Saturday 25 April 2026 - Penrith parkrun, Falkland Palace and Persie House

After a two hour journey, we rolled up at Penrith parkrun in plenty of time for the 9am start. 

Sue managed a creditable 25:04, and I took 33:10. Afterwards we noticed Lindsay Harrod who told us of her change of career. After an intensive two year course she has now qualified as a vicar and has a position in Carlisle. Good luck, Lindsay.

I started at the back as usual, eventually finishing in position 258 out of 341 participants.

Then we visited Falkland Palace, where Scottish history has taken place over the centuries. The trees were in blossom. 

This is the home of 'Royal Tennis.

Some posh students (who would name their son 'Caesar'?) were using the court, though they were having a bit of trouble with the rules! Jenny turned up and took their group photo. "Hello Caesar!"

Inside the palace, a domain of kings. The house is now in the hands of the National Trust, and is still occupied by family members.

Here's a taste of what it looks like.

Outside, the garden was lovely and my 'Merlin' App recorded about 20 bird calls in the space of half an hour. Swallows had arrived.

Here's a view from Falkland village, before we continued our journey.

After another hour in the car we arrived at Persie House, where 24 of us will spend a week with Keith and Carol in celebration of their Ruby Wedding Anniversary. Here's the entrance hall. 

So, another week in Scotland with a large group - I'll illustrate our activities but entries may be brief.