AYNSOME MANOR, CARTMEL

 When Denise and Peter Russell spotted a deal at the Aynsome Manor they were not slow in booking half the rooms at this small hotel with a very big reputation.

The age of elegance is not past; it still lives on at this lovely old manor house where two generations of the Varley Family have created a special atmosphere of warmth and comfort. Once the distinguished residence of the descendants of William Marshall, Earl of Pembroke, founder of the historic 12th Century Cartmel Priory, Aynsome still echoes with the character and traditions of that bygone era. Located in the still untouched Vale of Cartmel and with views southwards to the Norman Priory, meadowlands, and woods.

DAY 1 A climb up Gunner's How

Although the climb was only 180m the going was too strenuous for some, notwithstanding the fabulous views of Lake Windermere.

Bubbly at 6pm with fine dining, and the odd glass or two of Sauvignon and Malbec at 7pm ended a cracking first day.

Day 2  A climb up Hampsfell 6.5 miles (group1) or a stroll into Cartmel 0.5 mile (group 2)

After a hearty breakfast of bacon, sausage, egg, tomatoes, etc, or smoked salmon and scrambled eggs or indeed anything the chef was prepared to cook a hard choice was to be made and the two groups were to meet for lunch in Cartmel.

Group 1 discovered a Lime kiln

 A shelter for  walkers with a huge compass on top giving the direction of numerous places to be seen from this elevation

One wrong turn and no stiles but the adventure of climbing walls bringing back memories of childhood or something!!!!

A slice or two too much of toast for breakfast, or are those stiles shrinking?

 Our intrepid walkers arrived back in Cartmel, having done a 7-mile yomp and now a well-earned rest with group2 who had been patiently waiting while partaking in a little retail therapy and the most delightful hot chocolate in the quaintest of cafes.

The well-earned rest was in Unsworth's Yard with its cheese shop, wine shop, craft brewery, and tea shop providing both groups with wine, beer, meat pies, sausage rolls, and cheese for a "light" lunch!!!!

A visit to The Priory and then back to the hotel and another delightful dinner and wines before retiring for the night.

DAY 3 Ulverston and Hoad Hill

While yours truly was called back to Longridge with urgent building work to be supervised, the remaining couples ventured forth to Gill Banks and Hoad Hill, hence

"Three little maids  at Hoad Hill are we".

While the fellas could be waiting on the first tee!!

The day was completed by a wander around Ulverston and so with thanks to Peter and Denise for organizing and all those who took part in making it a real fun getaway, see you again at the next one.

And finally a poser. We reckon this is circa 1996/7 making it one of the first Longridge Catenian Walking Group photos. How many can you name?