Drive through the Scottish Borders
Outside Hawkshead-Hill Village (right outside where my friend Beth grew up -- can you even imagine growing up in a place like that?!?!?)
Tarns Hows -- Look at that view!
Ambleside
17th Century Baptismal Pool
Darling Store in Hawkshead-Hill Village
Historic Church in Hawkshead-Hill Village
England is captivating. Absolutely captivating. The change in landscapes and culture from one destination to the next is simply enthralling.
Matt and I headed south early Thursday morning. The Scottish Borders feel like driving through a movie -- I didn't know such beauty existed -- and it exists 45 minutes from my front door. The drive continued to increase in beauty and awe as we entered the Lake District. Rugged and untouched, the Lake District, also known as Cumbria, provides a haven to all those who love hill-walking (hiking). There were footpaths (trailheads) roughly every five minutes along our drive. The terrain there is lush and green and spotted with sheep and rocks.
Our first stop in the Lake District was Ambleside. Ambleside is the kind of village you enter and you get overwhelmed that this place exists and is discoverable. Hill-walkers descend from the footpaths in this bustling village, pubs and tearooms abound, and quaint B&B's and cottages familiar with the Northwest English architectural style are tucked into the folds of the winding streets.
Next, we ventured on to Hawkshead-Hill Village, known as the "Prettiest Village in the Lake District." There's no thru traffic in Hawkshead-Hill, so we left the car on the edge of the village and ventured through on foot. I proceeded to make a small purchase at Hawkshead Relish (so good the Queen herself has gotten in on the action there!) and made a few other purchases at the little quaint stores in the village. We visited the historic church, wandered through the cemetery, and finally ventured on to our self-accommodating flat. This accommodation boasted a 17th century graveyard and outdoor baptismal pool in the back garden. Of special note is that William Wordsworth referenced this baptismal pool in his writings. Wow! Later that evening we ventured back into the heart of the village for dinner at a local pub, and we watched the Eurocup. Everyone in the village that cared about the Eurocup was in this pub. I had brought in Pride and Prejudice to read while Matt watched the game but felt a bit guilty taking up a seat in the pub just to read and not watch the game. Alas, I compromised and did a bit of both!
The next morning we ventured out to the top of Tarn Hows -- it was a breathtaking view and then we hit the road to head south toward the Cotswolds. On our way out of the Lake District, we passed through Windermere and another handful of little villages lining the lakes and peaks of Cumbria. It took a few more hours to get to the Cotswolds than originally anticipated due to all the stopping and starting on the M6. However, there's one redeeming thing about the M6: they don't have normal rest stops. Instead, they're "Moto Stops" consist of a Marks & Spencers Market, a W.H. Smith, an upscale coffee shop, and a fast food restaurant of some sort. The Moto Stop reminded me of an airport terminal. It was also nice being able to pick up a healthy salad on the road from M&S instead of a Whopper. How remarkably different is that! And you're really forced to stop at these Motos because there aren't any other places to stop. The interstates are not dotted with a plethora of exits filled with fast food and gas stations. Your choices are limited; however, who cares about limited choices when the choice is so delightful!
More to come on the Cotswolds ...
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