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Emily Green
November 2004
Lake District
Travel
Writing The Lake District didn’t seem such an exciting
place to visit as I squeezed myself into the cramped
coach seat in which I would remain for the six-hour
drive from London to Ambleside. No place could be worth
such an uncomfortable journey, it seemed, as the seat
failed to yield to all attempted napping positions.
However, as the coach made its way out of the London
congestion and into the northern countryside, the appeal
of the Lake District became clear. My discomfort didn’t
allow me to sleep, yet it did allow me to witness the
wonderful view just outside the window. Green is a color
not often seen in a city such as London, much less the
deep emerald green of the passing hills and dales of
the countryside. Low stone walls traced the lines of
the landscape, often enclosing endearing little groups
of cows or sheep grazing in pastures along the way.
The urge to write Wordsworth-esque poetry now made complete
sense. Perhaps the Lake District would be exciting,
despite the tediousness of the coach.
Indeed,
the Lake District is simply exquisite. From the autumn
russets and golds of the trees to the toasty fireplace
of the local pub, the area has an ethereal quality that
inspires communion with nature. Though the rainy latter
half of October is probably not the most suitable time
to visit the Lake District, even a surrounding mist
is charming in the early mornings as one looks across
the lake. Yet the heart of any trip to the Lake District
is not the beautiful surroundings, but rather walking
around the lovely terrain. Waking up at six o’clock
in the morning to conquer a mountain seems like a masochistic
idea whilst living in the heart of a busy city like
London, where public transportation provides an easy
alternative to hoofing it around town. In the Lake District,
however, this early morning jaunt can be the highlight
of the trip. After the constant dripping of the skies,
the slickness of the rocks and the steepness of the
hill, reaching the summit gives a sense of supreme accomplishment;
emerging at the top to find oneself in the middle of
a cloud and gazing over at all the terrain below reminds
one of the sublime grandeur of nature. After such a
trip, a hot mug of tea and a home cooked breakfast tastes
much finer than it ever did before.
Ah,
to have a summer home in the Lake District! Or, better
yet, a year round home in the Lake District. Yet, if
such beauty was an everyday occurrence, perhaps one
would take it for granted after the passing of time.
It’s better, it seems, to visit every once in a
while in order to escape the city smog and remember
the splendour of the countryside, even if one does have
to travel in a cramped little coach.
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