Having left Grandad in the competent care of Highfields in Saffron Walden, we first headed north to Lincoln, where we stayed at Bramston Hall, very grand, then on, via Harrogate, to beautiful Hillthwaite house, overlooking Lake Windermere. We spent a lovely sunny day on the lake, then one breath-taking day on a satnav-induced adventure over the treacherous Hardknott Pass. The next day we visited the Lake poets' haunts and went on a short hike to the imposing Ladore Falls. We had a few more days left, which we spent in London, seeing the fascinating Renaissance drawing exhibition, and in Cambridge, taking advantage of the freedom to take the day as it came.