A Week in The Yorkshire Dales - Part 1.

Well, the Friday before last we headed up to Yorkshire to spend a week in a cottage in the Yorkshire Dales.  After a 6 hour journey (including a couple of stops for the puppy) we got there, lit the fire and got settled into our lovely cottage.

We were happy with our accommodation which had been booked the week before.  We often leave it to the last minute as sometimes you can get a good discount and we're pretty flexible.  We only got 10% off this time for the late booking, but we didn't mind as we really liked where the cottage was and it was very comfortable and well equipped.  We'd stayed a few miles away before and knew that the area was breathtakingly beautiful with great walks.  Here's a photo of the view from our bedroom window.

 

We were staying in a small village with footpaths virtually from the doorstep, an open fire and most modern conveniences, save a dishwasher and an internet signal.  Hence my absence from the blogosphere for the duration.  To be honest though, it was a small price to pay for such a peaceful and relaxing holiday.

 

On our first day we headed off into the town of Richmond, a lovely nearby market town, to get some shopping for the week and have some lunch.  I couldn't resist buying a Yorkshire Curd Tart which I remember eating regularly as a child.   After lunch we came back to the cottage and set off down to the river for a walk in the sunshine along the river bank to the beautiful Dales village of Reeth.  Here's a picture of the stepping stones we had to cross to get to the other side of the river which was quite fast flowing. It was good fun.

 

 

Once we'd walked the mile or so to Reeth, I couldn't resist paying a return visit to the lovely Reeth Community Orchard and Garden where I treat myself to a couple of small plants (some Lily of the Valley and an Ornamental Sorrel).  It is a beautiful place with a real sense of peace.  It feels like just the best kept secret.

 

 

 

I liked this wise old fellow in the garden.  Dales gardens are beautiful.  The dry stone walls set off the cottage plants beautifully.  It is so hard to resist buying a few plants to remind you daily of a lovely holiday and a beautiful place.

 

 

 

 

We sat on the village green and had an ice cream whilst the puppy enjoyed having a good look around and sniffing the fresh Yorkshire air.  Oh, it was so wonderful to be back and smell the wild garlic and other fresh country smells.

 

Reeth is a great place to spend an afternoon as there is the lovely Swaledale Museum which documents life in the dale over the centuries.  We had visited on a previous occasion and didn't get around to visiting again this holiday, but it is well worth a visit with lots of interesting things to see and learn about.

 

 

Later, we headed back along the river, taking in more of the scenery on the opposite bank.  It was just the loveliest start to our holiday.

 

 

If you ever get a chance to visit this part of the country, don't miss out, it really is worth it and you will understand why it is called God's Own County.  I know I'm a bit biased being a Yorkshire girl and all, but I really don't think I am exaggerating in this instance.