Why I Love The Lakes, by Rachel Kelly (From The Westmorland Gazette)

Why I Love The Lakes, by Rachel Kelly

4:59pm Wednesday 14th October 2009 in Why I Love The Lakes

What is the best thing about the Lakes?

I am in constant awe at the beauty of the landscape. As I travel to my studio in Bonningate I am dazzled by the colours of the fells and the changing light through the seasons. It is a very beautiful place to live and work.

And the worst?

The rain and sleet gets a bit annoying, especially in May.

favourite place in the lakes?

My studio. I work in such a beautiful setting. I like to walk out from the studio to the Lyth Valley and over to Ings or Ratherheath, or just to look out of my window and be inspired.

favourite memory?

I went on a lovely New Year’s Day walk this year to the pub in Bampton. I love walking, especially in the winter, to see all the frost on the hedgerows and grass and the clear crisp skies we occasionally get.

favourite shop/place to eat?

I have cravings for my old city life, so in my search up here I have found a few snippets of cool around, such as nights run by 44 presents at The Storey Gallery in Lancaster. I also like shopping on The New Shambles, Kendal’s chic arcade with lovely small shops such as Kendal Upholstery, Staff of Life and lunch at Baba Ganoush. For culture I like to visit the Grizedale Arts projects, especially the beautiful Lawson Park artist residency building.

what would you change?

How can a new building look dated before it has even been finished? Just because a building is made with local stone does not make it a worthy. This is the 21st Century!

sum up the area in five words?

Water, deep, green, moss, sheep.