Ripon, North Yorkshire

It felt good to wake up in the forest, albeit a little wet. Just four of us in the little camping field last night, the only sound from the frustrated ram housed next to us, who kicked the walls in his shelter. We'd been told there was no need to rush to leave this morning, so we didn't, waiting until midday when the light precipitation gave way to an improving picture. Nearby, was Pickering, a pretty little market town that sits at the foot of the North York Moors.

It is also home to the North York Moors Railway, who on the weekend of the 25th-28th September will be hosting their annual steam gala. Whilst we were at the station a banner for the event was being tied to a railing, and guess what the train pictured was only  'Squadron', a steam train one of Angela's brothers has a part share in.

Normally this train is housed at Swanage steam railway. Talk about coincidence. Pickering is an interesting town, the medieval church of St. Peter and St. Paul houses one of the best complete sets of medieval frescos in England.

We've visited many churches on our travels, and you never know what you'll see inside once you step through the door. As always everyone we spoke to in the town was friendly, and outside a pie shop a man recommended the sweet chilli and pork sausages roll, giant size.

They do love a pie in Yorkshire, and we do now as well. Today though was to be our last, they're hardly healthy eating! For the third time on this trip we are back at Ripon. Whilst we enjoyed our visit to the moors and east coast we prefer the west of Yorkshire more. Sadly, we must leave this area in a day or two to begin our journey south. Yorkshire we've loved being here, and we're sure we'll return.

Ripon, North Yorkshire

A keen wind still blew this morning, but at least as the new day washed over us the sun shone. The little campsite on the farm with two toilets and one shower had been a bargain at fifteen pounds. Three vans stayed last night, and we were the first away. Our first visit today, The Himalayan Garden and Sculpture Park just outside Masham. It opened at ten, and we were there at just before, surprised at how busy the car park already was. Hot drinks and scones in the cafe set us up for the walk around the grounds. Besides a variety of shrubs and trees there were ninety sculptures to view. Since leaving the Dales and moving towards the moors, the weather has become wetter.

We appreciated the trees even more when we sheltered under them when the rain fell heavily. Time passed quickly at the gardens, and we were surprised it was well past one o' clock when we returned to Margery. But our day wasn't complete, we still had the Druids Temple to visit fifteen minutes up the road.

The temple set in woodland is an eighteenth century folly, built with no purpose. It was purely built to alleviate unemployment. The afternoon rain became very persistent, but we managed to walk to the folly and back in-between showers. Then on to Ripon where we would once again stay overnight. The parking area by the cathedral was busier than when we were here ten days ago. There are fifteen vans including Margery. Ripon gets it. Let the vans stay. The parking is free overnight. We have spent money in both Lidl and Sainsbury's and also the Weatherspoons where we stopped off for a drink before dinner. It is raining heavily again this evening, but we were able to take a short walk around the town before it started. A sign by an alleyway caught Angela's eye. It read, Lavender Alley. Why is it called Lavender Alley. We don't know! The Yorkshire sense of humour strikes again.

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.