Cartmel Priory and the Races

Tewitfield Marina

A four day break staying at the Tewitfield Marina near Carnfoth, Lancs. Just off the M6 motorway but an oasis of calm and tranquility, if you ignore the rumble from the cars. Thankfully the weather was a bit cooler than the heatwave we left behind at home. In  fact the drizzle on arrival was the first rain I had seen since the end of May. 

Our stroll along the Lancaster Canal was cut short as the rain became heavier. I made a mental note to get up early one morning and see how far I could get before breakfast.
Nothing for it but to adjourn to the nearby hostelry 'The Longlands'. I enjoyed a fine plate of fish and chips washed down with a couple of pints of Black Sheep Ale (4.8%). Slept very well and no canal walk to report prior to breakfast.

 Enjoyed a very hearty fry up to set us up for a day at the races. The long tradition of racing at Cartmel was started by the monks from Cartmel Priory in the 12th Century. It is a strange place to have a racecourse with it's windy roads set against the backdrop of the beautiful Lakeland fells.

No rain thankfully but a little overcast and humid.When the sun came out it was as though someone had  turned up the oven. It is always a busy course and holds 9 race meetings each year. In fact only National Hunt courses Aintree and Cheltenham attract more visitors. It has been known for Carmel to house over 20,000 on a busy day. Not the best viewing course that i've ever seen but as is typical these days there are big screens showing the action.

The Parade Ring

There is a lot going on apart from the racing of course. The usual array of hen and stag parties , a funfair as well as many marquees selling everything from concrete  hand painted jockeys to exclusive jewellery.

I got off to a flyer backing the winners in the first two races no less. My big fancy was yet to come as well. I was in confident mood and ready to take the bookies for a few quid.

Coming under starters orders

The horse in question was called 'Volcanic' , although it was me who would erupt should it win. Everything was flowing very nicely and the horse was getting a spurt on . Definitely a hot tip , is this enough volcano jokes for you ? Oh it is is , fair enough. Everything was going so well as the horse pulled 3 lengths clear and staying on going over the final hurdle on the final bend.

The final bend

Somehow defeat was pulled unceremoniously from the jaws of victory. With the race at it's mercy somehow the horse clipped the hurdle and unseated the jockey. Up in a cloud of volcanic smoke went my betting slip, the Placepot and the Exacta too. I'm left thinking something about counting chickens as I eek out a beer tent to contemplate what might have been.

Marina & Glen in relaxed mood

Team photo

A nice pint it was too if a little expensive at £4.50... Brewed locally at Unsworths brewery 'Sir William Marshal’s Crusader Gold' to give it the full title. (4.1%) lightly hopped, crisp and refreshing with a subtle citrus finish. Went down well with a Wild Boar burger that I can tell you. Tempted to try another but one must keep a clear head when at the races.
From that moment onward Lady Luck deserted me and I failed to trouble the bookies again.

Cartmel Priory(Rear)

Cartmel Priory (Front)

 After the last race we wandered into the pretty village of Cartmel, famed as being the home of 'Sticky Toffee Pudding'.
Even more famously it has the 12th Century Cartmel Priory  with its beautiful stained glass windows, modern sculptures, and ancient choir stalls.

The Priory is an oasis of calm as racegoers descend from the course .Some it would seem have over indulged on the alcohol and are in boisterous  form. The men are not much better either ...

It was pointless to try and find somewher in Cartmel for a meal so we set off towards the Ribble Valley. Our destination being a former coaching Inn on the Cumbria Lancashire border 'The Highwayman'.  Appropriately enough I ordered a very tasty 'Lancashire Hot Pot'. Accompanied by a pint or two of Thwaites Wainwright Beer (4.1%).