We stayed at the Butchers' lovely lodgings for five consecutive years (99-03) at which time my lower back said, "Sorry, Ray. No more hiking."

Linda and I used to hop the convenient direct flight from NY City to Manchester, where we rented a car and drove some 40 mi. to Kirkstone Rd, in Ambleside. We went there primarily for the glorious hiking to the many delightful destinations available via the enchanting footpaths of the Lake District. Many of these are directly accessible from the doorstep of Rowanfield. Loughrigg Fell, Rydal Water, Troutbeck, High Sweden.

The accomodations are superb, as are the meals prepared by co-owner-chef, Phillip Butcher, ably assisted by his amiable wife, Jane. The restaurants in Ambleside are also great. The views -- from Rowanfield -- spectacular.

The House is only about 1.5 mi. from the center of Ambleside. Sufficiently removed from town as to give the guests a truly rural setting with views of Ambleside and Windermere below.

Oh, yes, the guests are nice too. Invariably pleasant and yet not oppressively social.

Ray and Linda