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Wray Castle, Ambleside added to National Trust in North West by D0c.Col on 15/11/2023

Wray Castle is a charming Grade II listed Victorian neo-gothic mansion located in the Lake District, Cumbria, and England. It's situated on the western shore of Lake Windermere, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The castle, along with the adjacent church was built as a private residence in the 1840s for James Dawson, a retired Liverpool surgeon.

Despite its stronghold appearance it was never intended as a defensive fortification and therefore lacks many typical castle like characteristics. Instead, it served as a holiday home for the Dawson family. After James’ death in 1875 the estate was inherited by his fifteen year old nephew, Edward Preston Rawnsley. In 1877 Edward's cousin, Hardwicke Rawnsley, took up the appointment of vicar of Wray Church. To protect the countryside from damaging development, Hardwicke, acting on a notion conceived by John Ruskin, developed the idea of a National Trust that could buy and preserve places of natural beauty and historic interest for the nation.
In 1882, when Beatrix Potter was just 16 years old, her family rented Wray Castle for their summer holiday. This visit is said to have inspired Beatrix's love for the Lake District, and it marked the beginning of her deep affection for the region. She eventually settled in the Lake District and purchased Hill Top Farm in Near Sawrey. It is said that the landscapes and surroundings of the Lake District, including her memories of Wray Castle, greatly influenced her work as a renowned author and illustrator, creating beloved children's books such as "The Tale of Peter Rabbit.”
In 1929 Wray Castle, along with 64 acres of land, were given to the National Trust by Sir Noton and Lady Barclay, the owners at that time. Since then, the castle has been used for a variety of purposes, such as a youth hostel, and from 1931 it housed the offices of the Freshwater Biological Association. From 1958 to 1998 it became a training college for Merchant Navy radio officers and was known as RMS Wray Castle).

In 2011 the National Trust proposed to lease the property stripped of its furnishings, for use as a hotel, but instead opened it to the public during the visitor season that year. High visitor numbers meant that the property had clear potential to be developed as a visitor attraction. In 2014 the Trust applied for retrospective planning permission to change the use of the listed building to visitor attraction and today, the public can explore its rooms, enjoy the beautiful grounds, and even participate in various family-friendly activities. The castle has a relaxed atmosphere, making it a delightful destination for those looking to experience the charm of the Lake District.

There is plenty of parking within the grounds itself and a number of National Trust granted public paths follow the Windermere Shoreline and across the property. I was able to launch the DJI mini 3 Pro from one of the Public Paths close to the Windermere Shoreline but inside the National Trust Property boundary. The castle was closed, as it was out-of-season, and VLOS was maintained, on this occasion, with the assistance of a spotter. Although there were plenty of walkers taking in the scenery at the time, I had no interaction with any of them! I suspect it maybe a different story in-season so be aware!

View and discuss this location in more detail on Grey Arrows.

Co-ordinates: 54.39904, -2.962124 • what3words: ///wreck.exposing.responses

The originator declared that this location was not inside a Flight Restriction Zone at the time of being flown on 03/11/2023. It remains the responsibility of any pilot to check for any changes before flying at the same location. Landowner permission may be required before taking off.

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Barden Tower, Skipton, Craven (By markas)

The tower was used as a hunting lodge in the 15th and 16th centuries, and despite a renovation in the 1650s, it fell into disrepair in the 18th century. The tower is now part of the Bolton Estate and is listed as a medieval fortified tower.

View and discuss this location on Grey Arrows.

Co-ordinates: 54.01074, -1.923906 • what3words: ///legal.lofts.yesterday

Rusper Park, Horsham (By grandad1950)

A lot of space to fly at Rusper Park with good views of the village and the surrounding countryside

View and discuss this location on Grey Arrows.

Co-ordinates: 51.1241, -0.280677 • what3words: ///disputes.lawyer.compress

Kylesku Bridge, Lairg (By AlbionDrones)

The iconic Kylesku Bridge on the NC500, remote and isolated, but so worth the effort to visit.

There is a free car park at either side of the bridge, allowing a safe place to stop, soak up the view and a good TOAL spot with great VLOS - although you are on the edge of EGR610 RAF Operational Low Flying Zone, so do check out the RAF Low Fly timetable - https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/operational-low-flying-training-timetable - before flying, and if in doubt ring the RAF Low Flying hotline - 01489443100

The bridge itself is an imposing concrete edifice, but the scenery is what makes the location amazing, the rapid tidal flow beneath the bridge, and the contrast between the brutal concrete and the mist-softened mountains is something quite amazing to see.

View and discuss this location on Grey Arrows.

Co-ordinates: 58.25721, -5.023556 • what3words: ///crop.stubbed.pocketed

Cudworth Manor, Mole Valley (By grandad1950)

Cudworth Manor is a moated privately owned historic manor house in Newdigate Surrey.

Not a lot of space to park

View and discuss this location on Grey Arrows.

Co-ordinates: 51.16286, -0.268934 • what3words: ///wisely.shrimp.tender

Capel Village Green, Mole Valley (By grandad1950)

A quiet village green in Capel Surrey. Nice pond and a good spot to chill out

View and discuss this location on Grey Arrows.

Co-ordinates: 51.15038, -0.3216 • what3words: ///area.rooms.march

Pevensey Castle, Wealden (By grandad1950)

Dating from AD 290 it was the largest Roman Saxon fortresses in England.

TOAL restricted on the English Heritage site so best done from the car park.

View and discuss this location on Grey Arrows.

Co-ordinates: 50.81924, 0.333981 • what3words: ///tulip.called.glance

The Museum of Making, Derby (By D0c.Col)

The Museum of Making is located right next to the river Derwent and the banks along the river have been landscaped to take in the fabulous bridges, weir and old and new buildings as part of a regeneration of the area into an enjoyable parkland.

Celebrating the area’s rich history of innovation, the Museum of Making in the Derwent Valley Mills UNESCO World Heritage Site is a contemporary space telling Derby’s 300-year history of making to inspire new creativity on what is widely regarded as the site of the world’s first factory.

There are loads of places to TOAL, but parking in a city is not easy or free. I visited twice and was able to park behind the Derby Cathedral for an hour that cost £1.40.

It is in a yellow warning zone but not a problem for a <250g drone. There is also the sub station adjacent to the Museum that could give electrical interference but I kept away from it and had no issues with my signal that 100% in the 13 minutes or so I was there.

It's in a city so there is never an issue with food etc, but the museum is free to enter and they have toilets and a cafe.

View and discuss this location on Grey Arrows.

Co-ordinates: 52.92582, -1.475692 • what3words: ///hurt.vent.those

Ifield Mill Pond, Crawley (By grandad1950)

A lovely spot to fly and relax on the edge of Crawley. Quite a lot of wildlife and a really good walkway over the ponds.

Quite close to Gatwick FRZ so take care when flying

View and discuss this location on Grey Arrows.

Co-ordinates: 51.10934, -0.224281 • what3words: ///holly.winner.steps

Newdigate Clay Pits, Mole Valley (By dandf19)

Newdigate Village, Mole Valley, Surrey. Charming Surrey village inclding St Peter's Church and The Six Bells Inn. The Claypits are located to the west of The Brocus, a recreational green including a cricket club and Bowls club.Parking at The Brocus seemed difficult as the Cricket Club car park was closed. Enterance to The Brocus is via the bus stop - on foot. A public footpath runs between the cricket pavillion and the bolwing nets, turn left and follow the footpath for a while. Quiet and peaceful location, I saw no one in my 30 minutes there on the footpath. I parked at the church and walked down the main street to the TOAL site, about 20 minutes. . Parking on the main street is possible but it is qute a narrow road with a school. The area is also forms part of The Surrey Cycleway so expect to come across single and groups of cyclists in the area.

View and discuss this location on Grey Arrows.

Co-ordinates: 51.16895, -0.299124 • what3words: ///sting.ideal.flag

Beeston Weir and Canal, Broxtowe (By 360_FPV)

Easy Parking
A few power cables to keep an eye on
Weir and Canal
Football goals and raised buildings to fly under
Great scenery

View and discuss this location on Grey Arrows.

Co-ordinates: 52.91346, -1.200753 • what3words: ///unfair.think.mental


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