Monday 11the November 2024
After what seems like weeks of dismal cloudy days, we have a forecast which promises, sunshine, blue sky and not too cold. Accordingly, I had seized to opportunity to have a few days away.
I have tried several times to get booked at Braithwaite Village CCC Site, always fully booked, but, this week, we struck lucky and got Monday thru Friday.
From home, we have a choice of three routes to the Lake District:
- via A69, M6, A66, my second choice, Kathleen's favoured route
- via A69, Alston, Penrith, A66, my favourite (it's scenic), a no-no from Kathleen
- via A1M, A66, boring, after today, declared boring and tedious by Kathleen too
An uneventful but boring journey via the A1M/A66, to arrive at Braithwaite Village CCC Site (N54 36'4" W3 11'10") at about 13:30.
We stopped off at Rheged Centre, near Penrith, for a coffee, because we were running a bit early (earliest check in is 13:00). Strange place, it is a Cinema, cafe and a sort of shopping centre, with VERY expensive shops. Kathleen took a fancy to a jumper in one of the shops, set her back £95!, that was a very expensive coffee stop. Don't think I will be stopping there again..
First impressions of the site are very favourable, on edge of village, very easy to find, quiet, with a pub, coffee shop and restaurant in the village.
Tuesday 12th November 2024
Not a bad morning, for mid November, sunshine, calm, 12c and, not raining!
The plan today was a walk to Thornthwaite, to visit the Art Gallery and coffee shops recommended by Evelyn. But, Google tells us it is closed Mondays and Tuesdays, so, a quick re-think.
There is a footpath running along the edge of the site, no idea where it goes, so, we set off along there.
I vaguely thought it must be heading in the general direction of Keswick, and, sure enough, we arrive at Portinscale, near Keswick, just in time for a very pleasant lunch at The Chalet Cafe and Tea Rooms. A four mile round trip, some on a very small, and quiet road, and some on public footpath across fields with sheep grazing. Very enjoyable.
Wednesday, 13th November 2024
The day starts well, ie some blue sky, calm and mild, but, by mid afternoon, the cloud has developed and is well down over the hills.
Google claims that Thornthwaite Gallery and Tea Rooms is open today, so, that is our destination.
Following Google maps instructions, we walk along a quiet road, pleasant enough and easy walking.
As we approach Thornthwaite Village, there is a sign to a Church (St Mary's), so, a slight detour to take that in.
Amazingly, in this their prone age, the church
is unlocked, but, there are many signs warning that items are "forensically marked" to allow them to be identified.
After a brief mooch around the very well kept church, we head for the Gallery and Tea Rooms.
Some very nice pieces of art in there, but, equally "nice" prices, so, a browse, but, no purchases.
Coffee and scones are consumed.
Whilst walking along the road, on the way here, I had noticed that there was at least one person walking on a path which appeared to be more or less parallel to the road, but, part way up the hill.
Taking a chance (no maps etc with us) we find what appears to be the track in question, and decide to return that way.
It is a well defined track, so, must be reasonably well used, and, we do encounter a few people as we make our way along it.
It is wet and muddy in places, and, strenuous in places, because it is undualting, so, some grumbling, and, the mood swings between "who's idea was this" and "this is very pretty, and, so much nicer than walking along the road".
Plus of course, there is the ever present question "where will it bring us out", ie will it actually take us to Braithwaite?
For much of the way, the road is visible on our left, so, it is quite possible to tell that we are heading in the right general direction.
Eventually, we emerge onto a road, and, enter Braithwaite Village.
