ORTON SCAR

Garron's train was at 10.23 today, and amazingly it was on time.  It's unusual for him to go back at this time as it's usually much later in the day but it was quite a bit cheaper to go as this time so he did.

After we said a sad but fond farewell to Garron, until sometime in September we decided to go to Orton.  So I used Google maps, which was an interesting ride.  Well actually it was very lovely but somehow our Google Guide whom we call Suzy took us via some B Road heading towards Sedbergh and Kirkby Lonsdale and then an unclassified road call The Old Scotch Road, which was very twisty turny and narrow, luckily we only met one other car towards the end of the drive and at a place where we could drive along the grass verge to get past, somewhat muddy but otherwise OK. It also took us past Killington Lake.

Having looked since we came home it should have been a more direct route and an A road, but hey it wouldn't have been so pretty.

Killington Lake also has a service station reached via the M6 but we were at the far end of the lake.  There was a sail boat on it, I didn't know you could sail on there so there must be another road around it somewhere??  (see extras, where if you look carefully to the right of the little boat you can see the Service Station).

We eventually got to Orton, parked near Kennedy's fine chocolates but went to the Orton Scar Cafe for a coffee and snack.  Well I had a snack and hubby had a bacon bap, he said it was an excellent one.  It looks as if The Orton Scar Cafe is up for sale - oh no, I love this little cafe - it's only fairly plain fare but is always so welcoming and lovely and ideal for coffee and snack or cake (and a comfort stop).

We then drove up the B6260 to park in the old quarry car park.  We had a walk up the hill to the left of the car park just for the views and bearings, then on down to Scarside, then turned round and came back and actually went up to Orton Scar - well to the Beacon up there.  We only did a small section but for me it was quite steep and rocky in places.  I used to be able to do this type of walk no problem but since back problems some time ago now find it difficult.  Still I managed and it was very windy up there and even on a day like today you get a pretty good view.  One minute it was black and it looked like rain was coming our then, then it kind of turned in another direction and we had sun!!!  The Beacon was erected by the villagers of Orton and Crosby Ravensworth to celebrate 50 years rule by Queen Victoria, and this elevated site offers good all round views (in the collage in extras you can see the wording on the Beacon).


After seeing very dark clouds heading in our direction we headed back down by the time we got back to the car (which wasn't long) the clouds had gone and it was warm and a bit sunny!!)

 On the way home straight down the B6260 and onto the M6 and A590 we decided to call in to Levens Kitchens.  I had the goats cheese and Beetroot salad, hubby had a very jammy doughnut, both very delicious but my salad was a bit large for me. 

Now home and will be editing my photos fully tomorrow but just did a few for Blip.  

Garron got home safely but said Waverley station was heaving and with great difficulty, due to his dizziness, he managed to get out to a taxi and then get home safe.  Luckily he was met and helped by his brother.

That's all for now, do take care and stay safe and I will see you all tomorrow.