Page 3 of 5
UK May / June 2016
LLANGOLLEN - Continued
(left) the canal towpath was a delightful way of walking into Llangollen. (below) Llangollen town, railway station and River Dee. We watched the kayaks negotiating the rapids.
(left) The River Dee ran alongside the campsite field. Very pretty. We watched the swallows and house martins swooping down to catch the insects over the river and spotted kingfishers. (below) plenty of hill walking on all sides of the town. This view is looking down upon the ruins of Llangollen castle on the centre hill top with the town far below.
We took a few trips out to Wrexham (not very interesting) and to the Pontcysyllte Aquaduct (which was very interesting) but unfortunately, we could not walk across the aquaduct because some of the railings had fallen away and ‘ealf and safety’ had closed the towpath. (below) the spectacular aquaduct. Completed in 1805, it is the longest and highest aqueduct in Great Britain, a Grade I Listed Building and a World Heritage Site. Click on the logo (above left) to find out more. The long distance path, Offas Dyke, crosses the aquaduct and follows on through the Trevor basin (below right) on its way northward.
Another trip out took us, by chance, to a National Trust property, near Wrexham. It is a rather magnificent country estate with a very intriguing, enclosed farmyard and estate workshops. It was an enjoyable visit that was totally unexpected. Click on the logo (right) to learn more.
After enjoying some lovely weather in Wales it was time to move on and our next destination was Cumbria.
MORLAND VILLAGE, Cumbria (7) We had made a reservation at Greengill Farm campsite which we selected from the Camping & Caravanning Club book. The site was a lovely CS. There were a maximum of 5 caravans/motorhomes permitted. What the book did not say, was that there is an adjacent barn which sleeps 16 and it is rented out to a variety of people. When we first arrived it was let out to three mothers with numerous children who considered the campsite was their playground. After they left a stag party arrived for a party weekend! They were lovely lads and behaved well but not quite the tranquil surroundings that we were expecting! Click on the logo (right) for more information.
Even more bizarre was that the owner, Freddy, never appeared all the time we were there! So, it was down to you to discover where everything was and you were trusted to pop the camping fees through the letterbox when you left! Nevermind, the village of Morland is a delight and as campsite guests you are welcome to walk around the beautiful grounds of Morland House - also owned by Freddy - also rented out for events. This weekend it was a wedding but not connected to the stag party. In the village is a jolly good café and across the road, a very pleasant pub. The village of Morland is accessed by single track roads, so access is not straightforward and the entrance into the campfield gave us only a few inches to spare each side. About a 10 minute drive north eastwards will bring you to Penrith where there are plenty of shops and other eating places. Morland is a pleasant stop over but we recommend you check what is happening at the Barn before you commit yourselves!
(above) Morland, Greenhill Farm campsite. The view from our door. Cross Fell is in the distance. (below) Morland Hall and Croquet lawn
(below left) Morland Village (below right) the village pub which used to be a mill.
From Morland it is an easy drive into The Lakes. We took a drive to Pooley Bridge at the east end of Ullswater and then on to Glenridding at the west end of the lake. We were amazed to see the damage that had been done to both villages by the previous winter floods. We had visted both villages before and could not believe the destructive power of flood water. (left) the replacement Pooley Bridge as the old stone bridge was washed away. (right) despite the havoc in the village of Glenridding, Ullswater looked as beautiful as ever on a sunny June day.