Tuesday, November 04, 2008

Three walks in the Lake District

Three Walks in the Lake District - late October 2008

Three days walking in the Lake District, staying at the Sun Inn at Coniston. Lovely old pub, great beer, roaring fire in cast-iron range but the food was very poor. I had a steak and ale pie, which was microwaved steak in gravy that tasted too salty and overcooked, with a 'puff pastry' lid that was cold and stale. The chips had been re-fryed and the veg portions were minimal. Very disappointing after my 6 hour walk up the Old Man of Coniston. Still, the beer was good... The next night I ate at the New Dungeon Ghyll (after my walk up Bowfell). The food was better - fresh and tasty - but was not outstanding. The problem with a many of these pubs is that their menus are just too extensive. How can 20 or 30 dishes be prepared freshly? Anyway, enough of my moan. The best beer in Coniston? A pint of Old Man at the Black Bull (where they brew the stuff).

WALK ONE
Coniston, Tourist Route, Low Water, Old Man summit, Brim Fell, Levers Hawse, Swirl How, Prison Band, Levers Water and Coppermines Valley. This is a classic walk, with spectacular views. The wind was so strong on the summit ridge that it blew me off my feet twice!






























WALK TWO
Great Langdale, Mickleden, Rossett Gill, Esk Hause, Esk Pike, Bowfell, Three Tarns and The Band. Spectacular mountain walk, with steep climb up Rossett Gill and long, steady climb up onto Bowfell. Caught in a brief snowstorm on the summit. Very cold, but the wind had dropped.






































WALK THREE
Leisurely walk - Coniston, Tarn Hows, Yew Tree Farm. Great tea and homemade scones at this farmhouse (which featured in the film 'Miss Potter').

2 comments:

  1. Wow. This is great and great photos. If you ever get to NYC (would be a completely different but interesting venue for a walking tour), check out BeerMenus.com to find great beer and beer bars and beer events.

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  2. Lovely photos of the Lakes, shame about the food in the Sun. Had a soup and sandwich when I was last in there, which you can't really go wrong with!

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