Troutbeck Head (Cumbria)
Thursday, 1/8


We did indeed visit the house and gardens at Chatsworth House, as foreshadowed.  Of course we loved it, but in no way did we identify with any of it; it was just way too 'over the top'.  In fact we were about to leave the house due to overload, when we passed this magnificent library and decided to see the rest of the open areas.

We know there's a lot we didn't see; areas closed off as well as all the secret passages we just  heard about.  And stories of all the infrastructure for powering and heating etc were mind boggling.  Early on we knew that the owners had influence when we were looking at one of the paintings of the property.  We saw that it had been painted before the village had been relocated.  So the Duke at that time had a village moved so that it wouldn't interfere with his view!

We stayed a night at Coniston on our way north again, and spent last night with Julia, near Barnard Castle.  A wonderful meal, conversation late into the night, a very special viewing of a remarkable motorcycle collection, beautiful  photographs and a walk through the local village and around the valley (over two becks) made this a sensational, albeit short, visit.  But talk of possible future travel adds excitement to this pleasure.

Now we're back in Cumbria at Troutbeck Head, where we usually begin our trips.  In the morning we'll do the washing, clean up and pack.  Then we'll pop into Carlisle, about 20 miles up the road, to collect a hire car, return the van to Brough and begin the next phase of our holiday.  What Fun!

Regards,

Judy and Rob