Boating and Hiking on Lake Windermere from Ambleside

Despite a daunting forecast of 99% chance of rain, we embarked on our Lake District adventure today from Ambleside with raincoats stuffed in our backpacks and anticipation in our hearts. Our lovely accommodation, The Waterhead Inn in Ambleside, sits picture-perfect on the lakeside—a charming old hotel and restaurant.

The Waterhead Inn in Ambleside, UK.

On a tip from a local baker we purchased tickets for a boat ride across Lake Windermere to Wray Castle. The neo-classic castle was built in 1840 as a victorian mansion. In 1882 the castle was rented by the family of Beatrix Potter for the summer. She was so enamored by the location years later she built a home nearby with the royalties of her first book The Tales of Peter Rabbit.

Wray Castle on Lake Windermere.

Upon reaching Wray Castle, we wandered the grounds, taking in the breathtaking scenery. The fells—those distinctive rolling hills and mountains so characteristic of the Lake District—created a dramatic backdrop against the serene lake waters. Ancient trees stood as silent sentinels, their massive trunks and sprawling branches telling stories of centuries past. We immediately fell in love with this area of England!

After exploring the castle grounds, we stopped at the small café for sustenance. We couldn't resist trying a traditional Cornish pasty—that hearty baked pastry filled with meat and potatoes that once sustained miners deep underground. We paired it with a delightful cherry and almond scone, the perfect fuel for our upcoming hike.

Windermere Marina.

Soon we set out along the lakeside path toward Windermere, ready for whatever weather the Lake District might throw our way. After all, isn't embracing the unpredictable part of the adventure? Lady Luck was with us, however, as we traversed the trails, some with steep grades, but not a drop of rain came our way. Another gorgeous 5.5 mile hike under our belts!

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