Walking the Dales

Playing on the bridge

I haven't blogged for a while, mainly because nothing of note has been happening recently.  Last weekend Matt had 2 cricket matches on 2 days meaning we didn't really get up to much.  Then last week was spent mainly hanging around.  Tom was at school in the afternoon - 1.15 to 3.30 so we had nice lazy mornings, then I spent my 2 hours doing cakey things including icing an 18 x 18 inch square cake for Seasons bakery for Save the Children - which is the largest cake I have ever iced and a complete nightmare.

Pretty place

Saturday morning Matt was in York at a translators do, it was a glorious day so Tom and I did some gardening (weeding for me, digging landrover into mud for Tom) waiting for Matt to return.  Once he did we went into the village for lunch (we tried Ingleborough Sport this time - still not as good as Neptis).  We then decided to go for a walk, we bought a new short walk book recently based on the 3 peak area.  There were a few based on Austwick so we decided to do one there and time it so we finished in time for dinner at the very good pub there.  Our friends Racheal, Graham and Isabella live there, so we told them and they were up for dinner too.

We did the walk, we thought it would be a nice short walk looping the village, but it turned out to be a really beautiful walk, along old cart tracks into Crummockdale (great Northern name).  Before we knew it we were out of civilisation and enjoying classic dales views.  The walk was pretty easy as well, hardly any elevation, no fields or farm life to contend with.  The lanes were full of blackberries and as usual we didn't have any vessels to put them in - poo!  Such as shame as there were soooo many and they all looked good and juicy.  We ate some on the way, but I think if we have time next week Tom and I will return to pick them - I have an urge to make some blackberry jam/jelly.

Paparazzi

The walk took us to a bridge across Austwick Beck - where they used to dip sheep.  It was a very lovely location, very pretty bridge, bench to sit down and take it all in.  Tom did really really well, once again, no complaints, talked all the way.  We have given him my old camera which he takes out with us (when he remembers) his photos vary as you would expect from out of focus, heads chopped off etc to some ok ones.  In fact when I next find it, I'll download the pics and put his good and funny ones on here for you to see.

Anyway, we finished off the walk, had a little play in the playground (another really good one) and then met with R, G & I at The Game Cock for a really good and fun dinner.  We didn't get home until about 8pm (not a school night so it is allowed!)