GRUMPY SISTERS' INK

John departed early but took us with him as far as Malton. We had looked at the Map and consulted Mr Google and come up with a walk around the estate of Castle Howard. John dropped us off at the bus station after a little unexpected detour, and we asked about the 183 bus to Welburn. The traffic bus type official said that if we were only going to Welburn then we should hop on the 843 that was standing right next to us, as it went in the A64 and Welburn was jus across the road. Fine we said as the bus was going then and there and meant the avoidance of a wait. For 'just across the road' read a miles walk down the road........however, we had made an early start. In our eagerness to explore the village we missed the footpath turn off, but ever innovative, we reversed the map directions and sailed forth across the countryside. It was summery day as we threaded our way though fields and woods. As we did so we caught glimpse of Castle Howard, not really a castle by a large stately home. Along the way there were many different'follies', a mausoleum, a pyramid, statues and a temple to the four winds. http://www.castlehoward.co.uk/House-and-grounds/The-House-and-Family/The-Castle-Howard-Story.html This 18th-century palace designed by Sir John Vanbrugh, of Blenheim Palace fame, occupies dramatic grounds with lakes, fountains, gardens, and an adventure playground. Boat trips on the lake and kids' trails and puzzle sheets make it a great family bet. Begun in 1699 for the 3rd Earl of Carlisle, Castle Howard has a striking facade topped by a painted and gilded dome, and, inside, a chapel with stunning 19th-century stained-glass windows by Sir Edward Burne-Jones. The many important paintings on display include a portrait of Henry VIII by Holbein and works by Rubens, Reynolds, and Gainsborough. On the grounds, the family mausoleum is by Hawksmoor. It was all very grand countryside. The highlight of the walk were the clouds of bright blue butterflies that erupted from the warm grasses as we walked by. Hard to capture on camera, so look carefully.