On the run-up to the big day, Ian suggested we visit Yorkshire Sculpture Park; it’s somewhere we’ve toyed with going to a few times before, but somehow we never quite get there.
At the end of May it was my birthday and for some reason, I felt an extraordinary amount of pressure to do…..something. My partying days are long gone; I exchanged clubbing for walks in the country many years ago and I like it.
Having injured my back in October 2014 it’s been a long road to recovery. At the beginning of the year, I couldn’t even put my own shoes and socks on, so I’m incredibly grateful for how far I’ve come; but being the fitness fanatic that I am, the whole process has been extremely frustrating. Rock climbing, running and hiking are all things that have had to take a back seat, but with my birthday drawing closer, I realised the only place I wanted to be was the Lake District. It’s kind of a tradition that around my birthday we head up there to unwind and spend some time in nature: I didn’t want this year to be any different.
Aware that I hadn’t been able to go walking for over 8 months, I realised I needed to pick a walk that wasn’t too long or overly strenuous. Having walked Jenkin Crag a couple of times before, I decided at 5 miles long it was the perfect route for me to experiment with. Starting at the back of the car park across from Hayes Garden World, the walk leads you up through Skelghyll Wood and takes you on a journey that offers a generous mix of woodland, farmland and wonderful views of Lake Windermere.
With an abundance of walks available for all levels of walkers, the Lake District is a place that I don’t think I will ever tire of. Today, I was asked where my ideal place to live would be and without hesitation, I replied ‘The Lake District’. There’s just something about the countryside that feeds my soul. The air, the views, and the feeling of belonging that I don’t quite get from anywhere else. Although I’ve never lived there, it’s definitely the place that feels most like home.
As always, you didn’t disappoint. Until next time sweet Lake District, thanks for the birthday memories.
xoxo
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