For someone who has a reputation for talking… a lot… It has surprised me, as well as others, that what I like most about walking is the pure serenity of it, the silence that echos round the hills. The stillness of nature.
The world is a beautiful place and when you walk amongst it you can literally taste its splendour.
This week I went walking in the lakes…. in Keswick to be precise.
It was stunning, the weather behaved and the sun shone gloriously upon us, we walked for hours and all was well with the world.
I spent the week with two of my oldest friends, girls I have loved for a long time. I went to school with them, shared stories of first boyfriends with them. Had my first cigarette with one of them, and my first glass of whiskey (never again), and have laughed long and hard with both of them. They are incredibly special to me, so many memories are between us that the years simply melt away when we meet.
One of them married a couple of years ago, since then we have met on a fairly regular basis despite the fact that 200 odd miles lie between us.
The third is getting married in a few weeks, she is going to be an incredible bride.
I missed the hen do…
So we went away….
The Keswick Hotel
Our accommodation for two nights was The Keswick Hotel, who kindly let us stay as their guests. The hotel is hauntingly beautiful, it has been in existence since 1869 and history whispers in its halls.
It has hosted guests such as Lord and Lady Churchill and has been visited by the Queen herself in 1956, so it seemed a fitting place for our mini hen do….
The hotel is situated minutes away from the centre of Keswick, amongst 4 acres of stunning gardens. At night as you eat a sumptuous supper you can gaze out of the window at bunnies munching their tea on the lawn.
Food at the Keswick does not fail to disappoint. Breakfast is a hearty mix of continental and a full english. An amazing packed lunch is prepared for your walk, and tea is an amazing choice of meat delights and superb vegetarian options.
We ate well for three days, each time clearing our plates and returning to the restaurant ready for more.
Walking
Surrounding the hotel you have walks in every direction. We opted for a climb over over Walla Crag, then headed down to Ashness Bridge and back along the shores of Derwentwater. Five hours on our feet, sharing tales, re capturing our youth, and simply gasping at the astounding loveliness of nature.
It was an amazing break.
A healthy mix of walking, fresh air, Prosecco and fabulous food.
It has been a long time since my friends and I spent so long in each others company as a three. As we walked and talked I marvelled at how lucky I am to have such lovely people in my life. Friends that I don’t need to speak to everyday to know they are there. Friends who make me feel loved for being me, who seem to ignore my over exuberance and irritating tendencies. Friends who I intend to know until the end of our time.
Thanks to the Keswick hotel for making our hen do and walking adventure so special.
For more details on rates and rooms please visit their site here.
well that looks rather fabulous ….friends and freshair can’t be beaten