link to the other photos from the trip. Thee are also other ride records on the site with video links and photos. Enjoy
It was nice to see the video being used.
Ian

Darren Cronian | 20 July, 2006 at 5:31 am

Ian, well I’ve added a link to your website! :)