For the Love of the Lakes...

There are few places in the UK that I want to revisit over and over again, but the Lake District is certainly one of them.

I've been trekking the length of England every year since I was thirteen; the long slog up the M5 and M6 a now well travelled road. When I round the corner at Lowgill and the fells suddenly start to rise around me ... my radio signal drops out, the air becomes clearer, the landscape turns to rolling hills, steep granite strewn mountains, dry stone walls and grazing sheep scattered among the landscape... and I know I am nearly there.

Sitting here at my desk, I'm lucky to look out over Dartmoor and, unusually, the sun is shining over Cosden. The sunshine makes me dream of summer days and I start to think about my last venture outside the South West.

Back before the Autumn winds set in and the country reverted to travel restrictions once again, I was swimming across Derwent Water at 5am watching the sun rise over the mountains; the golden light reflecting off the still water and Cat Bells awash in a rainbow hue.

As a younger, fitter and more 'gun ho' person, I loved nothing more than bagging those fells and ticking off the classics such as Helvellyn, Great Gable, Blencathra, High Street and of course Scafell; all hiked at pace with too much kit on my back! I'd head out for days, just me, my tent and a map; exploring the fells, getting off the tourist routes, and just loving being outside in the vast stunning landscape. However, these days you're more likely to find me pootling around the lower fells; Loughrigg Fell, Castlerigg Crag and Wansfell Pike being favourites for a gentle stroll with awe inspiring views; or mooching around the many stunning bodies of water. My favourite waterside walks are the loops around Derwent Water (lots of great swim spots and a beer stop with a view at the Mary Mount), Buttermere (delicious food at Syke Farm Tea Room), Grasmere and Rydal Water (always include a stop at Faeryland; a picturesque and quirky tea shop, before trekking along the historical Coffin Route).

But these days, the greatest draw for me is the water... swimming and SUPing in the 'lakes', rivers or pools up on the fells, has to be one of my favourite things to do. It's such a great way to immerse yourself in the magic of the place, escape the hustle and bustle of the busy tourist routes and towns, relax and see things you just don't see from the foot paths. I find it extremely mindful being in and on the water; the sound of the water lapping around you, the breeze against your skin, the great fells rising up around you and the peace; it's what I imagine those who can meditate feel; it's my own form of meditation... nature and it's ability to be all encompassing and majestic; making us realise just how small we are in this world.

So, roll on June and my annual pilgrimage to my spiritual home... but this year it won't be just a fleeting visit but a chance to immerse myself further in to this special and magical place. I'll be there for at least 6 weeks, living vanlife, and it will give me the chance to meet other lovers of the Lakes, to explore new swim spots and paddle more rivers and 'lakes', and push myself over some epic cycle routes; all whilst enjoying the views, peace and delicious cakes that the Lake District offers.

Maybe I'll see you there :-)

Happy and safe travels everyone...