Not easy I'm afraid, Mary. Les's suggestion of going via Oxford to London may be the easiest, as all major transport routes go from the big metrolops. I think they stil do an overnight 'sleeper' to Scotland which could be an alternative to finding an additional hotel. Worth checking out anyway.

If you can get to Bristol however I know there is a regular service to the North West (coz I've dun it). From Bristol get a train to Manchester, Preston or Lancaster and then change for the Lakes.

The Lakes are not that well served by rail but you can get to a few places. An intersting route is up the West Coast of the Lakes. Get the train for Barrow-in-Furness from Preston or Lancaster and then change to the local service up through some very pretty and unspoilt (apart from Sellafield!) places. Ulverston, Ravenglass, Maryport, Workington, St Bees Head - all worth a visit. Not sure of the journey on over the Solway to Scotland though - I guess it would be via Carlise.

If you fancy going via Manchester and stopping over there let me know and I will see if I can arrange to show the the high spots (or low spots if preferred!)

Cheers

Dave the Gnome