Settle, North Yorkshire. (Day 2).

The weather forecast for today was not looking so great, so we decided not to move on, but to spend another day and night at Settle. Angela didn't mind, she needed a break from driving Margery. Spending more time here would also give us time to walk around the town and view the fantastic innovative, quirky, amusing flowerpot creations made for the flowerpot festival which began on the July 12th and runs until the 12th September.

The threat of a rain shower never far away we packed our waterproof jackets and trousers and walked along the cobbled pavements peering into the darkness of narrow alleyways, pressing our noses at the windows of closed shops, and visiting the outdoor shop after which we found ourselves outside the Victoria Music Hall, the worlds oldest music hall.

Alongside an interesting bohemian style cafe beckoned us. We found a cozy corner under the covered area and talked to a local woman who wanted to buy a caravan, tow it to Weymouth, site it, and use it as a base to travel out from. Of course we dashed her dreams. A caravan sited in Weymouth. No. A campervan, with the freedom to roam. Yes.

Early afternoon the weather settled and we walked up the hill to the Scaleber waterfall. The views back to Settle took our attention. The Yorkshire Dales are stunning, but we are starting to wonder if we might rethink our route before heading over to the easy coast for better weather. The long hot summer has spoiled us and we are finding it hard to tolerate the rain showers. Up here they'd probably call us 'soft southerners'. Which we probably are! Traveling makes you appreciate what you have. And the freedom to choose. So tomorrow we will decide on a plan of action.

Settle, North Yorkshire

We are following the Robbie Roams No Fuss Travel Guide, Road Trip Yorkshire, a twelve day ultimate road trip. Yesterday we realized that it is impossible for us to visit every destination listed for each day, especially if you're like us and want to chat with people you meet along the way. So playing catch up on yesterday's itinerary we began the day at Brimham Rocks, formed a 100 million years before the first dinosaurs roamed earth the rocks were shaped by an immense river, ice, wind and rain.

They were certainly interesting, especially the rock known as 'The Idol', which incredibly balances on a rock with a diameter of just thirty centimeters. Brimham Rocks ticked off our list our next stop was Coldstones Cuts, a sculpture from which you can view the immense quarry hole and limestone quarrying operation below.

 Next, the charming historic market town of Grassington, famous as being the fictional town of Darrowby in the TV adaptation of All Creatures Great and Small.

The town can certainly draw a crowd, there were die hard fans of the program everywhere. Today was our 'shower' day, which means we needed to book onto a campsite, our chosen one was near to Malham Cove, so we headed over the dales, the roads a little hairy scary, only to be told the main campsite closed yesterday, and the two, yes two spaces they have available all year were taken. Great! After some thought, and research we decided to drive on for a further half an hour to Settle where campervans and motorhomes are welcome. A charge of £6.60 from 6pm to 9am was acceptable to us.

So here we are, Margery is settled by the weeping willow trees next to the rugby club. We took a walk around the town before dinner before settling down for the evening. Tomorrow we will investigate the chance of paying to use the showers at the local swimming pool. Then back on the road. If the onward drive is anything like this afternoons Angela's nerves will be more than a little frayed.

Ripon, North Yorkshire

As pub stops going, last night's was a good one. Margery was parked in an excellent spot with views across open countryside. In the adjacent field sad looking sheep stood staring.

We wondered what they were thinking some with crows perched on their backs. Probably, how can we escape. Today we had a full day planned. First stop Ripon. The cathedral dominated the city and we were keen to see inside. And we weren't disappointed. Entry was free. We were welcomed by a very nice lady who told us lots of interesting facts before we were left to roam around this amazing building dating back to the 7th century. 

The intricate wooden carvings on some of the bench stalls are said to have inspired Lewis Carroll, who originated from Ripon, when writing Alice in Wonderland.

We enjoyed our time in the tiny city of Ripon, and stayed longer than planned. So it was mid afternoon before we arrived at our next stop, Fountains Abbey, the largest and best presented Cistercian monastery in England. The price to enter the Abbey and grounds was an eye watering £23.00. The abbey is a National Trust property, so after some thought we decided to join knowing we'd probably visit more National Trust properties whilst in Yorkshire, and definitely in Scotland next year.

As with the cathedral, we also very much enjoyed our time at the abbey. Today has flown by, and we've not visited everywhere on our list. It has become apparent that we need to rethink our itinerary. Tonight's stop in the parking area next to Ripon cathedral finds Margery settled between a local Yorkshire man and a couple from the north east. We'll be up early in the morning as we once again have many places to visit. Who knew Yorkshire had so much to see?

Late in the evening we walked up to Ripon town square to see the Wakeman setting the watch at 9pm by standing at each of the four corners of the obelisk and blowing his horn. Once finished he gathered us up, and explained about the ceremony, which he told us was started by Alfred the Great, and continued from that date without a break, though now involving WhatsApp, and during the Covid epidemic broadcasting live over Facebook.