The days of outstanding scenery just keep coming! We thought we had “done” the Lake District, but it had a surprise for us on our exit route, from Bowness to Penrith. This was a mountainous route with plenty to see, including another of the large lakes, Ullswater.
We were sure that we were done with good scenery on exiting mountains, but no, as we were then faced with a long high range of hills directly in our path. These were the Northern Pennines, and our route happily took us up and over the first big pass at 583m. These are broad flat ranges with very expansive views, a complete change from the Lake District.
Our goal was to see Hadrian’s Wall, and we chose Housesteads near Hayden Bridge. This was a Roman garrison post on the wall with some building walls and the wall in remarkably good condition. You can see why they chose this spot – open views in all directions to spot those troublesome Brigante tribesmen.
The road from there toward Durham, the A69 was a fabulous drive along the ridge tops. While it was undulating, it was mostly straight and giving views into the distance. Recommended.
As on previous days, all this driving on English country roads is very draining, and we had to have a siesta on reaching our lodgings out in the country, before venturing out again to eat in Durham. Durham is a small city on the River Wear, with a prominent cathedral that we intend to visit tomorrow. For today we contented ourselves with just a glimpse of it because the weather was so fine.