Bare or Bear?
A chilly start but a beautiful drive through the Lakes to Penrith with clear blue skies. First stop Rheged for coffee time with friend, Joyce. Then into the Everest exhibition, a history of the men and women who have conquered the mountain. Some interesting paintings, photographs and memorabilia particularly of The Mallory and Irvine expedition where the two were lost after they were last seen near the summit with no proof of whether or not they made it to the top.
Mallory in unsuitable Everest attire
Wandering around the streets of Penrith is always pleasant. This time we were there to see Paddington, perfectly situated by the toy shop on the bench eating his marmalade sandwich. The toy shop window was filled with more Paddingtons.
Nice pillar box duo in the centre of Penrith.
Always trying new eating venues, we headed to Dacre and the 18th century Inn, The Horse and Farrier, for Christmas lunch.
Joyce had salmon and I had the stroganoff followed by cheesecake and profiteroles.
After lunch we explored the village. Dacre is mentioned in 731 by the Venerable Bede and it is thought the Norman church may be built on the site or very near to the site of an old monastery.
The inside was dark with fine Norman architecture.
Pretty stained glass windows and some pieces of viking masonry.
I knew about the church and the mysterious bears so headed there to find them all. Four bears are situated in the churchyard, forming a rectangle around the church.
Unfortunately we missed the grave of Conservative minister, Willie Whitelaw. I met him back in the 70s when he presented me with an orienteering trophy.
From the church you can see the 14th Century Pele tower of Dacre Castle, restored, and now a private residence.
We walked through the village along the Thackthwaite road to the bridge, passing the old chapel and some very pretty cottages walking off those puds.
It was a lovely drive back home into the setting sun in the west.
Comments
By accepting you will be accessing a service provided by a third-party external to https://www.natalieburns.co.uk/