Hello Everyone and Happy New year !
I set two main new years resolutions this year, the first was to learn how to take great pictures with my new digital camera and the other was to get out on a weekend and explore some lovely local walks and find interesting things to take pictures of ! Well so far i have been very good at sticking to my resolutions and I am enjoying having inspiring days out that don't cost anything whilst spending quality time with my family.
Sutton Bank Thirsk ~
One of my favourite places to walk, although when setting off from a cold but dry, grounded, village location, perhaps being a little naive , I forgot that taking a trek up the steep Sutton Bank hillside would mean a lot of frost, ice and almost snow. But this certainly added to its beauty on this afternoon. Our two family pooches came along for the fresh air and they loved skidding around the ice and getting their noses covered in the snowy frost!
You are up extremely high on this walk so on a clear day the views are breathtaking and you are very close to the Yorkshire Gliding Center so if the weather is suitable for flying then you will be lucky enough to see the gliders soaring above exploring the skies.
River Nidd Waterside Walk Patley Bridge ~
This walk I have done many times as I love all the elements to it. You have the country side, the trees and the the river, and then towards the end you have the lake with all the wildlife and birds that can be seen. It is another great walk for pooches especially those who like a dip in the river, which on a hot summers day could provide a much needed cool down. My four legged friend would go in the river any time of year as she is a bit of a water baby, and this cold January afternoon was no exception!
On our walk we were lucky to see swans, ducks, geese and also a heron from the distance across the lake. I have to say the geese were very photogenic, happily posing for a photo or two !
Ripley to Harroagte Walk and Cycle Path ~
This walk takes you from Ripley Village to the Bilton area of Harrogate via a purpose built path which is great for keen cyclists and walkers. It has some stunning views across Ripley especially as you walk across the viaduct you can see for miles.
This walk takes you from Ripley Village to the Bilton area of Harrogate via a purpose built path which is great for keen cyclists and walkers. It has some stunning views across Ripley especially as you walk across the viaduct you can see for miles.
One of my favourite parts of this walk is there is a pub called the Garden's Arm's as you reach the Bilton Area which is a great half way point if walking back again to stop off and and re charge the batteries. The pub has a large beer garden at the back which welcomes dogs as well. There is plenty of off lead opportunities for dogs on this walk too as long as you keep an eye out for the cyclists.
Picture taken from www.geograph.org.uk
Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Park ~
I often think how lucky I am to live so close to this area of beauty. Explore the Abbey ruins and walk around the beautiful gardens. This place is stunning in Winter and also makes a great place for families in the summer, children can play and explore in the gardens, and the lawns make a great place for a picnic.
Picture taken from: www.telegraph.co.uk
When walking around Studley Royal you might be lucky enough to see the deer which make this place their home. They travel together and make their way around the gardens throughout the day. Dogs are welcome at both Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal but they must be kept on their leads at all times due to the wildlife.
As you can see I have had a busy January getting out and about and I look forward to experiencing more walks over the year.
If any of you have pictures of local walks you have been on or any suggestions of where to go we would love to hear from you.
The Girl in the Cupboard xxx
As you can see I have had a busy January getting out and about and I look forward to experiencing more walks over the year.
If any of you have pictures of local walks you have been on or any suggestions of where to go we would love to hear from you.
The Girl in the Cupboard xxx
