The holiday started with tea and homemade cakes in the lounge at Glenthorne as we started to get to know each other and learn new names.

There was time for a mediation session before dinner where we all focussed on arriving, our breath, and relaxing into the holiday.

We had a delicious dinner and all retired relatively early after coffee.

Angie led a meditation session before breakfast for those who wished.

The forecast was for showers and at breakfast it was pouring with rain. Fortunately it mostly cleared though we set out with our waterproofs on just in case.

As the day progressed the weather improved and we even had some sunshine later in the afternoon!

We walked along then coffin trail to Rydal Mount but stopped to sit and contemplate Rydal water along the way - from lovely White Moss Common.

Angie read a brief blessing that had first been read out at Greenham Common. She also lead us through a walking meditation which we could use.

At Rydal Hall, some stopped for a hot drink while the others sat contemplating the water.

Our return route took us along the Rydal shore and gently up onto Loughrigg Terrace where we had lunch.

Angie then helped us to re-focus on a walking mediation. In the morning we had walked in silence, and those that wanted could continue this in the afternoon. The rest chatted quietly.

We headed to Loughrigg Tarn and sat quietly beside the water. It is a beautiful spot.

Turning back, we took the route down through Redbank Woods to Grasmere, getting back in time for home-made cakes and tea.

Angie led another pre-dinner meditation followed by more delicious food and a quiet evening chatting.

There were a few conflicting weather forecasts for the day and optimistically we chose to believe the most pleasant one.

For the first few hours it looked like we would be proven right. We shared lifts to Skelwith Bridge where we set off towards Colwith Force (waterfall).

We sat for awhile contemplating these striking falls, then carried on to Tilberthwaite.

The fine weather suddenly changed and as the day progressed the weather got worse and worse - horizontal driving rain and strong winds.

A farmer called us 'wild women' for braving the elements! And was kind enough to let us shelter in his barn for a quick bite to eat and a chance to warm up!

Hats and gloves were put on and hot tea shared as we looked out at Tilberthwaite through the drips.

We then headed for Slater Bridge and onto the welcome sight of the Britannia Inn at Elterwater.

There we all had a hot drink, thrilled that we were out of the elements.

The rain stopped and we started to head back to Skelwith Bridge beside Elterwater, but were turned back as it was flooded! So we took the alternative route along the road.

An altogether exciting and adventurous day with not too much of a chance to sit quietly and contemplate. But full of satisfaction nevertheless.

Angie led a pre dinner meditation followed by more good food and a quiet evening in the lounge.

On this last day the sun was shining and the air felt scrubbed clean by the previous day's wind and rain.

There was the usual meditation followed by breakfast.

Our walk was to Easdale Tarn. Heidi introduced a slow walking and counting meditation which everyone tried.

Sour Milk Gill waterfall was impressive after yesterday's rain.

At the tarn we sat quietly and had a first lunch.

We decided to head back the way we came and got back to Glenthorne in time for a cup of tea before heading off on our respective journeys home.