Hello, and thank you for purchasing "Following in the Footsteps of Bartholomew Sinclair". A few rules here to help you with your game.

1: DO NOT close the page that contains the game. This will log you out completely and you will be taken back to the start. You can move through the quest by pressing next and previous however do not close the page it is on. You can swap tabs and switch pages with no problems. 

2: You will have to solve a series of clues and puzzles to work through the game. Please note; there are hints you can ask for to give you a nudge what to do however if you are well and truly stuck the downloadable answer sheet with the correct answers was emailed to you on purchase. (Only look if you are in desperate need - no peeking). The answers may be drop down answers, multiple choice or require you to write in a word/letters or numbers. Just make sure to always check the spelling.

3. You can go forward and backwards in between pages so you can check on orientation and where you have been.

4. If you click on an image to open it, it will open in a new tab. When you have completed it and want to shut it down just make sure you do not close the original page. You could also just zoom in on the picture instead of opening it. 

5. You will also learn lots of interesting facts about Ambleside as you progress through. Just make sure to tick the box after the fact to allow you to continue.

6: There is absolutely no time limit, so feel free to pop into any bars/pubs or shops that you want on your way around; sampling the delights that Ambleside has to offer. 

7. Lastly; have fun and good luck.

Following the discovery of an old dusty journal in the attic of the Armitt Library, interest has grown in a long forgotten mystery surrounding the picturesque Lakeland village of Ambleside.  Well over 100years ago, in 1903 a gentleman by the name of Bartholomew Sinclair went missing, never to be seen again.  Rumours grew, and tales were told.  How could a young man from the industrial heartlands of England just disappear?  Which direction did Bartholomew go?  Did a trip to the summit of a local fell go wrong for this inexperienced hiker? Did this young man meet his end in largest lake in England? Was Bartholomew running from, or to something?  At the time, the police drew a blank and slowly the rumours fell silent.

Now with the discovery of Bartholomew’s journal it is hope that someone can follow in his footsteps.  Maybe by tracing his route and seeing what inspired him in this beautiful town you can get closer to finding out what really happened to the young Bartholomew Sinclair.

All set...… then let's go. 

Your journey begins at the Armitt Library on Rydal Road in Ambleside, here you will be able to collect Bartholomew’s journal and start piecing this mystery together.  These days the Library is located at the entrance to the University of Cumbria’s Charlotte Mason College.

To receive the journal and begin your quest you will need to visit the entrance to the Armitt Library.  Here you will need to find the missing letters and enter the words below:

A few years after Bartholomew’s visit, in 1909, Mary Lousia Armitt founded this library by combining the already established Ambleside Book Society and the Ambleside Ruskin Library, along with many other collections.  Today the library houses a wealth of books relating to the local area and its history.  Many notable individuals donated collections to the library including Beatrix Potter, John Ruskin, Harriet Martineau and Kurt Switters, and it houses one of the finest collections of guidebooks to the Lake District. It is also home to the entire library of the Fell and Rock Climbing Club founded in 1906.  A celebration of the intellectual, artistic and leisure activity of Ambleside.

Day One

A long, pleasant day. Train to Lancaster at 4.35am.  Platform 3.  Couple of older chaps in my compartment.  Quite the luck!  Friends of the Redmayne Family of Brathay Hall, whom they were visiting.  Quite the namedroppers…Beatrix Potter, Wordsworth, Ruskin…..they knew them all!

They could not believe it was my first visit to the Lakes! (If only I could just “drop in” on my wealthy friends!)

They were so kind. Allowed me to join their private horse drawn coach from Windermere station to Ambleside and would not take a penny for their favour.  They knew the area very well and gave me the longest list of things that I simply must see and do.  From mountainous hikes, deep valleys and vast bodies of water.  They spoke of the local’s good cheer and the wholesome rejuvenation of escaping our dark industrial towns.  I will do my best…. I am young and inexperienced, and of little means, so I can only hope to see these wonderful things……. and stay safe.

They explained the lay out of the village and where to commence some of the awe-inspiring hikes.  I hope my memory serves, for it was a long day. I reached my lodging late at 10.30pm.  I found my room to be quite acceptable.

Tomorrow I shall start early and begin by visiting Ambleside’s very famous Bridge house. It sits on the river at the edge of the town centre.

Very tired now.  Goodness knows how long I was on the go today???

If you have not done so already, please cross Rydal Road carefully using the traffic islands at the mini roundabout. You can now follow the river upstream walking towards Ambleside.  Time to join Bartholomew at the famous Bridge House.  Do your best to follow the routes as they are written and unlock  each stage by entering an answer. Hints, and extra information regarding the history of Ambleside are available along the way. Good Luck!

Day Two.

After breakfast it was time to make the most of my day. I would start at the Ambleside Book Society.  There seems to be much excitement about the development of this establishment. The feel of enlightenment and education in this remote little village comes as quite a surprise.

As I took in the sights of the perfectly quaint Bridge House, one feels that this little village has many hidden secrets.

Can you believe a family of 8 once lived in this curiosity?? Now home to a weaver and a cobbler one can only imagine!!  There is even a story that this building was built over the river so that a wealthy landlord did not have to pay land taxes!

This river splits the old and new areas of Ambleside.  A stone sign on the bridge opposite bridge house marks the boundary.  Sitting on the wall I pondered my job as a clerk with all the tables of numbers and letters.  Had I seen this sign in the office I wonder what I would find the difference to be between the old and new town?? Can you figure the difference out?

You will need to do some maths with the letters and numbers. With the two locations on the stone tablet swap each letter for the number it matches up with. Then do some adding. 

Day 2 cont...



Having finished my day dreaming I crossed the road away from Bridge House, so that I could see further up the river.  A scene of tumbling cascades over picturesque weirs.  This small river powers up to 12 mills! As I turned to walk towards the town the sound of this industry grew.  A sound now often replaced by steam and heavy machinery. Once all towns would have clinked and clattled to the sound of wind and water power. And just to prove it they have named a small lane on the left after this sound. Can you guess the name? Imagine how it must have been???

Can you work out the name....shake, ? and roll....

Day Two…continued

I followed the small lane between the mills and yards where the roof grew so low I had to duck to reach other side.  Here, upstream a large waterwheel provides power for the corn mill, others power wool and bobbin mills. 

I walked up to the bridge on North Street, turned left and crossed over the river.  A small footpath called Peggy Hill rises steeply from North Road. Here was a chance to see if I was ready for the steepness of the local hills.    A good test for my legs. I took it!  The well name Fair View Terrace provided an opportunity to appear to take in the view whilst really, I was catching my breath.  Turns out this lane is the start of the infamous road called; The Struggle.  The narrow, twisting turning lane is not for the faint hearted.  Struggle by name and by nature; it joins Ambleside with the Kirkstone Pass, and on the Patterdale and Penrith.  Large quarries tower above the valley and the summits of Red Screes and Sony Cove Pike Tower above the pass itself.  I followed Fair View Road, climbing again.  I was soon out of breath and growing hot. There is no way I’m ready to face The Struggle, or any of the summits beyond, I would never survive such a physical challenge. I’d made it as far the Chapel of St Anne which is partial hidden by trees, and I decided to turn left a walk between the chapel and How Head.  The barn like house is a very old building and as I was walking past as the front door burst open. A man only just older than I flew out into the street shouting; “It’s a girl, It’s a girl!”  A charming gentleman, Mr Dennison and his wife, had just been blessed with the arrival of a new daughter, they named her Laura.  I congratulated him and shook his hand.

I settled by the front gates of the church to admire the view and ponder the amazement of life.  I thought of the young Laura and thought how lucky she is to be born in such a beautiful place, I wondered what wonders she would see and how long she would live? 

Can you find a clue that will tell you how old Laura was when she died?

Day two continued

The afternoon was moving on and it was time for me to descend into the town. Looking out from the chapel gates, I took Chapel Hill, the road to the left.  All these houses are some of the oldest in Ambleside. I was soon able to re-join Peggy Hill, which is just as steep on the way down!  Now back on North Road I turned left crossing the river once again and headed towards the town. 

At the corner of North Road and Market place, I could see across to Market Cross and a scene that must have been present for a great many years.  A busy place, with market stalls, and trades on display, where artist and outdoorsman congregate.  An ancient cross marks the site of the market, it has been here for some great many years, but my memory fails as to when it was installed???

I turned left to walk past the Salutation Hotel, regular coaches leave from here for the Kirkstone Pass. Just pass The Salutation is Ambleside’s Market Hall. 40 years old with fascinating Gothic Architecture, a striking building; part church, part castle and busy with market traders both inside and behind.  I took a moment to commit it to memory, so that I could sketch it later.  I hope I did not make any mistakes.

Can you spot what is missing from the picture?

I turned left up a narrow side road just before the Market Hall, the road bends around to the left again and a sign points to the waterfalls.  I am told that Stockghyll Waterfall, or Force is an absolute must see.  A 70ft tumbling fall that rages after heavy weather, it is this fall and its river that has powered up to 12 mills in Ambleside.  I started up towards the water.  With Salutation Hotel on my left and a steep Beech Tree covered bank to the right I walked up to a bend in the road.  Here I could see the trail ahead!  The road continues to climb up following the course of the river.  I would not have time to visit the waterfall today, it would be dark before I got there.  First thing tomorrow! I will pay the penny admission charge and make to most of the day!

From here I turned around and headed to my lodgings for dinner.

DID YOU KNOW

Bartholomew did visit Stockghyll Force the very next morning.  It is a beautiful walk up the steepening hill called Wansfell on road, pavement and forest path.  Whilst it would have cost Bartholomew a penny to visit in 1903 (the cost of a box of matches, or about 50p today), in the present day it is free.  It will take at least 30minutes to take this walk and is well worth it, you will find links to information underneath.  If the walk is not for you continue reading and pick up with Bartholomew on Day 3.  

https://www.walklakes.co.uk/walk_132.html

https://www.visitcumbria.com/amb/stock-ghyll-force/

https://thirdeyetraveller.com/stock-ghyll-force-waterfall-ambleside-guide/

Day Three

An early start to visit Stockghyll Force.  What a lovely walk, though so steep!!  I will need to gain more experience and equipment before hiking to the summit of Wansfell!  Returning down the road into town I was struck by the steepness of a small path to the left of Cheapside.  Builders have sliced into the hillside with 2 lines of terrace housing.  Starting on Cheapside level with the front door you can walk no more than 30metres up the path to the side of the buildings and turn to peer across the roof tops of Ambleside!

Having taken in the view I returned down and turned left along Cheapside behind the Market Hall. One assumes this line of market stalls will develop in years to come. Down this road I came to the entrance of the White Lion.  A large grand built to serve the visiting population. Coaches to Waterhead and further locations arrive regularly to this large establishment. As I walked past the hotel I noticed a post card in the gutter.  Interesting little puzzles scribbled on the back!

"In a new hotel containing 100 rooms, Tom was hired to paint the numbers from 1-100 on the doors.

How many times will Tom have to paint the number 8?"

Day Three Continued

On leaving the White Lion I crossed the busy road to join Church Street by the Royal Oak. Just down Church Street and opposite the Royal Oak is a tiny place with a big significance!  For this was the place where the wonderful poet William Wordsworth once worked as Postmaster and distributor of stamps.  To think, one of the greats of the romantic movement worked from this small building and stood in this very spot

Walking further down Church Street I took the first turning on the right into St Mary’s Lane.  The centre built on behalf of John Kelsick has been providing education and support for many years..  Another great of Ambleside, the trusts that were left on his death have built grammar schools and housed this less fortunate, and will for many years to come.

Finally at the end of the winding road I came across a funny little road called The Slack, containing a Blacksmith and other workshops. It was noisey so I turned left and walked of to the main Compston Road. A busy street full of tea rooms, stores and boarding houses

I crossed the Compston Road and then the Millans Park road on the left, so that I could walk down Vicarage Road.  This area of town is distinctly ecclesiastical and educational.  With Churches, chapel and schoolhouse.   There is an old Methodist church on Millans Park, but I preferred to walk away from the town towards the new Church of St Marys.

Before visiting the church, I thought it would be nice to visit the recreation fields ahead of me.  I past the church on my left and went through the gates at the end of the road, and continued in the same direction along the main path.  Much of this land is used for pasture and hay for much of the year, and it has wonderful views of the distant lofty summits of the Fairfield Horseshoe

I sat for a while sketching the view.  A party of 4 stopped and chatted.  They had returned from a days hike and seemed weary after 11miles and 3000ft of ascent.  They listed all the summits of the horseshoe.  Unfortunately it got a little confusing and I couldn’t remember the order???

Write down the order in terms of the letters e.g: if you thinks Great Rigg is first followed by Nab Scar it would be FE

I had seen a sign for Loughrigg, a hill closer to Ambleside and quite achievable by some one as inexperienced as myself.  I continued through the park on the main path to other far side.

Here 2 rivers meet each other The Rothay and The Ghyll

Unfortunately, the rivers had swollen in the recent rain and I was unable to cross here. Alas I will be unable to attempt the summit of Loughrigg during this trip.

Unable to cross the river I turned left at the Turning Point and followed the path running parallel to the river. A charming stroll for a hundred metres or so downstream, a left before the end of the park turned me back towards the town centre and past some well positioned benches.  Whilst most of the park is flat green grass large sporadic rocks of vast size rut from the ground here and there. I am of the understanding that Geological Professors say landscapes such as this were formed by ice and glaciers.  It is difficult to believe that a vast river of ice could have existed here, let alone carved out solid rock!  In the park many use these rocks to practice their rock scrambling, in hob name boots and woollen pull overs.  I must admit it looked fun but perilous.  I would be scared that I would be stuck up there!!

I left the park through the same gate which I came in, and headed back to the gate of the churchyard. The lovely St Mary’s Church. At the front of the church , in the open air a pearcher was giving a sermon.

…. I lift up my eyes to the mountains…

What verse is that???

What number psalm is it from?

Following footpath though the graveyard many family plots have already been established.  The Masons have a prominent spot facing the entrance to the church.  Charlotte Mason has established a school in Ambleside and is a pioneer of ground-breaking educational practices.  Far from the stern schooling I had Ms. Mason inspires the child to learn. Fascinating!

I walked through the graveyard on the footpath turning left and away from the church. A long path leads to the lychgate and has lovely views of the pleasure grounds and Wansfell above the town. Walking through the gate and out on to Rothay Road. I crossed the road, turned right and wen to the t junction with Wansfell Road.  I turned left on to Wansfell Road and walked slowly up this steep little road.  Half way up I found the strangest tree I have ever seen.  Reaching up very high, the tree has a stout, almost cylindrical trunk with smooth bark that has a purplish-brown colour. The base of a large tree can resemble an elephant's foot, it has distinctive leathery leaves and the sharply pointed scales of the cones.  Speaking to the gardener, the common name of  the tree is ‘monkey puzzle' was coined during the mid-1800s when Charles Austin, a noted barrister, on seeing the tree for the first time commented that climbing the spiny, spiralling branches would be a puzzle even for a monkey.

It is said that speaking while passing one will bring bad luck or cause you to grow a monkey's tail.

There is an old belief that planting a monkey puzzle on the edge of a graveyard would prevent the Devil from entering during a burial. That should stop children climbing its spikey branches.

Maybe this tree was planted at the boundary of the Catholic Church yard.  For further up the road on the other side is The Catholic Church of Mater Amabilis, and on the corner, at the top, of Wansfell Road in the interestingly ornate Tower Lodge. The building is soon to be a training school for the clergy; a Premonstratensian Monastery

The day was drawing on, so at the top of Wansfell Road I turned Left on to Lake Road and began walking back into town.

On the left of Lake Road is a line of freshly built Lodging houses, the end one (Elder Grove) is still under construction and I could not help but here the most frightful disagreement coming from the building site.  One wonders if this building will ever be finished!

Further along Lake Road opposite Kelsick Road, next to a public house is a little known Ambleside landmark. Known to the town folk as the 55 steps. A steep stone set of steps built from slate, which can be slippery in the damp, cut into the hill side. But does 55 steps get you to the top???

If you climb all the steps and turn left at the top you will shortly see a nice old lodging build similar to those on Lake Road. This was one of the houses of Kurt Schwitters, a German born artist who fled his homeland as an enemy of the  Nazi Party. Schwitters first visited the Lake District on holiday with Edith Thomas in September 1942. He moved there permanently on 26 June 1945, to 2 Gale Crescent Ambleside. However, after another stroke in February of the following year and further illness, he and Edith moved to a more easily accessible house at 4 Millans Park.

Schwitters worked in several genres and media, including dadaism, constructivism, surrealism, poetry, sound, painting, sculpture, graphic design, typography, and what came to be known as installation art. He is most famous for his collages, called Merz Pictures.

He is buried in St Mary’s graveyard, Ambleside.

After my trip up (and down) ALL those steps, I continued into the town along Lake Road.  Past the Old Bank House and the pharmacy and back by the White Lion.  Standing on the other side of the road from the White Lion I had returned to the town and completed quite a substantial tour of the town.  The hour was growing late, and it was time to eat.  I pondered how I would spend my next few days in this delightful town.

I had found that it would be fool hardy of me to tackle the taller peaks around the town. Elsewhere swollen rivers had blocked my path.  Maybe dinner and good cheer would help me think.

All of a sudden, things took a turn.  A tall well dressed man came bounding from the Slack on my left.  The tall man grabbed me! “Please, Please help me!” the urgency in his voice and eyes was heart breaking.  “tomorrow morning at 8!” he gasped, eyes filled with terror.  In my hands he shoved a crumple of paper then almost pushing me to the side he continued down Lake Road and out of sight.  Suddenly his pursuers came around the corner; 2 short, stern looking men.  “Where is he!” they barked!  Wide eyed and in fear of my life, I pointed towards the disappearing figure and stepped back toward a white house behind me.  As the footsteps of the chase fell silent, I could feel the crumpled note in my hand.  What was this? My hand shaking, I opened the paper and turned it towards the street light.  I could see it was the lyrics from the Ambleside Rushbearing Hymn.  I had heard about this historic event that continues till this day.  The procession around the town and religious services.  However, what does this have to do with those men? What kind of danger is this man in? What could or should I do to help?  Suddenly I became aware of who may be watching me.  The scrunched the note in my hand and shoved it into my pocket.  I glanced up and down the road, but no one seem to be watching me.  I steadied my nerves, straightened my jacket and took one final look around.  In the window of a room in the White Lion a shadow stood.  Unable to see whom they were, I turned and made for my lodgings.

When safe I was able to examine the paper.  At first I saw nothing, just a hymn penned some 60 years ago by the Revered of Ambleside, and at the bottom of the page a hand written verse.

  Then I looked again….is that a message?...what has this got to do with me?....where does this man want me to go???

After my trip up (and down) ALL those steps, I continued into the town along Lake Road.  Past the Old Bank House and the pharmacy and back by the White Lion.  Standing on the other side of the road from the White Lion I had returned to the town and completed quite a substantial tour of the town.  The hour was growing late, and it was time to eat.  I pondered how I would spend my next few days in this delightful town.

I had found that it would be fool hardy of me to tackle the taller peaks around the town. Elsewhere swollen rivers had blocked my path.  Maybe dinner and good cheer would help me think.

All of a sudden, things took a turn.  A tall well dressed man came bounding from the Slack on my left.  The tall man grabbed me! “Please, Please help me!” the urgency in his voice and eyes was heart breaking.  “tomorrow morning at 8!” he gasped, eyes filled with terror.  In my hands he shoved a crumple of paper then almost pushing me to the side he continued down Lake Road and out of sight.  Suddenly his pursuers came around the corner; 2 short, stern looking men.  “Where is he!” they barked!  Wide eyed and in fear of my life, I pointed towards the disappearing figure and stepped back toward a white house behind me.  As the footsteps of the chase fell silent, I could feel the crumpled note in my hand.  What was this? My hand shaking, I opened the paper and turned it towards the street light.  I could see it was the lyrics from the Ambleside Rushbearing Hymn.  I had heard about this historic event that continues till this day.  The procession around the town and religious services.  However, what does this have to do with those men? What kind of danger is this man in? What could or should I do to help?  Suddenly I became aware of who may be watching me.  The scrunched the note in my hand and shoved it into my pocket.  I glanced up and down the road, but no one seem to be watching me.  I steadied my nerves, straightened my jacket and took one final look around.  In the window of a room in the White Lion a shadow stood.  Unable to see whom they were, I turned and made for my lodgings.

When safe I was able to examine the paper.  At first I saw nothing, just a hymn penned some 60 years ago by the Revered of Ambleside, and at the bottom of the page a hand written verse.

Then I looked again….is that a message?...what has this got to do with me?....where does this man want me to go???