A crisp and sunny winter day seemed a shame to waste indoors, so I drove over to Gargrave and took a circular walk of about 6 miles from the village, along the Pennine Way to East Marton and then back along the Leeds-Liverpool Canal. It's a lovely scenic walk, which I've done before the other way round. Somehow things seem very different viewed from the opposite direction so it felt like a 'new' walk.
Recent dry weather had reduced the water level in our rivers. The Aire through Gargrave, viewed from the bridge near the church, looked very benign in the sunshine.
Fields near the village were full of very pregnant and rather sleepy-looking sheep, who didn't move despite my close proximity. There are signs everywhere saying 'Lambing time; there are penalties for worrying sheep' - so I was careful not to mention climate change or the war as I walked past.
Once away from the village I had to concentrate. It was difficult to tell the Pennine Way path from sheep tracks, apart from a few finger posts pointing the way - and the recent dry weather hadn't diminished the mud in the fields. Looking back, you can see Gargrave church and Flasby Fell in the distance, a lovely view though visibility was was a bit hazy.
Oh those poor sheep, so heavy with lambs they just are waiting for the births! I love the colors you capture, your light and the stones, and grasses by the river (but not the mud!) are so beautiful.
ReplyDeleteYou take such wonderful treks.
ReplyDeleteIdyllic shots, Jenny.
ReplyDeleteI'm laughing. I'm glad you were able to hold your tongue and not worry the ewes.
ReplyDelete