After lasts years successful weekend in the Derbyshire Peak District it was suggested that for 2006 we venture a little bit further; the Lake District. So on the morning of Friday 23 July the Eastern Region headed up the A1, destination Windermere.
The itinerary for the run included several stops for fuel and refreshment and a planned arrival some time after 6.00pm. A major hold up on the A1 however caused some frustration and delay, but when we saw what the hold up was at least we got a laugh! Parked in the outside lane of the road just before a roundabout was an Audi TT, unmarked apart from a missing front wheel!, vorsprung durch technic? I think not.
After a nice drive across the top of the Yorkshire Dales we finally arriving at the campsite sometime after 8.00pm. Kendra and Robyn had arrived earlier in the ER Support Mondeo and picked us a decent spot so we all set about making camp and erecting the ER gazebos. Daz took centre stage and got down to the vital task of BBQing, a welcome return to the grille for Daz who had been badly missed at the not quite so successful spring rally ER BBQ.
A late arrival was Robbie, having left home about the same time we got to Yorkshire, but still in time for the first round of burgers. A good night was had by all with much “toot” talked and tall tales told.
The weather on the Saturday morning was dry b
ut with the threat of rain in the air. Jamie and Claire arrived having left home at about 5.00am, then plans were agreed for the days drive and we all set off for a circular tour of Lakes Windermere and Coniston before a stop almost in the clouds on the Kirkstone Pass at the Kirkstone Pass Inn. More by luck than judgment the pub was very quiet and we all sat down to some excellent food. The afternoon section of the run took us along Ullswater then to Keswick, through Borrowdale and onto the Honister Pass. The weather was variable with the odd spit of rain but the roads were all surprisingly empty which made it all the more fun for our 12 car convoy. The Saturday evening saw ER BBQ number 2 but this time the weather was not so friendly. The rain began to fall and whilst not heavy we all appreciated the benefit of the gazebos.
The rain continued through the night but had just about stopped by the Sunday morning allowing us to get the camp packed up in the dry. A bit of car shuffling took place for the ER photo call before most of us started out late morning down the M6 heading back South and East. Occasional rainfall on the M6 stopped by about Manchester and when we eventually arrived for a lunch stop in Birmingham it was a baking hot, sunny day. A final blast down the M6 and A14 saw the end of the ER Lake District Weekender.
What a great weekend, the chance to drive some exciting and challenging roads with some of the nicest scenery in the country, good food, good company, definitely “more fun”.
Lots of people need to be thanked as it takes a team effort to get these things to work, but biggest thanks to Kendra for organising such a super campsite and to Daz for his BBQ efforts.
Cheers also to Fran, Simon and Fred from Tyne Tees Area for coming along, Bavers for breakfast duties, Steve H for official photos, Gary for route planning advise, Toby the Teddy for just being there and to everyone else for making it such a laugh. Plans for next years weekender are already in the pipeline.
© Martin Curtis