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Fresh Air
Filling your lungs with Cumbria’s finest…
It’s been a long day. I walked into one kitchen in Cumbria in the North West of England at six thirty this morning and walked out of another some two hundred miles away at nine thirty this evening. I am back home and it feels good but despite the creature comforts of my own home I find myself missing the Lake District in the same way I did back in the mid nineties as a young sous chef enjoying a carefree life of cooking, drinking, fishing, walking and er, more drinking.
Today was something of a revelation, ever since I have been travelling here in my new role I have not had the opportunity to venture outdoors and reconnect with all, or some of what this incredible area has to offer. Today, however was an exception. I had an interview to conduct before heading home and, finding myself with an hour long window of opportunity I headed off on the back roads in search of suitable ‘quick fix’ walks.
Narrow country roads edged by dry stone walls meandered through the countryside, I drove further into the heart of the area through tiny hamlets peppered with cottages and their wood burning fires, occasional farm workers and small holdings of carefree animals enjoying a lifestyle as far removed from a supermarket slaughter specimen as you can get. I stopped the car and literally drank in the fresh air, the memories of all those years ago came flooding back to me. This is why I had stayed so long, there is nothing in England to compare to the Lake District, it is truly unique and I have missed it.
I have caught the bug once again,that irresistable pull towards the countryside, a certain pace of life akin to one’s surroundings, it is an addiction I shall never defeat. I looked out across fields, tarns and woodlands and realised the opportunity for all that I love to do. This is a place I want to share with you, it is a stark reminder of what we have and should never let go of. It is a piece of England free of the burdon of technology and modern living, a reminder of how unesscecary our carefree spending of recent years has been. Whilst money waiting to be spent burnt holes in our shallow pockets this small corner of my country sat idle, largely ignorned by the largely ignorant with so much to offer. Desperate to seek quick fix solutions to long term problems we have overlooked what is so fundamentally important and real, our countryside and our heritage.
Rarely has a return car journey left me with so much to ponder….
Miles
have you got an OS map of the immedite area - invaluable for planning walks or short trips !
Rod
February 22, 2009 @ 9:18 am
Rod,
It’s on my shopping list!
Miles
February 22, 2009 @ 9:30 am
Miles,
I don’t like the look of that Waitrose…… it’s a bit small
It’s rare to know someone who loves the outdoors in this country with so much passion. Let us know which parts of the Lake District we ought to visit….. some of us like the breath-taking scenery but might struggle with the ten km walks so bear that in mind before you set us on a Ray Mears expedition
Cid
p.s. don’t worry about a silly old map dear boy, I’ll be navigating by the ancient method of mossy trees and the stars (and a little satnav in my spacious handbag
)
February 22, 2009 @ 10:41 am
When I retire the 2nd time it will be to a house in the woods - no other homes in sight, and a river or lake in the backyard. Trout to catch, grouse to shoot, and I will be as content as humanly possible. Throw a river in your photo Miles and I would show that picture to a realtor and say, “Find me THIS!”
February 22, 2009 @ 3:26 pm
Miles,
You take us on some wonderful journeys and every blog you manage to write and illustrate holds some sort of surprise. In fact, the best book ever.
I too, love the Lake District. Visiting it is like setting a foot back into time. The scenery is breathtaking and I shall have to make a return visit.
Elsie
February 22, 2009 @ 3:48 pm
Dave,
Sounds great, retirement hey? Bring it on!!
Miles
February 22, 2009 @ 5:44 pm
Elsie,
Time certainly has stood still here, it’s what makes it so special.
Miles
February 22, 2009 @ 5:45 pm
Miles,
The Lakes are truely beautiful. I was in Cockermouth late last summer. We’d rented a cottage not far from Bassenthwaite and used it as a base to see the local towns and have a damn good hilly walk. We stayed up far too late on our first night there, haunched around an OS map of the area planning our assault, whilst getting royally ***kered on my mate’s homebrew turnip wine. These are days I want more of.
GDave
February 22, 2009 @ 7:49 pm
Greedydave,
Aren’t they just? I made a similar mistake once (or twice) you can’t tackle these ‘walks’ with the mother of all hangovers. It’s just not big or clever.
Homebrew turnip wine? Talk about Boy’s Own-sounds like the stuff of legend!
Nice one mate-like that.
Miles
February 22, 2009 @ 8:15 pm
Miles, You write an excellent blog and you take great pictures and make excellent food.. Is there anything you can’t do. I think not.
February 22, 2009 @ 9:56 pm
Sharon,
Welcome to the site and thank you for taking the time to comment. There’s plenty I can’t do to be honest-such as stay awake at family lunches.
It must be the company
Hope you return again soon.
Miles
February 22, 2009 @ 10:00 pm
Miles,
Your writing takes on a vivid passion when you speak of your walks in nature. I wish I could bottle your artistry and share it with students. There isd absolutely nothing in my area that compares with the spots you have shared. I am green with envy!!
February 23, 2009 @ 12:21 am
Annie,
Thank you, it’s very kind of you to say so. Perhaps you could bottle some of your Californian weather-I’ll send you some of ours by return post
Miles
February 23, 2009 @ 9:22 am
Perfect timing again, Miles (other than the fact that I can barely keep up with the posting/commenting pace of your blog.)
:-)
This photo is exactly what I needed this morning — an uplifting image of nature and some beautifully written words. A “virtual” walk in the woods for which I thank you.
Melissa
February 23, 2009 @ 12:52 pm
Melissa,
My pleasure, there will be plenty more where that came from, rest assured.
Miles
February 23, 2009 @ 7:25 pm