Return to Eskdale

THE inquests begin this week into the shooting rampage by Derrick Bird on June 2 last year. This awful day ended in Eskdale when Bird took his own life. It took some time before we felt we could return to Eskdale - it has always been our favourite part of the Lake District. We've been back a few times since and returned again last Sunday for a short walk along the river. Unlike most valleys in the Lakes, Eskdale does not have a lake. It does, however, have the Ratty - the small gauge steam railway which runs from Ravenglass to Dalegarth. It has many other delightful features such as Eskdale Mill and St Catherine's Church. There is the recently rediscovered St Catherine's holy well, the stepping stones and a number of packhorse bridges. If you're looking for a quiet day in one of the most remote part of the Lakes, then head to Eskdale: join the Ratty at Ravenglass and enjoy a lunch at Dalegarth or Boot before walking up to the mill and then for a stroll to one of the nearby tarns. A perfect day out.

Herbert's Dream

THEY are always completely bonkers, totally bizarre - and brilliant to watch. I refer of course to the Lakes Alive events that descend on Cumbria every few weeks as consolation for us not having the Olympics.

The free arts events are always the most amazing spectacles and last night's event at Keswick was no exception. Herbert's Dream was the name of it but it's anyone guess what that has to do with five people walking around town in luminous inflated white suits looking like giant marshallow men.

You didn't need to understand it to enjoy it. This was an inspiring and fun event for half-term and fortunately the rain held off for the occasion. See more of my pictures on flickr.

Letters from the Lake District: Welcome

WELCOME to the start of a new blog about life in the Lake District. I live in Whitehaven which, while in Cumbria, is outside the Lake District National Park but the Lakes are just 20 minutes away and I could never afford that chocolate-box cottage in the Lakes! I'm a freelance journalist working primarily at the moment for The Independent. I have a particular interest in folklore and legends in Cumbria. My partner Lesley and I go walking as much as possible which allows me to pursue one of my other interests: photography. That's one of my pictures on the left with Lesley trying to find out where she is on the map! (It's Eskdale love!). I may not post every day but I'll try to keep the gossip going and share with other people any events and news from this most beautiful part of the world.