Windermere to Betws-y-Coed

Well not such a special day today! Left Windermere at 10 heading over a one lane pass taking us to the highest pub in Scotland. All going well despite light rain when suddenly the traffic was at a stand still and some doing dangerous manoeuvres in order to turn around. Anything bigger than a car was backing down! As there was an accident further up the road we too had to do a u- turn and head back down hill. Did get to see the views of the lake below. We were then headed for Oakworth mainly so I could see the location of The Railway Children. The roads in Oakworth were challenging as only one lane but we easily found the station. It was just as I imagined but a big disappointment to find we couldn’t actually stand on the platform as all gates were locked. Was tempted to climb the fence but the threat of CTV cameras stopped me. We did get some good photos. Then carried on around the narrow streets searching for the house in the movie but were unable to locate it. All a bit frustrating. Carried on to another huge farm shop where we gathered some food for tea and had a coffee. I took over driving and our road then took us out through north York and some very industrial towns and then onto the motorway, by which time it was raining very heavily. To my frustration there was nowhere to stop for the next two hours as I took on the major ring road (4 lanes) around Manchester. A major driving feat. No chance to pull over or stop, no lunch, poor visability, desperate for the toilet and exhausted. Made for very little conversation in the car! Anyway we finally pulled over just before the Welsh border at a roadside Starbucks. For once their coffee and muffin tasted amazing. David drove for the next hour as we crossed the border and headed off into the very picturesque countryside of Wales. Betws-y-Coed was a big surprise as it is a very busy little tourist spot set in the absolute middle of a forest and mountains. Our cottage is quite unusual but will be cosy, set up on the hill overlooking the bush. No wifi so wandered down to the hotel for a much needed drink and a chance to use the Internet.Read more