We had the most incredible elecrtical storm during the night. We were both up at 3am watching bolts of lightning striking all around us and feeling The Cottage shake as the thunder shook through the sky above us. Rain accompanied the flashes and hammered down hard on the skylights. It was a real force of Read more

Possibly the hottest day I’ve ever known at The Cottage. I had quite a lot on ‘online engagements, so had to plan around these to make the most of the conditions. Rolling out of bed was followed by rolling down the hill on my bike and a short ride to a new section of river Read more

Summer temperatures are back for a few days. An evening ride up the valley took us to yet another new swim zone. We’d actually planned on going further, but a broken bike chain meant that the end of the ride, which luckily put us here! The water felt totally ok, and barely cooled me down. Read more

A blustery and wet start to the day made it look as though the clouds might never leave this morning. But by late afternoon, they seemed to vanish within a few minutes, leaving completely clear blue skies and with the temperatures climbing high again. We went out to see some friends for a ‘garden chat’, Read more

With strong winds and heavy showers forecast and still feeling a little disorientated, today was designated as an official Cottage Day. It was great. Morning brews in the chalet, catching up with friends by email and text was a much needed relaxing start to the day. After a midday brunch, we walked up the slates Read more

The last few days have flown past in a blur. Thunderstorms, lightening and a 24 hour dash to London to be at Robin’s Funeral had left me in a bit of a haze. Only had the energy for a few strolls down to the river in the evenings between the downpours. On Saturday, things picked Read more