Todd, Emily & Foster's B&B Tour of England & Scotland

After nearly a year living in London, we figured it was high time to check out the other parts of this not-so-little island. We mapped out a circle route that turned in to a figure 8 and headed out for a week of exploring. Our travels took us to the rolling Peak Distict and the spectacular Lakes District, Hadrian's Wall, Chain Gate Bridge Honey Farm, Edinburgh, and Yorkshire. Everywhere we went, we were blown away by the scenery and the hospitality. Farm fresh eggs and a full English breakfast every morning would sustain us until our late night snack by the fire. Even the weather cooperated with us (mostly...we got drenched in Edinburgh!).

Here's how it went:

Day 1: Drive from London to the Peak District; hike the Dovedale path; check in to our B&B (Snoop House Farm - OUTSTANDING) in Butterton where we are greeted with a roaring fire; walk 100m to "town" and have a pint with the locals.

Day 2: Awake to the smell of breakfast cooking; enjoy a leisurely meal; hike Kinder Scout; drive to the Lakes District; check in to our B&B (New House Farm - Posh!) and enjoy a soothing soak in the hot tub under the stars...WOOHOOO!

Day 3: Enjoy breakfast cooked by Hazel and formulate a game plan -- hiking may be out since it is raining cats & dogs; take a drive through the district (Mines, Stone Circle, Keswick) and enjoy a nice pub meal with some folks from Durham (jordies!)

Day 4: Yummy breakfast followed by a hike to the tallest peak in England (Scafell Pike); full day of walking and soaking in the scenery

Day 5: Coast to Coast -- Drive & Walk along Hadrian's Wall Path; become members of the National Heritage; arrive in the northern most city in England (Berwich-Upon-Tweed) and check in to the northern most house (Chain Bridge House). Again, we are welcomed with a roaring fire and plenty of hospitality.

Day 6: Push to Edinburgh via Dunbar (birthplace of John Muir); explore the city by walking the Royal Mile (no dogs allowed in the Castle or many of the buildings so we mostly see everything from the outside); stay in a farmhouse south of Edinburgh (Over Langshaw Farm - like coming home)

Day 7: Awake from one of the best night's sleep ever and enjoy the best poached eggs (after Cathy Brown's, off course!); drive south to York (cute city on the river -- ridiculous number of Hen parties!) and check out the Minster and the Wall; make the final push to London...LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOONG day of driving but good to be "home".