In my previous post I blethered on with tips about solo long-haul flying, which I must say I deleted because embarrassingly I took little notice of my own sound advice. With most glaring being happily leaving my purse with money, documents and passport sitting on the floor by my seat as I stumbled off for yet another loo break or exercise-walk up and down the aisles. And this was only about 5 hours into the flight - 9 more to go, then another transfer for another 8 hour leg. I had dreadful seat neighbours for the whole flight. Frankly I couldnt have cared less if someone took not only my purse but my beloved Merrell hiking boots and they're my most priceless possession. By the time I finally landed in Edinburgh I had to dig deep for excitement as it was a monumental feat to just drag my swollen ankles and luggage outside to get the shuttle bus. Never mind, things improved. After all I had arrived at one of my most favourite cities in the world!
After a refreshing night's sleep I was ready the next morning for the wonderful train journey south to the Lake District Cumbria where I would settle for the next 9 days. And don't believe it if people try and tell you that some kind person will always help you with your luggage on and off trains and buses if they see you struggling. Luckily for me I had no such expectations.
I travelled extensively throughout the Lake District with the 555/599 and other Stagecoach buses with a weekly pass. Great value and the bus routes are fabulous. I did river walks and some soft hiking up lower hills and everywhere inbetween. My two great disappointments was that both Wordsworth's Museum and Dove Cottage were closed due to extensive renovations, and I didn't get to travel the Honister Rambler around Buttermere or to do the circular walk around Buttermere. There's nothing for it - I shall have to return.
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| Based myself centrally in beautiful Grasmere |
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| Grasmere is such a charming village |
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| Hardknott and Wrynose Passes are magnificent - go with Mountain Goat Tours, fabulous! |
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| Wastewater Lake Districk |
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| Muncaster Castle - West Coast Cumbria |
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| Coniston Water |
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| Just for me! |
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| I'm not sure which lake I was on here! |
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| Beautiful Ambleside, I nearly based myself here |
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| The Bridge House Ambleside |
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| St Mary's Church Ambleside |
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| River walk, Grasmere |
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| The trip across the Lake on a rainy day to Beatrix Potters Hilltop Farm |
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| Hilltop |
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| The oft overlooked Armitt museum in Ambleside - highly recommend |
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| Lovely Keswick and beautiful Derwentwater |
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| Lovely Hawkshead |
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| Utterly charming village of Hawkshead and the Beatrix Potter Gallery |
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| It was quite a climb from the village up to the Church where I enjoyed a packed lunch overlooking the stunning countryside and village |
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| I travelled North, South and West throughout the Lake District on the buses - regular runs and fabulous with breathtaking scenery at every turn |
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| I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to Wordsworth's beloved Rydal Mount and its rambling, beautiful gardens. |
Across the road from Wordsworth's Rydal Mount is Rydal Hall (not) to be confused with the former, completely unrelated!
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| Back in Grasmere |
After nine glorious days in this stunning part of England it was time to head back to Edinburgh and enjoy a final week there before flying home to Australia.
Stay tuned for Part 2 Edinburgh Scotland and after that I'll attempt a post on solo travel for ladies from initial research to booking and all the nitty gritty in between. In other words, how I do it.
Biggest lessons learned from this trip:
* Pack even lighter and do not expect help with luggage
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Two pairs of shoes only - no exceptions
