Some of the best village ramparts in France
No photographs today. We left Bashall Barns at 10:45 with quite a short drive today to go to Portland Basin Marina in Ashton-under-Lyne to meet our friends on our shared narrow boat, Debdale. As we had all day to cover less than 50 miles we stopped off at Gawthorpe Hall (NT) near Burnley. A magnificent house Elizabethan house owned by the National Trust and Lancaster County Council. We had a bit of wait as the hall did not open until noon although the NT book suggested 11am. Never mind that just gave us time to get the kettle on! The hall was really interesting with first class room guides in each room who knew their subject intimately and their enthusiasm was contagious! The house was extensivle renovated in the nineteenth century by Barry and Pugin (who also both played a part in building the current Palace of Westminster). Amazing plaster ceilings.
Arrived at the marina about 4pm. Marina is rather a grand word for this tiny canal basin with room for a handful on boats. Anyway we are staying here tonight ready to do the handover on Debdale tomorrow.
Odometer reading leaving Forres: 116661
Odometer reading at Portland Basin Marina: 117452
Kilometres today: 70kms
Kilometers from Forres: 791kms
Kilometres this trip: 2329kms
27th night on Bertie