Soph’s Scribbles

I thought Friday was just the end of a long work week. Instead, it turned into the most thoughtful surprise.

Before we left, George told me we were playing hangman to guess where we were staying. Letter by letter, it started to click, the Beech Hill Hotel. And my heart instantly melted. The same place I’d surprised him with for his birthday. Somewhere that already meant so much to us.

As the roads turned greener and the air fresher, I realised we were heading back into the heart of the Lake District.

We opened the door to our room and there it was, the most peaceful view stretching straight onto Lake Windermere. The water was calm, silver in the evening light. Our room backed right onto the lake, like it had been waiting for us.

And as if that wasn’t enough, we had complimentary access to the spa, which we made full use of on Friday night. After a busy week, stepping into the warmth of the spa felt like exhaling. The quiet pool, the heat, the stillness, it was the perfect way to begin our anniversary weekend. No distractions. Just us, slowing down together.

There’s something about returning to a place that already holds memories. It felt familiar in the best way.

Saturday: Rydal Circular, Ambleside & Clear Skies

We woke up to that same peaceful view over Lake Windermere. Still water, soft morning light and that quiet calm you only really get in the Lakes. After a relaxed hotel breakfast, we set off for one of the most popular and scenic Lake District walks: a 10k circular route taking in Rydal Cave and the historic Coffin Route.

If you’re planning a weekend in Windermere or the wider Lake District, this walk is such a good option. At around 10 kilometres, it’s classed as moderate. Long enough to feel like a proper hike, but manageable if you’ve got a reasonable level of fitness. It’s ideal for couples, weekend visitors, or anyone wanting classic Lake District scenery without committing to a full mountain climb.

Why it’s worth doing:

• Rydal Cave is one of the most photographed spots in the area, with dramatic stone walls and stepping stones across the water.
• The Coffin Route is a historic trail linking Ambleside and Grasmere, with incredible elevated views over Rydal Water.
• The route gives you a mix of lake views, caves, open fellside and gentle inclines, so it never feels repetitive.

Despite a questionable forecast, we managed to dodge the rain! Layers are definitely recommended (this is the Lakes, after all), but we were lucky enough for the skies to stay bright and clear, lighting up the deep, unmistakable green hills.

Ten kilometres later, muddy shoes and cheeks a little flushed from the climb, it felt like we’d really experienced the landscape, not just seen it. There’s something about walking side by side for hours, talking about everything and nothing, that makes an anniversary feel even more meaningful.

A proper Lake District day out, and one I’d absolutely recommend if you’re visiting Windermere for the weekend.

A Weekend to Remember

As we drove away on Sunday, the hills fading behind us and the lake shimmering in the morning light, I felt a quiet kind of contentment. It wasn’t just the views, or the walks, or even the spa. It was the feeling of being truly present together, of living in the moment and loving doing life side by side. Spending our anniversary in a place that already held memories made it even more special. Proof that love is in the details, in returning, and in shared experiences that quietly accumulate into a life together.

This weekend was a celebration of all of that: connection, joy, and the simple magic of being with the person who makes ordinary days feel extraordinary. It was a great reminder to slow down, appreciate the present, and to continue to create new memories to carry forward.