It’s been 18 months since I last took a visit to The Lakes and I had only just begun my mindfulnesss journey and I would say I wasn’t really that mindful back then compared to how I am now. I have come such a long way since then, personally and feel a lot stronger mentally and I could put some of this down to the mindfulness and meditation I have learnt through some really good teachers. 

I have been coming to The Lakes pretty much every year since I was only 2 or 3 years old and this blog is a travel blog but also an account of how I saw the lakes slightly differently this time.

We stayed at The Broadoaks Country House which was a first for us and of course we chose it so we could bring Noodle with us. Noodle on the other hand wasn’t that impressed as when we arrived we had to drag her out of the warm cosy car and once she had a sniff around her new abode for a few days she went straight out the front door and went running back into the car. There are still lots of little moments where Noodle really does make us laugh.

With only a couple of days to explore we decided that come rain or shine we will be out walking. And yes, mostly rain. Well this is the Lake District after all.

I absolutely love walking, especially in the Lakes. There is something about the hidden paths and sometimes challenging terrain that make it so much fun. Not to mention the reward of the breathtaking views. 

As the weather was quite bad we knew we weren’t really going to be heading too far upwards but this still didn’t hide some magnificent scenery. I felt like the smell of the fresh air, the sound of the water thundering down the mountains was such a good way to clear the mind. We did one walk in Skelwith Bridge and Elterwater, and another in Ullswater, both of which were very wet but I just didn’t care, in fact the more splashing the better. 

After each walk and after a hot bath using The Broadoaks particularly nice smelling luxurious bath products Noble Isle, 

 I went onto the balcony from our room, wrapped up warm and just listened to the waterfall nearby and the sound of the rain in the trees. Each time I sat outside,  it was just starting to go dark so I took note of how the light in the trees changed and watched the bats start to emerge and fly around like lunatics. I did 20 minutes meditation and really tried to remain as present as possible. It really does help to switch off. I felt even better knowing I had done a decent walk and could feel my legs and feet ache. This was a rewarding feeling.

I can not complete this blog without mentioning some of the food we experienced. Although very indulgent, and hadn’t quite realised how much; on our 2nd night we booked a table at Holbeck Ghyll. Now, our normal family trips to the lakes in the past involved, self catering, bbqs and the odd pub meal. Fine dining wasn’t the norm. So as James booked this, I hadn’t done my research and when we turned up and the waiter who greeted us looked us up and down, I suddenly felt very self conscious that I was wearing jeans. Doh!! In all fairness, despite being slightly under-dressed (but we soon realised we weren’t the only ones) we had a lovely meal. The 3 courses were amazing, but the cheese that James paid an extra £7 for was worth every penny. I had never quite tasted a variety of cheese quite like it.

My final tribute in this blog goes to a place called Chesters by the River. I remember going a long time ago, but I think over the the years it has improved a lot. The food was all vegetarian and to be honest right up my street. Put it this way, I had homemade sweet potato and pine nut samosa with avocado and tabouleh salad. Just delicious and I savoured every mouthful. Oh and did I mention they love dogs!

So, if you’re looking for a little break to free your mind of thoughts and escape to some fresh air and very good food, The Lake District is a must. I highly recommend staying at The Broadoaks as well. They offer dog friendly lodges in the grounds of the hotel but in the main house they have dog-free rooms.

One day I think we might move to the Lake District. I feel so at home here and I never want to leave. 

When we arrived home last night it was just in time to light 4 candles for my 4 losses for baby loss awareness week at 7pm. It was an end to a wonderful few days and I felt at peace.

Sarah