From a cottage on the shore of Lough Mask, Co Mayo, after another fabulous swim out into the lough and back to start the day
We had a very busy exhibition here at the gallery at the end of June, which went incredibly well, with most of the new paintings departing for their new homes. July was dominated by the annual trip to Harrogate for ‘Home and Gift’ buyer’s festival, where buyers for galleries, shops, lifestyle stores and garden centres from all over the UK, also places as far flung as the Falkland Isles congregate to source new wholesale products like art, fashion, stationery from the best UK designers.
Finally, August has been time to draw breath, and spend a bit of time enjoying ourselves and exploring some new paces.
Several years ago Fifey and I visited St Mary’s loch, near Selkirk. We took a canoe on the roof of the car, which Fifey paddled up the loch, while I swam alongside. Ever since that trip, I have fancied spending more time in the area, so I took the caravan up to the wonderfully eccentric Tibbie Shield’s Inn camping site, situated on the strip of land which separates Loch of the Lowes from St Mary’s Loch. Fifey and I took a canoe, our e-bikes and swimming gear for a five day trip which mostly entailed cycling a lot further than I am used to, bumping our way over the wonderful Southern Uplands and swimming in some new rivers and lochs, including the waters of Loch Skeen, which is the location of thriving population of the quite rare freshwater fish, vendace. This trip involves a steep hike up past the famous Grey Mare’s Tail waterfall, where we spotted a herd of feral goats, with their impressive curved horns. The view of the loch, surrounded by the Moffat hills, is well worth the walk, and we enjoyed a short chilly swim before heading back down the steep path to the car park.
Before bringing the caravan home, one of my more easily led swimming friends joined me for a couple of days. A planned swim down the length of St Mary’s loch had to be postponed as Id forgotten the sailing club hold races on Sundays, and it would have been foolhardy to swim through the flotilla of dinghies. As an alternative, we decided to walk up the Loch of the Lowes, and swim back to the caravan site, a much shorter but still lovely swim. We also hiked up to Loch Skeen again and enjoyed swimming a little further into the loch.
I am always surprised by the relative emptiness of this area. With the Lake District so jam packed with people these days, I find Im drawn to this less explored area, with much quieter roads and relaxed laws relating to access, in particular outdoor swimming. The signs which are put up alongside the reservoirs warn of the dangers, but are realistic and helpful, unlike those frequently seen in England’s reservoirs which often make ludicrous claims and terrifying warnings.
Im currently spending a few days in Ireland with generous friends enjoying lake swimming, walking and even horse racing at Ballinrobe Racecourse, with views of the Partry Mountains, where we will be walking later on!
Mary Ann Rogers Gallery,
West Woodburn, Hexham NE48 2SE
Open Tues, Thurs, Fri 10-4 – Sundays 2-5
07967 550772 – www.marogers.com