As always the Lakes is looking spectacular in its stong winter colours of orange & reds contasting against the browns & deep greens, even on the misty days of drizzle it is very atmospheric!  Added to that are the emerging colours of spring, particularly the yellow daffodils!

The mountains have had a good covering of snow & we have managed a few walks,  a climb up Sharp Edge on Blencathra (ice axes & crampons were need there!) & Edward & Daniel have had a few days skiing on Raise!

Lambing is almost over now, we just have a few ewes with their lambs in the barn gaining strength before they are turned out into the fields.  Spring is really on its way when you see the fields full of energetic lambs!

We are also busy on the farm with tending to the hedging, fencing & walling to keep the fields stock proof (& the countryside looking neat!); the sheep still need feeding now with hay & feed so just a bit of extra work there to keep them fit (keeps Ed fit too!).

We now have 2 horses to add to our animal collection!  a young bay filly called Jazz, & Molly, a grey.  They are very beautiful & are also very nosey & love lots of attention!

Having looked through the Cumbria Life magazine I see that there are

some great art & craft exhibitions to be seen around the county in the many excellent galleries.  One of my favourites is The Up Front Gallery near Hutton in the Forest, Penrith. You can also buy excellent local crafts & enjoy a delicious lunch or afternoon tea!

Cumbria has much to offer in the way of crafts & local food - don't just walk, eat your way around Lakeland!  We have so much fantastic, fresh, homemade & preserved produce which can easily be found in every area - farm shops, local shops & farmers markets, & also centres such as Rheged near Penrith & Artisan shop & Restaurant at Booths supermarket in Kendal.

The Robinsons 'Go Ape'!  Great family day out at Grizedale

Forest Park.  Walking trials, bike hire & shop, orienteering courses, guided walks & activities, cafe, adventure playground, sculptures, & go ape high ropes adventure.

The Brewery Arts Centre in Kendal offers great entertainment from all the latest films, theatre, exhibitions, to dance, music, literature & workshops.  Also excellent restaurant, bars & cafe. 

Go to www.golakes.co.uk  for 'what to see & do'.

www.thisisthelakedistrict.co.uk is also a great site to find out what is on locally so you can plan a few days out before you arrive.

Holmescales Activity Centre  offers an exhilirating day out for most of the family especially the 'big kids' with quad biking, clay pigeon shooting, paintballing, horse riding to name a few!