The Lakes - Sizergh Castle

 We awoke to yet another glorious day. Happily, my insect wound had receded slightly overnight. Looks like I would live. It was spewing out pus at an alarming rate though. I’m glad the insect is dead. Our friends who love River Breamish departed early, as did the little, Johnny come lately, camper van on the end. The Scots (we have spoken to them, they are definitely Scottish) who own the lovely old guide dog, got out some heinously expensive looking bikes, clipped on their cleats, donned their Dunfermline Wheelies cycling jersies, and left poor old Bozo in the van for a, I suspect, long ride. That left just us on Lakeland Heights, and we hadn’t even breakfasted! Maybe we should get up a bit earlier? 

After some chilling Ian got out his yoga mat to begin the lengthy process. He decided to put it at the front as we were alone on The Heights. No sooner had he splayed out than a couple came round on bikes. They were examining prospective other pitches as they didn’t like theirs. A long discussion began over the pros and cons of Lakeland Heights. Eventually they pedalled off. Time for the twisting and jumping to begin. No sooner had they left than an old lady came into our sanctum. I won’t bother you with all her life story like she did to us, but she wanted some advice on Wi-Fi. Eventually she left and Ian managed to get on with the exercise routine.

A walk to Sizergh Castle was on the cards for today. We had been there a couple of times before. Once when we were about 17, and once with the Allums. The forecast for today was changeable to say the least, so Ian manfully got out his rucksack and we filled it with coats and water. The camp site have produced very detailed route guidance to the Castle, involving crossing some farmers fields and passing a farm shop. Both were really pleasant in the sunshine. 

Farmers fields and an ice cream at the farm shop

By the time we arrived at Sizergh Castle it was 1.30. Time for a sandwich. Good job we decided on that, decided to sit inside, and that the sandwich took so long, as the heavens opened. Lots of wet people is good for people watching. 

As we came to enter the actual paying bit, I realised that the Castle is National Trust and  I didn’t have my card on me. Luckily the lady found me on her system and we were in. We looked around the castle first, as we have no dog we can do that, but due to volunteer shortages only half was open. Then we had a nice walk around the gardens, as we have no dog we can do that. Half in rain then in sunshine.

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Rain and sun at Sizergh

After our fun at Sizergh we returned the same way, pausing only to buy a bottle of wine and some flapjack at the farm shop. 

Back at Lakeland Heights we had new neighbours, from Cottingham no less, with two yappy dogs. Bozo was unimpressed. There was also a new caravan where the overnight campervan had been. Our Motorhome must have an enquiries sign hung over it as the man immediately came over to ask Ian about the TV signal! It was time for my afternoon nap, then I showered and threw together a tuna pasta bake and we sat outside in the heat. Apparently thunderstorms are on the way. It was certainly very humid. As we retired inside Dame Shirley the rain began but it was very warm in there. We ended up putting the heating on cold which was perfect. Two more episodes of the diplomat were knocked off, it’s getting good now. Only one episode to go. Sadly us Brits are all useless and the Yanks all amazing, even the CIA. Then it was time for bed. No flannel needed tonight, and even the pus had slowed.