Simon writes: Our rolling visits to our hotels, B&Bs and inns continued this week in the Lakes and the Pennines. Saying hello to our accommodations is one of the most satisfying and enjoyable parts of what we do. This applies whether we're catching up with our regular hosts or meeting people for the first time. It is also enormously instructive as we adjust our normal itineraries for the next year.


A Land Rover in Stonethwaite, Borrowdale

Borrowdale in the Lake District is a valley with several hamlets, perhaps the largest being Rosthwaite. Rosthwaite and nearby Seatoller, Stonethwaite and Longthwaite all have options for our Coast to Coast, North Lakes Circuit and Lake District Traverse trips.


Down the road in Rosthwaite, Borrowdale, a typical scene

It's especially pleasing when we unearth a hidden gem... those hotels or B&Bs where things are just right. The welcome is warm and we know our clients will be looked after. On the other hand, while it's not pleasing it's just as instructive to hit upon those places where things are not right. Of the good people who set themselves up to welcome guests into their home or hotel, a big majority are delightful and welcoming. You wouldn't do it if you weren't. Only a small number are stand-offish or snooty.

Our way of working is to mix turning up on the spot with calling ahead, and to mix staying as guests with shorter visits to look around. Sometimes incognito and sometimes 'cognito', we try to keep in mind what our clients themselves will experience.

After saying hello to selected B&Bs in Lakeland (in Coniston, Ambleside, Buttermere, Borrowdale, Keswick and Threlkeld) I set off for Hadrian's Wall and ultimately Bellingham... Pennine Way country.


The quiet morning scene in Bellingham on the Pennine Way

Here are some places that we're excited about booking for our clients:

+ On the Pennine Way, a small B&B run by a smashing retired couple. There is genuine warmth here and huge attention to detail. A true find.
+ Also on the Pennine Way, a caring couple running with great hospitality a finely-tuned B&B in a small village.
+ In a Lakeland village a central, characterful hotel with open and friendly staff and owners.
+ A hotel in the Lakes taken over by new owners not too long ago and obviously going on to great things. A wonderful welcome.

Driving back to Settle I followed the river South Tyne via Slaggyford and Alston.


Doves nest in Slaggyford, lower down the Pennine Way

For more info on any of our places or if you have preferences for particular types of accommodation on your trek, please just contact us.

Next destination the Highlands!

Pennine Way
Coast to Coast
Lake District Traverse
North Lakes Circuit