Our escape!

All was quiet in the house as we loaded the van.... No one stirring not even when popped in to kiss the children... 5am and off on a freedom break!!!
We arrived in drizzly Whitby in time for a bacon butty breakfast and then set about deciding where abouts in Yorkshire we were going to base ourselves. We saw the eary Whitby abbey went beachcombing then a visit to the steam train and a gentle moor walk saw us at Beck hole pub, pint in hand, having had a light shower under Mallion spout, reminiscing about our pre children walking days... we heard the gentle call of the Lakeland fells beckoning over the Pennines..... so as it WAS Tom's birthday treat.... over we drove!
Arrived in beautiful sunny Glenridding, pitched the tent and enjoyed a "stonking" meal at "The Travellers Rest". A wonderfully restful night and even Tom had a lie in until 9! After some touristy visits/purchases we aimed for the summit of the old man of Conniston. (having been ten years younger and a good deal lighter the last time I tackled it, I was under no illusion of reaching the top) However slowly and grumpily I trudged on with Tom ever energetic going ahead and coming back to me ever patient.... His perseverance was rewarded as we did eventually make it! and what a view (and sense of achievement) The day ended with us pitching the tent in Langdale and a meal at "The Old Dungeon Ghyll". The night wasn't quite so restful as the midges were out in force but we needed an early start back down to Lincoln anyway!
A most restful break even though we packed in a fair bit, carefree and without routine!

The children didn't miss us that much, as they were having a whale of a time with Mamine and Papytail! But LOTS of cuddles on our return.
Thank you so much Maman and Daddy for coming up and looking after them all, they had a great time and so did we! You may well need a month to recover but we truly appreciated the escape you afforded us. Merçi.XX