The Lake District - Hairpin bends and another Castle

 The morning after the stormy night before dawned calm and bright. I had slept well despite the wind and rain, and there was no damage to us or anyone around us. Everyone had thankfully survived. We lazed about then breakfasted on porridge and the fresh pastries I had ordered the night before. Misty’s trailer had proved so successful the first time that we had decided on another bike ride today. Ian set everything up and we departed for Pooley Bridge. Safely negotiating the trafficky bit we emerged on the banks of Ullswater where we rode down to Howtown. We passed a couple of campsites and got a good look at our old friend, Waterside. They all looked really nice. We stored that knowledge away. Howtown is a stop off for the sadly not running Ullswater steamers, it is also at the bottom of a steep hill. To get to the top you have to negotiate the famous Howtown Switchback. 

The switchback (not my photo!)

That god we have electric bikes! At the top we got a fabulous view, as we did on the way back down. I was too busy trying to stay in control to take many photos though! The road does continue a little way, but is mainly for walkers and you can’t get to Glenridding, that’s why we turned around at the top.

At the top

From the top

Ian and Misty on the way down

As we got to level ground it began to rain, but luckily there was a hotel with a lovely tea room so we called in for a coffee. 

Back on the road again we retraced our steps to Pooley Bridge before heading out of town in the opposite direction toward Lowther castle. This was another very up and very down route, interrupted half way by a huge herd of cows crossing the road for milking. We were joined on our side of the rope by an oldish local couple, also on bikes, who had time to tell us the history of the farm, their family history, and a ditty about a woman called Babooshka who they came across on Skye. On the move again we sailed down into the village of Askham and past a film crew on the village Green. We then slogged up to Lowther Castle, where we stopped for hot chocolate and a flapjack. 

Castle and Flapjack

We then retraced our steps, in the rain, to Pooley Bridge and back to Dame Shirley. Another lovely day out on the bikes and it’s great that Misty can come too. 

We spruced ourselves up, push button showers, Ian not keen, then trotted on down to Pooley Bridge for some tea. We chose the crown inn, next door to the secret garden, and spent a very pleasant evening there. The main waitress insisted on feeding Misty loads of chicken. Misty was very happy. We had remembered our torches and managed to negotiate the deep dark wood back to Dame Shirl. Time for a House of Games then lights out. 

Strava watch

This is from Ian. I can’t fathom it but my bike said 22miles

Neighbour watch

Nothing to report. The man next door survived the night.

Dinner watch

I had a burger. Standard pub fayre. 7/10. Ian went for steak. Nice meat, average accompaniments.  7/10

Burger and steak