A major treat...

As we are not going skiing this year for obvious reasons we splurged on 3 nights at a really lovely hotel called The Samling (http://www.thesamling.com/) in the Lakes. We have been to the lakes at this time (in between Xmas and New Year 3 times now and have always had fantatsic weather and a great time whether we are staying at Ambelside YHA or a right fancy hotel. The weather was really spectacular: cold (about zero for most of the day) but with blue skies and unbelievable views. Managed 2 longish walks (about 6-7 miles) but mainly on the flat given the fact I'm 20 weeks and it was pretty icy. On Wednesday round Loughrigg Fell via Loughrigg Tarn, Gramere and Rydal water and on the Thursday up to Troutbeck and through the valley - both really enjoyable (though I got a bit knackered on the last walk and did mention the word 'taxi' once or twice!).
The hotel was fantastic and really relaxing with amazing food: just a shame Tim had to drink all the wine himself!