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Loweswater Village has a Ladies Group who meet every month at the hall and who also enjoy a summer outing each year.

Today we left our cars at Mitchell's Auction car park and a coach took us to Lowther Castle near Penrith

on our 2018 Summer Trip.

Our group of Ladies on a tour of the castle and gardens on a beautiful summer's day.



Arriving at Lowther . . .	. . .walking the short distance to the Castle

A magnificent facade. Lowther Castle was the seat of the Earl of Lonsdale but the castle abandoned on his death 70 years ago.

The family moved to nearby Askham Hall. The roof and all the interior of the castle were dismantled and sold, leaving only the walls.

This beautiful building, which was the site of mansions dating back to Edward 1, boasted a room for every day of the year.

Lowther was re-opened in 2011 when major restoration commenced, under the auspices of English Heritage.

A new visitor centre and cafe have been created

and major garden work has restored some of the past glories of the estate, many of which had reverted to wilderness.

We started our visit with a pre-arranged tour, meeting Ann who was our Guide for the morning.

The group cluster around . . . as Ann relates the history of the estate.

We start with a walk around the interior of the castle.

When I last visited in late 2013 entry was prohibited as the walls were unsafe after many years of Cumbrian rain and winds.

Scaffolding had been erected and it was a work in progress to stabilize the walls at the time . . . it has all changed now.



Time to marvel . . .	. . . and to use our imagination.

All eyes and ears as Ann continues her commentary.



We all seem to be looking skyward . . .	. . . at the internal structure of what was once 365 rooms.

This present structure dates from 1806 and was built for Sir Hugh Lowther.

Time for our garden tour . . .

We started with the restored 'parterre' immediately in front of the castle.

Carefully studying maps as we listen to Ann's summary

of the work that has been undertaken and their plans for the future.

The rock garden , now unearthed and replanted.

Plenty of stops to explain the work undertaken . . . a huge and ongoing task.

The Japanese Gardens.

The western terrace with outstanding views.

This has connections with royalty, from Queen Victoria to our present Queen Elizabeth.

Prince Philip has regularly taken part in the horse and carriage trails held here at Lowther.

It was on this terrace that our Queen and her family enjoyed their family picnics on those occasions.

Taking a rest and enjoying the view.

The view from the edge . . . quite a substantial drop on the outer side !

	- - - o o o - - - A look back at the castle as we cross the lawns within the garden. We were heading across to the Summer House at Jack Croft's Pond - - - o o o - - -

This was originally a medieval fishing pool to supply fish to the castle kitchens.

After an excellent tour we enjoyed a light lunch at the cafe.

The trees, squared off to resemble castellated towers, have all been planted since my last visit.

Excellent food served here by efficient and very obliging staff.

My companions Ann and Cherie enjoying the occasion and the food !

There was time to view the exhibits in the visitor's centre.

The silver and the gold !

Kaiser Wilhelm II, grandson of Queen Victoria, was one of the regular guests at the castle at the beginning of the last century.

This case displayed a replica of the setting for the table.

His host at that time, Hugh Cecil Lowther, 5th Earl of Lonsdale was known as the 'Yellow Earl'.

Everything he owned was as yellow as the walls of this room and the table setting exhibit.

It was all very bright, especially on such a sunny day !

[ It was this passion with the colour that let to the yellow badge of the Automobile Association ]

- - - o o o - - -

Following our lunch we re-boarded the coach and headed for the second planned event of our day.

Some very welcome fair-weather clouds as our coach drops us at Pooley Bridge pier

for a steamer trip on Ullswater upon the Western Belle.

All aboard for a trip down the lake . . . Kath, Irene, Kathryn and Ann sit port side . . .

( Photo courtesy of Alison Greer )

. . . with Alison, Ann, Margaret and Pat on the starboard side

giving them chance for another chat as we start our way down the lake.

The view over the prow looking towards Helvellyn.

Kathryn in position taking a similar photo

Looking at the ever expanding view of the lake, back towards Pooley Bridge.

A beautifully smooth boat trip today with clear views ahead . . . all the way down the lake.

Everyone looking different ways to enjoy the passing shoreline scenery.

Lorna waves to another passing steamer . . . the Raven !

The Ullswater Steamers have five boats which all sail the lake at regular intervals.

The end of the lake in sight . . . with Glenridding Dodd to our right as we head for the pier.

Passing the Inn on the Lake at Glenridding as we cruise toward the village.

The fells ahead are Arnison Crag, Birks and the higher neighbour, St Sunday Crag.

Cheerful faces . . . as this time the Lady of the Lake passes us by, having just vacated the pier.

Nearly there . . . as we approach the end of our boat journey at Glenridding.

We disembarked to find our coach waiting to drive us back to Cockermouth.

A fine and enjoyable day out was had by all !

- - - o o o - - -


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