Howgill to Grassington--7 miles
Early in the morning, around 6:00 a.m., it started a light rain. Russ said, "Looks like we'll be walking in the rain today." We both turned over and went back to sleep for an hour. By the time we were dressed and ready for breakfast, there was still a light rain falling. We walked under umbrellas down the drive to the little stone cottage where breakfast was waiting. It was warm, cozy and a nice start for the day.
By the time we finished eating, the rain had stopped, though it was still cloudy and looked like it could start up again. We packed our luggage and took a couple of pictures before we started out.
The view from our door.
Walking by the lodge headed back to Dale's Way
Cloudy and cool
Lots of kissing gates and stiles
About a mile down the hill, we rejoined Dales Way by the river.
We would follow the river Wharfe all day to our destination which was Grassington.
Sometimes the river was closer than others, but always there.
The countryside was even prettier when the clouds broke up and we had spots of blue sky.
Here is St Wilfrid's Church built around 1540. They think that the masons who built Bolton Abbey also built this church. Can you imagine attending a church that is 475 years old?
We got tickled at this sign....."Tents Will Be Shifted" Shifted?
Hebdon Bridge
Another bridge for skinny people!
Russ over first,
Then Judy--even though I don't qualify for "skinny." Ha!
Next we came to another stepping-stone river crossing with the very old Linton Church (which is called "Cathedral of the Dales") in the distance. It is a Norman structure which dates to the 12th century. You'll have to look closely to see the church in this picture.
According to local folklore, the church is built on a pagan site, and indeed this could be true. Saint Michaels and All Angels Church dates back to the 12th century. The practice at Linton was to walk seven times around the church when "the doomed one" would appear--this being the devil, himself, of course!
When the path left the river and headed up a narrow gravel track to Grassington, we passed a pasture with a flock of very different sheep than we'd seen before. Later, I found they are called Jacob Sheep. This one was close to the path.
It was a long climb uphill into Grassington, but the Yorkshire Dales National Park Information Center was a pleasant stop for restrooms and a gift shop.
Back out on the road walking into Grassington. "Humped Crossing?" Speed Hump? :)
When we got to our B & B, we didn't get an answer at the door. We were early, so we sat on these benches directly across the street and visited with some local people who were enjoying the afternoon.
Sometimes the river was closer than others, but always there.
The countryside was even prettier when the clouds broke up and we had spots of blue sky.
We passed through a farm where the farmer with his two dogs were moving sheep from one pasture to another. The farmer had little patience (putting it mildly) and spent 10 minutes yelling at the top of his lungs, first at the dogs and then the sheep. Both of which didn't seem to have a clue what they were supposed to do. The dogs finally herded the sheep through the gate, but the last two decided to go over the fence instead!
Dale's Way is a little surprising, in that the path goes right through the middle of farms, often between the house and the barn. Over and over again we got a very close look at the way the people on these farms live. I'm not sure I'd like that. But everyone, if they happened to be outside, seemed very unconcerned and very friendly. More than happy to stop what they were doing and talk about the weather or ask us where we were from and how the walk was going. Never, in the entire 94 miles that we walked, did we see a single No Trespassing or Keep Out sign.
However farmers do have concerns about walkers with dogs. Dogs have killed lambs and other livestock at times, so the farmers have a right to make sure you follow the rules. We saw numerous signs telling walkers to keep on the trail, keep their dog on a lead, and make sure not to get between a cow and her calf. Cows have actually mauled and even killed several walkers in the past couple of years. You can bet I stay alert when we are in open pasture land with animals.
This was a typical bridge over smaller creeks leading into the Wharfe. Good thing I lost a little weight before the trip. Ha!
As we were walking along a gravel path later in the morning, this little bird hopped right up almost on my foot. He was pecking in the gravel and seemed to pay little attention to me, even though I nearly stepped on him. What fun. Anyone know what kind of bird it is?
Our next stop was Burnsall; this is Russ on the bridge coming into the village.
Burnsall was once a Viking settlement and is still using the 17th-century school house. It has a wonderful street of 18th- and 19th-century cottages. I can't imagine living in something that old. They were very well kept, but I expect dark and damp in the winter. The old inn, the Red Lion, was a pleasant place to stop for a short rest and a Coke.
Looking back at the Burnsall Bridge. There was a paved wheelchair-accessable, path along the river. It was a beautiful scene. No one else walking. It was very quiet.
Hebdon Bridge
Russ over first,
Then Judy--even though I don't qualify for "skinny." Ha!
After crossing the river, we came to a long row--sort of an avenue--of large chestnut trees. They were gorgeous, and it was so peaceful. Would be a lovely place for a picnic.
We didn't go to the church because Dales Way stays on the opposite side of the river, and it would require either crossing on the stepping stones or going on to the bridge at Linton Falls and backtracking to the church. I was getting tired from our long hike yesterday, and Grassington, our destination, was pretty close. So we pressed on. I borrowed the next picture from the Internet since I didn't get my own.
Along this stretch of the path, we saw lots of pheasants. Sometimes as many as eight or ten in one place. They didn't much like us getting close, though, and I had to take this picture from afar.
When the path left the river and headed up a narrow gravel track to Grassington, we passed a pasture with a flock of very different sheep than we'd seen before. Later, I found they are called Jacob Sheep. This one was close to the path.
It was a long climb uphill into Grassington, but the Yorkshire Dales National Park Information Center was a pleasant stop for restrooms and a gift shop.
Back out on the road walking into Grassington. "Humped Crossing?" Speed Hump? :)
For dinner we ate here at the Foresters Arms pub. It was a very busy place. I think half the town was there for quiz night, including our B & B hosts.
Next entry: Sept.16 Day 3
