A Castle and a Mermaid.

Castle Gloom, which lies between the Burn of Sorrow and the Burn of Care, was the mournful sounding destination for a trip we took earlier this week. With leaden grey skies and sudden downpours of rain, the weather was suitably dismal for our visit, but the castle (now called Castle Campbell) and its location are beautiful and well worth a visit. 

We parked halfway up the hill and enjoyed the steep walk with tantalising glimpses of the castle along the way. Before entering the castle grounds we walked further up the hill through woodland and were rewarded with a view of the castle and beyond with the last of the bluebells decorating the slope at our feet.

Once inside the castle it's possible to climb the tower for yet more lovely views from the rooftop.

We ate our picnic lunch in the pretty gardens though had to make a dash for shelter form the rain before we were quite finished.We then returned to the car by the path along one of the burns. It was rather a damp walk, but the smell of the wild garlic down by the burn was quite delicious.

The last two photos were taken from the car coming home. The mermaid is called Arria.

Saturday Morning Bike Ride

A cool May morning, perfect for cycling.

Cow parsley, cows & cow sign.

I love cow parsley!

 Farmhouse in the distance, river flowing by.

Climbing the hill, a pause for the view.

 Beautifully green.

Yet higher, I can't resist this little road with its verges of cow parsley. Cue lots of cow parsley shots...

 Hawthorn too.

 Higher still. Up here the air is fresh and sweet. I can hear larks and a cuckoo.

 I manage to catch a photo of the lark before he climbs too high in the sky.

It's always worth the long climb to get up here. Not another soul do I see. I can meander along enjoying all the countryside sights, sounds and smells.

 Red campion.

 Bluebells.

 On top of the world!

 Mountains in the far distance.

 Forget-me-not.

I've started my descent and spot some cows amongst the gorse.

 They are curious and come over for a closer look.

 Now down at the reservoir. I like the old gates.

 Rusty detail.

Another delightful little road. Black cattle here contrasting with the green field.

 Twisty.

 Welsh poppies.

A view over the reservoir.

 Yet more cow parsley.

Some shots of old farm buildings taken "on the hoof", the house opposite is occupied so I don't like to stop.

 Door detail, interesting window slit.

Door and window of the smaller section.

 Sadly the roof has fallen in on the larger section. The piles of slates suggest it should hopefully be repaired at some point.

 Still descending.

 Comfrey.

 Some bluebells still flowering in the woods.

 Past their best but still a pretty sight.

 Fern.

 Thistle buds.

Bike shot with dog roses to finish.

So nice to be back out on my bike. My course is nearing to a close so I have a little more spare time for now...