Rambling Russells

An overnight stay in Edinburgh meant that we could wander the Christmas lights and market stalls and travel back the next day. Freezing temperatures gave rise to careful thought about how to see the sights and keep warm. We decided not to spend time searching for city parking but use the Ingliston Park & Ride facility getting to ride on the new Tram service was a bonus to the plans. Hot bacon rolls and hot drinks set us up for the first leg of stalls but cold fingers and toes made us head for Wetherspoons for thawing out slightly. We declined to take a ride on the fairground chairs and ferris wheels. A return along the lower level of stalls got us back to where we began at Princes Street. We then headed towards George Street where we booked tickets for the Ice Sculpture exhibition. The surrounding streets were closed and buildings nicely decorated and further market stalls and high rise rides had been set up. The ice sculptures were housed in a marquee ...

December saw us make two visits to Lowther Castle - the first was a day out and the second was as a result of talking to the lady in the gift shop who told us about the markets the castle was hosting on 3 weekends before Christmas. Both days turned out to be beautifully sunny but frosty and cold. In the 17th century Lowther Hall belonged to the 1st Viscount Lonsdale but the current castellated mansion was built for the 1st Earl of Lonsdale, William Lowther, between 1806 and 1814. This was the first time it was known as a castle but the extravagance of the 5th Earl led to its closure in 1937. The contents were removed in the 1940's and it was used during the Second World War by a tank regiment. The family could not afford the upkeep of the castle and offered the house to various institutions but in the depressed post-war years no-one wanted to take it on. To avoid paying taxes the family then stripped the castle and removed the roof. In 2000 the Estate and English Heritag...

We were visiting Netherby Hall for a Craft Fair and didn't really know what to expect, but were very pleasantly surprised with what we found! photo:netherbyhall.co.uk The craft fair was set inside the house - the most amazing setting for a craft fair I think we have ever been in! Entry through the front door led into a wonderful hall -  as beautiful as the objects on offer for sale. photo: netherbyhall.co.uk The Great Oak Room then offered us more  - in the way of stalls as well as architecture. We didn't know what to look at first! The stalls were wonderful - lots of unusual crafts that we had not seen before and friendly stallholders willing to chat about their products. A stall representing Kirkandrews-upon-Esk church was especially helpful, giving us information about the estate church that is still in use and well worth a visit. (see more later!) After perusing the stalls it was then time to peruse the room itelf - and what a room. The walls - and doors...