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I've hit the road again. This time it's a short tour of south west Scotland as I work my way to Glasgow for the Davis Cup semi final against Australia.
However, I haven't quite made it as far as Scotland yet, having stopped off in Penrith.
Having left home early this morning, at 7:45, there was little traffic to get in the way of Dawnie (my car) and I as we made good time, reaching Tebay Services after 2.5 hours. There I had a Cumberland Sausage in a roll for brunch while admiring the view of the Lake District beyond the duck pond. These must be the best motorway services in Britain.
Then it was just a short 20 minute drive to Brougham Castle (pronounced Broom Castle!) just outside Penrith.
This was one of four castles in Westmorland that were owned by generations of the Clifford family, the others being Brough, Appleby and Pendragon.
Brougham (pictured) is situated in a quiet rural location by the River Eamont. The top of the Keep is still accessible and well worth the climb with views of the Lake District and Pennines.
As the sun had made an appearance, we hid Dawnie's roof in her boot and drove to Brough (pronounced Bruff) Castle. This is less intact than Brougham, but still very picturesque.
Both Brougham and Brough Castles were built on the sites of Roman forts that were alongside a Roman road that ran from York to Carlisle.
With Dawnie remaining topless, we drove into the North Pennines, heading for Middleton-in-Teesdale, which is a town in the middle of Teesdale, on the River Tees. As we climbed, the temperature fell from 20 to 15 as it clouded over, so I was glad of my fleece!
About 5 miles upstream is High Force, one of the most spectacular waterfalls in England. The River Tees plunges 71 feet down a near vertical cliff. The north bank is accessed via a private path at a cost of £1.50, and gives a good view of the falls from the lower level. The south bank is accessed via a public path, with fantastic views at the top of the falls.
With her top back in place, Dawnie and I continued across the Pennines towards Alston, admiring the views, before heading back to Penrith via Hartside Top Cafe. Situated on Hartside Summit at 1904 ft above sea level, it's England's highest cafe. From this vantage point there are spectacular views plus I could see further down the road there were a host of emergency vehicles with their blue lights flashing away. When we reached the site, we could see that someone had managed to drive their car off the road and a few feet up the grassy hillside - oops!
Back in Penrith, I checked out some free sites where there's not much to see. Penrith Castle consists of just a few walls. Mayburgh and King Arthur's Henges are close to each other. Mayburgh is more intact where the surrounding banks and central stone can be seen. King Arthur's Henge of course has nothing to do with the King, and is just a ditch with a small bank either side of the entrance.
Finally, I arrived at my abode for the night - Roundthorne Country House, just outside Penrith. The room has stunning views of the hills, and the bathroom a large corner bath, of which I in shall shortly take full advantage.
For supper, I had a fantastic Cumberland sausage on creamy mash, with thick onion gravy and steamed carrots - yummy! I know I'd already had a Cumberland sausage earlier, but it's important to fully sample the local delicacy!
Today, Dawnie and I drove a grand total of 301 miles,
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