As we drove along, the hedges became higher and the occasional gap provided glimpses of spectacular homes that looked like film sets from the 1930s. On the horizon unusual round Oast houses appeared and then soon came closer for inspection.
An Oast house or hop kiln is designed for kilning or drying hops as part of the brewing process. These are two or three story buildings where the hops were spread out to dry by the hot air derived from the charcoal fire kiln at the bottom. The oldest Oast house dates back to 1750 but most of them have been converted into picturesque homes by now.
We were so busy admiring the view that we missed the turn for the Castle and just about the time we realised we were lost I saw a sign that said Gribble Bridge Lane