Grotty?

What looks like a little garden shed is actually a grade 2 listed building called 'The Grot'.

It was built in1668 and it enables people to frame and enjoy the view of lower Rydal beck waterfall. It has been refurbished inside and is very beautiful.

 However, I didn't centre my image properly in the window frame so it doesn't quite do what it says on the tin!!!

Take it from the Top

              Just a couple of the magnificent views of the Lake District.

 Above....looking down the valley towards Windermere, from Alcock Tarn.

Shapes and shadows caused by the sunlight on the opposite fells.

The sun was amazing all day, in and out, causing so many different effects on the landscape.

Intrepid Mountaineers

My fellow travellers admiring the view from the dizzy heights of Alcock Tarn.

It was well worth the climb!!!

Re-BOOT-ing

That's me with the legs dangling way off the floor, but,as you can see, I am in my boots.

Where did they tread?

A very steep climb and a nine and a half mile walk around the fells of Grasmere and Rydal.

In the centre of this photo are some tiny red and yellow coaches. That's where we parked the car.    

And we haven't finished climbing yet!!

Boots!

These boots are made for walking, and that's just what they'll do.

Looking forward to wearing my newly 'dubbined' boots at the weekend, as I head for Grasmere with some friends.


Hopefully, good photos will appear in the not-too-distant future of the places  where these boots have trod!

Walking the towpath

This lovely old bridge spans the canal close to home . Sadly, it has been joined by a very modern one leading to the inevitable housing estate on the edge of the canal. We walk this 3/4mile stretch of the towpath three or four times a week, taking in the changing seasons, the ducks and swans, the narrowboats, dog-walkers and cyclists, to name but a few things of interest.

Over the next couple of years, we hope to walk the full length of the Leeds/Liverpool canal ...all 127 miles of it! It should be fun, interesting and exciting. No doubt we shall be recording our adventures here, so watch this space!!

In the Garden

Sometimes I need go no further than the back garden to discover beautiful jewels. I bought these lilies for the princely sum of £1.50 several weeks back. They were full of buds and considerably shorter, but due to lack of sun, they have only just been brave enough to show off their beauty.

The container is a very ancient sink planted up with humble alpines, and the lilies add a huge splash of colour. Wonderful!!

The Treehouse

I think this was described as the largest treehouse in England.
It is a magical place, high up in the treetops, with walkways linking a restaurant, a cosy little bar,and a meeting room, all with superb views.

On a dark, wet, dismal afternoon it was shining with cheery fairy lights.




A view of the meeting room from the highest point.

Alnwick Gardens

The rain was lashing down as I drove to Alnwick. My 'other half ' wasn't well so I had decided to do the gardens alone. I was tempted to turn back, especially as it was the end of the growing season and I felt there wouldn't be much to see. I'm glad I carried on!

These cascades and fountains are magnificent---even in the drizzle!

I must mention the Poison Garden. (no photo,I'm afraid) We had to be locked in as every plant in there is poisonous, ranging from deadly nightshade to opium poppies.Our guide spun some wonderful tales. What a great experience! 

Northumberland Architecture

Bamburgh Castle. First written reference was A.D.547!!

Present castle dates back to Norman times.

Strong, secure,imposing, yet full of charm.

The three bridges at Berwick-on-Tweed are magnificent.

Each one is very different yet they blend together perfectly on the skyline.