The pick-up coach was late and the skies were grey
Not a good start for the autumn holiday
Traffic was bad, rain torrential which delayed our lunch
You can imagine we were not a very happy bunch
We changed our driver; the sun came out
Our progress improved without a doubt
Lovely hotel and a welcome dinner
Could this holiday be a winner?
Blue skies and sun greeted us the next day
With our Blue Badge guide we were on our way
Beautiful scenery through the fells and mountain pass
Near Coniston and Windermere to Ravenglass
On to the narrow-gauge steam railway line
Our journey to and from Dalgarth was fine
Then on the coach to Cockermouth for lunch
The food at The Trout was a very good munch
A visit to the house which was Wordsworth’s home
The scene of where he wrote his greatest poem
A route via Grangemouth to Holker Hall
The Cavendishes’ home which enthralled us all
On to the Hatherthwaite steam train to Lakeside
Through the Leven Valley for a wonderful ride
Across Lake Windermere our cruise was a delight
Glorious weather to appreciate the sight
We arrived in Bowness for a nice cup of tea
A walk in the town with more to see
An exciting drive via Trout Beck and the High Pass
Stunning fell scenery that made us gasp
Arrival at Ullswater to board our boat
Cruising the lake on which Wordsworth wrote
The coach was waiting at Pooley Bridge Pier
To take us to Kendal which was quite near
An afternoon visit to Sizergh Castle, so grand
Rounded off our day having covered much land
Our last morning came and it was time to depart
Farewell to the Lakes and some of our heart
Little Moreton Hall was our last place to be
A fairytale manor and so much to see
Our holiday had covered over 1,000 miles
I am pleased to say we ended with smiles
Another memorable u3a trip was complete
Live, Laugh and Learn in the Lakes was a treat
words and photos by Ianthe Cox, group leader