Wednesday, June 04, 2003

 

Day 41. Thursday 05 June 2003. Visit to Cartmel.

Today we decided to go down to Newby Bridge at the southern end of Lake Windermere, by mid morning we arrived. We crossed the little narrow bridge and looking for parking but we found little. Then we spotted a small side road and then saw a few cars parked precariously along the steep road verge on the opposite side of the road. There was nowhere to turn on the narrow road so we continued up for a way and found a likely turning place. Returning we saw our intended parking place still empty and we manoeuvred the little Mira into the space.

We had a short walk past an imposing lake frontage hotel; there were few people around except for local employees. We didn't stay long, although a sunny morning a keen cold wind was blowing so we returned to the car. As we drove away I wondered where everyone parked on a busy day.

Leaving Newby Bridge we headed to our main destination... Cartmel was not too far away. Neither of us had been to Cartmel before, its the sort of place one has to go to for a reason, being off the main road route.

Passing through Grange over Sands I noticed it not changed one iota since the last time I had visited as a young man 40 plus years ago. The same large and grand retirement hotels were up on the hillside overlooking Morecambe Bay. Do rich people still retire here to these establishments to while away their days as days gone by?

Following the signposts we eventually found Cartmel village. At first it appeared to be just a pub and a few cottages but as we drove a little further we entered a lovely picturesque village square enclosed on all four sides by the shops, hotels and houses, in a world apart. Passing through the square we parked in the racecourse car park... this little village is famous for its horse races. It was only a short walk back to the square. Here at Cartmel used to be a Priory but the only sign of its existence now is the Tower so with the help of John and Edith's National Trust card had a look round. In the Tower we were suddenly transported back to medieval times. Low doorways, rustic woodwork and up and down narrow passageways. I had this feeling that a monk might have popped out of one of the many nooks at any time. The Tower stands at one side of what was once the gateway to the Priory and is now a road. The Tower then extends over the gateway (road) and down into the National Trust shop on the other side. In here was a donation box for further funds for the local National Trust. The notice said the National Trust main body did not fund Cartmel Priory Tower!!

Here there was no sign of the sharp wind of Newby Bridge. The day was beautiful, sunny and balmy. We also had lunch here. First we checked the hotel menus but they were mainly heavy meals and then we spotted a small cafe, once a larger house. This had the meals we wanted. Entering the place was half full and the empty tables were reserved except for one small pocket hanky chief sized one. Pat and I looked doubtful but we sat down. The owner bustled across and pointed us to one of the "reserved" tables, much more roomy. Other customers also came in and moved to sit at the small-unreserved table and were ushered like us to one of the "reserved " tables. We could only think it was one way of filtering out unwelcome guests.

Cartmel was a busy little place with quite a number of tourist coaches visiting. After our stay we returned to the car park and left. On the way in I had noticed an honesty box for fees when leaving but when we left I forgot all about it until we were well down the road.

We were quickly back in Kendal by mid afternoon and tired so we went up Scout Scar overlooking Kendal and parked our car for the view. Shortly after we arrived there was a ring on our mobile and we were surprised to find Anthony on the line. Biggles was in trouble. He had been taken into Huntly Vets by the Cattery where we had left him. He was most unwell and the initial prognosis was not good. Anthony was upset, Pat was in tears and I was close to tears too. Afterwards we discussed the situation and we could only leave the situation in Anthony's and the Dave, the vet's hands to do what was best.

Fortunately things did improve and Dave pulled him through at the time. Needless to say our day was spoilt and we worried for days, weeks afterwards. Fortunately we were kept busy on our holiday and this helped to suppress our anxiety and distress.

posted by OldEric 12:02 pm