Thursday 24 March 2011

Some lovely local walks


The glorious weather of the last few days has given opportunity to get out & do some of the walks that we've been storing up for days like these.

Saturday: We had offered to give a guest a lift to a wedding reception at The Traddock Hotel in Austwick. Conveniently in time for a quick pint & bowl of chips at The Game Cock, the three of us (John Diane & Jack, our terrier) set off up into Crummackdale - lovely, peaceful valley between Norber & Moughton Scars. There were climbers on the cliffs, as we wandered along bridlepaths, past a quiet spot (Wash Dub - ideal for a picnic!) where there are a couple of clapper bridges across the beck.

On Monday we had thick blanket fog all day. Complete contrast on Tuesday, as fog cleared to a beautifully sunny day. We went to Horton & took a short wander down the Ribble (above) and back via the Pen-y-Ghent Cafe for a cuppa & cake & chat.
Wednesday: Di told her two males to "Go & climb Ingleborough - I want you out of the house!"
So we did! From the path up from Cold Cotes we cut across to the main path from Ingleton & up to the summit. 6 legs definitely better than 2 on the steep bits! Back home via Newby Cote - the closest path onto Ingleborough from home.
Thursday: Not quite enough time to do the walk we wanted to but in the same area. From the "Gated road" between Thornton-in-Lonsdale to Dent, & with splendid views up Kingsdale, a circular walk over the limestone scars at the southern end of Gragareth & back to the car via two tracks, Turbary Road & Tow Scar Road. The highlight of this was stopping in a grassy area for a break, lying back in the sun, no wind, & no sound other than the wonderful song of skylarks fluttering high into the sky. BLISS!

Lambing time!


Lambs are beginning to appear in the local fields and with the arrival of some wonderful weather, buds are bursting and the snowdrops are giving way to seas of yellow daffodils. It's been fantastic weather these last few days!

Saturday 5 March 2011

Catrigg Force

After several days of damp or wet weather, the sun came out last Sunday (between the showers!) - enough to tempt us out for a nice long walk with Jack, our Jack Russell. One of our recent guests had recommended this and others in the area and there was plenty of water falling over here!
Then just a short walk back into Stainforth & back home to tea & cake!