Roman Tour Print
Written by Peter Burgess   
Thursday, 26 February 2009

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The blue bird on Campbell
Bluebird
Leaving Haverthwaite at 10am, I planned an itinerary to include Coniston and then the drive over the two famous passes, down Eskdale and finally to the sea at Ravenglass.  Chris, Gill, Pam and Steve were in my hands and it was up to me to provide some interest along the way.  The weather wasn't too kind but it wasn't raining.  The problem today was the visibility, so I had to find some places where we didn't have to look too far and the interest was at close quarters.

Coniston was a brief stop, where we halted to observe the grave to Ruskin and then we strolled round to the cemetry to pay respects at Donald Campbell's grave.

Peter at the Three Shires
Three Shires' Stone
Before travelling into Little Langdale, Hodge Close was visited.  This massive quarry is an ideal location when time or weather restricts your Lakeland experience.  I can recommend a drive out to peer into the quarry's immense depth and to frighten the living daylights out of anyone with vertigo.  I suddenly realised why Chris was walking 10 yards back from the vertical drop!

A pint of best at the Woolpack Inn, Eskdale
The Woolpack Inn
After a visit to the Three Shires Stone we crossed onto Hardknott and visited the Roman fort.  Who would think it was difficult to find the fort about 100 yards away in the fog?  After crossing some boggy ground we had a good look over the remains and marched up to the parade ground, mysteriously eerie in the fog with just a hint of sun through the thin cloud.

We completed the tour with a lovely drive into Eskdale not before sampling the delights of the Hardknott Brewery at the Woolpack Inn.  Once at Ravenglass we took a short walk to the bath house there where visible remains stand to about 13 feet.  The structure is impressive and proved an interesting and sunny end to a delightful day in great company.  My thanks to Chris, Steve, Pam and Gill for being excellent guests - I hope the driving wasn't too scary!

An audio visual presentation of the days itinerary is available here:

 



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"I'd just like to say what a great weekend it has been and thanks to everyone who made it such a great time." Liz Lemal on the Honister 2007 weekend