To sit on that little bench overlooking Rydal Water and idly pass the time of day is one of the most magical experiences anyone can have in this area full of wondrously quirky and inspiring places …
When you are looking for peace and quiet, for a spot that feels ‘away from it all’ and yet is easily accessible, when you want to ‘recollect in tranquillity’ to paraphrase Wordsworth, who lived nearby, this is the place to go – that little wooden bench. You get a great feeling of peace here; it restores your equilibrium in a gentle and comforting way – and maybe that is part of the magic this place holds for its visitors …
You can walk along the lake or up to the ‘Dragons Cave’… When we moved to Cumbria years ago, we took our young son for one of his first proper walks around the lake. We ventured up to the cave and over the stepping stones. As he got near the back, he suddenly said, “Look Mum, I can see a light – is it a dragon?” Well who would want to disillusion a four year old? In the ensuing years, I took him to many other places, and we found that dragons had lairs throughout Cumbria …
Whatever the weather, the views are glorious; a perfect distillation of man in harmony with nature. The lake is small enough to walk round easily. To do so, you can take the high path past the Dragon’s Cave, or wander along the shoreline and feed the swans and ducks. On the far side you can traverse the medieval Coffin Route (to St Oswald’s Church) and look down onto the lake, before visiting Dove Cottage or Rydal Mount where Wordsworth lived – or maybe have a refreshing beverage in one of the many tea shops or pubs in nearby Grasmere. This video shows that walk, filmed one lovely spring day by Andrew White of Walks Around Britain.
So next time you are in Cumbria, take a bit of time out to simply sit and reflect and let the world pass you by for a moment or two. You will be so glad you did …
From Zoë Dawes:
A big thank you to Keith Jenkins of http://www.velvetescape.com for asking me to write about my Velvet Escape last year. It made me realise that of all the places in the world, this was my favourite
From Steve Dawes:
Hi Zoe, my name is Steve Dawes and I live in Torquay Devon. I saw your name and the area you are from and wondered if you new anything about the Dawes family from Windermere, Troutbeck, Ambleside and Ulverston areas. All the best Steve
From Zoë Dawes:
Hi Steve, I am sorry but no relation to any Cumbrian Dawes. I was born in Lancashire and the Dawes side of the family is mainly from that area. Sure there are otheres who might be able to help around here; let me know if you do come up to research your roots.
Z
From Michael:
Thanks for sharing that with us, Zoe.
I love the Lake District, too- I will think of you on my next visit. Hopefully soon….
From Zoë Dawes:
Thanks for your comment Michael. Look forward to showing you around one day … And will be writing about the Rydal Walk in more detail for your website
From hannah:
Hi Zoe, here’s a link to the painting I did of the view from this bench! Glad you like it
http://hannahmmorris.tumblr.com/image/22911406942
Hannah M Morris
From Zoë Dawes:
It’s absolutely delightful Hannah – many thanks for sending it to me
From Barry McCann:
Not been to Rydal Water for many a year. Must go back when spring is in the air. And of course there is a dragaon. The lakes are full of them, along with giants, fairies and witches, as you well know.
From Zoë Dawes:
Let me know if you come up to Rydal Barry & I’ll show you round