Jenny's Cumbrian recommendations
I spend a lot of time out and about across Cumbria and the Lake District, and am happy to share my personal recommendations for places to stay, shop and eat.
After an exhilarating day on the fells, relax in one of Fornside’s four cosy self-catering holiday cottages in a stunning yet tranquil location at the foot of the Helvellyn Range. At the heart of the farm, and beautifully converted from traditional stone barns, the cottages sleep 4 or 6 and have underfloor heating, wood burning stoves, picture-postcard views from every window, and well-equipped kitchens (with farm eggs of course). The 17th Century buildings use 21st Century technology and are heated with an environmentally friendly ground source heat pump system, partly powered by solar panels. An EV charger is available exclusively for Fornside guests. Within easy reach of Keswick, Grasmere, Thirlmere and Ambleside, there are many walking routes from the doorstep, and Fornside is near to many of the well-known fell and trail running routes. Walk or run the whole Helvellyn range from the fell wall! Short breaks are available in term-time November to April, and week-long breaks can be booked year-round. Matt and Joanna will give you a warm welcome. The perfect place for your rejuvenating stay, in the heart of the Lake District. If you've booked a guided run or walk, we can start our day from your front door at Fornside!
Herdwicks Cafe in Coniston is an excellent choice for coffee, cake, snacks, hearty meals, ice cream and everything in between! They are open seven days a week, and serve locally sourced produce, including their meat which comes from nearby Yew Tree Farm. Herdwicks is not just dog friendly, they love dogs! Your four-legged friend will be warmly welcomed by the team and pampered with snacks of their choice and a cosy bed while you enjoy your meal. www.yewtree-farm.com/herdwicks-cafe
One for the runners! Pete Bland Sports in Kendal is an institution - founded by fell runner Pete Bland in 1981, and now run by Pete's son Matt. PBS has the best selection of trail and fell running kit you'll find anywhere in the country; well worth a visit just to discover the kit you didn't know you needed! They also stock road shoes, so something for everyone. The friendly, knowledgeable staff will take their time to ensure you get the right kit or shoes for you, and they're also a fount of local knowledge and advice. Don't miss having a look at the stock of race maps; many specially commissioned by PBS in partnership with Harvey Maps. You'll also find the Pete Bland van on the field of many a fell and trail race throughout the year!
The Round, Keswick is loved by locals and visitors alike who can't get enough of it's tasty burger menu, fun cocktails and regularly changing selection of local draft beers. They don't take reservations, but the ever-present queue is part of the fun. Finishers of the Bob Graham Round are presented with a free pint from the Round, so if you're lucky you'll spot a contender returning to the Moot Hall just opposite while you're waiting for your table. When I ate at the Round after completing my own BGR, they were kind enough to bring me a chair to sit on while we waited in the queue! Expect a great night out with friendly and efficient service, and enjoy browsing the fell running memorabilia and groaning at the mountain-related punny names of the food.
Contact Jenny
I'd love to chat about any aspect of your running journey, or the guided run or walk you have in mind - send me an email, look me up on Instagram or Facebook, or use the contact form below.
