Day 63 - Hadrians to Lake District

Well off to explore Hadrians wall. First we visited an old Lanercost Priory then onto the wall. Certainly not much left considering what it was a few thousand years ago!!! But easily found and stunning to think what it must have looked like.

Also visited an old fort attached to the wall - only ruins and at outline now - but surprising the area it took in. Obviously tramping is the best way to see this.

After having satisfied my Hadrian curiosity it was off to the lake District. First exploring Aira Force a water falls - and tramp. Found the National trust has dibs on just about all the car parks around the lake district and then charge you to pay!!!! What a cheek - especially when we aren't members. The trouble is between Scotland and England there are a number of different trusts that various gardens, stately homes, palaces and castles do or don't belong to - and the one I joined just about no one belongs to!!!! Never mind. The falls were very pretty anyway.

Then on Keswick which really nice but will leave that until tomorrow to explore. We then travelled over a very steep pass (Honister) with very narrow roads and minimal passing places - although I hear there are steeper ones by Grasmere.

At the top of the pass was a slate mine/factory. terrific views - then heading down 25% gradients - glad I wasn't biking!

But there were trampers everywhere - obvioulsy what one does in the Lake District - all with their boots and tramping poles at their sides ready to go - and there seem to be tracks everywhere and easily accesible.

Around the pretty lakes/tarns and many more very narrow roads - stone walls on both sides of the road. Over another pass - not as steep - but lots of mountain bike tracks everywhere - maybe I will have to return some time with my bike!!!

Down to Bassenthwaite Lake - which our lodge owner assures me is the only "Lake" in the Lake District. Now relaxing in a very warm conservatory typing up these notes. Very pleasant place may have to stay here longer!