Looking for lions in Lambton

I’m back after another long lockdown in the UK (sob). Not going to lie, I’ve basically sat on the sofa being sad and eating Easter eggs (I know, it’s not even Easter). But, I am back to my usual dinosaur self and not only have I turned the spare room into a vegetable patch, I’ve found an adventure I forgot I went on! Lets reminisce whilst I plan some future adventures, now that we can travel around England once again (HOORAY!).

Sunday mornings are a great time to go for a walk. Especially on a beautiful, not quite rainy, Sunday in August. With the current lockdown situation in the UK we are unable to travel unless absolutely necessary. This being said it is a great opportunity to explore places closer to home that I would normally overlook.

The best part about staying local is new places are appearing on my radar. Lord Lambton finally opened the grounds around Lambton Estate. For those who don’t know the UK very well, Lord Lambton has a huge estate in County Durham. This features a castle, river and some rather elusive lions. Though it is 35 years since the last lion was heard roaring on the banks of the river wear. The area itself is very old and very green with a hidden entrance to get into the grounds. Though some rather noisy sheep are on hand to tell you which direction to go.

Maps are available to guide you but I did not take one. I chose to get hopelessly lost instead. The whole area is really hilly and really muddy. I chose to head into the woods, where there are some very cute and old fashioned gatekeeper houses. Luckily there were no lions, only the odd elusive deer running away from my photographer.

Eventually I found a river. I’ve heard rumours about a family of otters in the River Wear recently, though I’m yet to spot them. I followed the river path which led me to the edge of the grounds and had to ask someone which direction I should take. My photographer and I have a feeling it was Lord Lambton as he directed us towards the castle.

Standing on the bridge to the castle is allowed but you can’t go in (unless you are getting married or filming a TV show). So I decided to follow the path along the river instead as the rain clouds were beginning to return. Further along there is the Lamb Bridge which was originally flat when built in the early 1800’s. Nowadays it has an arch and a huge fence surrounding it.

Back to the path, I wandered down to the Racecourse where absolutely no racing was taking place. Instead in typical British fashion, it started to rain torrentially. As they say when it rains, it pours and I had forgot my umbrella. As beautiful as Lambton Park is, there is nowhere to shelter when it rains. Ok nowhere that a full sized human would fit. On the other hand, some trees have tunnels running through them. Making them a perfect dinosaur rain shelter.

Anyway, the rain wasn’t easing at all and my photographer was getting soaked. So we had to do a rather clumsy mad dash back to the car up a really muddy hill. I’ve promised my photographer I won’t release the video (yet). Anyway it was time to return home to dry off on the radiator.

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