Wharfedale Back In The Lakes August 2022

They say time passes quickly when you are enjoying yourself, and never more so on a Crooklands Lake District Trip with friends old and new, and so it was Tuesday 30th August saw most of us meeting up at our usual starting point, Keelham Farm Shop just outside Skipton.

Crooklands Hotel has been our go to base for our Lake District trips since 2017, and it never fails to come up trumps, this year it did it again.

It was probably our best attended trip as well, with old friends Ian & Mary Landen with Phil Warkup from East Riding, Phil & Rachael Gunn from Leicstershire, and new friends Paul & Sue Clamp from Red Rose along with Andrew & Sarah Breakwell from WyeDean.

Unfortunately, we were missing Stan and Jean who had to drop out due to ill health. We were however pleased to see Ken & Jan Bailey. Ken having missed a few events due to health problems.

We set off from Keelham around 2pm led by Mike, taking our usual circuitous route through the Dales to end up at Crooklands around 4.30. The weather was again superb, so even though we have done the run many times it never loses the awe factor.

Comfort stop on the way to Crooklands

Nice one of the Fells and Settle & Carlisle Railway.

Those that had gone direct to Crooklands were already sat outside with glasses in hand in various states of fill. Following a quick check in by the Keelham arrivals, chairs and tables were rearranged, and with glasses freshly filled we settled down for a relaxing pre meal drink and catch up.

Ready for the off on Wednesday morning

Wednesday morning after a sumptuous breakfast we met outside around 9.30 to prepare for the days run out. The run took us on a route we had covered back in 2018, taking the back roads from Crooklands and heading to Coniston Water, eventually taking the narrow road up the Eastern side of Coniston to stop for refreshments at Brantwood House, the former home of John Ruskin.

On the way to Brantwood we stopped at a viewpoint overlooking Windermere.

Windermere

Coniston Water from Brantwood House

Car park at Brantwood

From Brantwood we travelled North, still following the side of Coniston, heading over to Ambleside, to then drop down the East side of Windermere looking to take the left turn to Troutbeck. This took us over the KIrkstone Pass eventually following the road around Ullswater. At the top of Ullswater we then headed East to Lowther Castle, our final destination.

Although the mileages were not great, I think it was one of the most eventful runs I have done. With 2 road closures, (which weren’t there or warned of when Linda and myself we did the recce the week before) a truck that blocked the road with a fallen tree branch lodged between the cab and trailer and

As ever we had a laugh about it afterwards.

Lowther Castle

The Wednesday evening meal in the function room was excellent, combined with Ken’s usual quiz, and a raffle it was a very convivial evening indeed.

Thursday morning, checkout day, I did say time passes quickly. It has become a regular feature to present a group member with the Barbera Warkup Plate for their contribution to the Group over the years. This year there was no more deserving a member than Ken Bailey. Ken has been a member for many years and along with Jan his contribution to the group has been tremendous. Recently Ken’s health hasn’t been what it should have been but he was determined to get to Crooklands and participate as much as he could. Good to see you Ken.

Ken being presented with the Plate by Phil Warkup

For this last morning’s outing, which historically has headed in the general direction of home, we went back to the Chocolate Shop and Café in Orton, a great place for fancy and very nice chocolates. Another great run over the fells to get there, spectacular scenery. From Orton we headed to Hawes and concluded the trip there.

Some of group were staying on or heading off exploring in a different direction so we said our goodbyes at the Hotel before setting off

All in all probably one of the best Crooklands visits we have had, and yes its already booked for next year.

The hotel owners as part of their promotional material had taken some Drone footage of the cars in the carpark, and have promised to send a copy onto us, so we wait with excitement to see that.

Thanks to Ken for the Quiz, Keith for delivering the quiz, Steve for collating the bookings and menu choices and John for the Thursday run.

Picture thanks to Steve & Nic, Jane, Mike, Fiona and me.

Ian Meeson