Scenes of Ulverston

The ancient parish of Ulverston was first mentioned in the Doomsday Book in 1086 and is the start of The Cumbrian Way (or Cumbria Way if you prefer). We arrived in Ulverston via the bus from Oxenholme (by way of Preston from London) as the trains were disabled for repair. After checking into our B&B, The Virginia House, we headed out to climb Hoad Hill upon which sits a replica of the Eddystone Lighthouse, a monument to Sir John Barrow, 1st Baronet who was born nearby. It was a beautiful day with plenty of sunshine. Too bad it wouldn't last through the trek!

 Flower Seller

English Parsnips

Ulverston's Market Charter was granted by Edward I in 1280. This was for a market every Thursday. Modern Ulverston keeps it's market town appearance and now markets are held every Thursday and Saturday. We came in on a Thursday so were able to buy fresh local fruit to pack in our lunch for the next day's trek.

My next car: a Blue Mini Cooper. ;)

Laurel & Hardy

Ulverston is the birthplace of Stan Laurel of Laurel & Hardy fame. This sculpture was erected in 2009 by comedian Ken Dodd and is in front of Coronation Hall in the town center. The Laurel & Hardy museum is also located in Ulverston.

 Ulverston Parish Church. There has been a place of worship on this site since 1111AD.

Church Points

Leafy Lane

 Lighthouse Monument on Hoad Hill

One of two dogs we encountered on the way up Hoad Hill. 

The joy of running free!

Ulverston Farms 

 Sheepside ;)

Ray contemplates over Ulverston.

Laura atop Hoad Hill. (pic by Gina)

 Gina looking fetching in her lovely hat.

The girls with a view. Taken with my camera by Ray.

Ray with a view

Our B&B, The Virginia House, is a Georgian Town House built in 1740 and originally owned by a sea captain who had ties to the American State of Virginia, hence the name.

The Breakfast Room

Our cheerful bedroom

Upon entering the room, I spotted a mirror and of course had to grab a selfie!

We had our evening meal at the old Rose & Crown pub. I ordered a glass of wine and the guy behind the bar said "small or large?" I said small but as he walked away, I leaned over the counter and shouted "Wait! How small is it"? The whole place burst into laughter and he said "Don't you know you should never ask a man that question?". I was as red as my wine! Of course we kept the theme going when Gina ordered a large pint of beer and I said "She likes 'em large". :) Ray ordered a Scotch. Seems we were all sticking to our standard drink we had every night during The West Highland Way! For dinner I had a delicious serving of Carrot & Coriander Soup (my favorite!) along with Goat Cheese Bruschetta. Gina had Fish & Chips and Ray had Gammon which looked like a heart attack on a plate. All the portion sizes were very American: Huge!

 Rose & Crown

Fish & Chips (pic by Gina)

We weren't too disappointed about the amount of food however as the next day would start our trek of The Cumbria Way with a very long eighteen miles to the village of Coniston. And, yes, it began with rain but at least for this night, we were dry, stuffed and happy!