Lake District, UK

Jin and I left for UK on 18 September 2011 on Gulf Air. We were staying with her sister, Eng, who has been living in UK for 42 years. She was kind enough to let us drive her car for our road trip to Scotland and around UK. After a day's rest to prepare for the trip, we left Grays on 21 September 2011 early in the morning for Windermere, Lake District. Armed with GPS, Jin drove but half way we panicked whether we took the right way, in spite of GPS help. We stopped at a petrol station to ask for direction but the petrol attendant, an Indian, wasn't interested to help but kept on talking on his cellphone. Disgusted, I approached a foreign-looking man and an English man for help.They gladly did so and punched in the GPS for direction but reminded us that it was a long way to travel which we were aware of.
Not used to using GPS, it was quite stressful at first. Jin drove and I helped to navigate. The day was good at first but weather changed so suddenly with rains. Mindful of the changing road speed limit, Jin drove carefullyly according to the speed limit. It was indeed a long drive - almost 7 hours before we reached Beech House B and B.
Beech House B&B is run and owned by husband and wife team - Maureen and Louis, a friendly
couple who tried to make our stay as comfortable as possible. We paid 60 British pounds per twin room per night. I highly recommended this B&B to anyone who planned to go there. Windermere is a pretty town bustling with tourists, so is Bowness and nearby towns like Keswich and Grassmere.









With Maureen at the dining room of Beech House.











Vegetarian breakfast at Beech House, Windermere.














Jin at Broad Road in front of Beech House ready to explore even though it was raining and cold.








Maureen suggested that we went to Bowness, about 15 minute drive there and see the lake. Bowness is indeed another attractive town by the lake busy with tourists from all over the world.
















Sheep grazing in Bowness.










I decided to take a lake cruise on Windermere Lake from Bowness to Ambleside. It was worth it. Jin wasn't interested but preferred to windowshop around the town.













Lake cruise at Bowness, Lake District.















Taken from the lake cruise to Ambleside.















Taken from lake Cruise to Ambleside.













Another pretty lakeside view of Windermere lake.









The next day, 22 September, we drove to Keswick, another pretty town in Lake District.
The rows of B&B in Keswick beckoned tourists to stay in beautifully decorated houses.











The drive there was feasting to the eyes with green rolling hills, splatter of sheep here and there and cute houses nestled among the trees. The scenery was amazingly refreshing and I could just stay there and stare, good for my eyes.












Magnificent scenery of farmland and sheep on the way to Keswick, Lake District.












Picture perfect scenery along the way to Keswick.














Keswick is as attractive as it was said to be but the day was freezing cold. My woolen cover was not enough, so I bought a red jacket to see me through the cold weather. Serve me right for not wanting to bring my own jacket from home.















The same eye-catching scenery awaited us when we left Windermere for Edinburgh, passing through serene farmlands and small, cute towns such as Glenridding, Pooley Bridge and Ullswater. Indeed the route is scenic passing through the awesome Kirston Pass to Edinburgh.












At Glenridding, stopping to admire the scenery.












Jin at the Fiat car we drove on our trip, belongs to her sister. A sturdy car and economical on petrol as petrol is expensive in UK.












On the way to Penrith and to Edinburgh.










Passing through Kirston Pass to Edinburgh. 230911.












This is my dream home - a house by a gentle river. Found this in Pooley Bridge on our way to Edinburgh.












Ullswater Lake is another small touristy town. Photo shows a house a house by the river of Ullswater lake. The owner is one lucky guy. Enjoy my dream home. Just love the river and the placid surrounding.