|
For a pleasant change, the forecast showed that it may rain at some point. For a pleasant change they were wrong! We left the Cavendish Pavillion and crossed the Wharfe looking for a path on the west side of Posforth Gill. We found the path, we followed the path, the path diappeared, we stuggled! Not to worry, we just forced our way through deep bracken escorted by many young pheasant. I asked Lorraine if she fancied pheasant for dinner, she declined. Oddly lots of snares around here, nothing caught in them though (happily). We wandered up through Laund Pasture with a few stops for fungus photos then we were on open moorland at Barden Fell. It was... purple! Heather everywhere, kestrels hovering, grouse croaking. It was lovely. We followed what must be a grouse shooters' path up past many fine rock formations. Past the Rocking Stone, Long Crag and Truckle Crags. The moody cloud was now turning white and fluffy, the sun was shining on us. Simon's Seat was quickly reached and clambered on, the view was gorgeous if hazy. Wharfedale looking superb. One odd thing was the profusion of millipedes up here. The cairn had dozens on it and all the rocks around had them crawling in and out of them. After a brief break we headed downwards toward Howgill. Once more we were marching through swathes of heather, it was a lovely place to walk. We then proceeded to make a couple of small trespasses, first to have a look at the aquaduct across How Beck. It was hard to get Lorraine away from here. She was merrily munching raspberries of which there were thousands. Our second 'trespass' was to cut through the plantation by way of the water board paths. It was a harmless but worthwhile trespass, with much fungus, great views and a lovely grassy path to follow. We popped out of the plantation at the lovely named Asick Bottom. Believe me, you don't want to know which picture I wanted to take here, it wouldn't have been pretty! This was another interesting area, lots of oddly carved rocks and many curiously holed rocks. If anyone has any info on these 'cheesestones' feel free to illuminate me. One of the days highlights happened here as well, we saw the red kites displaying. I'm sure they were red kites, again, feel free to nay-say me if I'm wrong. We crossed the Wharfe again and headed back to the car via Strid Woods and the Strid. Lovely fast flowing water here, I thought there would have been more water, there was certainly plenty belting through the gorge. Another classic Yorkshire walk, with great views, lots of wildlife and especially good company. A full album is available on Webshots at http://community.webshots.com/album/565531225HqXwnf |
