A gentle stroll around Conishead Priory, Ulverston
What should have been a glorious morning up Coniston Old Man, became a stroll around the Priory on a morning which had a feel of auntumn about it...
Conishead Priory which is situated on the coast rd outside of Ulverston was built in 1160 and was run as a hopsital by the Black Canons (crikey, don't they sound scary!!). This is not the original building as it was demolished in 1537 by King 'Enry VIII - more of that later...
The Priory is now home for the Manjushri Kadampa Meditation Centre, and as you wander around the buildings and the pleasant gardens, the surprise in store is this wonderfully ornate Buddhist Temple, the golden roof and decorations can be seen glistening from the main road.
This is the Kadampa Temple for World Peace, which houses the largest bronze statue of Buddha cast in the West. The Buddhist Monks raised £500,000 via donations in 1991 and then a lottery grant to renovate the priory as a study center in 2004, the Temple was added and opened in 1998.
The whole atmosphere around the temple and grounds is very relaxing, and the detail in the building is interesting as each of the panels you can see have a meaning.
A bit glitzy, but it does work in a bizarre sort of way.
The temple is open to visitors most days - I went in a few years ago with our Sri Lankan cricket pro who was a Buddhist, and inside is so peaceful it really is a wonderful place for quiet contemplation and to let all your worries slip away. It is in no way my thing, but I was surprised how peaceful it was. Another view from a arbour sited above the building.
For a modern building it is tastefully done as Lesley peeks around the corner under the canopy (that impatient Pixie was getting on her high horse again!!)
A final look before we head off for a mooch around the gardens. Some of the money raised was by walking mountains on the Lakes which when added together came to the same height as Everest, clever eh!
As we head into the woods, the impressive chimneys on the Priory are clearly visible through the trees.
There are many paths which twist and turn their way through the trees.
This one brought us out onto the shore line. Here we are looking towards Ulverston with the Coniston Fells in the background. It looked a bit grim up there, so perhaps this wasn't a bad choice after all..
On the way back I spotted this wee house across a field framed wonderfully by the tree, pity the sky was so grey and flat!
As you arrive back at the car park, there are numerous more walks to do: this is the lakeside walk (although to be honest it's more of a big pond!)..
Anyone who is into horse racing will know the name Richard Fisher. His stables and running ground are situated next to the Priory, this is 'part' of his humble dwellings!! Not too shabby is it...
Numerous small gardens are dotted of the main path. Lesley is admiring the plums beyond a colourful Acer.
"Does my bum look big in this?" ... to which the only answer is... "not as big as it did in the other one."
Time to leave..
..passing the entrance to the temple...
.. some of the impressive architecture of the main Priory...
... and some info on its history. After 1940 it became a convelescent home for miners, until it lay empty and was taken over by the present occupants
Hope you found this interesting, not my usual thing so enjoyed experimenting.. not sure if it worked or not?
The Priory is also a study center and has thousands of visitos every year, the Buddhist monks can often be seen around the streets of Ulverston in their distinctive red and gold robes.
Thanks for looking any cc welcome.
Ian & Lesley
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Hi Ian, Let me be the first to tell you... It works. This blog is a peaceful as the you made the temple sound. Stunning photography as I have come to expect from you and beautifully narrated. Deffinately gets a like from me, Thank you for putting this together and sharing. Much appreciated.
Jean
http://www.myfinepix.co.uk/blog/119926/334446
Really would appreciate your comments. Thank you
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Very interesting blog Ian, a break from your norm,but still very well done,a man of many talents
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That was rather nice. I am looking forward to getting back to the Lakes. Its been too long.
I won't have time to visit this place but you have covered it all so well that I won't need to.
Great blog.
Nothing is permanent in this wicked world - not even our troubles. - Charlie Chaplin.<
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oh lovely, beautifull scenery, i love the shoreline photo it looks like a water color...i like xxx
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Another great blog Ian.
Dave.
http://www.myfinepix.co.uk/competition/entry/606726
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Another great blog, it is great to see places that I may well never get to visit.
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For you, its different, but it works very well. Another first class blog Ian...well done.
ps LIKED
Jim
Contrast Competition Entry: http://www.myfinepix.co.uk/competition/en
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Hi Ian what a super blog you have put together and some great pictures of the fells I must visit at some point if my legs will allow me. Its always a pleasure to see your blogs as you always manage to capture some great pictures. Once again Ian thanks for sharing BoB
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What a great find Ian. Perhaps something we could ALL do in May!! What a fascinating place. Lot of photographic opportunities here.
Cheers M8
Steve
My gallery: http://www.myfinepix.co.uk/gallery/117
My Photoblogs: http://www.myfinepix.co.uk/blog/117
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lovely photo's love the wee house framed by the tree and the one on the beach looking towards Ulverston..but they are all stunning.
Sue
http://www.myfinepix.co.uk/blog/570584
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Interesting photoblog Ian with wonderful photography, presentation and informative narrative and history. Another super blog.. Say hi to Lesley. Thanks for compiling and sharing
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Hi Ian. Just had a look in, don't look much lately. First stop is always the blogs for me. What a lovely place. You don't have to be a Buddhist to appreciate the peace and beauty. Great photos again. Thanks for taking the time.
Christine
Christine
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Great blog Ian with wonderful photos and it does look an interesting and peaceful place. Just like being on the hill solo with nature all around you. Well done.
Lang may yer lum reek!
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Bob Cairns
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Thanks so much for this Ian, I didn't know it existed and it is Definitely "my thing" - it is now a must for me to visit xx
superb blog, great photos and narrative as usual - thank you
gallery http://www.myfinepix.co.uk/gallery/62093 ;
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lakes blog: http://www.myfinepix.co.uk/blog/62093/542308
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Lovely compositions.
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Lovely, a very different view of the Coniston area. It's not a part of the Lakes I'm familar with, have walked the Old Man thats about it, but this is nice to see another aspect of the area :)
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You said : Not sure if it worked or not ????????????Excuse me, it's brilliant. I loved the content, the narrative, the clarity of shots is superb. You have a wonderful eye for composition too. "Liked" loads. Glad I'm back on the site would hate to have missed this one. Chris
My Gallery : http://www.myfinepix.co.uk/gallery/341545
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my first thought was this is a place that i must go and see for myself someday, and the second was i surprised you brought up Mrs A bum again, the bruise must have healed up quickly the last time you mentioned it, fantastic blog my friend i hope that i see many more of them, thank you for the pleasure that you are spreading around for your friends to see with you blogs , Ian you are a star and i hope for a long long time to come thankyou again. Kenny the Grumpy granda
http://www.myfinepix.co.uk/gallery/1448
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Another super blog Ian, lovely sharp clear pictures, A very tranquil peaceful place, you can hear the silence, A good narration of the history of the Priory very well presented I have pencilled this in for a possible future visit
Thanks for the time that you have put into this and your other superb blogs, and for sharing with us.
Colin
http://www.myfinepix.co.uk/competition/entry/607801 Contrast comp
http://www.myfinepix.co.uk/blog/791/535