③Swiftly to Settle

Sep 12, 2026

Scotland has been a speck in the corner of my eye…I see it but not quite. It’s present and past. I think it is a real-world placeholder for the earthy mysteries that were roused by my early reading of Tolkien, Peake, any Arthurian legend bits that may have been drawn into my whirl, Mother Earth wymmen, maybe even Pink Floyd’s evocation of picts (which, as it turns out, were in what is now Scotland). It speaks to that bit of animist in me.

Scanning for info I saw that a particular train line, The Settle-Carlisle Line was said to be the most scenic in all UK. So a train ride it shall be! As well, it was suggested that Settle was a fine place to stop for lunch.

But it wasn’t so swift to Settle; 4 hours of train, then the 2 layover for lunch and another 4 hours to Glasgow…

A wall at Kings Cross Station...not platform 9¾, but familiar enough

I had to look it up - on portions of the route, an automated spray of sand is used to improve traction on steep or wet sections

...apparently a long beloved but lost member of the community

The Settle Station. I must say, the loveliest and best kept of all that I passed through

...I chose to lunch at Nettle, walking this road toward Settle center

...nice to know when Gigglewick is nearby

Roasted peppers, confit fennel, artichokes, olives - not menu-listed is quinoa! absolutely glorious combination!

...dogs in the cafe; there were more than I could get in this one shot

...other rough and tumble patrons, like this full-gear biker

...squash fritter, goat's curd and pickled red onion. Delicate, hearty, sweet earthy squash contrasting with the mild sharpness of the onion

...the kitchen, manned singly with 2 wait staff

...and I had to compliment the chef, Ian, though I didn't check that the dishes were ones he devised - but so well accomplished!

..perhaps, it's so good, I'll have another - charred corn risotto (surely flavor packed by a corn broth)

..another lunch possibility - Ye Olde Naked Man Cafe