A New Year to Remember!
Is it too late now to say Happy New Year? Possibly, but it still feels like only yesterday we were all gathered in Langdale, right in the heart of the English Lake District, to welcome in 2018.
In what was our biggest trip yet, nearly 100 people gathered in the big old house on the hill that is Langdale YHA. The first day was an adventure in itself, with a band of snow making life difficult getting to the hostel, but amid cancelled food orders, abandoned cars and some serious food sledding we all managed to get there. Kudos to the guests who walked up the hill to the hostel – hopefully you all remember it as fun!
“New year’s eve was really good fun, and the food was fabulous. Staff gave everyone a really good night, I'll never forget it!”
For the next few days we put on a variety of walks, which took everyone from the peaceful shores of Rydal Water, around the beautiful valley wanders of Langdale, and right up to the top of the Pike O Blisco. We had navigation courses, nature walks, visits to the Lakes Distillery and Honister Slate Mine, and even one brave soul going open water swimming!
We had adventures in the snow on the first day, giving everyone a very wintery look at Stickle Tarn, and even some sun on New Year’s Day to light our way up the Langdale Pikes and around Grasmere. Many pubs and cafes were visited, and the endless supply of mulled wine certainly met its match!
“Such a good variety of walks offered and all leaders were so knowledgeable and helpful and showed us amazing scenery.”
Everything culminated in our New Year’s Eve party, complete with disco, gin bar, prosecco and of course the ubiquitous mulled wine. Well done to everyone who gave it a go, there were certainly some fantastic dance moves on show! And nearly all of us made it out into the fresh air for a New Year’s Day walk.
We’d like to give a big thank-you to all the staff who worked over the long weekend, and for all you guys who came along and made the most of celebrating the turn of the year. We’re currently in the process of planning the next New Year trips, but remember this year we’re doing our first Christmas Trip, and you can always also come and see the Lake District in warmer months…
