Our travels: Uk and Europe 2013 continued-1

May 12

It was still bitterly cold and the rain still had not gone away. Undeterred we headed over the top on a narrow but picturesque route to Aysgarth.

We walked along the paths to view the beautiful Aysgarth Falls After which we had coffee in the pub before heading south to discover Wharfedale.

Cowslips

Returning to the car we passed a lovely church and churchyard

The rain and cold continued and as we had taken our time at the falls abandoned plans to take another walk as the rain had really set in again.

Next stop the George Inn at Hubberholme. After consuming yet another hearty pub meal we took a look around the local church which has a history dating back to before 1241.

Plans to wander around another lovely riverside village had to be abandoned because of the miserable weather and also time was getting on. Our visitors had to return back south and we had to return to our little cottage. Another day in the Dales over.

Bridge across the
river at Burnsall

May 13

A promising day with the sun out for a change. Today we travelled across to York. The journey was relatively easy and we found the Park and Ride without any trouble. This really is the only way to get in to the large popular cities.

As the forecast was still doubtful, with rain forecast for later in the day, we decided to do our self guided walking tour first. This tour covered all the main areas of the city and was most enjoyable.

One of the cats discovered on our Cat Trail

River Ouse

Cliffords Tower

Spot the cat on the left above the window

Shambles

House No. 1/2

Monks Gate

We went to York Minster (the cathedral) and booked a tower tour leaving at 1:45. This left us with time to have some lunch. A lovely tea room was handy and just perfect for a sit down. This tea room has been in business for 94 years and was absolutely delightful.

Betty's tea rooms

After lunch we returned to the Minster for our tower tour. Numbers are limited which is just as well. The two spiral staircases we had to negotiate were very narrow and everyone is counted up to make sure there is no chance of someone going down as others are still ascending.

The exertion was well worth it. The views magnificent and having done the city walk we were able to see from above where we had been. The wind had been blowing a gale all day but even that was to our advantage as the air was clear and we could see across to the coast.

Ceiling insidethe Chapter House

A beautiful day in a beautiful city.

May 14

Sunshine finally beamed down for our second day driving across to the Lake District. What a day it was. Coffee on the shores of Derwent Water.

After crossing the pass and passing the slate mine, we arrived at Buttermere.

Still cold and windy as we walked along the shores of Buttermere. Still some cloud about but dry at least.

We had our lunch with us and enjoyed that alongside the brook next to the carpark.

The clouds cleared and the views were gorgeous as we drove past Crummock Water on our way to Cockermouth.

No time, sadly to stop and find Wordsworth's house as we were headed for higher ground, literally. But before we tackled this challenge we made our way to Wast Water known as the most beautiful view in England. Quite frankly, anywhere in England when the sun shines looks pretty good.

En route to Hardknott Pass we stopped at Dalegarth to take a look at the narrow gauge railway station. We were lucky, once again, to find that the train was in. This is the end of the line of the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway.

Hardknott Pass is the steepest road in England. It is quite a challenge as it is also a one lane road with passing places for when you encounter oncoming traffic.

The weather had stayed fine so it was perfect conditions to make the journey. After only a short way up the hill we were flagged down by an oncoming car. Apparently there had been an incident over the pass and the road was blocked. It was a case of turn around or continue and be prepared for a wait.

Hardknott Pass - spot the road winding upwards

As we were heading home and time was marching on we decided we would head for the top of the pass and assess when we got there what to do.

After taking in the amazing views we returned the way we came. It was getting late too. We finally arrived back in Muker where we stopped for dinner.

End of our best day

May 15

The overnight forecast was spot on. It was raining with a vengeance. Oh well, nothing ventured nothing gained. Having slept in we headed out in the late morning to find the roads awash and the River Swale had risen substantially.

Heading for Masham where a market is held every Wednesday. It was perishing cold but undaunted we went out on a town walk after fortifying ourselves with hot chocolate.

An interesting market town which proudly boasts not one but two breweries. There is also a lovely church with an ancient Saxon cross in the churchyard.

After enough plodging about in the cold and wet we headed for home.

As we were passing Jervaulx Abbey we called in and had a look around. What an astonishing ruin. Henry XIII had a lot to answer for during the reformation.

Driving back to Swaledale the weather cleared so we decided to stop in Reeth and go for a walk. Of course the Dales are blessed with numerous walks but because the weather had not been so kind we had taken days out doing indoor pursuits.

The River Swale was running very fast and high after the overnight deluge but the paths were in good condition. With our walking boots we were pretty safe even at the stiles where there were deep puddles.

It was a lovely walk and rounded the day off nicely.