Friday 13th November 2026

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Recently, I wrote a blog asking, Have you had those conversations? Little did I know that someone in our family hadn’t had those conversations or put things in place. We didn’t discover this until that unfortunate and very sad day arrived.

Suddenly, we found ourselves scrambling around, searching through drawers and cupboards, trying to retrieve whatever information we could find. And do you know what? It just doesn’t feel right having to rummage through someone’s personal belongings, even though they have passed away.

It also puts an enormous amount of unnecessary stress on the family members left behind, particularly those who thought everything was already in place. At a time when you should be allowed to grieve and come to terms with your loss, instead of being left to try and piece everything together.

You’re searching the house like a headless chicken, trying to find important documents, contact details and information, all while working to strict timeframes. In England, you generally have five days to register a death, unless the coroner is involved and different arrangements apply.

I cannot stress enough how incredibly important it is to have things organised beforehand.

So, to help you take those first steps, I’m going to let you into my own little secret to easier planing for those you leave behind:

My Death Folder!

This folder is something I update whenever necessary, because circumstances change, new things crop up and sometimes I simply think of something else that needs adding.

I’m hoping that by sharing some of my own tips and ideas, I might give you the nudge you need to start putting together a folder of your own. It doesn’t have to be complicated or fancy. It’s simply about making life a little easier for the people you love when they are faced with an incredibly difficult time.

So, where do you start?

Firstly get a folder or box file, something where all your information can be put into one place, think about the things people will need to know when you are no longer here.

As well as the important documents, I would include:

Full names, dates of birth and addresses.

Names and contact details of close family members.

Funeral director details, if you have a preference.

Your wishes regarding burial or cremation.

Any funeral wishes, music, readings or personal requests.

Details of bank accounts, savings and pensions.

Insurance policies and policy numbers.

Mortgage or tenancy information.

Utility providers and account details.

Details of any Lasting Powers of Attorney.

Your Will and where the original is held.

Details of regular payments, subscriptions and memberships.

Contact details for anyone who may need to be involved.

You might also want to include a little personal information about how you would like things to be remembered or celebrated. After all, these arrangements are about you.

Just remember to keep sensitive information, such as passwords and PINs, secure rather than leaving them openly in a folder. Let someone you trust know where important documents are kept and how to access them.

What happens when someone dies?

There are a few practical things that need to happen following a death.

If someone dies at home and the death was expected, a healthcare professional will verify the death. Then the funeral directors can be contacted who can take the person into their care and advise the next steps.

You will also need to register the death with the registrar, usually within five days of the doctor issuing the death certificate, unless the coroner is involved. ( England & Wales )

The registrar will need some basic information, including:

• The date and place of death.
• The person’s full name and address.
• Their date and place of birth.
• Their most recent occupation and, if retired, whether they received a pension or other benefits.
• The name, occupation and date of birth of their spouse or partner, even if that person has already died.

If you have the following documents available, they can also be really useful to take along, but if not available the death can still be registered

Registrar

• NHS medical card or NHS number.
• Passport.
• Driving licence.
• Birth certificate.
• Marriage or civil partnership certificate.
• Proof of address, such as a utility bill or Council Tax bill.

Once the death has been registered, the registrar will provide some important documents.

1. Certificate for burial or cremation

Often known as the Green Form in England and Wales, this is immediately sent to the funeral directors, which allows the funeral arrangements for burial or cremation to proceed.

2. Death certificate

This is a certified copy of the death registration, which you will need for dealing with various organisations and financial matters. There is a fee for each copy.

My advice would be to purchase several certified copies at this stage. You will probably need more than one when dealing with banks, pension providers and other organisations, and ordering additional copies later can be more time-consuming.

3. Tell Us Once service

You will also be given a unique reference number so that you can use the government’s Tell Us Once service.

This is a really useful service that allows you to notify several government departments and organisations about the death in one go.

It can notify:

• HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).
• Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
• HM Passport Office.
• Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA).
• Local council services, including Council Tax and electoral registration.
• The Blue Badge scheme, where applicable.

You can find more information here:

https://www.gov.uk/when-someone-dies/tell-us-once

Although Tell Us Once is incredibly helpful, there are still other organisations and people you may need to contact.

These might include:

• Personal pension providers.
• Insurance companies.
• Banks and building societies.
• Mortgage providers or landlords, if applicable.
• Social services, particularly if the person received care.
• Gas, electricity, water and other utility companies.
• Employers, if the person was still working.
• Doctors, dentists and opticians.
• Any other health or care services the person may have been using.

And this is precisely why having all your information together in one place can make such a difference.

There is plenty of information available online about what to do when someone dies, but when you’re grieving, the last thing you want is to be searching the internet, rummaging through cupboards or trying to remember where something important might be.

There is already so much to think about and deal with. Having the information readily available can remove some of that unnecessary pressure and allow your loved ones to concentrate on what really matters: each other, saying goodbye and having time to grieve.

So, my message is simple.

Get organised. Be kind. Think about the people you love.

Start putting your folder together, have those conversations and make sure someone knows where everything is.

Don’t keep putting it off because you think there’s plenty of time. We simply don’t know what lies around the corner or when our time will come.

It might not be the most cheerful thing to spend a couple of days organising, but I can promise you it’s one of the kindest things you can do for the people you leave behind.

A little preparation today could make an enormous difference to someone you love tomorrow.

And remember, it’s never too early to get organised.

A little note: The information shared in this blog is intended as a basic outline and a starting point for your own research. I would always encourage you to check the details, look online, read around and find out as much as you can for yourself. Everyone’s circumstances and funeral plans will be different. Information, guidance and requirements can change over time and may also vary depending on where you live.

Useful links below

https://www.gov.uk/when-someone-dies/tell-us-once

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/family/death-and-wills/what-to-do-after-a-death/

https://www.dementiauk.org/information-and-support/looking-after-yourself-as-a-carer/grief-bereavement-and-loss/

https://www.ageuk.org.uk/siteassets/documents/information-guides/ageukig03_when_someone_dies.inf.pdf

Wednesday 11th November 2026

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For the last six years, I’ve spent my time looking for ways around things rather than giving in to them. Since being diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s, I’ve realised that living well isn’t always about finding a cure, it’s about finding adaptations that help me to live a comfortable, independent life.

In my opinion, people often give up too quickly when something becomes difficult. I understand why, because dementia can be incredibly frustrating. But I’ve learned that if I stop, stand back for a moment and really assess the situation, there is often another way. Sometimes it’s not about changing the problem, it’s about changing how I approach it.

I can be quite tough on myself when things don’t go to plan. My first reaction is often disappointment, but then I remind myself to ask, “What could I do differently to make this easier?” That simple question has helped me more times than I can count.

The smallest adaptations can make the biggest difference. I keep my drawers and cupboards clutter-free so I can see exactly what’s inside. In my craft room cupboards, and drawers become confusing, a familiar label or little picture can instantly remind me what’s behind them. It sounds so simple, but it removes so much unnecessary stress.

Walking Toby and Sooty used to leave me in a real tizzy. I was forever searching for leads, poo bags, treats or my keys, and by the time we were ready I already felt overwhelmed. Now everything lives in one place. I simply pick it up, put it on, and off we go. That one small change has made dog walks feel enjoyable again instead of stressful.

I honestly don’t think I could function without my large noticeboard and my faithful sticky notes. They’ve become my extra memory, gently prompting me through the day without making me feel like I’ve failed. They’re not a sign of weakness, they’re one of my greatest tools for staying independent.

This morning reminded me how important routine is. It’s like when we come back from a holiday, and my routine has been knocked completely out of sync. I actually forget to wash and clean my teeth. Years ago I might have felt embarrassed admitting that, but it’s the reality of Alzheimer’s. Rather than criticising myself, I’ll simply look for another reminder and build it back into my morning.

That’s what I’ve learned about dementia: every time Alzheimer’s throws a little spanner in the works, Gail gets busy looking for another solution. I may have to adapt, rethink and reorganise, but I’m not ready to give in. Independence doesn’t always mean doing things the old way, it means finding a new way that still lets you be yourself.

Sometimes the answer isn’t giving up.

Sometimes it’s simply taking the time to look for the way around.

Monday 9th November 2026

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Have you had those conversations about end of life? Have you got your Lasting Power of Attorney for Health and Welfare in place?

It might all sound a little morbid, and perhaps not the sort of conversation we naturally want to have, but these discussions are so important. Death is a natural part of life, and something none of us can avoid. Yet so many of us put off making plans, perhaps because we don’t want to think about it, or simply because we believe there is plenty of time.

My advice? Don’t wait until it’s too late.

Don’t leave things until you are in the later stages of life, when family members are rushing around, desperately searching through paperwork and trying to piece together information about your wishes. Make those decisions now, while you can, and make sure the people closest to you know what you want.

You are never too young, and it’s never too early to start planning.

Once you have things in place, you can get on with living your life, knowing that your wishes have been documented and that the people around you understand them.

I’ve taken these steps myself. Everything I want or need to help ensure I receive comfortable and appropriate end-of-life care has been discussed and documented with my doctor and Admiral Nurses. I’ve also put together what I call my ‘death folder’, which contains important information and details about my wishes. My hubby knows exactly where it is, and my daughter has also been made aware of it.

Why have I done this? Quite simply, I don’t want my family having to scramble through piles of paperwork, trying to find the information they need at what will already be an incredibly difficult time. Nor do I want medical decisions being made without people understanding my wishes, or being given medication or treatments that I have previously said I do not want.

I want to have a say in my life, and I want my wishes respected right to the very end.

There is quite a lot to think about and organise, but some of these things really are worth getting sorted sooner rather than later.

Make sure you look into Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) for both Property and Financial Affairs and Health and Welfare. These are two separate arrangements, and having them in place can make a huge difference if you are no longer able to make certain decisions for yourself. Some people qualify for a full exemption or a 50% reduction, depending on benefits and financial circumstances. I would Check with the GOV.UK website

https://www.gov.uk/power-of-attorney

There are also other things worth considering:

• Advance care planning: Put a care plan in place, documenting your wishes about future care, treatments and the things that matter to you. Think about where you would prefer to spend your final days, if circumstances allow.
• Advance Decision to Refuse Treatment (ADRT): This is sometimes called a living will. It allows you to record specific medical treatments you would not want to receive in certain circumstances if you were unable to make or communicate that decision yourself. It’s worth discussing this with your doctor so you understand exactly what it means.
• Review your wishes: Life changes, circumstances change and sometimes our feelings change too. Make a point of revisiting your plans and updating your paperwork when necessary. Make sure everyone who needs to know is aware of any changes.
• Important contacts and finances: Keep a record of your bank accounts, utility providers, insurance policies, pension details and other important contacts. It can make dealing with practical arrangements much easier for your family.
• Make your folder accessible: Keep your important documents somewhere safe but make sure the people who may need them know exactly where to find them. There’s little point having everything beautifully organised if nobody knows where it is!

And don’t forget to check whether you qualify for a reduction or exemption on the Power of Attorney registration fees. There are concessions available for some people, depending on their income and circumstances.

These might seem like simple things, but they can make an enormous difference to the people left behind. They can take away some of the uncertainty, reduce unnecessary stress and, most importantly, help ensure that your wishes are understood.

Living with young-onset Alzheimer’s has made me think about these things perhaps a little earlier than I might otherwise have done. I know how important it is to have a voice, to be listened to and to retain as much control over my life as possible.

I don’t see making these arrangements as being negative or giving up. Quite the opposite. For me, it’s about taking responsibility, making choices and giving my family some reassurance that they won’t be left wondering what I wanted.

So, please, don’t keep putting it off. Have those conversations, get the paperwork started and make sure the people you love know your wishes.

Because none of us knows when that date will arrive.

And once you’ve done it, you can put that folder away, get on with living and keep finding reasons to look forward.

It’s important. So what are you waiting for?

Friday 6th November 2026

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On Thursday 29th October 2026, hubby and I were interviewed by a journalist. Tom from DementiaUK had kindly arranged the call and was also on hand in the background, just in case anything needed a little clarification or support.

Earlier in the week, I had received some questions by email, so I sat down and made myself some notes to help me prepare. I thought I was well organised and ready for anything… or at least I thought I was! Hubby had to remind me I had made notes, the ones that were in front of me!

We chatted for a good hour, and there was plenty of laughter along the way as we talked about every aspect of how hubby and I live with my sidekick, early-onset Alzheimer’s.

I suppose talking so openly about dementia has become part of our everyday life. Nothing is really off limits between us anymore. Why should it be? Why hide things away, brush them under the carpet or pretend everything is fine when it isn’t?

Living with dementia affects so much more than people might realise, not just the person diagnosed but those closest to them too. There are challenges, frustrations and difficult days, but there is also laughter, love and plenty of life in between. I think it’s important that people hear about all of it, not just the bits that are easy to talk about.

We need to have these conversations. We need to talk honestly about dementia, the realities of living with it and the impact it has on families. The more we share our experiences, the more opportunities we create to educate others, challenge misconceptions and hopefully build a much wider understanding of a condition that is still so misunderstood.

I don’t know how the interview went from the journalist’s perspective, but I hope we managed to give her plenty of insight and that she was able to gather the information she needed to put together a good piece.

We will have the opportunity to read the article before it is published in a newspaper or magazine, so I’m looking forward to seeing how our conversation comes together.

As always, I’ll keep you posted and let you know where you can read it once it’s available.

One conversation at a time, one story at a time, hopefully we can continue to make a difference.

Wednesday 4th November 2026

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Most people know that I ran my own embroidery business until dementia came along and disrupted my world.

The machines I used were professional-grade commercial embroidery machines, with six needles and interchangeable embroidery areas, allowing me to embroider just about anything, from garments to caps…I loved what I did.

But the software I used to digitise designs and turn them into embroidery stitches gradually became too complicated for my brain to manage. I struggled to follow the process, and it was both frustrating and upsetting. Eventually, reality hit home, and I had to accept that it was time to let my business go.

I did keep one machine for a while. I suppose it was something to hold on to, a little piece of the business I had loved so much. But I hardly used it because the stress of trying to work with it, was just too much. Eventually, we sold it.

Just another thing dementia had taken away from me.

But was it really the end of embroidery for me?

6 Years Later

Over the last six months or so, I’ve found myself wondering whether I could try again. Technology has moved on, and I started reading about the newer, simpler embroidery machines and the changes in digitising software.

I began to ask myself two very big questions:

Could I do it?

Would I be able to understand it again?

Hubby and I talked about it. Would buying another machine be a waste of money, or could it give me something new to occupy my time, keep my brain active and, most importantly, bring me some enjoyment?

For months, I looked at different machines, talked myself out of buying one, and then spotted something else that made me want to have another go.

Then I spotted an embroidery machine in the sale!

Should I buy it?

Would it be a waste of money?

What if I couldn’t understand how to use it?

What if I got frustrated and gave up?

Oh my goodness, the number of questions I asked myself! It was almost as though I was trying to talk myself out of even trying.

But then I remembered something I often say:

If you never try, how will you ever know what you can do?

So, I took a deep breath and made the purchase!

I’ve spent the last couple of days having a good old mess about with my new machine. I’ve done things wrong, put things right, forgotten what I’d done previously and had to work things out again. I’m learning to digitise designs once more, and although retaining information can be a little tricky, I’m giving it a damn good go!

And do you know what? I’m enjoying embroidery again!

I might be slower than I used to be. I might need to repeat things, make notes and remind myself how to do something I managed perfectly well yesterday. I know there will be frustrating days, and I have no idea how far I’ll be able to take this.

Today, I’m doing it.

Today, I’m learning, creating and enjoying something I thought I had lost forever.

Tomorrow might be a different story, but that’s tomorrow.

Living with dementia means that sometimes I have to let go of things I can no longer manage in the way I once did. But perhaps it also means giving myself permission to discover new ways of doing the things I love.

I can’t turn back the clock, and I can’t change what dementia has taken away. But I can still have a go, learn something new and surprise myself along the way.

This isn’t about getting back the business I lost. It’s about finding enjoyment in something I love, on my own terms, with the brain I have today.

So here I am, back in front of an embroidery machine, taking one stitch at a time.

Who knows what tomorrow will bring? For now, I’m just happy to be doing something I love again.

And if there’s one thing I hope you take from my little adventure, it’s this:

Don’t be too quick to tell yourself you can’t. Sometimes, you just have to give yourself the chance to try.

Monday 2nd November 2026

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When it comes to finding ways to keep my brain functioning, I’ve tried all sorts of activities over the years. Some have faded away because my brain can no longer keep up, and others… well, I simply got fed up with them.

Dance, though, has always stayed with me.

As my sidekick progresses, one thing that seems to remain is music and movement. Put almost any song on and before I know it, I’m jigging along…Even when I’m wandering around the supermarket, I catch myself jigging between the aisles. The temptation to dance down those isles are very real…I just about manage to resist!

I’ve been trying to learn dance routines from YouTube, but when you have a sidekick that loves interfering with memory and concentration, it isn’t quite as easy as it looks. New routines are much harder to retain, and my attention often wanders before I’ve even learned the next step.

The funny thing is, my body has become another obstacle. In my head, I can do every move perfectly. Reality tells a different story! I’m not as supple as I used to be, my brain doesn’t process the steps as quickly, and I often spend more time catching my breath than actually dancing.

But despite the challenges, dance gives me so much. Repeating simple movements helps my body remember them, faster moves my mind struggles. Music lifts my mood, eases my anxiety, and for a little while I forget I’m exercising. It’s also wonderful for balance, coordination, strength and getting the heart working, even if I do end up bright red with a slightly purple tinge to my face!

Learning a routine is exhausting now, but on the days when I finally remember it, it feels like a little victory. A quiet reminder that my brain is still capable of learning, just in its own way.

I’m definitely not a dancer anymore, but that doesn’t matter. Learning to dance with dementia isn’t about mastering choreography, it’s about movement, laughter, and finding moments of joy.

Because sometimes the smallest steps bring the biggest rewards.

Friday 30th October 2026

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Whilst we were in Manchester to meet with the Coronation Street actors, we thought we would take the opportunity to spend some quality time together and visit a couple of places we had never been to before. The Lowry was one of them, and what a lovely surprise it turned out to be!

We were lucky enough to experience a 360-degree immersive show bringing the art of L.S. Lowry to life, and it was absolutely brilliant! At times, it felt a little strange, and I wasn’t quite sure whether that was my dementia or simply the experience itself, but whatever it was, I loved it.

It was a unique opportunity to immerse ourselves in the sights and sounds of Lowry’s iconic painting Going to the Match. The clever use of digital imagery and sound created layers of reality, making the painting come alive around us. It captured the excitement, anticipation and familiar rituals of going to a football match on a Saturday afternoon.

We could almost feel ourselves amongst the crowds as they made their way through the streets, past market stalls, with matchstick figures, cats and dogs all brought to life. It was a wonderful experience celebrating the everyday lives of working people in a northern town on match day. Just brilliant!

Afterwards, we took the time to listen to a talk about Lowry himself before wandering through the gallery and admiring the wonderful artwork on display.

We also learnt more about his artistic background. Although Lowry studied at Manchester Municipal College of Art under French Impressionist Adolphe Valette, he worked full-time as a rent collector and property clerk in Pendlebury, painting during the evenings and at weekends. He famously challenged the idea of being just a Sunday painter, saying, “I’m a Sunday painter who paints every day of the week!”

I must say, we were pleasantly surprised by just how much there was to see and learn, and we were so glad we had taken the time to visit The Lowry. It was certainly well worth it!

By then, we were ready for some lunch. We spotted a Nando’s, somewhere familiar, so Nando’s it was! Sometimes, when you’re out and about, familiar places can be just what you need.

Hubby works full-time, so we don’t often get the opportunity to spend quality time together during the week. It was lovely to have a day out, just the two of us, enjoying new experiences and making memories together.

With our bellies full, we headed off to our next stop, the Imperial War Museum North. What another incredible building, filled with history, stories and powerful reminders of the impact of war.

Once again, we immersed ourselves in a 360-degree experience, this time using surround sound and digital moving images and photographs projected onto the surrounding walls. It brought together different perspectives, reflecting not only on the immediate effects of war but also on what happens afterwards.

It was a poignant film that certainly made you stop and think. After the show, we spent some time looking at the memorabilia, taking a few photographs and reflecting on what we had seen before heading towards the café.

There, we were meeting Tom from Dementia UK, who would be accompanying us to meet with the Coronation Street stars to talk about their dementia storyline.

What a special day it had been! Two fascinating places, incredible experiences, history, art and time together, all before what was to be another very meaningful meeting.

No wonder I was shattered!

There was so much to see, so much to hear and so much for my brain to process. I absolutely loved the experiences, but living with dementia means that sometimes even the most wonderful days can leave me feeling completely exhausted. Taking in all those sights, sounds and new information is a lot for my brain to manage.

And now? I’m going to need the weekend for my brain to recuperate!

But you know what? It was worth every minute!

Wednesday 28th October 2026

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Oh, the bad head days! How I hate them. How they disrupt, disorientate and completely knock me off balance.

Having a few days away was wonderful, a chance to escape, enjoy nature and take a little break from everyday life. But sometimes, even the loveliest of weekends and then home to a full on few days always comes at a cost. The head from hell days!

The heaviness… oh, the heaviness! It’s like having a huge, dark cloud sitting inside my head that simply refuses to move. Everything feels harder. The confusion increases, and my sensitivity to noise goes through the roof. Even wearing my glasses to read feels heavy and annoyingly uncomfortable. At times, I feel nauseous, and no matter what I try, nothing seems to shift that bloody awful feeling.

It’s difficult to explain unless you’ve experienced it yourself. Imagine trying to think clearly when your head feels full of fog, every sound seems amplified, and even the simplest things take more effort than they should. You want to feel like yourself again, but you can’t simply switch it off. You have to ride it out and hope that, eventually, the cloud will begin to lift.

Trying to explain this to hubby isn’t always easy. He looks at me and asks, “You okay?”

I might just shrug my shoulders, because sometimes I haven’t got the energy to explain how I feel. Then comes the response, “Well, you don’t look it.”

And that’s the thing, isn’t it? I might look a little tired, vacant at times, but I’m not physically unwell. I can still talk, smile, walk around and try my best to function, even when my head feels anything but normal.

Sometimes I think hubby forgets that I have dementia and that a busy weekend, followed by a busy couple of days, no matter how wonderful they have been, can take its toll on me. I get tired of trying to explain how I feel. I get tired of repeating that I do have dementia, and that the effects of it aren’t always visible to the people around me.

I know it must be difficult for someone else to understand when they can’t physically see what is happening inside my head. There’s no plaster, bandage or obvious sign to show that I’m struggling. From the outside, I might look just the same as I did yesterday, but inside, everything can feel completely different.

Dementia is so much more than forgetting things. It can affect how I process information, how I cope with noise, how I manage my day and how much energy I have available. Sometimes, even the things I love doing can leave me needing time to recover.

I’m not someone who gives in easily. I keep trying, keep pushing myself and keep finding reasons to look forward. But I’m also learning that I can’t keep pushing through every difficult day as though nothing is wrong.

Sometimes, I need to stop.

I need peace and quiet. I need the noise to settle, the pressure to ease and the opportunity to let my head recover. I need time to recharge, without feeling that I have to explain myself or prove that I’m struggling.

And perhaps that’s something we all need to understand, whether we live with dementia or support someone who does. Just because someone looks okay doesn’t mean they are okay. A smile can hide a multitude of struggles, and being able to hold a conversation doesn’t mean everything is working as it should.

So, on those bad head days, I’m trying to remind myself that it’s okay to slow down. It’s okay to rest. It’s okay to give myself permission to do less.

I haven’t given up. I’m simply recognising that sometimes my head needs something that I can’t force it to give me.

A little peace, a little quiet, and a little time.

Because even a dementia rebel needs to recharge sometimes.

Monday 26th October 2026

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We do love Cumbria! Although there are some wonderful places to visit, we tend to feel more at home away from the main tourist spots like Windermere and Keswick, which can get very busy. Instead, we’re discovering the quieter places, such as Bassenthwaite, Greystoke, Millom and Kirkby Stephen. We’re still finding new places to explore, but one of our favourites has to be Augill Beck, near Kirkby Stephen.

The lodge retreat is peaceful, surrounded by nature, with only around 30 lodges in total. It has such a wonderful, tranquil atmosphere, making it the perfect place to escape for a few days.

This time, we booked a long weekend and, despite having visited before, we still managed to discover new walks and places to see.

When we go away, it’s also the perfect excuse to take plenty of photographs! Memories of dates, times and places become even more precious when your memory doesn’t always cooperate. My photographs help me remember where we’ve been and what we’ve seen, and they’re also incredibly useful when it comes to writing my blogs.

We arrived at around 2.30pm, and our routine is always the same. First, we unpack, put the kettle on, enjoy a cake and then have a wander around the surrounding area to see what we can discover. After that, it’s time for our evening meal and a little planning for the following day.

I’d spotted a nature reserve and viaduct online, not too far from where we were staying, with a relatively flat walk. So, on Saturday morning, after breakfast, we headed straight out to explore.

Smardale Gill Nature Reserve and Viaduct

Finding the place was an adventure in itself!

Our sat nav decided to take us down some random roads and almost delivered us into a farmyard, which certainly wasn’t the car park we were looking for! After taking another wrong turn we decided to ignore the sat nav, hubby eventually found the car park at Smardale Gill by the use of a map on his phone.

Finally, we were on our walk!

The pathways were lovely and flat, with good underfoot conditions, making it an enjoyable walk. Little birds flitted between the trees, and the dogs were in their element, enjoying the freedom and all the wonderful smells along the way.

We’d been walking for about half an hour when the viaduct finally came into view through the trees

What an impressive sight! Built in 1861, Smardale Gill Viaduct curves its way across the dramatic valley of Scandal Beck. The railway line closed in 1962, and in 1992 the viaduct was handed over to a trust, allowing it to become a permissive footpath.

Today, it’s a Grade II listed structure and has received a National Railway Heritage Award.

It’s a fabulous piece of engineering, and the surrounding views were simply spectacular. There was plenty to photograph, and we took our time enjoying the scenery.

Later that day, after a little refuelling, we headed to Brough Castle. Of course, plenty more photographs were taken! And what’s a visit to a new place without finding a local café for tea and cake? We certainly weren’t going to miss out on that.

A Sunday Morning

Sunday morning found me up and out early, hoping to spot some roe deer and rabbits. I was lucky enough to see plenty of both!

No red squirrels this time, unfortunately, although I did spot one grey squirrel spending time among the rabbits around our lodge. You never quite know what wildlife you’ll come across when you’re out and about, and that’s part of the pleasure of being surrounded by nature.

After breakfast, we took a short drive to the Eden Valley Railway.

The Eden Valley Railway Trust has restored a section of the railway line between Warcop and Appleby-in-Westmorland, so we just had to climb aboard and experience a little piece of railway history.

We travelled on an old train from the 1960s, carriage 61798, a preserved British Rail Class electric multiple unit driving motor brake second carriage, built at Eastleigh in 1961.

We tootled along the line, taking in the views and enjoying the experience. And I must say, the seats were far comfier than those on today’s trains!

Sometimes it’s lovely to slow down and enjoy something a little different. Not everything has to be about rushing from one attraction to another; sometimes the simplest experiences are the ones we enjoy the most.

After our train journey, we headed back to the lodge for lunch and a quick rest before setting off again, this time for a walk beside the river.

The dogs had a wonderful time splashing about in the water and enjoying a good run around. Watching them having so much fun is always a pleasure, and it’s lovely to see them enjoying the outdoors just as much as we do.

Time to Head Home

And just like that, our long weekend was coming to an end.

There was time for our evening meal, a little packing and one last chance to appreciate our surroundings before heading home.

We’ve been so lucky with the weather, and we’ve enjoyed some beautiful walks, discovered new places, spotted wildlife, taken lots of photographs and made more lovely memories together.

A peaceful few days surrounded by nature, with plenty of fresh air, history, cake and dog walks. What more could we ask for?

Sometimes a break away is just what we need to recharge our batteries, step away from our usual routines and remind ourselves how much pleasure there is in the simple things.

And as always, nature is free.

Friday 23rd October 2026

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Sometimes, it’s good to take a break for a few days, step away from the busyness of life, and simply breathe.

On Friday, 16th October, we immersed ourselves in nature once again. Nestled amongst the rolling hills of the Lake District is an idyllic park with luxury lodges and pods. We have had this weekend away booked for quite some time, and it couldn’t have come at a better moment.

After a busy few months filled with dementia meetings, radio interviews, speaking in Switzerland, and then navigating the complexities of the complaints procedure, only to have the complaint taken away in an instant due to circumstances beyond my control, I was ready to step back, let go of the stress, and just breathe again.

We have returned to Augill Beck, a beautiful place tucked away near Kirkby Stephen, and we absolutely love it here.

Waking up in the morning to roe deer wandering nearby, hoping to catch a glimpse of the red squirrels, listening to the birds, and hearing the soothing sound of the beck trickling past our lodge is just perfect. It’s the kind of place that allows you to slow down, relax, and begin to feel yourself again.

As we arrive, it feels like stepping into a different world. Almost immediately, I can breathe a little easier, and I can feel my body beginning to unwind. There is something about this place that helps me leave the outside world behind, even if just for a little while.

With the unpacking done, it’s time to have a wander around the area. Toby and Sooty are always keen to get out for a walk, especially with the scent of squirrels in the air! Their little legs can barely move fast enough as we follow the winding path towards the duck pond, surrounded by tall pine trees with squirrel feeding boxes nestled amongst them.

The dogs are kept firmly on their leads, of course. The last thing we want is for them to frighten the wildlife by darting off at speed!

The woodland smells wonderful, and as we walk, a roe deer suddenly stops and stares at us before darting away into the ferns and bracken. Little birds flit playfully between the bushes and trees, whilst the blue skies above lift my spirits.

It’s moments like these that remind me how precious the simple things in life can be.

Perhaps it’s the familiarity of returning somewhere we have stayed before, or perhaps it’s simply the peace and quiet. Whatever it is, Augill Beck has a special place in my heart. Here, I feel relaxed, comfortable, and at home.

For a little while, no emails to write. Just the fresh air, the beautiful surroundings, my hubby, and our two little Scottie Dogs, Toby and Sooty.

Sometimes, we all need to give ourselves permission to pause, especially when life has been emotionally exhausting.

And right now, this is exactly where I need to be.