Need to start adding some pins to this one.  Now, where have I been…

Why is the first fish so exciting?

It happened today to Chris Tye, a loyal fisherman whose efforts for many, many years have been rewarded only by the good experience of being on the river – never by the great experience of landing a lovely, fresh, sea-liced springer.

Everyone is thrilled for him! I heard great whoops coming across the river from the Gravel Bank pool and looked up from my gardening to see Chris well into a fish. Graham Moffat was all ready to rush round to lend a hand, but fortunately another member of his team ran down the bank with a net in hand.

No mistakes. No bad luck. No Murphy’s Law. Just a beautiful, clean, sea liced spring salmon, extravagantly admired and quickly measured, then back into the river to continue her journey upstream.

What do you bet the glow will stay with Chris for many a day to come?

Life is good.

Val

Fly Fishing in Cumbria

Our first new potatoes are finally ready; every year the first bite surprises me – how can the lowly potato be so perfectly delicious? And why don’t I remember?

The walled garden is into overdrive. First the strawberries, now the blackcurrants, with the raspberries revving up, ready to race up from behind. As fast as we pick them, Mother Nature is right behind us. Fresh with cream and sugar, jam, jelly, coulis – no amount of consumption ever comes out ahead. It’s time to open the nets and let the birds share the bounty.

I’m still protecting the red gooseberries, however. Top and tailing is the project for today because I want to try a new recipe for Gooseberry Mascarpone Trifle (a tip of the hat to the SundayTimes Stella). The undecided question: to splash with wine or leave it alone?

I’m minded to try a spoonful of our favourite pudding wine Monbazillac, dom. Grange Neuve. Definitely not sherry. Or perfectly plain with a drop of vanilla in our homemade custard?

Oh my. The responsibility of getting it right! I’ll just have to try it both ways. Two puddings in the line of duty – after a morning in the garden, with the birds calling and the sun shining.

Life is good.

Balfour Beatty is a world-class infrastructure services business with four
market-leading businesses in professional services, construction services,
support services and infrastructure investments, with total revenues of over
£10 billion and over 50,000 employees.

Over the last 15 years we have developed an infrastructure investments
business that is the market leader in the provision of privately-financed projects
across the world. These are high-value, long-term, complex and innovative
projects, delivered through an international network of specialist companies.

Warwick Hall is only 2 miles from Carlisle (just off the M6 junction) yet a world away from day to day routines. This hotel is ideal for business travellers or as luxury accommodation from which to fish, relax, play golf or host a small celebratory party.

Experience the pleasure of a classic English sporting estate with all the convenience of a modern hotel. You’ll find broadband, wi-fi, an excellent cell phone reception and real flexibility on our part. You can also enjoy:

• fly fishing for salmon and trout
• beautiful long walks
• a good tennis court
• a private yoga studio
• several quality golf courses at hand
• a dog friendly environment!

This hotel is ideal to stay in on your own or to book out in its entirety for a group/ family party, a small wedding, or a professionally organised business meeting.

Tell us what you want and let us make it happen

Warwick Hall is only 2 miles from Carlisle (just off the M6 junction) yet a world away from day to day routines. This hotel is ideal for business travellers or as luxury accommodation from which to fish, relax, play golf or host a small celebratory party.

Experience the pleasure of a classic English sporting estate with all the convenience of a modern hotel. You’ll find broadband, wi-fi, an excellent cell phone reception and real flexibility on our part. You can also enjoy:

• fly fishing for salmon and trout
• beautiful long walks
• a good tennis court
• a private yoga studio
• several quality golf courses at hand
• a dog friendly environment!

This hotel is ideal to stay in on your own or to book out in its entirety for a group/ family party, a small wedding, or a professionally organised business meeting.

Tell us what you want and let us make it happen

Warwick Hall is not suitable for guests with mobility disabilities

Food is great here at warwick hall