Earlier this year, we were lucky enough to enjoy a fell pony adventure on the Matson Ground Estate, courtesy of Tom Lloyd, owner of Fell Pony Adventures. This is just one of the tailormade activities we offer our guests, and we had the opportunity to experience it first-hand. And what a fabulous day it was. This is an adventure suitable for families and groups of all ages, and the perfect way to introduce people to horses. Tom is very patient, so even if you've had no experience of horses, you'll soon feel at ease. Tom is also all geared up for social distancing, as everything takes place in open spaces - a chance to breathe in some fresh, clean air. What's more, it's an absolute treat at any time of the year. The stunning Lake District scenery is never the same from one day to the next, so you're guaranteed a different view every time. It's even great fun in the rain, as we found out on our fell pony adventure. As the saying goes; "There's no such thing as bad weather. Only unsuitable clothing." This is what memories are made of We began our fell pony adventure at Birkdale House, where we met Tom and his daughter, Flo, along with Faye and Pansy, our fell ponies for the day. Once we had loaded them up with the essentials for the day - picnic, shelter, camping stove, spare harnesses and tethers - we set off. We gently led the ponies along the byways and lanes of the estate, stopping in an organic hay meadow for lunch. We tethered the horses, put up the waterproof shelter and settled back to take in the breath-taking views. Tom had prepared our lunch - cranberry balsamic vinegar, Appleby Brie, Garstang Blue, mixed olives, smoked humous, homemade leek and potato soup (his own family recipe) and artisan bread. Absolutely delicious. It's days like this when we realise just how fortunate we are to live in such a beautiful part of the country. This is what memories are made of. With the packsaddles loaded up, we set off back to Birkdale House. What a wonderful way to spend a day. For a few hours we had been transported to a different time entirely, far away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Fell Pony Adventures Fell Pony Adventures is based at the southern end of Lake Windermere, where Tom keeps a herd of about a dozen semi-feral ponies. The herd was originally established by Tom's father, Walter, but Tom made the decision a few years ago to switch careers - he had been a film producer - so that he could keep the herd going. He took his mountain leadership course and set up Fell Pony Adventures. Nowadays, Tom works the ponies, leading families and groups on day trips around Windermere, following old pack-horse routes through meadows, woods and fells. For our guests, the Matson Ground Estate provides a ready-made route. What a perfect day out. Huge thanks to Tom, Faye and Pansy.