We booked The Rysdale at short notice for a short break. Before booking we notified the owner that we would be bringing bicycles. He noted that this wouldn't be a problem, as we could chain them to a railing outside the B&B, and that they'd be outwith the view of the road.

When we arrived, this was true. However, the owner's car was permanently parked in the narrow drive at the rear of the house. This did serve the function of obscuring the bikes from passers-by, but did mean that we had to physically lift the bikes above our heads to get them past his car - so this may pose solo cyclists a problem (unless your bike is very light!).

The website does give the impression that the B&B is located amongst expansive gardens. However, these images appeared to have been taken from one of the bedrooms that overlooked this landscape from across a public road.

The welcome from the owner was very good. The quality of the room was excellent - spotlessly clean and of a good size. The bed was extremely comfortable. Even although the B&B is big (many rooms), it was surprisingly quiet- even when it was nearly fully booked.

The toliet was small and had a shower. Unfortunately, like many showers the only two temperatures available were napalm or arctic ice - nothing inbetween. However, this was only a minor problem.

Breakfast choice was ordered the evening before using a breakfast slip. This system worked well and the breakfast was very nice- and good choices were available- all freshly cooked. Remember to ask for your toast at the same time as your tea/coffee - otherwise it comes at the end, when you've finished your breakfast (I like to have toast with my egg!!!!).

All in all, the B&B was relatively cheap, and we didn't have any significant problems (apart from a slightly embarrassing moment when the owner opened our bedroom door whilst we were having an afternoon nap to show another couple our room!!??- however, to be fair he did apologise profusely!!).

All in all, we would recommend.

Another point to consider is that Ambleside is by far the best Lake District town to stay in - the restuarant choice is excellent!