After spending the last few days in Essex it was time for a mini road trip to Glasgow, to see an old friend of Anthony’s. Following much discussion about how to make this trip, plane, train or automobile, we opted to drive. This way we could add a day either side of a two night stay in Glasgow.
Our first stop was a night at an old fashioned inn, in a place called Bilton-in-Ainsty, York. The inn was called The Tickled Trout.
Our room was up a rickety old staircase and looked out over the fields and country lane.
Perfect for one night and there was even a decanter of complimentary port on offer.
One of the reasons we chose this place was because of the menu, consisting of mostly fish dishes. It really lived up to our expectations.
Baked ‘en papilotte’ steamed in paper
with fennel, lemon & dill
gluten free crackers
I don’t think anyone could say that English food is the worst anymore, this was five star dining!
A good night’s sleep was had by both of us and after another gourmet meal for breakfast we had a short walk around the local village.
It did feel as though we were extras in a Mid-Somer Murder episode. It was eerily quiet and I saw a lady or two peeping over their hedges, pruning away.
St. Helen’s Church dating back to the 12th Century. It was built in 1150 by a family called Haget.
The village Bilton-in-Ainsty is mentioned in the Domesday Book and the name is Anglo-Saxon meaning Bilo or Billa.
Onwards and upwards then towards Glasgow with a lunch stop at Ullswater, the Lake District. Neither Anthony or I have ever been there.
From the tranquility of Bilton to the busyness in Ullswater. Not just cars but pedestrians everywhere. It was absolutely teeming with people and mid-week too. These small towns and villages have almost become caricatures of themselves. It’s good for local businesses though.
Anyway we enjoyed our short stop at Ullswater and the beautiful lake.
