1. The endless pretty villages. I tell John that is good job its overcast or it might be unbearably beautiful.
1b. “Look,” John says to make me look up from my map. Sudden huge hills rise up all around us. They look soft to the touch, not quite velvet but moleskin.
1c. A conveniently placed patch of green (for a dog wee), a chilled out bar, a nice meal and the best sticky toffee pudding we’ve had in years/ever.
1d. We enjoy the word ‘buttress’.
2. The landscape suddenly changes as we enter Scotland. Flat fields give way to hills and evergreens. It’s hard to concentrate on where we’re going.
2b. I get John to high five me in the woods — not a euphemism – I just deserve a high five for finding this place. Lily could not be more delighted either.
2c. I can’t describe how cosy it is – everything so soft and luxurious.
3. They were the big draw of this place – what set it apart – and they don’t disappoint. The sauna is a little too hot for our first session and the hot tub feels that way too but we quickly acclimatise to the heat. The second time around they’re both a perfect temperature. Afterwards, I slump on the sofa: my body hasn’t felt as relaxed in a long time – my muscles feel like jelly.
3b. Stars appear in patches between the clouds. The moon illuminates the snowy hills.
3c. I’m surprised how buoyant I am in the water. My boobs defy gravity for the first time in a long time and the rest of me joins them, floating inches above the seat.
3d. Pleasant pinprinks of drizzle on my face.
Leave a Reply