Money Tree at Loughrigg Tarn

A great spot for a family walk is Loughrigg Tarn, a peaceful little gem nestled in the Lake District. Gabriel and I had planned a simple stroll around the tarn to stretch our legs and soak up the views. Little did we know, the walk would spark one of the funniest conversations we’ve had in a while, all thanks to a mysterious old fallen tree.

A Tranquil Stroll Around the Tarn

The weather was perfect—clear skies with a cool breeze, and the sun shimmering on the surface of the tarn. As we walked along the path, Gabriel was full of energy, racing ahead and then circling back to tell me about whatever he’d just seen.

There’s something about the tranquility of Loughrigg Tarn that makes you want to slow down and just enjoy the moment. We walked along the path, chatting about school, weekend plans, and whether we might spot any wildlife.

The Discovery: A Tree Stump Full of Coins

On the return to the car, something caught Gabriel’s eye just off the path. It was an old fallen tree, weathered and mossy, but what made it special was the fact that it was studded with coins. Dozens of them had been pushed into the wood over time, creating a kind of rustic treasure trove.

Gabriel was intrigued. “Mum, look! It’s a money tree!” he said, his face lighting up with excitement. I had to laugh at that. He ran over to inspect it more closely, pointing out all the different types of coins that people had pressed into the bark.

Money Doesn't Grow on Trees... Or Does It?

As we stood there, I couldn’t resist teasing him a little. “Well, Gabriel, I’ve told you before that money doesn’t grow on trees, but maybe I was wrong!” He grinned, thinking about the idea for a moment. “But what if it did, Mum? That would be amazing—imagine being able to pick £10 notes like apples!”

We started to joke about what it would be like if there really were money trees. Gabriel imagined an orchard where you could harvest coins and cash, and I added that the leaves would probably be made of gold. “You’d have to water them with something fancy like fizzy water or lemonade,” he said, which of course sent us into fits of laughter.

A Memorable Moment to End the Day

As we continued our walk back to the car, Gabriel kept glancing back at the tree stump, and I knew it had sparked his imagination.

That old stump, with its collection of coins, felt like a little piece of magic hidden along the path. I don’t know who started the tradition of pushing coins into it, but it gave us a memorable moment on an otherwise ordinary walk.

Conclusion: More Than Just a Walk

Our walk around Loughrigg Tarn ended up being more than just a peaceful stroll—it was a chance to laugh, joke, and reflect on the idea that while money doesn’t grow on trees, the best moments in life often come from simple, unexpected discoveries. And for Gabriel and me, those moments—whether it’s finding a ‘money tree’ or dreaming up wild ideas—are the ones we’ll treasure the most.