Muncaster Castle

Unfortunately, the second day in Cumbria had worse rain than the first. Although the morning by Seascale was dry. By the time we'd sorted out K's teeth it was tanking it down outside.

However, the plan was to visit the local Roman baths and castle, which I'd hoped was a short walk up the road. However, the route we were given (designed to be more fun than the dull main road) took us across a wet beach and a very long and very boggy footpath. What seemed relatively short on the map took us well over an hour - in driving rain. Once again, our clothing saved us - helped by a couple of umbrellas.

The Roman bath house was in a surprisingly good state and some of the original render was still present. The small alcoves that probably held statues were still in good order. Must have been quite a destination almost 2000 years ago. The Roman presence is quite strong everywhere here, not least Hadrian's wall.

We didn't get to our destination, Muncaster Castle, until 3.30pm and were the muddiest we've been so far. The castle itself was still a half mile walk from the entrance. Everything here is a half mile walk. Inside the castle we had some of the best views of the southern Lake District but no cameras were allowed. The castle, in use since the Middle Ages, has a long history in the hands of the Pencaster family. We were treated to a very long hand-held audio tour of the family. They clearly enjoyed recording more than we enjoyed listening. We gave up and left. K had her first full meal, without pain, for 3 days.