Vindolanda, Cumbria, Cheshire

29th February - 2nd March 2024

On the way to Vindolanda.

Driving directly from Northumbria across the country to Cumbria took us on some wild roads. Taking the motorway and going the long way around would probably have been just as quick but we wanted to skirt Hadrian's Wall and stop at the Roman ruins at Vindolanda on the way.

Turning from an unassuming quiet back road (signage was limited as we somehow were guided by our GPS to the back entrance) and suddenly coming face to face with the extensive ruins of a Roman settlement was amazing.

The display of artifacts discovered so far during archaeological excavations, which are still ongoing was incredible with many objects still being in good condition despite being buried for centuries.

Letter

Gardens at Vindolanda

Ruins overview

Model of the original town.

Walking around the ruins the street layout including houses and shops could clearly be seen together with the Roman army barracks.

Roman shoes in amazing conditions.

The next stop on our tour was a visit to friends Clare and Steve in Ambleside, Cumbria, where we enjoyed a lovely walk via Rydal and along Rydal Walter to Grasmere.

The girls jumped off the bus on the way back to attempt a visit to one of Wordsworth's houses, Rydal Mount. The plan was thwarted by the fact it was closed and they girls ended up hiking home in the rain.

Rydal water walk.

Steve chanelling his inner gnome.

Not today Wordsworth!

We rounded off our flying visit with pizza and a movie before heading south the next day.

Our journey back to Wales was split with a fun visit to catch up with old school friend Janet, husband Dave, and crazy Thalia the dog in Cheshire.

Dave and Janet.

Thalia making a fashion statement