Some of you may be familiar with the world that is Twitter. If you are not, then let me tell you that it is an amazingly generous, welcoming and inspiring place to go. Because of Twitter I am writing this article, having 'met' wonderful Dr Jessie Voigts, founder of Wandering Educators, on Twitter. 

Very recently another Twitter friend and contributor to WanderingEds, travel writer Janice Waugh, the SoloTraveler, decided to leave her hectic life in Canada to come over to England and combine a visit to the World Travel Market in London, with a trip with a difference. She wanted to take a few days' break from communication via mobile, email and the internet to relax in natural surroundings.  I am delighted to say that she chose to come to Cumbria and stay in the Lake District.

With the kind help of Cumbria Tourism she got a lovely B&B, the Rysdale Hotel, in Ambleside, a great centre for exploring the Lakes, being near to the Southern Fells (hills) and Lakes, but not too far from the Northern Lakes either. She wanted to be able to call into a traditional pub and meet the locals, do some walking, chill out and get some inspiration for her writing. 

I met her for a day out at the start of her stay and gave her a sample of the Quirky Traveller Tour. This is another way of seeing the area, which does not involve hiking up big mountains or a relentless itinary where every minute is action-packed.  Rather it is a leisurely wander around the Lakes, taking time out to savour the views, discover quirky and interesting places and share some stories of this wonderful area.

I won't go into the whole day here but a taster of what we saw includes:

Q Rydal Water, the Dragon's Cave and the Velvet Escape Seat (see photo)
Q Swan Lake aka Elterwater and the stunning Langdale Valley
Q The Old Dungeon Ghyll - one of the best pubs in the Lakes IMHO!
Q Beatrix Potter's Sheep - the gentle, hardy Herdwicks (see photo)
Q A peek into Wordsworth's School - and designer wellies
Q The quirky old Car Ferry across Windermere
Q Tiny lanes and curious alleys with unique shops in Bowness
Q Sublime scenery and plenty of time to enjoy it all .........

You can read more of Janice's 'Digital Detox' in her blog post Falling in Love in the Lake District.

I am currently putting together some ideas for further Quirky Traveller tours of the place I love, so do get in touch via Quirky Traveller Tales if you'd like to find out more.  I look forward to sharing further tales with you next month ...