Today, being a beautiful sunny day, I decided to take a run to Ambleside. This small town is 5 miles from Blenheim Lodge, our Bed and Breakfast Guest House in Bowness-on-Windermere in the English Lake District National Park. I drove to Ambleside, but guests staying at our B&B can also take a short stroll to Bowness Pier and catch a ferry or hop on a bus to this nearby town.

My business in Ambleside was really to hand in some paperwork to our accountants. However, I decided to take advantage of the fine day to walk around the centre of town. The centre of Ambleside is not large, and an easy stroll will cover its main streets with their many shops, restaurants and other amenities. The last time I had visited Ambleside was with Hubby, when we went into a bakery and bought both savoury pastries and cakes. I thought I would visit it again this time and perhaps indulge in more baked goods.
Our vehicle was parked on the opposite side of town from the bakery, and it would have taken me all of 5 minutes to walk from one to the other. I was, however, attracted by a small winding footpath leading off the main road that was situated just opposite the bakery. It is a route that I have walked many times, but today, without a need to hurry home, I was able to take my leisure walking through this little side street.
The sound of rushing water immediately enveloped me as I walked further into the lane. Around me were quaint old Lakeland homes, one of which – also a cafe – was being ‘guarded’ by two dogs obviously enjoying a little ‘me’ time. Cobbled paths ran alongside a rushing beck, which had a water wheel surmounted on one side. All was peaceful except for the pounding noise of falling water.
As I looked around, I thought, ‘What a lovely oasis this is!’ Just half a minute’s walk away was the main road, with busy traffic and pedestrians going past. In fact, from my vantage point by a stone wall, I could see people hurrying by and vehicles zooming across the bridge that spanned the beck. However, where I was standing, it felt like a totally different world. It was a tiny oasis away from the hustle and bustle of busy Ambleside. Of course, I was lucky to experience this occasion of peace and quiet here since it can often be as busy with footfall as the main thoroughfares of Ambleside town as independent shops and cafes are situated in the vicinity.
As I walked back to our vehicle, I thought about the wonderful tranquillity that envelops our Bed and Breakfast in Bowness-on-Windermere and began to feel an appreciation for our Lakeland retreat all over again. Blenheim Lodge is situated on a hill top only 5 minutes’ walk away from the traffic and crowds of downtown Bowness; but up here, one can hear a pin drop. The rear of our guest house backs into 50 acres of open fell, with fields, woodlands, and pretty footpaths leading to 4 view points. Wander at will on the fell to any of the view points or simply meander through the numerous pretty footpaths – what an enjoyable way to get away from it all and to relax!

For guests who are looking for a short break and want a peaceful getaway, why not take advantage of our special offers this autumn, and stay in one of our Lake view rooms from which may be seen beautiful views of Lake Windermere and the fells? Our discounted rates are available for both midweek and weekend breaks. We would love to welcome you!

Blenheim Lodge . . . panoramic Lake views, peace and tranquillity, nestled against acres of beautiful fields and woodlands, in the heart of the English Lake District National Park.’
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