The Real Cumbria

Today we met the backbone of Cumbria and the most delightful family you could ever meet. But before that we had a wonderful stroll through Holehird Gardens……….

 Beatrix Potter and her family holidayed here but it is now a facility for people with disabilities…..I can't think of a more beautiful place to live with breathtaking vistas……….

 But I've saved the best till last…..don't get me wrong, the gardens were beautiful……..but to experience the 'real Cumbria' of a young farming family was unforgettable. We were greeted by 10 year old Jack with each one of us receiving a handshake and 'official' welcome as we disembarked. This young lad has a maturity beyond his years and one can only imagine what sort of future he will have. His knowledge and wit caught us all as he immediately said: "I would like your attention please"………….

 Young Lily shadowed her older brother but I am sure she will catch up soon! Emma and Will do not normally open their farm to strangers especially 19 of us, but in typical Helen style she made it happen! We spent four hours at the farm partaking in a splendid lunch of a slow cooked Cumbrian lamb burger followed by lemon drizzle cake or chocolate cupcakes. With tummies full we trekked across the farm to see the Herdwick sheep being herded by Ned the dog with one being selected for a shearing demo……...

It was Beatrix Potter who farmed these sheep and preserved their future and the Herdwick Association has now applied for world heritage status…….

 Young Jack in action again……

 Following this Will showed us the dry stone wall technique…such incredible walls that have been standing for hundreds of years……….

 Pat managed to hitch a ride up the steep hill………and evidence of the harshness of winter in the fells with the sled hanging in the barn……...

 And if lunch wasn't enough Emma had baked us hot scones for afternoon tea……….

 A most gracious and hard working family who have touched all of our hearts……...

(even the dog is waving!!)