Lake District, UK: Rydal Walk

After the wedding ended late (think 'dance'), I woke up early for a walk. While you can trust the distance stated for a walk, you can't trust the duration stated. At least, I can't. 

The further I walked, 

the mores surprises I had. 

Until I knew I had to turn back. 

I had a train to catch.

I don't even think I covered half the distance...

Remember to lock the gates, wandering sheep like to eat 

beautiful flowers.

It was a long and quiet walk, with the occasional jogger or dog-walker.

The Rydal Caves

On the edge

Lake District can get very popular in summer. Rydal isn't even the more popular walking areas, and it was so awesome for me already. I'm not sure how the other areas can top this. 

As the old couple on the train, or the then-just-married couple said, the Lake District is great because you have the fells (hills or mountains) and the lakes in the same place. The views are great and it's an accessible place for walks of different levels, with a range of accommodation options (stay at a B&B, tent or camping pod). 

Lake District, UK: Rydal

Rydal - good.

Wedding at Rydal - better.
My friend's wedding at Rydal - best! 

Many thanks for having me, M&J! For me, everything went perfect (the bride was chill, as usual). We just had a small scare about the weather (it rained the day before and the lines were down). Planning can only take you so far, the rest is up to chance. And chance was kind that day.

The house was huge with rooms for guest and an annex for the family that runs the place. The outdoor space was also huge. They have at least two dogs and you wouldn't even realise. When I first saw the invite, I couldn't fathom how a wedding could take a full day. Now I can. And it wasn't overkill in any way - it's the perfect social event - lawn games, food, drinks, march-in, cake, mingling, music, dance, catch-up, touching moments, photos...

The place

There are three rooms for guests. Here's mine and J's! 

The English breakfast at the house. I never liked bacon and tomatoes, until I tried this.

Crispy bacon tends to be dry and salty. This is anything but that. 

 

The wedding

It takes some getting used to being present in the moment and appreciating the finer things in life. Transient and beautiful it is. 

 

Pre-wedding @ Badger's (for dinner and wifi)

How dog-friendly they are!

 

Don't give me those eyes! It's hard to leave as it is.

Lake District, UK: Windermere Orrest Head

It was easy to go up Orrest Head, but I got lost coming down. The day was long but I had to get my luggage before the Mountain Goat closed. I kept circling the summit and was up there three times, and this was how desperate I was: 

I asked a random stranger which way down, which gate to past... twice (because he was still there the third time I was up) 

I saw some grazing sheep and didn't take decent pictures of them. I was more concerned about not stepping on their poo. The sheep cannot be found along the regular trail. 

I ran down hill and made it just in time. (Actually the worst case scenario would be to drive into town tomorrow before the wedding to get my things.)

The climb up and down is easy if you don't lose your way. And the view is worth it! 

With some sparkling Lake District water (from the Windermere supermarket)

The grazing sheep








It was a good climb. Just don't get lost.