Troutbeck Garden Trail

Bank Holiday Monday was the day of the Troutbeck Garden Trail. Fortunately the weather held off most of the day and we even got some sunshine in which to walk around the dozen or so beautifully terraced gardens that were open to the public for the day. It was a really lovely way to spend an hour or two, and it must generate quite a bit for village funds too.

Well I never....

A shock revelation in today's Times - walking in the country makes you happier than struggling round the Trafford centre (unless you are a WAG presumably)

Researchers from the University of Essex compared the benefits of a 30-minute walk in a country park with a walk in an indoor shopping centre on 20 people affected by depression.

After the country walk, 71 per cent said that they felt less depressed and tense while 90 per cent reported increased self-esteem.

After the walk in the shopping centre only 45 per cent felt less depressed and 22 per cent actually felt more depressed. About 50 per cent felt more tense and 44 per cent said that their self-esteem had dropped.

Exclusives on the other pages - "Pope may be Catholic", "Bears defecate amongst trees"

Counting Sheep

I was woken up this morning by the sheep in the field opposite which started "baahing" at about 5:30. These sheep are an interesting colour - a sort of piebald brown. I can't identify them from anything I can find on the web. Anyway I thought they were supposed to help you get to sleep not wake you up! All together now - Yan, Tyan, Tether, Mether, Pimp.

So that's why it's called The Struggle!

Sunday was a bit rainy so, as I couldn't persuade anyone else into a walk, I jumped on the mountain bike and headed off up through Troutbeck and round Jenkin Crag and down through the woods to Ambleside. The wood was stunning - a carpet of buebells and wild garlic in every direction. It's a fantastic mountain bike trail. Unfortunately I had no camera with me.

From Ambleside I headed up The Struggle to the top of the Kirkstone Pass. Halfway up I was seriously questioning my decision as I must have had to walk about 80% of the way, not being as strong and as fit as was 20 years ago. When I finally got to the top and headed back down to Limefitt is was all worth it though - I must have travelled about 3 miles at 30 MPH without pedalling!

A walk at Glenridding and a barbie at The Mortal Man

In an attempt to avoid the Bank Holiday crowds we set off for Ulswater and parked in Glenridding. We headed up Glenridding Beck and walked up to the bridge where we got a fabulous view of the lake. There are some great names in the lakes. Where else could you walk under "Lucy's Tongue".

When we got home it was time to stroll up to the Mortal Man where the new owner, Nigel Parkin, was laying on a barbeque. We enjoyed some very upmarket salads and burgers, but we probably shouldn't expect less from the man who put The Samling on the map. He is trying really hard with the place and I really hope that he is successful there. He certainly has the right raw materials with the magnificent building, a superb family beer garden and a view to die for.

(I think that's a pint you owe me Nigel)