Why I love the Lakes, by Rachel Swift (From The Westmorland Gazette)

Why I love the Lakes, by Rachel Swift

4:14pm Thursday 13th January 2011 in Why I Love The Lakes

WHAT IS THE BEST THING ABOUT THE LAKES?

So many things – there’s just so much to do and for free!

From my doorstep in Keswick I can go for a walk in the mountains, a spectacular run, climb, kayak down the rivers and on the lakes, ghyll scramble, wild swim and I’ve even been paragliding off Skiddaw – you just can’t get bored.

I also have to say the people. I’ve never made so many friends so quickly as when I moved here four years ago.

AND THE WORST?

The positives far outweigh the negatives, but I have to say that it is an expensive place to rent or buy property.

FAVOURITE VIEW?

My favourite view is one that I can access every day from my doorstep and it only takes ten minutes to get there.

Castlehead commands a spectacular view of Derwentwater, Bassenthwaite Lake and a panorama of fells – a lovely view for not much effort.

FAVOURITE PLACE?

A quiet little spot (which I’m not going to tell you the location of in order to keep it that way) where my mum and I go wild swimming every summer come rain or shine.

This summer we chose quite a blustery day and it was freezing! There’s nothing better than swimming in the great outdoors - it’s invigorating.

FAVOURITE MEMORY?

My wedding day. I got married to Chris in St John’s in the Vale Church followed by a ceilidh at Mungrisdale Village Hall.

The setting was just stunning.

WHAT ONE THING WOULD YOU CHANGE?

It wouldn’t be the Lake District if I changed anything about it, but perhaps place a greater tax on second homes.

SUM UP THE LAKES IN FIVE WORDS Inspiring, affecting, atimulating, moving, breathtaking.