We headed west into the Lake District via Penrith. On route we visited a National Trust property called Acorn Bank which has orchards with many heritage apple trees, woodland and a restored watermill. This was followed by quick stops to view Brougham Castle (photo), Clifton Hall and a couple of prehistoric features Mayborough Henge and King Arthurs Round Table.
On Day 2 of the lakes we completed Penrith by visiting its Castle. Then on to Keswick where we visited Puzzling place. Which was a cheaper/low rent version of Camera Obscura which we visited in Edinburgh but not bad for the price. Went to get some obligatory photos of Derwent Water (Photo) which I hope demonstrate how miserable the weather was. Also bought some more shoes as I’ve worn out another pair.
Day 3 was punctuated by very difficult driving. Our van weighs about 3 tonnes and has no power steering, the roads are scarily narrow and both pedestrians and other drivers seem summarily oblivious to danger. We decided to visit Lake Buttermere (photo) and then Honister Slate Mine (Nicky’s first Mine) which we didn’t know until too late meant negotiating a significant stretch of 1:4 grade road, which thankfully the van passed with flying colours. Keswick Museum and Castle Rigg Stone Circle (photo) followed before we took in a play at the Theatre by the Lake (Hay Fever by Noel Coward).
Day 4 - further difficult driving ensured frayed nerves on my part as we visited Ambleside and negotiated to miniature carpark spaces. Before visiting Coniston and Tarn Hows a property bought by Beatrix Potter and bequeathed to the National Trust. Hill Top (see photo) was next Beatrix Potter’s main home in the Lake District. Then the Beatrix Potter Gallery in Hawkshead.
Day 5 – Watched New Zealand beat Argentina this morning. Then visited Wray Castle (photo) before crossing Lake Windemere (biggest lake in England) on the car ferry. Ended the day with Sizergh Castle before leaving the lake district to camp at Arnside.
Day 6 – 6th Straight day of rain getting a bit tedious, we tried to visit a wildlife reserve called Leighton Moss which was a massive reed bed but the weather cut our visit short. Quick stops to see Warton Old Refectory and St Patricks Chapel (8th Century with rock hewn graves - photo) at Heysham Head near Morecambe followed. It continues to rain as I write this and there is no improvement in the forecast.
Day 7 – slight improvement today it was just overcast, today we went through the Yorkshire Dales and visited White Scar Cave, Longest Cave open to public in UK or something, pretty impressive. Their star feature is showing straw stalactites glowing in the dark under UV light. Also checked out Aysgarth Falls, not bad apparently in a famous painting so someone really arty might recognise that. Then the ruins of Easby Abbey in North Yorkshire, was a massive prosperous place before the disillusion.
