A Few Days in the Southern Lakes 🇬🇧

Day One – Grange-over-Sands and the Journey In

The day had finally arrived.

With Matilda packed and ready, my cycling buddy Liz and I set off for a few days exploring the Southern Lakes. The journey was easy, and I soon felt comfortable driving the van again.

As we crossed into Cumbria, the scenery began to change, with rolling countryside and distant hills appearing ahead.

George pinpointed the perfect car park in Grange-over-Sands, with plenty of room for Matilda and just a short walk into town.

We enjoyed a tasty lunch at a Greek restaurant, then took a leisurely walk along the promenade, admiring the colourful flower beds and the views across Morecambe Bay.

After walking as far as the station, which was quite a sight with many of its original features still remaining, we made our way back towards the van through the beautiful gardens.

It was then time to climb back aboard and head to our campsite for the next three nights, Meathop Fell.

That evening, we settled in with a view of the estuary in the distance. It was a peaceful end to an easy first day and a lovely start to our Southern Lakes adventure. 🚐🌿

Day Two – Fells, Lakes and Hawkshead Hill

The following morning dawned with clear blue skies. Perfect cycling weather.

Our route took us past Cartmel Priory and the famous racecourse before heading into the fells.

There was hardly a flat stretch of road all morning. The route rose and fell constantly, with stiff climbs followed by sweeping descents, each revealing another wonderful view.

The scenery changed around every corner. Herdwick sheep grazed on the hillsides, black cattle stood quietly in the fields and dry stone walls climbed across the slopes, creating that unmistakable Cumbrian landscape.

Then, as we approached Coniston, the landscape changed once again.

Green fields rolled gently down towards Coniston Water, with the Old Man of Coniston standing proudly above the lake.

It seemed the perfect place to stop for lunch at the Herdwick Café.

The café had such a welcoming atmosphere. The walls were filled with artwork celebrating Cumbria’s famous Herdwick sheep, along with one amusing picture of a wide-eyed dog and another of a brown-and-white cow.

Walkers and motorcyclists filled the tables, giving the place a lively, friendly feel.

After lunch it was time to tackle Hawkshead Hill.

Even with the assistance of an e-bike, it was a proper climb. Up, up it went, snaking its way out of the valley. There was no stopping on this one; we simply kept pedalling until the road finally began to ease.

The reward soon followed.

A wonderful descent carried us towards Windermere, where an ice cream by the lakeside felt thoroughly deserved.

Eventually we left the fells behind and returned to gentler countryside, the road gradually dropping us back towards the campsite.

How often do you get a day like this in the Lake District?

Blue skies, glorious views, challenging climbs and mile after mile of beautiful countryside.

We really were so lucky. 🌿🚴‍♀️☀️

Day Three – From Estuary to Fells

Another easy start to the day. The sun was shining, the bikes were charged, and before long we were following the estuary towards Arnside.

What a difference a day makes.

The route was flat, winding along quiet lanes lined with wildflowers. Wagtails darted along the paths, swifts swooped overhead and a grey heron sat on a branch beside the river. Even the water was still.

One of the pleasures of cycling is how much you notice when you slow down.

Coffee soon called, so we stopped for a second breakfast: pancakes topped with yoghurt, blueberries, nuts and honey. Delicious.

Little did we know that just around the corner our first climb of the day was waiting. Our legs were not overly impressed.

From there, the landscape changed completely. Rolling hills replaced the flat estuary as we passed through small villages, pausing whenever something caught our eye.

Lunch was in a tiny tea room in Kendal. It had low ceilings, stone-flagged floors, chequered tablecloths and the remains of an old fireplace, with the date 1659 carved into the stone. It came with a proper northern welcome too.

Then the climbing really began. The road rose steadily for what seemed like forever, but it was wide enough that the traffic was never a worry.

After a very steep descent, we turned onto a quiet lane that meandered up and down through a peaceful valley. Before we knew it, we were back at the campsite.

It had been a ride of two halves and two very different landscapes: the wide, open estuary in the morning and the rolling hills and long climbs of the afternoon.

Day Four - Time To Go Home.

After an early start, we headed to a lovely little farm shop café for breakfast before joining the motorway. The traffic was busy in places, but it was all useful experience for me, having never driven the van in those conditions before.

We had enjoyed an amazing few days, with two fantastic bike rides, each one completely different. I really loved the area. It felt much quieter than the busier parts of the Lake District, but still had all the beautiful scenery, villages and hills.

Four days had passed far too quickly, but it had been a wonderful little adventure. 🚐🚴‍♀️🌿

If you’re planning a visit to the area, I’ve also written a review of Meathop Fell Club Campsite, where I stayed during the trip. You can read it here.

💜 Thanks for reading.
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