Menoturals; A Nature Friday Offering

Yesterday, I promised a few views of my favourite park up in New Lanark. One day, I will get down the very, very big hill into the historical mill village (and be able to get all the way up again), but in the meantime, just traversing that part of the hill that takes me from where I park The Grey at the topmost tier of parking areas, down to the main part where the bins all congregate is challenge enough for now. This first image is taken looking side-on at The Grey's spot... I use this area almost exclusively, but move around into different positions according to light and how busy the rest of the place is.

Most other campervans and motorhomes go down to the main part, or the other two tiers, so it is rare indeed that we have company up here. We like it that way! We are joined by squirrels, rabbits, various birds, notably a cheeky pair of Robins who like the odd crumb... and there was a deer the other day!

Looking out from the cab, we see this...

...and even in the rain, it is still so beautiful. Some of the trees here are well over 20m tall! Beech, Aspen, Hazel, Larch, Birch... a big variety. 

When faced with the hill back up from the base park, this is the view...

It's difficult to emphasise just how steep that is. Anywhere between a 30 and 45-degree angle! Now, from the base park, one can take a footpath down into the village, but that gets even steeper in places... and with the Rolls-later, it would be almost deadly for me to attempt. One can just see the main mill building from the base park...

Now, notice all that grass? It was being mown as I took this shot. From behind those tall shrubs, out popped the greens keeper with a big smile.

"You contemplating yon hill, hen?" 

"I was, but am rather thinking it's not designed for me or my donkey here."

"Och, why dae ye no just drive doon?"

"...erm, because there are signs specifically forbidding it?"

"They only put those up to discourage the majority. There is parking there, and you'd be fine using it." He then proceeded to explain how to go through the big white gates, turn left, and there would be plenty of parking. But not for overnight; that was only up here. As he was wearing the uniform of the New Lanark Trust, I was inclined to accept what he said as true. 

Had the weather held, I may well have taken Grey down there for a couple of hours. However, by the time I had trudged back up that hill, one of the several very nasty squalls was coming through (see the video below), and it stayed for a good hour or so. Thus, the drive down will have to await another visit! I did take the opportunity, via this gentleman (whose name I completely forgot to ask), to compliment the Trust for providing such generous spaces and welcome to overnight stays (at only £3 for 24 hours, or £75 for 28 days). It really is a haven. Even when the storms rage through...