‘I TRIED IT!’
An active trip to Another Place, The Lake, in the heart of the Lake District leaves WF editor Sarah Sellens feeling renewed
‘Feet on the ledge, look out to the boat house, then three, two, one… jump! I plunge Into the 17oc depths of Ullswater, the second largest lake in the Lake District and the setting for Another Place, The Lake, a contemporary 47-bedroom hotel on its shoreline.
‘This is my first morning at the resort and we’re wild swimming under the expert instruction of swimming coach Colin Hill. It’s not the first time I’ve swum in open water, but this is different – it’s not about getting from A to B as fast as I can, but about enjoying the wilderness. We’ve dived under the clear water, bopped about, even lay back and revelled in the beautiful scenery, and now we’re jumping off Kailpot Crag. It’s invigorating, energising and a great way to reconnect with nature.
‘Of course, you can focus on your swimming skills here, too – there’s a Cross Lake swim or 1:1 coaching in the endless pool. And if swimming isn’t your thing, you can explore the lake by kayak, learn to stand-up paddleboard or try your hand at archery. I spend the rest of my day doing a recommended local walk to the Aira Force waterfall (walking maps are at reception), then it’s back to the hotel for a full-body massage in the spa. What bliss!
‘After the Zen-like spa indulgence, I return to the shepherd’s hut that’s home for the night. It’s one of the new Outside rooms and a great place to get closer to nature, with lake views, an interior designed with handcrafted oak and a decked outdoor area with firepit. Three delicious courses at the Rampsbeck Restaurant have left me feeling fully refuelled, so I retire to bed, sleeping under the stars thanks to a ‘stargazing roof’. The next morning, there’s time for stand-up paddleboarding, then I head home with a renewed energy and one question: “When shall I return?”’
A couple shepherd hut at Another Place, The Lake, starts at £425 a night. Standard hotel rooms cost from £210. All activiites are charged separately. Book at another.place