Wharfedale In The Lakes 31st August 2021
At long last we were able to return to The Crooklands Hotel for our yearly 2 night outing in the Lakes. Our usual visits have been in July but because of Covid etc we pushed it back to the 31st August, and made it mid week. There was clearly pent up demand with initially 18 cars on the list, this did eventually drop back to 15, still a good turn out.
Most of us met at the Keelham Farm Shop just outside Skipton on the Tuesday lunch time, we then took a Mike Sloan circuitous route through the Dales, coming out at Oxenholme then dropping down to Crooklands. Unfortunately the road down through Dent was closed, nevertheless a couple of cavalier members decided they would take a chance, which didn't work out, only finding out 6 miles in, ooeeer.
We arrived at Crooklands around 5pm, and it was just like we had never been away, the hotel is superb and very accommodating. We had our usual first night bar type meal and social get together. It was good to see long standing members returning, and new members as well, plus our friends from 2 other TR Groups. Unfortunately we were missing one stalwart member, Barrie Simkin and his wife Pat. Due to ill health Barrie felt he had to cancel, we all wish him a speedy recovery and hope to see him soon.
Wednesday morning saw us gathering in the car park following a sumptuous breakfast ready for out first run. It had previously been decided to repeat our first ever run, heading out past Broughton In Furness to Haverigg and the Beach Cafe for our coffee and cake stop. Then back towards Broughton and over Wrynose Pass to Grassmere, for our afternoon stop. From here we made our own way back to Crooklands in the late afternoon.
Ready for the off.
The Beach Cafe at Haverigg, shame about the Ford Kuga photo bombing the picture.
A pause for breath before heading for Wrynose.
We arrived back at the Hotel around tea time for some well earned refreshments, then a wash and brush up ready for the evening meal. Again the Hotel did a fabulous job, a great meal, Ken Bailey rolled out his now expected quiz, and it lived up to expectations, thanks Ken. A great evening.
Unfortunately Thursday morning saw us checking out of the Hotel and preparing for our final run, a circuitous route to Aysgarth Falls, thanks to Mike & Kate Sloan. But before we set off Phil Warkup presented Gerry Le Vey with the Barbara Warkup Plate for Gerry's long standing commitment to Wharfedale.
Phil presents Gerry with the Plate.
We arrived late morning at Aysgarth, in time for a coffee, cake and a walk to the Falls.
Sadly this was the end to a fabulous couple of days, driving in great scenery, in great weather, in great cars and with great people, what more could you ask? Ok, when's the next one then? It's already booked for next year.
Ian