The leaves are beginning to turn on the trees and/with the heat wave of 2018 behind us now, consigned to history with that of ’76. Somehow, however, we have a bumper crop of fruit: – blackberries were early this year and the freezer’s full of Damsons. Even the Walnut tree has excelled its self and the children have buckets full of Conkers and our thought need to turn to Christmas!
Looking back over the summer, we had a great team of international helpers from Ireland to Israel, with some amazing skills, interests and hobbies so a big thank you to all – we’ll miss you! The house has been busy with happy holiday makers, family reunions, birthday parties and our first ever wedding. Congratulations to Jess and Jonny we wish you both the very best.
We’re looking forward to welcoming the Cornish rug makers next month, taking part in the international four-day celebration of the ancient craft, as part of The International Guild of Hand hooking Rug makers’ (TIGHR) conference, from the 8th to 11th of October.
A new initiative to promote the English National Parks will be launched shortly, it’ll focus on some of our fantastic National Trails such as the Pennine Way, and where to stay to experience some of the best bits! (Swaledale of course!!). We recommend “A Pennine way classic” Hawes to Tan Hill (Day 8 on the official route). Start at Hardraw and over Great Shunner Fell, one of the highest points on the walk, then drop down into Thwaite and you’re home in time for tea, a relaxing bath and a meal at the pub. You could do Thwaite to Tan Hill the following day or another favourite “not to miss” section is “Pennine Gold” in Middleton-in –Teesdale to the pub at Langdon Beck. Check out https://www.nationaltrail.co.uk/pennine-way/routes and don’t worry about transport to the start and finish points – we can help to arrange.
It’s getting round to our favourite family time of year…the Christmas party season! Although the main holiday weeks get booked up very early, we love to see the house used for festive get togethers and look forward to welcoming guests again this December. We’ll try and blog next month about our local Carol services, Pantomimes and special seasonal activities (i.e. Christmas Dominoes!) and who’s doing the best Christmas dinners…
Log Fires and Christmas candles
