Southwaite services on the M6. We've never seen it as quiet. 

A later start than usual to allow the roads to improve after overnight snow then rain then freezing temperatures. The driving was fine beyond Keswick and we looked out on snowy landscapes all the way to Newcastle, except for a green area around Carlisle. 

An afternoon spent (as always on these visits) at my Aunt's house doing a lot of the jobs that she can't, including a shop at the local M&S to stock her freezer with microwaveable ready meals. A hot oven cooked meal (her monthly treat) finished the day before we said goodbye until tomorrow and crunched our way down the icy street and around to the Premier Inn.