Around the world in 40 days but no Gallipoli

[Flying mermaid]

There were so many people hiking over the hills and walking through the woods - this was a Thursday - couldn't imagine what it would be like in summer on a weekend! Large numbers of happy dogs going on walks with their owners as well.

 

[Flying mermaid]

After lunch in Grasmere and visiting Wordsworth's grave and buying the famous Gingerbread, we spent the afternoon wandering around Keswick and then over to Coniston. The whole area is just one beautiful river/lake after the other.

 

[Flying mermaid]

The Lakes district is also home to some interesting cuisine. The Drunken Duck is well known, but we decided to try The Lake Road Kitchen, which specialises in very fresh local ingredients, including some wild mushrooms with our mains which was scrumptious.

 

[Flying mermaid]

We both had the rhubarb for dessert

 

[Flying mermaid]

Next day we said a reluctant goodbye and took the train back to London. Booking around 10 weeks in advance with either Virgin Trains, or via the Trainline gets around an 80% discount on First class rail. Makes for a very pleasant journey.

 

[BD1959]

Thanks again for posting, FM.

We used to scramble around Seathwaite Tarn up onto what (I think) we called the Shoulder and look down onto Coniston. The villages, the dry-stone walls .. the memories are flooding back - although Kendal Mint Cake was the closest we ever got to "local cuisine"!!.

So looking forward to the remainder of your TR!!

Regards,

BD

 

[love_the_life]

It's so green! I remember that incredible colour and love it.
Enjoying the TR heaps!!!! Thanks.

 

[Pushka]

After lunch in Grasmere and visiting Wordsworth's grave and buying the famous Gingerbread, we spent the afternoon wandering around Keswick and then over to Coniston. The whole area is just one beautiful river/lake after the other.

How did the Lakes District get its name?

 

[Flying mermaid]

How did the Lakes District get its name?

Yeah, yeah I know - but the reality was just so much more stunning than just a name

 

[Flying mermaid]

In London we were staying at the Ascott mayfair apartments just off Berkley Square. Nice and comfortable - nothing flash but a good position and comes with washing machine and dryer, so we were able to do some much needed washing very conveniently. We have stayed there a number of times now and it is always good.

Mr FM was rather taken with the "old and new" combination of the building with the Apple shop.

 

[Flying mermaid]

I stayed home for a bit of R&R and to start the washing while Mr FM went out to get some London street photos.

 

[Flying mermaid]

Then it was time for our meal at Hakkasan's - we went to the one just off Berkley Square so just a 10 minute walk for us. Bit of a mixed bag - food was very good Chinese and dessert very good not Chinese. However the NOISE. I am sure my girls would have loved the music and the jumping scene, but I like to be able to talk to Mr FM and also communicate with the waiters. I also didn't like the service - it was very fast and efficient but made you feel totally on a conveyor belt - if I get you out really fast maybe I can cram another person in. So really glad we went because the food was good, but wouldn't be hurrying back. We were also quite disappointed as we wanted to order Dim Sum to start but were told it was off the menu. Half way through the meal I noticed the table next to ours tucking into some very nice looking Dim Sum - the rather incoherent explanation I received was that it had been off but was now back on.....

 

[amaroo]

I stayed home for a bit of R&R and to start the washing while Mr FM went out to get some London street photos.

Absolutely love that the poms still enjoy their pub culture.

 

[Flying mermaid]

Each time we come to London we try and pick something a bit less main stream to do. Today we went on an 8k walk to Little Venice and along the canal.

 

[Flying mermaid]

Some of the moorings are private in other places you can walk right next to the house boats.

 

[Flying mermaid]

near the zoo there were some stunning houses overlooking the canal.

 

[Flying mermaid]

On leaving the Canal we walked up Primrose Hill where the locals were enjoying their park.

 

[Flying mermaid]

We then headed for St John's wood and enjoyed the lovely Georgian houses.

 

[Flying mermaid]

Picked a random pub for lunch - including organic fruit beer.

 

[Flying mermaid]

Our walk took us past Lord's