Not a lake view

Not the best day for sailing across Coniston Water, but that was the way we had chosen to get to Brantwood, John Ruskin’s home from 1872 to 1900. So, it was the Launch from Coniston and it felt like it was our own personal voyage, as there were only four of us on board. It was overcast, hopeless for photography, but a good trip anyway. Brantwood itself was very good, a fascinating place and, after our look round the house, there was just enough time for something to eat in the lovely café, before we went down to get the boat back – we were the only passengers this time. 

From Coniston we went to another place that we found it hard to believe we had never been to. It just shows how rarely we go into the South Lakes. We arrived at Stott Park Bobbin Mill and what a great place it is. The guided tour of the Mill (three of us this time) was excellent. Our guide was very knowledgeable and demonstrated several of the old machines. Here she is showing how a Roughing Lathe works, as it turns the ‘blocks’ into approximately the size and shape of the finished bobbin. The block revolves at great speed and chisels shape the wood. Sawdust and shavings go all over the place. 

Hard to imagine now that there were at one time around 65 of these bobbin mills in the Lake District, making thousands of bobbins every day to supply the textile mills of Lancashire and Yorkshire. This is an amazing place, preserving an important industrial heritage.  

So, not a pretty lake view, but this is more my style anyway.