I was up early and ready to set off, but unfortunately Mr C was sluggish which meant we didn’t set off until 11.20am. After we had filled up with petrol and checked the car tyre pressures it was almost time for lunch. I was driving so Mr C was tasked to think of a suitable place for lunch before I faded away…
He was equal to the challenge and came up with an inspired choice; a tea shop that he had noticed on one of our recent excursions. After suitable refreshment, which for me was a cherry scone and a locally made raspberry and pear juice, we resumed our long journey north. We stopped briefly for a cup of tea in Kirby Stephen and arrived at our Newcastle destination (the Vermont Hotel) at around 5.30pm, just in time to unpack and relax before dinner.
I was impressed by the outcome of the refurbishments to the Vermont, which had been taking place when last I visited in March. We decided to eat in the hotel; the meal I chose was delicious. We got chatting to one of the waitresses who told us some of the best places to visit in Newcastle and Northumberland, including one of her favourite secluded beaches for seal watching. Afterwards we moved to the reception area for a nightcap before retiring for sleep.
As I drifted off to sleep the road traffic noise faded away to be replaced by the distinctive sound of trains…
