Hold The Fort

We are from Chester originally (lots of Roman things), live in the Lake District (a fair bit of Roman to be seen) and holidayed in Italy last year (where the whole Roman thing began!)
But, in spite of living up here for thirty odd years, we’ve never explored Hadrian’s Wall - the outer edge of the Roman Empire. So, on our way home from Newcastle today, we thought we’d stop off on the way at Housesteads Fort. Delighted to find that our National Trust membership was valid for free entry. It’s an English Heritage site, but the NT run the cafe and entry is free for members of either organisation. And the car park fees go to the National Park, so everyone benefits.
Very interesting site and we also explored a little way along the wall. Naturally, I was drawn to the latrines when looking for a blip! Very sophisticated system, with deep channels for the waste (which just got flushed out beyond the walls of the fort) and water running around the centre for washing. It was, of course, a communal facility, but we are told the soldiers enjoyed a good gossip whilst going about their ablutions!
We continued home via Alston so we could enjoy the views from Hartside Summit, before dropping down to Penrith. Seemed churlish not to call into Cranstons Food Hall whilst we were there and get some goodies for tea. It should then have been a simple 30 minute drive down the M6 to Kendal, but just as we got on the motorway, we heard that there was a vehicle on fire near Shap and traffic was being held. After an hour of not moving, one lane was opened and we crawled slowly past the charred remains of a small lorry. I’m guessing the disconsolate looking bloke in a hi-vis, staring at what was left of the wagon, was the unfortunate driver!
Anyway, we’re home now and can finally put our feet up. It’s our 41st wedding anniversary today, and what better way of celebrating than with a quiet night in and a delicious salad from Cranstons!