England Lake District

Hard to beat Ambleside. Right in the center of the Lakes. Lots of good pubs-get the Good Pub Guide if you don't have one. Adnam's Broadside on the hand pump is fantastic IMHO. One of the few English ales with enough hops for American "hopheads". B&Bs plentiful. I could get to the one we stayed in, but unfortunately can't remember the name. It is right next to the "Park House" B&B... TONS of super hikes...check the web for: Striding Edge (Helvellyn); Scafell and Scafell Pike. If you are comfortable with exposure do Sharp Edge on Blencathra. If you are not an expert with map and compass, and even if your are, take a GPS. Use Harvey's maps and NOT OS. Trust me. Hiking in the UK is fabulous, but routefinding MAY be challenging IF you are not on the paths that are heavily use. Poor weather CAN be a factor. Once left a sunny morning in Eskdale and ended up with sideways rain, 50 degrees and 20 yard visibility on Scafell. It may not be in your plans, but Snowdonia in Wales is great hiking too. And of course, Scotland. And THAT is another story. If you like email me at [email protected] if you would like more info - I have hiked the Lakes quite a bit over a number of vacations.

Jeff has sent you south for more hiking and adventure and I'm going to suggest a trip to north. ; ) When I was visiting Cumbria, I went north to see Hadrian's Wall. It is very interesting and beautiful to walk along the wall. Also, I would recommend exploring the Border Country as well. Hermitage Castle is really amazing and would be a change from natural beauty. By the way, don't miss Castlerigg Stone Circle. Go later in the day to avoid crowds, although, they should be smaller in April/May. Pam

I second Jeff's recommendation for Ambleside. Gorgeous! Can't speak to Pamela's suggestion as I've not been to that area.

Grasmere is my favorite Lake District village. It's tiny and can be crowded with tourists in the daytime but is in a magical setting. I've enjoyed both the Wordsworth Hotel (a little worn but nice atmosphere) and also Beck Allans B&B (immaculate, friendly and great breakfasts). Last summer we stayed in Ambleside at the request of my teenage daughter, who wanted a town with more shops, restaurants, etc. We stayed at The Old Vicarage B&B. It is everything shown on their website and more. Perfect location within walking distance to everything from hiking to cafes. My only regret was that we hadn't planned to stay longer! Both Ambleside and Grasmere are easy driving distance to Keswick and the Castlerigg stone circle, the Great Langdale valley, and Lake Windermere. The Lake District is spectacular and you can't go wrong staying in any of the towns or villages, in my opinion. And with your interests it sounds like a perfect destination. I should add that three years ago it snowed lightly as we arrived in late March, after a spell of spring weather. Good luck with your planning and have a great trip!

We stayed several days at Ann Tyson's House in Hawkshead. Hawkshead is quite small, lovely and a good home base.

Ambleside is a great place to base. We stay at the Riverside: www.riverside-at-ambleside.co.uk/&#59; just outside town. A short/nice walk into town. Hiking from the doorstep. AA Atlas is also avaialbe from the Royal Oak society (you should join if you go to the U.K.) Tom