CUMBRIA



This is the cutest pub, great food & the world's most comfortable bed, at least we thought it was!

We had one night at Brampton on our way to Dave & Jean's cottage, Raven House in Kirkoswald. Our first night in a decent bed after the van was most welcome I can tell you! In the morning we travelled east along the highway that follows Hadrian's Wall, our plans to walk part of the wall were quashed when it rained all day but it was a lovely drive anyway.



Our GPS found this part of England just a little confusing - completely lost!!

Dave's instructions on finding them were spot on & we shared some afternoon tea with them before going to the cottage in the neighbouring village. What a delightful spot, a gorgeous 110 year old stone cottage in the centre of town near the beck (that is a local Cumbrian word for a stream).

Ullswater, didn't want to get my shoes wet,
thank goodness there was a suitable rock for me to stand on

On Sunday after delicious bacon butties at their place, Dave & Jean were kind enough to take us for a drive round the area. Into Penrith then on to the village of Glenridding on Ullswater, such a beautiful drive so scenic. We then went to Castlerigg Stone Circle which is beautifully positioned on top of a hill giving wonderful 360 degree views, bus loads of tourists here but if you got your photos between bus arrivals it was very quiet.

David & Jean at the stone circle, might windy at the time

Monday we had hoped to walk around Buttermere Lake, unfortunately it rained all day so we drove the scenic lakeside route instead, very disappointed that we weren't able to take advantage of the opportunity here but we just have to take the weather as it comes. We went back to Glenridding & by this time the rain had eased a little and we took the opportunity to walk part of the way round the end of the lake which was lovely.

The very beautiful Buttermere Lake,
we would have loved to walk here but nature put the brakes on that idea

On Tuesday the sun shone & we headed off on a local walk along the beck, then the River Eden which after the rain was flowing strongly, through paddocks & over styles, it was great fun. The full walk is 11 kilometres which is a bit beyond me so Grant & I split up about half way round & I took a shortcut back to the Allendale Church at Glassonby where I waited, while he continued passed the huge stone circle 'Long Meg & her Sisters', into the township of Little Salkeld, then passed Lacey Caves (which were sandstone caves which had been extended by Lacey to make a large area for entertaining, some people have nothing better to do with their money eh!) & back to meet me. We then walked the rest of the way home, part of which went straight through a farmyard then over paddocks with the cows & sheep, passed the ruins of Kirkoswald Castle & home at last. It was a fabulous walk & both of us were exhausted.

Part of the walking trail to the Long Meg & her sisters stone circle

Later in the afternoon, once we had recovered a bit, we went for a bit of a drive to Lowther Castle & Gardens. This is a massive restoration project, the castle itself is just being made safe as the cost of reconstruction is prohibitive but they are converting the stables into shops, information centre etc. The main project is to restore the gardens to their previous glory & it is expected that this will take 20 years so it is no small task. The first area to be undertaken is the lawn area, the first section of this is expected to be finished in six weeks but honestly that is a massive ask when you look at the state of it at the moment.

The back of Lowther castle & some of the construction work being undertaken

Rain again on Wednesday so we were looking for something undercover to do - Roman Army Museum near Hadrian's Wall looked the goods. It was fantastic, 3D movie, relics found during archeological digs at Vindalanda, the original military town, replica pieces that you could touch, lift to feel the weight etc. We had a very educational morning & a bite of lunch at the cafe. After a detour to the fire station in Hexham we headed home via the longcut, it rained all the way & at times we were in the clouds on the top of the moors but it was so beautiful, the heather is starting to bloom giving the hills a pink hue.



An easily accessible section of Hadrian's Wall

Unfortunately it is our last morning here as I finish the draft of this blog addition, it would have been very easy to stay in this lovely home & in the classic English countryside for a fortnight but we have to return our car & get the bus to Manchester then catch our flight to Greece very early tomorrow morning. Last but not least, thank you Dave & Jean for all your kindness, it has been wonderful to share these few days with you both & to have the opportunity to see a little of  beautiful Cumbria.