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On 4 May Cumbria Blue Badge Guides were in for a real treat from local guide Alison Pickering in Ambleside.
Driving through Ambleside at first glance a visitor might be mistaken in thinking Ambleside a crowded tourist trap of outdoor clothing shops, cafes and an ‘odd little house on a bridge’.
Alison led us through winding backstreets, ginnels, brookside pathways, coffin routes, visiting old chapels, inns and houses against the stunning backdrop of Loughrigg , Fairfield and Wansfell fells (hills). She painted a picture of pastures, watermills, stage coaches and slower agrarian times. She weaved a story of Ambleside’s industrial legacy – Stock Beck alone powered 9 mills by the end of the 19th century – along with the village’s social and artistic legacy, so that our eyes were opened.
The High Sheriff of Westmorland who awarded the Market Charter was Lady Ann Clifford, a bit of a Cumbrian legend. We visited the dwellings, legacies, haunts or resting places of such notables as John Kelsick, William Green, Charles Dickens, Charlotte Bronte, Josefina de Vasconcelos, Harriet Martineau, Charlotte Mason, William and Dorothy Wordsworth, John Ruskin, Benson Harrison, Chair Rigg, Kurt Schwitters and the Armitt Sisters. We understood their love of Ambleside and their desire to give back to the community in creating art, literature, schools, colleges, libraries, community centres and trusts which survive to this day.
One great story – the Methodist congregation sold their ornately decorated church in Millan’s Park to pool their resources with the Anglican community and build a community centre which could be used by all. Beautifully designed by Paul Grout Associates in local stone it can be booked by anyone and is ideal for presentations, seminars or training opportunities.
The afternoon programme was something every busy person should experience. Run by Katherine Beaumont of Full Circle Experiences we were led into a green pasture on a farm between Skelwith and Tarn Hows, overlooking the Langdale Pikes. A glorious sunny day with bluebells and a breeze rustling the trees coming into leaf.
Katherine explained that horses are very sensitive and intuitive. Whatever mental baggage or stress a visitor brings to the encounter- raised pulse rate or breathing, high hormones or cortisol levels – the horse knows and reacts with caution. If the visitor consciously empties their mind of yesterday’s stresses or tomorrow’s ‘to do’ list and focuses purely on grooming and stroking the horse, but staying present and talking to it quietly, the horse responds positively and relaxes. In that moment the groomer and the horse synchronise and become meditative. The horse will eventually feel so relaxed that it lies down – the visitor can do the same and cuddle the horse. Amazing!
The experience is suitable for anyone – Katherine recommended visitors come at the start of their holiday to help them connect with the landscape – but it has been found to be particularly effective for people suffering from grief or trauma.
Links: https://www.amblesidealison.uk
https://fullcirclewellness.uk/Meditate_with_Horses.html
Tags: Ambleside, Lake District, Wellness
Jenny Wilson May 4th May 2023
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