Pomp and Circumstance

We began the day at the Falkirk Wheel an amazing feat of engineering which has helped to revitalise the Scottish canal systems - it lifts boats over 35 metres from the lower canal to the canal on the higher level - opening up waterways closed many years ago .

Then we moved on to Stirling Castle which was truly beautiful restored to 15th century glory.

As you can see from the restored ceiling the colours are vibrant and very unexpected.  The guide was a great story teller and brought the entire history to life.

Today we toured around Lake Windermere visiting Hill Top home of Beatrix Potter and Peter Rabbit - we even saw him in the garden.   

It's amazing the people you meet when you least expect it - here Phil and Trish caught up with us and we became "The Magnificent Seven" - as the tour operator described us.  A really lovely day!  Lunch was good too at an old pub in the square.  Everywhere the flowers were captivating and vibrant , hanging in baskets and dripping over walls in riotous colours.  We were entranced by it all.

Choosing our lunch is always a serious decision.

Joanne admiring the village.

Lake Windermere in the late afternoon.  The Lakes District is spectacular with rolling hills and high fells and plenty of walking trails and tourists are thick on the ground.

More to come - Stratford Upon Avon and Shakespeare!