I’m back from a welcome break. I dread this time of the
year, miserable mornings and dark tea-times. Everything seems like a major
effort. It’s like an illness and the older I get, the worse it feels. The best
thing is to go away and talk myself into accepting winter. I spent a few days
of rest and recuperation at my favorite location in Dumfries and Galloway. Close
to Loch Ken and on the fringe of Galloway Forest, a concealed single track lane
winds through the countryside leading to a cluster of timber-clad lodges. They
are each set in their own space, surrounded by trees and shrubs and positioned
so that none over-looks another. Next to the lodges, a couple of stone-built
cottages face the courtyard of the old manor house where the lane ends. We stay
in one of the lodges, quiet, hidden, a very private place.
We found it by accident. A few years ago we were searching
online for weekend accommodation in the far north-west of England to meet up
with family who were traveling down from Ayrshire. Our previous destination at
the top of the Lake District was too expensive at this time and we wanted an
affordable alternative. We didn’t intend to go into Scotland, but we found this
place – well within budget, even with extra traveling costs – and decided to go
ahead, with the understanding that ‘you get what you pay for’. With that in
mind, we were not expecting much. We were certainly not expecting the high
standards that we found in a warm, cosy, spotlessly clean, very well equipped
wonderful lodge, in the middle of nowhere. Of course, we missed the turn off.
It’s easily done.
That was the first of many visits. I love the isolation. The
nearest shops are six miles away in Kirkcudbright, or seven miles the other way
to Castle Douglas. There’s nowhere within walking distance for us, apart from,
well, going for a walk which is usually my first occupation in the mornings,
taking our spaniel out. No WiFi, no phone signal, no trappings of the fast
moving electronic world. It’s refreshing to escape, listen to the sounds of
nature, watch woodland animals and relax.
We’ve got it off to a fine art, now. We pick up groceries
and supplies on the way and upon arrival we are soon unpacked and settled in.
This was our third visit this year. The woods and hedgerows were rich in autumn
and winter color of reds, rust, gold and green, edged in white with morning
frost. Walking our dog early one morning, I was thrilled and surprised to see
two deer very close to the lane. A little further up, our presence disturbed a
pair of pheasants, the majestic male with his glorious blood-red plumage and golden
speckles took flight, quickly followed by the brownish, chestnut speckled female.
It’s a privilege to be so close to nature. I’d rather listen to owls at night
than speeding cars and sirens.
This hidden gem is my perfect sanctuary. I feel a lot better
for my visit.
This is a very private place,
A comforting, cosy retreat
Where we find peace in our own
space
And rest until we feel complete.
Close to the forest, near the
loch
This is a very private place
Beyond the grazing Blackface
flock,
A home from home, a perfect base.
We snuggle up in warm embrace
And listen for the woodland
sounds
This is a very private place
Where playful rabbits have no
bounds.
In the semi-dark of twilight
An owl, a fox, maybe a trace
Of deer or something to delight
This is a very private place
Thanks for reading, Pam x
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