Road to Nowhere

At the best of times the A590 is known as the road to nowhere (because it only goes to Barrow-in-Furness) but today it excelled itself because it was closed in both directions for most of the day, following an accident this morning.
I had originally planned to go and see my friend Stuart for some guitar practice this morning, but he texted last night to say he was working until 2. No problem, I’ll just swap the day around and go to the gym this morning and pop through to Barrow after lunch. Seemed like a good decision when I found out about the road closure this morning.
Unfortunately, the road was still closed when I set off at 1pm, so I followed the recommended diversion route which was to go down the side of Windermere to Newby Bridge. A great plan, except that the traffic ground to a total halt some four miles away from Newby Bridge. Turned round and went back up to Bowness, intending to cut across to the roads down the other side of the lake.
Big mistake! Though I never actually stopped moving, I was caught up in all the slow moving holiday traffic around Ambleside, including following a big coach to Hawkshead (those who know the road will appreciate how slow that would make the journey!). And I missed the turn off to Grizedale, so ended up at Newby Bridge anyway! Where, to add insult to injury, I had to go up to the roundabout to get to Barrow as there was no right turn on to the A590. Except, I didn’t as, having sat for long enough to turn off the engine and take a photo, I did a cheeky u-turn and sped off towards Barrow. Eventually arrived some two and a half hours after setting off. And it’s only 32 miles!!
Just to compound the misery, when I got to Barrow, Stuart was still at work though he hoped to get away by 4. No such luck, as it turned out, so I cut my losses and settled in for a long journey home.
Thankfully, the road reopened as I headed back so I was able to get home in considerably less time than it took me to get there. But it’s still been a totally wasted afternoon that I’ll never get back.