All Hikes

Easby and Abbey Circular

4.82km★ 3.0

<h1>Easby&nbsp;Abbey&nbsp;Circular:&nbsp;Racing&nbsp;Storm&nbsp;Dave</h1><p>It&nbsp;was&nbsp;a&nbsp;wild,&nbsp;windy&nbsp;morning&nbsp;with&nbsp;<strong>Storm&nbsp;Dave</strong>&nbsp;looming&nbsp;on&nbsp;the&nbsp;horizon,&nbsp;but&nbsp;I&nbsp;wasn&#39;t&nbsp;about&nbsp;to&nbsp;let&nbsp;a&nbsp;bit&nbsp;of&nbsp;gusty&nbsp;weather&nbsp;ruin&nbsp;the&nbsp;plan.&nbsp;I’ll&nbsp;be&nbsp;honest:&nbsp;outside&nbsp;of&nbsp;the&nbsp;historic&nbsp;sites&nbsp;at&nbsp;the&nbsp;start&nbsp;and&nbsp;end,&nbsp;this&nbsp;walk&nbsp;is&nbsp;a&nbsp;bit&nbsp;of&nbsp;a&nbsp;quiet&nbsp;one,&nbsp;consisting&nbsp;mostly&nbsp;of&nbsp;farmlands&nbsp;and&nbsp;road&nbsp;stretches.&nbsp;However,&nbsp;if&nbsp;you&#39;re&nbsp;a&nbsp;history&nbsp;buff,&nbsp;the&nbsp;start&nbsp;of&nbsp;this&nbsp;trail&nbsp;makes&nbsp;the&nbsp;whole&nbsp;loop&nbsp;worth&nbsp;it.</p><p></p><h3>The&nbsp;Abbey&nbsp;of&nbsp;St.&nbsp;Agatha&nbsp;(Easby&nbsp;Abbey)</h3><p>You&nbsp;start&nbsp;the&nbsp;journey&nbsp;at&nbsp;the&nbsp;magnificent&nbsp;ruins&nbsp;of&nbsp;<strong>Easby&nbsp;Abbey</strong>.&nbsp;Founded&nbsp;in&nbsp;<strong>1152</strong>,&nbsp;this&nbsp;was&nbsp;a&nbsp;Premonstratensian&nbsp;abbey—home&nbsp;to&nbsp;the&nbsp;&quot;White&nbsp;Canons.&quot;&nbsp;Unlike&nbsp;many&nbsp;other&nbsp;abbeys&nbsp;that&nbsp;were&nbsp;tucked&nbsp;away&nbsp;in&nbsp;total&nbsp;isolation,&nbsp;Easby&nbsp;sits&nbsp;right&nbsp;on&nbsp;the&nbsp;banks&nbsp;of&nbsp;the&nbsp;River&nbsp;Swale.&nbsp;The&nbsp;highlight&nbsp;is&nbsp;the&nbsp;<strong>refectory</strong>,&nbsp;which&nbsp;is&nbsp;still&nbsp;incredibly&nbsp;imposing&nbsp;today.&nbsp;It’s&nbsp;easy&nbsp;to&nbsp;imagine&nbsp;the&nbsp;canons&nbsp;dining&nbsp;there&nbsp;nearly&nbsp;900&nbsp;years&nbsp;ago&nbsp;while&nbsp;the&nbsp;wind&nbsp;howls&nbsp;through&nbsp;the&nbsp;stone&nbsp;arches&nbsp;just&nbsp;like&nbsp;it&nbsp;did&nbsp;today!</p><p></p><h3>The&nbsp;Church&nbsp;of&nbsp;St.&nbsp;Agatha</h3><p>Right&nbsp;next&nbsp;to&nbsp;the&nbsp;ruins&nbsp;is&nbsp;the&nbsp;<strong>Church&nbsp;of&nbsp;St.&nbsp;Agatha</strong>.&nbsp;While&nbsp;it&nbsp;looks&nbsp;modest&nbsp;from&nbsp;the&nbsp;outside,&nbsp;it&nbsp;is&nbsp;a&nbsp;hidden&nbsp;gem&nbsp;of&nbsp;North&nbsp;Yorkshire.&nbsp;It&nbsp;dates&nbsp;back&nbsp;to&nbsp;the&nbsp;<strong>12th&nbsp;century</strong>&nbsp;and&nbsp;contains&nbsp;some&nbsp;of&nbsp;the&nbsp;most&nbsp;famous&nbsp;<strong>medieval&nbsp;wall&nbsp;paintings&nbsp;(frescoes)</strong>&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;UK.&nbsp;These&nbsp;paintings&nbsp;were&nbsp;covered&nbsp;up&nbsp;during&nbsp;the&nbsp;Reformation&nbsp;and&nbsp;only&nbsp;rediscovered&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;1800s.&nbsp;They&nbsp;depict&nbsp;scenes&nbsp;like&nbsp;the&nbsp;Creation&nbsp;and&nbsp;the&nbsp;life&nbsp;of&nbsp;Christ,&nbsp;and&nbsp;seeing&nbsp;them&nbsp;in&nbsp;person&nbsp;is&nbsp;a&nbsp;genuine&nbsp;&quot;wow&quot;&nbsp;moment.</p><p></p><h3>The&nbsp;Route&nbsp;Reality</h3><p>Once&nbsp;you&nbsp;leave&nbsp;the&nbsp;history&nbsp;behind,&nbsp;the&nbsp;trail&nbsp;heads&nbsp;through&nbsp;farmlands&nbsp;before&nbsp;joining&nbsp;a&nbsp;rougher&nbsp;path&nbsp;as&nbsp;you&nbsp;skirt&nbsp;past&nbsp;Richmond.&nbsp;There&nbsp;is&nbsp;a&nbsp;fairly&nbsp;long&nbsp;stretch&nbsp;that&nbsp;winds&nbsp;beside&nbsp;a&nbsp;busy&nbsp;A-road,&nbsp;which&nbsp;isn&#39;t&nbsp;the&nbsp;most&nbsp;relaxing&nbsp;experience,especially&nbsp;with&nbsp;the&nbsp;wind&nbsp;picking&nbsp;up.&nbsp;The&nbsp;loop&nbsp;eventually&nbsp;brings&nbsp;you&nbsp;back&nbsp;through&nbsp;more&nbsp;fields&nbsp;to&nbsp;the&nbsp;start.</p><p></p><p><strong>Verdict:</strong>&nbsp;Great&nbsp;for&nbsp;a&nbsp;history&nbsp;fix&nbsp;or&nbsp;a&nbsp;quick&nbsp;blast&nbsp;of&nbsp;fresh&nbsp;air&nbsp;before&nbsp;a&nbsp;storm&nbsp;hits.&nbsp;Just&nbsp;bring&nbsp;sturdy&nbsp;boots&nbsp;for&nbsp;the&nbsp;rougher&nbsp;paths&nbsp;and&nbsp;keep&nbsp;your&nbsp;wits&nbsp;about&nbsp;you&nbsp;on&nbsp;the&nbsp;road&nbsp;sections—many&nbsp;don&#39;t&nbsp;have&nbsp;pavements!</p>

Easby Abbey and Richmond Station

3.95km★ 2.0

<h1>Easby&nbsp;Abbey&nbsp;to&nbsp;Richmond&nbsp;Station:&nbsp;A&nbsp;Rainy&nbsp;Riverside&nbsp;Stroll</h1><p>There’s&nbsp;a&nbsp;specific&nbsp;type&nbsp;of&nbsp;British&nbsp;rain—the&nbsp;fine,&nbsp;light&nbsp;drizzle&nbsp;that&nbsp;seems&nbsp;harmless&nbsp;until&nbsp;you&nbsp;realize&nbsp;it&nbsp;has&nbsp;soaked&nbsp;you&nbsp;right&nbsp;through&nbsp;to&nbsp;the&nbsp;bone.&nbsp;That&nbsp;was&nbsp;the&nbsp;backdrop&nbsp;for&nbsp;my&nbsp;walk&nbsp;starting&nbsp;at&nbsp;the&nbsp;spectacular&nbsp;<strong>Easby&nbsp;Abbey</strong>&nbsp;and&nbsp;heading&nbsp;toward&nbsp;Richmond.&nbsp;But&nbsp;honestly?&nbsp;Even&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;damp,&nbsp;this&nbsp;is&nbsp;one&nbsp;of&nbsp;the&nbsp;most&nbsp;relaxing,&nbsp;flat&nbsp;routes&nbsp;I’ve&nbsp;done.</p><p></p><h3>The&nbsp;Ruins&nbsp;of&nbsp;Easby&nbsp;Abbey</h3><p>The&nbsp;walk&nbsp;kicks&nbsp;off&nbsp;at&nbsp;<strong>Easby&nbsp;Abbey</strong>&nbsp;(properly&nbsp;known&nbsp;as&nbsp;the&nbsp;Abbey&nbsp;of&nbsp;St.&nbsp;Agatha).&nbsp;Founded&nbsp;in&nbsp;1152,&nbsp;these&nbsp;are&nbsp;some&nbsp;of&nbsp;the&nbsp;best-preserved&nbsp;Premonstratensian&nbsp;ruins&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;country.&nbsp;Standing&nbsp;among&nbsp;the&nbsp;jagged&nbsp;stone&nbsp;walls&nbsp;and&nbsp;the&nbsp;massive&nbsp;refectory&nbsp;as&nbsp;the&nbsp;rain&nbsp;started&nbsp;to&nbsp;fall&nbsp;made&nbsp;the&nbsp;history&nbsp;feel&nbsp;incredibly&nbsp;close.&nbsp;It’s&nbsp;a&nbsp;hauntingly&nbsp;beautiful&nbsp;spot&nbsp;and&nbsp;a&nbsp;perfect&nbsp;place&nbsp;to&nbsp;start&nbsp;a&nbsp;journey&nbsp;along&nbsp;the&nbsp;river.</p><p></p><h3>The&nbsp;Calming&nbsp;Swale</h3><p>The&nbsp;path&nbsp;takes&nbsp;you&nbsp;right&nbsp;along&nbsp;the&nbsp;banks&nbsp;of&nbsp;the&nbsp;<strong>River&nbsp;Swale</strong>.&nbsp;I’ve&nbsp;mentioned&nbsp;it&nbsp;before,&nbsp;but&nbsp;in&nbsp;doing&nbsp;these&nbsp;walks,&nbsp;I&nbsp;have&nbsp;come&nbsp;to&nbsp;love&nbsp;the&nbsp;sound&nbsp;of&nbsp;a&nbsp;flowing&nbsp;river—it&nbsp;is&nbsp;so&nbsp;calming!&nbsp;Because&nbsp;the&nbsp;path&nbsp;is&nbsp;mostly&nbsp;flat&nbsp;and&nbsp;pretty&nbsp;uneventful&nbsp;in&nbsp;terms&nbsp;of&nbsp;climbing,&nbsp;you&nbsp;can&nbsp;really&nbsp;just&nbsp;switch&nbsp;off&nbsp;and&nbsp;listen&nbsp;to&nbsp;the&nbsp;water.&nbsp;The&nbsp;roar&nbsp;of&nbsp;the&nbsp;Swale&nbsp;is&nbsp;the&nbsp;perfect&nbsp;companion&nbsp;for&nbsp;a&nbsp;wet&nbsp;afternoon.</p><p></p><h3>Victorian&nbsp;Grandeur:&nbsp;The&nbsp;Station</h3><p>As&nbsp;you&nbsp;approach&nbsp;the&nbsp;edge&nbsp;of&nbsp;Richmond,&nbsp;you&nbsp;pass&nbsp;<strong>The&nbsp;Station</strong>.&nbsp;Originally&nbsp;opened&nbsp;in&nbsp;1846,&nbsp;this&nbsp;stunning&nbsp;Victorian&nbsp;building&nbsp;served&nbsp;as&nbsp;the&nbsp;terminus&nbsp;for&nbsp;the&nbsp;Richmond&nbsp;branch&nbsp;line.&nbsp;It’s&nbsp;a&nbsp;piece&nbsp;of&nbsp;local&nbsp;history&nbsp;that&nbsp;was&nbsp;nearly&nbsp;lost&nbsp;after&nbsp;closing&nbsp;to&nbsp;passengers&nbsp;in&nbsp;1969.&nbsp;Today,&nbsp;it’s&nbsp;been&nbsp;beautifully&nbsp;restored&nbsp;into&nbsp;a&nbsp;community&nbsp;hub.&nbsp;Seeing&nbsp;the&nbsp;high&nbsp;ceilings&nbsp;and&nbsp;traditional&nbsp;stone&nbsp;architecture&nbsp;provides&nbsp;a&nbsp;great&nbsp;contrast&nbsp;to&nbsp;the&nbsp;medieval&nbsp;ruins&nbsp;you&nbsp;see&nbsp;at&nbsp;the&nbsp;start&nbsp;of&nbsp;the&nbsp;walk.</p><p></p><p><strong>Verdict:</strong>&nbsp;An&nbsp;easy,&nbsp;flat,&nbsp;and&nbsp;highly&nbsp;rewarding&nbsp;walk.&nbsp;If&nbsp;you&nbsp;don&#39;t&nbsp;mind&nbsp;a&nbsp;bit&nbsp;of&nbsp;rain,&nbsp;it’s&nbsp;the&nbsp;perfect&nbsp;way&nbsp;to&nbsp;soak&nbsp;up&nbsp;some&nbsp;local&nbsp;history!</p>

Richmond River Swale Circular

6.81km★ 3.5

<h1>Richmond&nbsp;River&nbsp;Swale:&nbsp;Steep&nbsp;Drops&nbsp;and&nbsp;Slippery&nbsp;Rock&nbsp;Scrambles&nbsp;</h1><p>After&nbsp;a&nbsp;brief&nbsp;taste&nbsp;of&nbsp;spring,&nbsp;the&nbsp;North&nbsp;Yorkshire&nbsp;weather&nbsp;decided&nbsp;to&nbsp;give&nbsp;me&nbsp;a&nbsp;reality&nbsp;check&nbsp;today.&nbsp;I&nbsp;headed&nbsp;to&nbsp;Richmond&nbsp;expecting&nbsp;a&nbsp;nice,&nbsp;sunny&nbsp;riverside&nbsp;stroll,&nbsp;but&nbsp;instead,&nbsp;I&nbsp;was&nbsp;met&nbsp;with&nbsp;overcast&nbsp;skies,&nbsp;thick&nbsp;clouds,&nbsp;and&nbsp;a&nbsp;persistent&nbsp;drizzle—a&nbsp;sharp&nbsp;reminder&nbsp;that&nbsp;we&nbsp;aren&#39;t&nbsp;quite&nbsp;done&nbsp;with&nbsp;the&nbsp;winter&nbsp;blues&nbsp;just&nbsp;yet.</p><p></p><h3>The&nbsp;Heights&nbsp;and&nbsp;the&nbsp;Drops</h3><p>This&nbsp;route&nbsp;is&nbsp;more&nbsp;demanding&nbsp;than&nbsp;it&nbsp;looks&nbsp;on&nbsp;paper.&nbsp;There&nbsp;are&nbsp;some&nbsp;seriously&nbsp;steep&nbsp;climbs&nbsp;to&nbsp;get&nbsp;the&nbsp;heart&nbsp;rate&nbsp;up,&nbsp;but&nbsp;it’s&nbsp;the&nbsp;narrow&nbsp;pathways&nbsp;that&nbsp;really&nbsp;catch&nbsp;your&nbsp;attention.&nbsp;Some&nbsp;sections&nbsp;have&nbsp;significant&nbsp;drops&nbsp;with&nbsp;absolutely&nbsp;no&nbsp;barriers.</p><p>In&nbsp;wet&nbsp;weather,&nbsp;these&nbsp;paths&nbsp;could&nbsp;easily&nbsp;become&nbsp;dangerous.&nbsp;Luckily,&nbsp;the&nbsp;ground&nbsp;was&nbsp;fairly&nbsp;dry&nbsp;today,&nbsp;so&nbsp;I&nbsp;managed&nbsp;to&nbsp;keep&nbsp;my&nbsp;footing—though&nbsp;I&nbsp;was&nbsp;definitely&nbsp;watching&nbsp;every&nbsp;single&nbsp;step!</p><p></p><h3>The&nbsp;&quot;Endless&quot;&nbsp;Staircase</h3><p>One&nbsp;of&nbsp;the&nbsp;highlights&nbsp;(or&nbsp;lowlights,&nbsp;depending&nbsp;on&nbsp;your&nbsp;legs)&nbsp;is&nbsp;a&nbsp;massive&nbsp;set&nbsp;of&nbsp;stone&nbsp;stairs&nbsp;leading&nbsp;down&nbsp;toward&nbsp;the&nbsp;river.&nbsp;As&nbsp;I&nbsp;was&nbsp;heading&nbsp;down,&nbsp;I&nbsp;couldn&#39;t&nbsp;help&nbsp;but&nbsp;feel&nbsp;a&nbsp;massive&nbsp;wave&nbsp;of&nbsp;relief&nbsp;that&nbsp;I&nbsp;wasn&#39;t&nbsp;doing&nbsp;this&nbsp;route&nbsp;in&nbsp;reverse.&nbsp;Those&nbsp;steps&nbsp;seem&nbsp;to&nbsp;go&nbsp;on&nbsp;forever!</p><p></p><h3>Off-Path&nbsp;and&nbsp;Into&nbsp;the&nbsp;Swale</h3><p>Once&nbsp;I&nbsp;reached&nbsp;the&nbsp;bottom,&nbsp;I&nbsp;somehow&nbsp;managed&nbsp;to&nbsp;veer&nbsp;off&nbsp;the&nbsp;main&nbsp;trail.&nbsp;I&nbsp;found&nbsp;myself&nbsp;navigating&nbsp;a&nbsp;stretch&nbsp;of&nbsp;large,&nbsp;mossy&nbsp;rocks&nbsp;right&nbsp;along&nbsp;the&nbsp;edge&nbsp;of&nbsp;the&nbsp;River&nbsp;Swale.&nbsp;They&nbsp;were&nbsp;incredibly&nbsp;slippery,&nbsp;and&nbsp;at&nbsp;one&nbsp;point,&nbsp;I&nbsp;nearly&nbsp;ended&nbsp;up&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;water.</p><p>For&nbsp;most&nbsp;people,&nbsp;that’s&nbsp;a&nbsp;minor&nbsp;splash,&nbsp;but&nbsp;since&nbsp;I&nbsp;can’t&nbsp;swim,&nbsp;it&nbsp;was&nbsp;a&nbsp;genuine&nbsp;&quot;life&nbsp;flashed&nbsp;before&nbsp;my&nbsp;eyes&quot;&nbsp;moment!&nbsp;Ironically,&nbsp;this&nbsp;accidental&nbsp;detour&nbsp;was&nbsp;actually&nbsp;my&nbsp;favorite&nbsp;part&nbsp;of&nbsp;the&nbsp;walk.&nbsp;The&nbsp;climbing&nbsp;and&nbsp;the&nbsp;proximity&nbsp;to&nbsp;the&nbsp;rushing&nbsp;water&nbsp;made&nbsp;it&nbsp;so&nbsp;much&nbsp;more&nbsp;interesting&nbsp;than&nbsp;a&nbsp;flat&nbsp;path.</p><p></p><p><strong>Verdict:</strong>&nbsp;A&nbsp;fantastic,&nbsp;adventurous&nbsp;walk.&nbsp;I’d&nbsp;definitely&nbsp;bring&nbsp;the&nbsp;kids&nbsp;next&nbsp;time&nbsp;because&nbsp;they&nbsp;would&nbsp;love&nbsp;the&nbsp;rock&nbsp;scrambling,&nbsp;but&nbsp;I’ll&nbsp;be&nbsp;waiting&nbsp;for&nbsp;a&nbsp;much&nbsp;drier&nbsp;day&nbsp;before&nbsp;we&nbsp;attempt&nbsp;it&nbsp;as&nbsp;a&nbsp;family!</p>

Middleham and East Witton Circular

10.29km★ 3.0

<h1>Castles,&nbsp;Spring&nbsp;Sunshine,&nbsp;and&nbsp;Wildlife</h1><p></p><p>Spring&nbsp;has&nbsp;finally&nbsp;arrived&nbsp;in&nbsp;North&nbsp;Yorkshire,&nbsp;and&nbsp;what&nbsp;a&nbsp;difference&nbsp;it&nbsp;makes!&nbsp;After&nbsp;months&nbsp;of&nbsp;battling&nbsp;the&nbsp;cold&nbsp;and&nbsp;wind,&nbsp;walking&nbsp;in&nbsp;a&nbsp;much&nbsp;milder&nbsp;temperature&nbsp;made&nbsp;this&nbsp;circular&nbsp;route&nbsp;around&nbsp;<strong>Middleham&nbsp;and&nbsp;East&nbsp;Witton</strong>&nbsp;a&nbsp;total&nbsp;joy.</p><p></p><h3>A&nbsp;Royal&nbsp;Start</h3><p>The&nbsp;walk&nbsp;begins&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;shadow&nbsp;of&nbsp;<strong>Middleham&nbsp;Castle</strong>.&nbsp;Once&nbsp;the&nbsp;childhood&nbsp;home&nbsp;of&nbsp;Richard&nbsp;III,&nbsp;it’s&nbsp;an&nbsp;imposing&nbsp;and&nbsp;beautiful&nbsp;ruin&nbsp;that&nbsp;sets&nbsp;a&nbsp;fantastic&nbsp;tone&nbsp;for&nbsp;the&nbsp;day.&nbsp;If&nbsp;you&nbsp;like&nbsp;your&nbsp;hikes&nbsp;with&nbsp;a&nbsp;side&nbsp;of&nbsp;history,&nbsp;you&nbsp;can’t&nbsp;get&nbsp;much&nbsp;better&nbsp;than&nbsp;this.</p><p></p><h3>The&nbsp;Maze&nbsp;and&nbsp;the&nbsp;Road</h3><p>The&nbsp;first&nbsp;section&nbsp;took&nbsp;me&nbsp;through&nbsp;a&nbsp;series&nbsp;of&nbsp;farmers&#39;&nbsp;fields.&nbsp;I’ll&nbsp;be&nbsp;honest—it&nbsp;felt&nbsp;like&nbsp;a&nbsp;bit&nbsp;of&nbsp;a&nbsp;maze!&nbsp;You&nbsp;definitely&nbsp;need&nbsp;to&nbsp;keep&nbsp;your&nbsp;eyes&nbsp;on&nbsp;the&nbsp;map&nbsp;to&nbsp;make&nbsp;sure&nbsp;you&#39;re&nbsp;heading&nbsp;the&nbsp;right&nbsp;way.</p><p>One&nbsp;slight&nbsp;disappointment&nbsp;was&nbsp;a&nbsp;fairly&nbsp;long&nbsp;stretch&nbsp;of&nbsp;road&nbsp;walking.&nbsp;While&nbsp;the&nbsp;views&nbsp;remained&nbsp;lovely,&nbsp;it’s&nbsp;never&nbsp;quite&nbsp;as&nbsp;enjoyable&nbsp;as&nbsp;being&nbsp;on&nbsp;a&nbsp;proper&nbsp;trail.&nbsp;However,&nbsp;the&nbsp;path&nbsp;eventually&nbsp;returned&nbsp;to&nbsp;easier&nbsp;terrain,&nbsp;was&nbsp;very&nbsp;easy&nbsp;to&nbsp;follow,&nbsp;and—best&nbsp;of&nbsp;all—wasn&#39;t&nbsp;muddy&nbsp;at&nbsp;all,&nbsp;which&nbsp;was&nbsp;a&nbsp;huge&nbsp;surprise&nbsp;given&nbsp;the&nbsp;recent&nbsp;rain!</p><p></p><h3>A&nbsp;Wildlife&nbsp;Masterclass</h3><p>The&nbsp;highlight&nbsp;of&nbsp;the&nbsp;day&nbsp;wasn&#39;t&nbsp;the&nbsp;castle&nbsp;or&nbsp;the&nbsp;fields,&nbsp;but&nbsp;the&nbsp;locals.&nbsp;This&nbsp;route&nbsp;is&nbsp;clearly&nbsp;a&nbsp;hotspot&nbsp;for&nbsp;wildlife.&nbsp;Along&nbsp;the&nbsp;way,&nbsp;I&nbsp;spotted:</p><ul><li><strong>A&nbsp;baby&nbsp;deer</strong>&nbsp;(an&nbsp;incredible&nbsp;moment&nbsp;to&nbsp;catch&nbsp;on&nbsp;camera!)</li><li><strong>Plenty&nbsp;of&nbsp;hares</strong>&nbsp;darting&nbsp;across&nbsp;the&nbsp;fields.</li><li><strong>Rabbits</strong>&nbsp;everywhere&nbsp;you&nbsp;looked.</li></ul><p></p><p>It&nbsp;wasn&#39;t&nbsp;a&nbsp;busy&nbsp;route,&nbsp;which&nbsp;made&nbsp;the&nbsp;wildlife&nbsp;encounters&nbsp;feel&nbsp;even&nbsp;more&nbsp;special.&nbsp;It&nbsp;felt&nbsp;like&nbsp;I&nbsp;had&nbsp;the&nbsp;whole&nbsp;of&nbsp;Wensleydale&nbsp;to&nbsp;myself.</p><p></p><p><strong>Verdict:</strong>&nbsp;A&nbsp;solid,&nbsp;enjoyable&nbsp;walk.&nbsp;If&nbsp;you&nbsp;can&nbsp;push&nbsp;through&nbsp;the&nbsp;road&nbsp;section,&nbsp;the&nbsp;castle&nbsp;views&nbsp;and&nbsp;wildlife&nbsp;more&nbsp;than&nbsp;make&nbsp;up&nbsp;for&nbsp;it!</p>

Jervaulx Abbey and Thornton Steward Circular

11.6km★ 2.7

<h1>Jervaulx&nbsp;Abbey&nbsp;&amp;&nbsp;Thornton&nbsp;Steward:&nbsp;Rivers,&nbsp;Ruins,&nbsp;and&nbsp;Sheep&nbsp;Stalkers&nbsp;🏰🐑</h1><p></p><p>The&nbsp;spring&nbsp;sun&nbsp;is&nbsp;finally&nbsp;sticking&nbsp;around,&nbsp;and&nbsp;honestly,&nbsp;walking&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;warmer&nbsp;weather&nbsp;makes&nbsp;these&nbsp;Dales&nbsp;routes&nbsp;ten&nbsp;times&nbsp;more&nbsp;enjoyable.&nbsp;My&nbsp;latest&nbsp;adventure&nbsp;was&nbsp;a&nbsp;circular&nbsp;route&nbsp;starting&nbsp;at&nbsp;the&nbsp;stunning&nbsp;<strong>Jervaulx&nbsp;Abbey</strong>,&nbsp;and&nbsp;it&nbsp;was&nbsp;the&nbsp;perfect&nbsp;mix&nbsp;of&nbsp;history&nbsp;and&nbsp;nature.</p><p></p><h3>Flood-Hopping&nbsp;at&nbsp;the&nbsp;Abbey</h3><p>The&nbsp;abbey&nbsp;itself&nbsp;is&nbsp;spectacular&nbsp;to&nbsp;look&nbsp;at—it’s&nbsp;one&nbsp;of&nbsp;those&nbsp;places&nbsp;where&nbsp;nature&nbsp;has&nbsp;truly&nbsp;reclaimed&nbsp;the&nbsp;stone.&nbsp;The&nbsp;walk&nbsp;started&nbsp;with&nbsp;a&nbsp;bit&nbsp;of&nbsp;a&nbsp;challenge;&nbsp;the&nbsp;path&nbsp;was&nbsp;partially&nbsp;flooded&nbsp;right&nbsp;at&nbsp;the&nbsp;beginning.&nbsp;Luckily,&nbsp;there&nbsp;was&nbsp;plenty&nbsp;of&nbsp;grass&nbsp;alongside&nbsp;to&nbsp;jump&nbsp;onto,&nbsp;so&nbsp;I&nbsp;managed&nbsp;to&nbsp;navigate&nbsp;around&nbsp;the&nbsp;deep&nbsp;stuff&nbsp;without&nbsp;soaking&nbsp;my&nbsp;boots&nbsp;before&nbsp;the&nbsp;walk&nbsp;had&nbsp;even&nbsp;really&nbsp;begun!</p><p></p><h3>River&nbsp;Therapy&nbsp;and&nbsp;Flat&nbsp;Trails</h3><p>Most&nbsp;of&nbsp;this&nbsp;hike&nbsp;was&nbsp;exactly&nbsp;what&nbsp;I&nbsp;was&nbsp;looking&nbsp;for:&nbsp;flat,&nbsp;solid&nbsp;ground&nbsp;with&nbsp;just&nbsp;a&nbsp;few&nbsp;muddy&nbsp;fields&nbsp;that&nbsp;were&nbsp;easy&nbsp;enough&nbsp;to&nbsp;get&nbsp;through.</p><p>A&nbsp;major&nbsp;highlight&nbsp;for&nbsp;me&nbsp;was&nbsp;the&nbsp;section&nbsp;alongside&nbsp;the&nbsp;river.&nbsp;I’ve&nbsp;said&nbsp;it&nbsp;before,&nbsp;but&nbsp;I&nbsp;just&nbsp;love&nbsp;the&nbsp;sound&nbsp;of&nbsp;running&nbsp;water—it’s&nbsp;the&nbsp;ultimate&nbsp;soundtrack&nbsp;for&nbsp;a&nbsp;peaceful&nbsp;POV&nbsp;walk.&nbsp;There’s&nbsp;something&nbsp;incredibly&nbsp;relaxing&nbsp;about&nbsp;hearing&nbsp;the&nbsp;river&nbsp;flow&nbsp;while&nbsp;you’re&nbsp;out&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;middle&nbsp;of&nbsp;nowhere.</p><p></p><h3>The&nbsp;Great&nbsp;Sheep&nbsp;Follow</h3><p>Things&nbsp;got&nbsp;a&nbsp;bit&nbsp;&quot;interesting&quot;&nbsp;in&nbsp;one&nbsp;of&nbsp;the&nbsp;fields.&nbsp;It&nbsp;was&nbsp;full&nbsp;of&nbsp;sheep&nbsp;who&nbsp;initially&nbsp;scattered&nbsp;as&nbsp;I&nbsp;walked&nbsp;through.&nbsp;However,&nbsp;once&nbsp;I’d&nbsp;passed&nbsp;them,&nbsp;the&nbsp;whole&nbsp;flock&nbsp;decided&nbsp;to&nbsp;turn&nbsp;around&nbsp;and&nbsp;start&nbsp;following&nbsp;me.&nbsp;I’ll&nbsp;admit,&nbsp;I&nbsp;was&nbsp;a&nbsp;little&nbsp;worried&nbsp;they&nbsp;were&nbsp;planning&nbsp;to&nbsp;charge!&nbsp;I&nbsp;kept&nbsp;a&nbsp;steady&nbsp;pace&nbsp;and,&nbsp;eventually,&nbsp;they&nbsp;got&nbsp;bored&nbsp;of&nbsp;their&nbsp;new&nbsp;leader&nbsp;and&nbsp;went&nbsp;back&nbsp;to&nbsp;the&nbsp;grass.</p><p></p><p><strong>Verdict:</strong>&nbsp;A&nbsp;beautiful,&nbsp;mostly&nbsp;flat&nbsp;walk&nbsp;with&nbsp;great&nbsp;scenery.&nbsp;Just&nbsp;keep&nbsp;an&nbsp;eye&nbsp;on&nbsp;the&nbsp;local&nbsp;&quot;sheep&nbsp;stalkers&quot;!</p>

Wynyard Woodland Park - Brierley wood Loop

4.4km★ 2.0

<h1>Wynyard&nbsp;Woodland&nbsp;Park&nbsp;(Red&nbsp;Route):&nbsp;The&nbsp;Longer,&nbsp;Wetter&nbsp;Loop</h1><p>Immediately&nbsp;after&nbsp;finishing&nbsp;the&nbsp;Green&nbsp;Route,&nbsp;I&nbsp;headed&nbsp;straight&nbsp;back&nbsp;out&nbsp;to&nbsp;tackle&nbsp;the&nbsp;<strong>Red&nbsp;Route</strong>—the&nbsp;longer&nbsp;of&nbsp;the&nbsp;two&nbsp;loops&nbsp;at&nbsp;Wynyard&nbsp;Woodland&nbsp;Park.&nbsp;This&nbsp;one&nbsp;takes&nbsp;you&nbsp;through&nbsp;<strong>Brierley&nbsp;Wood</strong>,&nbsp;and&nbsp;while&nbsp;it&nbsp;shares&nbsp;some&nbsp;of&nbsp;that&nbsp;easy-going&nbsp;charm&nbsp;from&nbsp;the&nbsp;first&nbsp;walk,&nbsp;it&nbsp;definitely&nbsp;had&nbsp;a&nbsp;few&nbsp;surprises&nbsp;waiting&nbsp;for&nbsp;me.</p><p></p><h3>A&nbsp;Tale&nbsp;of&nbsp;Two&nbsp;Halves</h3><p>The&nbsp;walk&nbsp;started&nbsp;out&nbsp;just&nbsp;as&nbsp;easy&nbsp;as&nbsp;the&nbsp;Tilery&nbsp;Wood&nbsp;loop—flat,&nbsp;solid&nbsp;ground&nbsp;and&nbsp;great&nbsp;views&nbsp;of&nbsp;the&nbsp;frosty&nbsp;woodland.&nbsp;However,&nbsp;as&nbsp;I&nbsp;got&nbsp;into&nbsp;the&nbsp;middle&nbsp;section&nbsp;of&nbsp;the&nbsp;Brierley&nbsp;Wood&nbsp;loop,&nbsp;the&nbsp;&quot;easy&quot;&nbsp;part&nbsp;took&nbsp;a&nbsp;bit&nbsp;of&nbsp;a&nbsp;detour.</p><p></p><h3>Navigating&nbsp;the&nbsp;Floods</h3><p>The&nbsp;middle&nbsp;of&nbsp;the&nbsp;Red&nbsp;Route&nbsp;was&nbsp;noticeably&nbsp;muddier&nbsp;than&nbsp;the&nbsp;Green.&nbsp;In&nbsp;fact,&nbsp;some&nbsp;of&nbsp;the&nbsp;paths&nbsp;were&nbsp;completely&nbsp;flooded.&nbsp;It&nbsp;required&nbsp;a&nbsp;bit&nbsp;of&nbsp;careful&nbsp;footwork&nbsp;to&nbsp;get&nbsp;through&nbsp;without&nbsp;soaking&nbsp;my&nbsp;boots,&nbsp;proving&nbsp;that&nbsp;even&nbsp;the&nbsp;most&nbsp;&quot;accessible&quot;&nbsp;parks&nbsp;can&nbsp;have&nbsp;their&nbsp;tricky&nbsp;moments&nbsp;during&nbsp;a&nbsp;wet&nbsp;winter.</p><p></p><h3>Back&nbsp;to&nbsp;Basics</h3><p>The&nbsp;good&nbsp;news&nbsp;is&nbsp;that&nbsp;the&nbsp;flooding&nbsp;didn&#39;t&nbsp;last&nbsp;forever.&nbsp;Once&nbsp;I&nbsp;navigated&nbsp;the&nbsp;soggy&nbsp;middle&nbsp;section,&nbsp;I&nbsp;was&nbsp;back&nbsp;on&nbsp;the&nbsp;solid,&nbsp;well-maintained&nbsp;paths&nbsp;that&nbsp;Wynyard&nbsp;is&nbsp;famous&nbsp;for.&nbsp;It&nbsp;was&nbsp;a&nbsp;great&nbsp;way&nbsp;to&nbsp;extend&nbsp;the&nbsp;morning&nbsp;and&nbsp;get&nbsp;some&nbsp;extra&nbsp;miles&nbsp;in.</p><p></p><p><strong>Verdict:</strong>&nbsp;If&nbsp;you&nbsp;want&nbsp;a&nbsp;longer&nbsp;walk,&nbsp;the&nbsp;Red&nbsp;Route&nbsp;is&nbsp;great—just&nbsp;be&nbsp;prepared&nbsp;for&nbsp;a&nbsp;bit&nbsp;more&nbsp;&quot;nature&quot;&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;middle&nbsp;than&nbsp;you’ll&nbsp;find&nbsp;on&nbsp;the&nbsp;shorter&nbsp;Green&nbsp;loop!</p>

Hardwick Park and Knotty Hill Circular

7.42km★ 2.0

<h1>Hardwick&nbsp;Park&nbsp;&amp;&nbsp;Knotty&nbsp;Hill:&nbsp;When&nbsp;AllTrails&nbsp;Does&nbsp;You&nbsp;Dirty&nbsp;</h1><p>When&nbsp;you&nbsp;hear&nbsp;the&nbsp;name&nbsp;&quot;Hardwick&nbsp;Park,&quot;&nbsp;you&nbsp;usually&nbsp;think&nbsp;of&nbsp;a&nbsp;peaceful&nbsp;stroll&nbsp;around&nbsp;a&nbsp;lake,&nbsp;feeding&nbsp;the&nbsp;ducks,&nbsp;and&nbsp;keeping&nbsp;your&nbsp;shoes&nbsp;clean.&nbsp;That&nbsp;is&nbsp;<strong>not</strong>&nbsp;the&nbsp;walk&nbsp;I&nbsp;had&nbsp;today.&nbsp;I&nbsp;put&nbsp;my&nbsp;trust&nbsp;in&nbsp;an&nbsp;AllTrails&nbsp;circular&nbsp;route,&nbsp;and&nbsp;let’s&nbsp;just&nbsp;say&nbsp;it&nbsp;led&nbsp;me&nbsp;into&nbsp;a&nbsp;battle&nbsp;with&nbsp;the&nbsp;elements.</p><p></p><h3>The&nbsp;Great&nbsp;Muddy&nbsp;Racetrack</h3><p>The&nbsp;walk&nbsp;started&nbsp;off&nbsp;innocently&nbsp;enough,&nbsp;but&nbsp;the&nbsp;further&nbsp;I&nbsp;got&nbsp;into&nbsp;the&nbsp;&quot;Knotty&nbsp;Hill&quot;&nbsp;section,&nbsp;the&nbsp;more&nbsp;the&nbsp;ground&nbsp;vanished.&nbsp;It&nbsp;wasn&#39;t&nbsp;just&nbsp;muddy;&nbsp;it&nbsp;was&nbsp;standing&nbsp;water&nbsp;everywhere.&nbsp;At&nbsp;one&nbsp;point,&nbsp;the&nbsp;path&nbsp;was&nbsp;so&nbsp;impassable&nbsp;I&nbsp;had&nbsp;to&nbsp;U-turn&nbsp;and&nbsp;find&nbsp;an&nbsp;alternative.</p><p>That&nbsp;alternative&nbsp;led&nbsp;me&nbsp;onto&nbsp;a&nbsp;muddy&nbsp;racetrack!&nbsp;I&nbsp;didn&#39;t&nbsp;stick&nbsp;around&nbsp;long&nbsp;enough&nbsp;to&nbsp;see&nbsp;if&nbsp;any&nbsp;cars&nbsp;were&nbsp;coming,&nbsp;making&nbsp;a&nbsp;quick&nbsp;exit&nbsp;straight&nbsp;into—you&nbsp;guessed&nbsp;it—a&nbsp;flooded&nbsp;field.</p><p></p><h3>The&nbsp;Waterproof&nbsp;Test</h3><p>The&nbsp;route&nbsp;took&nbsp;me&nbsp;right&nbsp;through&nbsp;the&nbsp;middle&nbsp;of&nbsp;the&nbsp;deep&nbsp;water.&nbsp;I&nbsp;spent&nbsp;a&nbsp;good&nbsp;while&nbsp;zigzagging&nbsp;around&nbsp;the&nbsp;deepest&nbsp;parts,&nbsp;but&nbsp;eventually,&nbsp;I&nbsp;just&nbsp;had&nbsp;to&nbsp;go&nbsp;for&nbsp;it.&nbsp;This&nbsp;was&nbsp;the&nbsp;ultimate&nbsp;test&nbsp;for&nbsp;the&nbsp;waterproof&nbsp;coating&nbsp;on&nbsp;my&nbsp;hiking&nbsp;shoes.&nbsp;I’m&nbsp;happy&nbsp;to&nbsp;report&nbsp;they&nbsp;passed&nbsp;with&nbsp;flying&nbsp;colours;&nbsp;despite&nbsp;the&nbsp;wading,&nbsp;my&nbsp;feet&nbsp;stayed&nbsp;bone&nbsp;dry!</p><p></p><h3>Chasing&nbsp;Memories&nbsp;at&nbsp;the&nbsp;Lake</h3><p>After&nbsp;more&nbsp;slipping&nbsp;and&nbsp;sliding&nbsp;through&nbsp;the&nbsp;mud,&nbsp;I&nbsp;finally&nbsp;hit&nbsp;the&nbsp;solid&nbsp;ground&nbsp;of&nbsp;the&nbsp;golf&nbsp;course&nbsp;and&nbsp;headed&nbsp;up&nbsp;toward&nbsp;the&nbsp;hotel.&nbsp;At&nbsp;this&nbsp;point,&nbsp;I’d&nbsp;had&nbsp;enough&nbsp;of&nbsp;the&nbsp;&quot;off-piste&quot;&nbsp;adventure.</p><p>I&nbsp;abandoned&nbsp;the&nbsp;AllTrails&nbsp;route&nbsp;and&nbsp;headed&nbsp;down&nbsp;to&nbsp;the&nbsp;lake.&nbsp;It&nbsp;was&nbsp;much&nbsp;busier,&nbsp;but&nbsp;it&nbsp;was&nbsp;the&nbsp;Hardwick&nbsp;Park&nbsp;I&nbsp;remembered:&nbsp;ducks,&nbsp;swans,&nbsp;and—most&nbsp;importantly—a&nbsp;non-muddy&nbsp;walkway.</p><p></p><p><strong>Verdict:</strong>&nbsp;If&nbsp;you&nbsp;follow&nbsp;the&nbsp;circular&nbsp;route,&nbsp;bring&nbsp;your&nbsp;best&nbsp;waterproofs&nbsp;and&nbsp;a&nbsp;sense&nbsp;of&nbsp;humor.&nbsp;If&nbsp;you&nbsp;want&nbsp;a&nbsp;quiet&nbsp;life,&nbsp;stay&nbsp;by&nbsp;the&nbsp;lake!</p>

Wynyard Woodland Park - Tilery wood Loop

2.28km★ 1.5

<h1>Wynyard&nbsp;Woodland&nbsp;Park:&nbsp;The&nbsp;Perfect&nbsp;Frosty&nbsp;&quot;Reset&quot;</h1><p></p><p>After&nbsp;the&nbsp;chaos&nbsp;of&nbsp;my&nbsp;last&nbsp;few&nbsp;hikes,&nbsp;I&nbsp;arrived&nbsp;at&nbsp;<strong>Wynyard&nbsp;Woodland&nbsp;Park</strong>&nbsp;for&nbsp;an&nbsp;early,&nbsp;frosty&nbsp;morning&nbsp;walk,&nbsp;and&nbsp;it&nbsp;was&nbsp;exactly&nbsp;what&nbsp;the&nbsp;doctor&nbsp;ordered.&nbsp;If&nbsp;you’re&nbsp;tired&nbsp;of&nbsp;losing&nbsp;your&nbsp;boots&nbsp;to&nbsp;the&nbsp;mud&nbsp;or&nbsp;navigating&nbsp;&quot;disappearing&quot;&nbsp;paths,&nbsp;this&nbsp;is&nbsp;the&nbsp;location&nbsp;for&nbsp;you.</p><p></p><h3>Finally,&nbsp;Flat&nbsp;Ground!</h3><p>This&nbsp;trail&nbsp;was&nbsp;a&nbsp;dream&nbsp;to&nbsp;navigate.&nbsp;It&nbsp;was&nbsp;flat,&nbsp;the&nbsp;paths&nbsp;were&nbsp;solid,&nbsp;and&nbsp;most&nbsp;importantly—<strong>no&nbsp;mud&nbsp;and&nbsp;no&nbsp;slipping.</strong>&nbsp;It&nbsp;felt&nbsp;strange&nbsp;to&nbsp;finish&nbsp;a&nbsp;walk&nbsp;without&nbsp;a&nbsp;single&nbsp;&quot;near-death&quot;&nbsp;encounter&nbsp;with&nbsp;a&nbsp;slippery&nbsp;slope!</p><p></p><h3>The&nbsp;Green&nbsp;vs.&nbsp;Red&nbsp;Route</h3><p>There&nbsp;are&nbsp;two&nbsp;main&nbsp;loops&nbsp;at&nbsp;this&nbsp;location:&nbsp;the&nbsp;<strong>Green&nbsp;Route</strong>&nbsp;and&nbsp;the&nbsp;<strong>Red&nbsp;Route</strong>.&nbsp;I&nbsp;actually&nbsp;tackled&nbsp;both&nbsp;during&nbsp;my&nbsp;visit,&nbsp;but&nbsp;this&nbsp;specific&nbsp;walk&nbsp;follows&nbsp;the&nbsp;Green&nbsp;Route.</p><p>The&nbsp;Green&nbsp;loop&nbsp;is&nbsp;the&nbsp;shorter&nbsp;of&nbsp;the&nbsp;two,&nbsp;making&nbsp;it&nbsp;perfect&nbsp;for&nbsp;a&nbsp;quick&nbsp;morning&nbsp;stretch&nbsp;or&nbsp;a&nbsp;peaceful&nbsp;wander&nbsp;through&nbsp;Tilery&nbsp;Wood.&nbsp;The&nbsp;whole&nbsp;place&nbsp;is&nbsp;incredibly&nbsp;well-signposted;&nbsp;you’d&nbsp;have&nbsp;to&nbsp;try&nbsp;really&nbsp;hard&nbsp;to&nbsp;get&nbsp;lost&nbsp;here.</p><p></p><h3>A&nbsp;Frosty&nbsp;Atmosphere</h3><p>There&nbsp;is&nbsp;something&nbsp;special&nbsp;about&nbsp;an&nbsp;early&nbsp;morning&nbsp;frost&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;woods.&nbsp;The&nbsp;air&nbsp;was&nbsp;crisp,&nbsp;the&nbsp;ground&nbsp;was&nbsp;crunchy,&nbsp;and&nbsp;the&nbsp;whole&nbsp;place&nbsp;felt&nbsp;incredibly&nbsp;still.&nbsp;It’s&nbsp;a&nbsp;great&nbsp;spot&nbsp;if&nbsp;you&nbsp;want&nbsp;a&nbsp;reliable,&nbsp;easy-access&nbsp;walk&nbsp;that&nbsp;still&nbsp;delivers&nbsp;on&nbsp;that&nbsp;&quot;get&nbsp;away&nbsp;from&nbsp;it&nbsp;all&quot;&nbsp;feeling.</p>

Langthwaite Circular

7.52km★ 4.0

<h1>Langthwaite:&nbsp;The&nbsp;Path&nbsp;to&nbsp;Nowhere&nbsp;and&nbsp;a&nbsp;Muddy&nbsp;Landing</h1><p>My&nbsp;latest&nbsp;walk&nbsp;in&nbsp;<strong>Langthwaite,&nbsp;Richmondshire</strong>,&nbsp;was&nbsp;a&nbsp;classic&nbsp;tale&nbsp;of&nbsp;two&nbsp;halves.&nbsp;It&nbsp;started&nbsp;as&nbsp;one&nbsp;of&nbsp;the&nbsp;most&nbsp;peaceful&nbsp;walks&nbsp;I’ve&nbsp;done&nbsp;and&nbsp;ended&nbsp;with&nbsp;me&nbsp;wondering&nbsp;how&nbsp;I’d&nbsp;managed&nbsp;to&nbsp;find&nbsp;a&nbsp;dead&nbsp;end&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;middle&nbsp;of&nbsp;a&nbsp;moor.</p><p></p><h3>A&nbsp;Peaceful&nbsp;Start</h3><p>The&nbsp;route&nbsp;began&nbsp;with&nbsp;a&nbsp;beautiful&nbsp;stretch&nbsp;along&nbsp;the&nbsp;river.&nbsp;It&nbsp;was&nbsp;a&nbsp;little&nbsp;muddy&nbsp;underfoot,&nbsp;but&nbsp;nothing&nbsp;too&nbsp;dramatic.&nbsp;The&nbsp;sound&nbsp;of&nbsp;the&nbsp;small&nbsp;waterfalls&nbsp;along&nbsp;the&nbsp;way&nbsp;made&nbsp;the&nbsp;whole&nbsp;atmosphere&nbsp;incredibly&nbsp;calm—exactly&nbsp;the&nbsp;kind&nbsp;of&nbsp;peaceful&nbsp;POV&nbsp;walk&nbsp;I&nbsp;love.</p><p></p><h3>The&nbsp;Dead&nbsp;End</h3><p>As&nbsp;I&nbsp;pushed&nbsp;further&nbsp;along&nbsp;the&nbsp;river,&nbsp;things&nbsp;took&nbsp;a&nbsp;turn.&nbsp;The&nbsp;path&nbsp;simply&nbsp;started&nbsp;to&nbsp;disappear.&nbsp;I&nbsp;eventually&nbsp;found&nbsp;myself&nbsp;at&nbsp;a&nbsp;safety&nbsp;fence&nbsp;(the&nbsp;kind&nbsp;meant&nbsp;to&nbsp;keep&nbsp;people&nbsp;from&nbsp;falling)&nbsp;that&nbsp;led&nbsp;absolutely&nbsp;nowhere.&nbsp;It&nbsp;was&nbsp;a&nbsp;total&nbsp;dead&nbsp;end.</p><p>Not&nbsp;wanting&nbsp;to&nbsp;turn&nbsp;back,&nbsp;I&nbsp;had&nbsp;to&nbsp;climb&nbsp;over.&nbsp;It&nbsp;wasn&#39;t&nbsp;elegant—there&nbsp;was&nbsp;a&nbsp;lot&nbsp;of&nbsp;hanging&nbsp;on&nbsp;and&nbsp;hoping&nbsp;for&nbsp;the&nbsp;best—but&nbsp;I&nbsp;managed&nbsp;to&nbsp;haul&nbsp;myself&nbsp;over&nbsp;and&nbsp;push&nbsp;through&nbsp;the&nbsp;shrubs&nbsp;into&nbsp;the&nbsp;open&nbsp;fields&nbsp;beyond.</p><p></p><h3>High&nbsp;Winds&nbsp;&amp;&nbsp;Cold&nbsp;Rain</h3><p>The&nbsp;higher&nbsp;I&nbsp;climbed,&nbsp;the&nbsp;more&nbsp;the&nbsp;weather&nbsp;decided&nbsp;to&nbsp;test&nbsp;me.&nbsp;A&nbsp;freezing&nbsp;combo&nbsp;of&nbsp;wind&nbsp;and&nbsp;rain&nbsp;blew&nbsp;through&nbsp;just&nbsp;as&nbsp;I&nbsp;was&nbsp;most&nbsp;exposed.&nbsp;In&nbsp;the&nbsp;Dales,&nbsp;that&nbsp;wind-chill&nbsp;is&nbsp;no&nbsp;joke!</p><p></p><h3>The&nbsp;&quot;Unwitnessed&quot;&nbsp;Wipeout</h3><p>Once&nbsp;the&nbsp;rain&nbsp;cleared,&nbsp;I&nbsp;started&nbsp;the&nbsp;descent&nbsp;back&nbsp;down.&nbsp;The&nbsp;wet&nbsp;ground&nbsp;finally&nbsp;got&nbsp;the&nbsp;better&nbsp;of&nbsp;me,&nbsp;I&nbsp;lost&nbsp;my&nbsp;footing&nbsp;and&nbsp;ended&nbsp;up&nbsp;sliding&nbsp;right&nbsp;onto&nbsp;my&nbsp;backside.&nbsp;Luckily,&nbsp;the&nbsp;hills&nbsp;were&nbsp;empty,&nbsp;so&nbsp;nobody&nbsp;saw&nbsp;my&nbsp;less-than-graceful&nbsp;landing!</p><p>After&nbsp;a&nbsp;final&nbsp;steep&nbsp;climb&nbsp;back&nbsp;to&nbsp;the&nbsp;car,&nbsp;I’m&nbsp;left&nbsp;with&nbsp;mixed&nbsp;feelings.&nbsp;It&nbsp;was&nbsp;tricky&nbsp;and&nbsp;a&nbsp;bit&nbsp;of&nbsp;a&nbsp;struggle&nbsp;in&nbsp;places,&nbsp;but&nbsp;the&nbsp;views&nbsp;were&nbsp;still&nbsp;great.&nbsp;I&nbsp;just&nbsp;wish&nbsp;I’d&nbsp;come&nbsp;back&nbsp;with&nbsp;cleaner&nbsp;trousers!</p>

Old Gang Smelt Mill and Reeth High Moor

9.42km★ 4.5

<h1>Old&nbsp;Gang&nbsp;Smelt&nbsp;Mill&nbsp;&amp;&nbsp;Reeth&nbsp;High&nbsp;Moor:</h1><h1>My&nbsp;Favourite&nbsp;Route&nbsp;Yet</h1><p>If&nbsp;I&nbsp;had&nbsp;to&nbsp;pick&nbsp;a&nbsp;standout&nbsp;walk&nbsp;from&nbsp;my&nbsp;recent&nbsp;adventures,&nbsp;this&nbsp;is&nbsp;it.&nbsp;The&nbsp;drive&nbsp;in&nbsp;along&nbsp;those&nbsp;winding,&nbsp;single-lane&nbsp;roads&nbsp;sets&nbsp;the&nbsp;tone,&nbsp;but&nbsp;nothing&nbsp;prepares&nbsp;you&nbsp;for&nbsp;the&nbsp;scale&nbsp;of&nbsp;this&nbsp;place.</p><p></p><h3>The&nbsp;Power&nbsp;of&nbsp;the&nbsp;River</h3><p>Usually,&nbsp;rain&nbsp;is&nbsp;the&nbsp;enemy&nbsp;of&nbsp;a&nbsp;good&nbsp;hike,&nbsp;but&nbsp;for&nbsp;this&nbsp;trail,&nbsp;I&nbsp;think&nbsp;the&nbsp;recent&nbsp;downpours&nbsp;actually&nbsp;made&nbsp;it&nbsp;better.&nbsp;Walking&nbsp;alongside&nbsp;the&nbsp;river&nbsp;while&nbsp;it&nbsp;was&nbsp;moving&nbsp;so&nbsp;fast&nbsp;and&nbsp;rough&nbsp;was&nbsp;mesmerizing.&nbsp;The&nbsp;sheer&nbsp;sound&nbsp;of&nbsp;the&nbsp;water,&nbsp;combined&nbsp;with&nbsp;countless&nbsp;streams&nbsp;pouring&nbsp;down&nbsp;the&nbsp;hillsides,&nbsp;added&nbsp;a&nbsp;layer&nbsp;of&nbsp;energy&nbsp;to&nbsp;the&nbsp;walk&nbsp;that&nbsp;you&nbsp;just&nbsp;don&#39;t&nbsp;get&nbsp;on&nbsp;a&nbsp;dry&nbsp;day.</p><p></p><h3>Above&nbsp;the&nbsp;Clouds</h3><p>Make&nbsp;no&nbsp;mistake,&nbsp;there&nbsp;is&nbsp;a&nbsp;lot&nbsp;of&nbsp;uphill&nbsp;work&nbsp;on&nbsp;this&nbsp;one.&nbsp;You’ll&nbsp;be&nbsp;earning&nbsp;every&nbsp;step,&nbsp;but&nbsp;the&nbsp;reward&nbsp;is&nbsp;unlike&nbsp;anything&nbsp;else&nbsp;I’ve&nbsp;seen&nbsp;recently.&nbsp;Emerging&nbsp;at&nbsp;the&nbsp;top&nbsp;of&nbsp;the&nbsp;moor&nbsp;to&nbsp;find&nbsp;myself&nbsp;literally&nbsp;<strong>above&nbsp;the&nbsp;clouds</strong>&nbsp;was&nbsp;spectacular.&nbsp;It&nbsp;felt&nbsp;like&nbsp;a&nbsp;different&nbsp;world&nbsp;up&nbsp;there—total&nbsp;peace&nbsp;with&nbsp;views&nbsp;that&nbsp;seemed&nbsp;to&nbsp;go&nbsp;on&nbsp;forever.</p><p></p><h3>Why&nbsp;You&nbsp;Should&nbsp;Go</h3><p>Between&nbsp;the&nbsp;industrial&nbsp;history&nbsp;of&nbsp;the&nbsp;Old&nbsp;Gang&nbsp;Smelt&nbsp;Mill&nbsp;ruins&nbsp;and&nbsp;the&nbsp;raw&nbsp;beauty&nbsp;of&nbsp;the&nbsp;High&nbsp;Moor,&nbsp;this&nbsp;route&nbsp;has&nbsp;so&nbsp;many&nbsp;plus&nbsp;points.&nbsp;It’s&nbsp;rugged,&nbsp;it’s&nbsp;loud,&nbsp;and&nbsp;it’s&nbsp;beautiful.</p><p><strong>Verdict:</strong>&nbsp;My&nbsp;favourite&nbsp;so&nbsp;far.</p>

Clay Bank and Greenhow Bottom

5.1km★ 3.0

<h1>The&nbsp;Great&nbsp;&quot;Slip&nbsp;and&nbsp;Slide&quot;</h1><p>After&nbsp;the&nbsp;vertical&nbsp;challenge&nbsp;of&nbsp;Guisborough&nbsp;Woods,&nbsp;I&nbsp;arrived&nbsp;at&nbsp;<strong>Clay&nbsp;Bank</strong>&nbsp;with&nbsp;one&nbsp;simple&nbsp;hope:&nbsp;a&nbsp;bit&nbsp;of&nbsp;flat&nbsp;ground.&nbsp;Spoiler&nbsp;alert—the&nbsp;universe&nbsp;had&nbsp;other&nbsp;plans.</p><p></p><h3>What&nbsp;Goes&nbsp;Down...</h3><p>The&nbsp;walk&nbsp;started&nbsp;with&nbsp;a&nbsp;long,&nbsp;steady&nbsp;descent&nbsp;into&nbsp;<strong>Greenhow&nbsp;Bottom</strong>.&nbsp;It’s&nbsp;one&nbsp;of&nbsp;those&nbsp;bitter-sweet&nbsp;moments&nbsp;for&nbsp;a&nbsp;hiker;&nbsp;the&nbsp;views&nbsp;are&nbsp;great,&nbsp;and&nbsp;the&nbsp;walking&nbsp;is&nbsp;easy,&nbsp;but&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;back&nbsp;of&nbsp;your&nbsp;mind,&nbsp;you’re&nbsp;just&nbsp;thinking:&nbsp;<em>&quot;How&nbsp;far&nbsp;down&nbsp;am&nbsp;I&nbsp;going,&nbsp;and&nbsp;how&nbsp;much&nbsp;am&nbsp;I&nbsp;going&nbsp;to&nbsp;have&nbsp;to&nbsp;climb&nbsp;back&nbsp;up?&quot;</em></p><p></p><h3>The&nbsp;&quot;Slip&nbsp;and&nbsp;Slide&quot;&nbsp;Shortcut</h3><p>Everything&nbsp;was&nbsp;going&nbsp;smoothly&nbsp;until&nbsp;I&nbsp;decided&nbsp;to&nbsp;follow&nbsp;my&nbsp;planned&nbsp;route&nbsp;off&nbsp;the&nbsp;main&nbsp;path.&nbsp;What&nbsp;looked&nbsp;like&nbsp;a&nbsp;trail&nbsp;on&nbsp;the&nbsp;map&nbsp;turned&nbsp;out&nbsp;to&nbsp;be&nbsp;a&nbsp;<strong>muddy&nbsp;slip&nbsp;and&nbsp;slide</strong>.</p><p>Tackling&nbsp;the&nbsp;incline&nbsp;was&nbsp;less&nbsp;of&nbsp;a&nbsp;hike&nbsp;and&nbsp;more&nbsp;of&nbsp;a&nbsp;balancing&nbsp;act.&nbsp;It&nbsp;was&nbsp;a&nbsp;proper&nbsp;&quot;two&nbsp;steps&nbsp;forward,&nbsp;one&nbsp;slide&nbsp;back&quot;&nbsp;situation.&nbsp;A&nbsp;few&nbsp;times,&nbsp;I&nbsp;was&nbsp;inches&nbsp;away&nbsp;from&nbsp;a&nbsp;mud&nbsp;bath,&nbsp;but&nbsp;somehow,&nbsp;I&nbsp;managed&nbsp;to&nbsp;stay&nbsp;upright&nbsp;and&nbsp;keep&nbsp;my&nbsp;dignity&nbsp;intact.</p><p></p><h3>The&nbsp;Turning&nbsp;Point</h3><p>The&nbsp;reward&nbsp;for&nbsp;surviving&nbsp;the&nbsp;mud-climb&nbsp;was,&nbsp;quite&nbsp;simply,&nbsp;spectacular.&nbsp;Reaching&nbsp;the&nbsp;top&nbsp;provided&nbsp;a&nbsp;panoramic&nbsp;view&nbsp;that&nbsp;made&nbsp;the&nbsp;struggle&nbsp;worth&nbsp;it.&nbsp;However,&nbsp;that&nbsp;was&nbsp;the&nbsp;turning&nbsp;point&nbsp;in&nbsp;more&nbsp;ways&nbsp;than&nbsp;one—from&nbsp;there&nbsp;on&nbsp;out,&nbsp;the&nbsp;route&nbsp;was&nbsp;a&nbsp;relentless&nbsp;mix&nbsp;of&nbsp;mud&nbsp;and&nbsp;slippery&nbsp;terrain&nbsp;all&nbsp;the&nbsp;way&nbsp;back&nbsp;to&nbsp;the&nbsp;car.</p>

Guisborough Woods

10.61km★ 3.5

<h2>Guisborough&nbsp;Woods:&nbsp;Leg&nbsp;Day&nbsp;with&nbsp;a&nbsp;View</h2><p></p><p>If&nbsp;you’re&nbsp;looking&nbsp;for&nbsp;a&nbsp;walk&nbsp;that&nbsp;rewards&nbsp;a&nbsp;bit&nbsp;of&nbsp;heavy&nbsp;breathing&nbsp;with&nbsp;some&nbsp;of&nbsp;the&nbsp;best&nbsp;views&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;region,&nbsp;<strong>Guisborough&nbsp;Woods</strong>&nbsp;needs&nbsp;to&nbsp;be&nbsp;on&nbsp;your&nbsp;list.&nbsp;I&nbsp;recently&nbsp;headed&nbsp;over&nbsp;to&nbsp;check&nbsp;out&nbsp;this&nbsp;massive&nbsp;woodland,&nbsp;and&nbsp;let’s&nbsp;just&nbsp;say&nbsp;I&nbsp;barely&nbsp;scratched&nbsp;the&nbsp;surface&nbsp;of&nbsp;what’s&nbsp;actually&nbsp;there.</p><p></p><h3>The&nbsp;Climb&nbsp;is&nbsp;Real</h3><p>One&nbsp;thing&nbsp;you&nbsp;need&nbsp;to&nbsp;know&nbsp;before&nbsp;you&nbsp;lace&nbsp;up&nbsp;your&nbsp;boots:&nbsp;<strong>be&nbsp;prepared&nbsp;for&nbsp;the&nbsp;hills.</strong>&nbsp;This&nbsp;isn’t&nbsp;a&nbsp;flat&nbsp;stroll&nbsp;through&nbsp;the&nbsp;trees;&nbsp;it’s&nbsp;a&nbsp;proper&nbsp;workout.&nbsp;There&nbsp;are&nbsp;some&nbsp;seriously&nbsp;steep&nbsp;sections&nbsp;that&nbsp;will&nbsp;definitely&nbsp;test&nbsp;your&nbsp;lung&nbsp;capacity,&nbsp;but&nbsp;I&nbsp;promise&nbsp;you,&nbsp;it&nbsp;is&nbsp;worth&nbsp;every&nbsp;bit&nbsp;of&nbsp;effort.</p><p>Once&nbsp;you&nbsp;break&nbsp;through&nbsp;the&nbsp;treeline&nbsp;at&nbsp;the&nbsp;top,&nbsp;the&nbsp;views&nbsp;are&nbsp;absolutely&nbsp;incredible.&nbsp;It’s&nbsp;the&nbsp;kind&nbsp;of&nbsp;scenery&nbsp;that&nbsp;makes&nbsp;you&nbsp;forget&nbsp;about&nbsp;your&nbsp;aching&nbsp;calves&nbsp;for&nbsp;a&nbsp;second.</p><p></p><h3>A&nbsp;Few&nbsp;&quot;Pro&nbsp;Tips&quot;&nbsp;for&nbsp;Your&nbsp;Visit</h3><p>The&nbsp;woods&nbsp;are&nbsp;currently&nbsp;undergoing&nbsp;a&nbsp;bit&nbsp;of&nbsp;a&nbsp;face-lift,&nbsp;so&nbsp;there&nbsp;are&nbsp;a&nbsp;few&nbsp;practical&nbsp;things&nbsp;to&nbsp;keep&nbsp;in&nbsp;mind:</p><ul><li><strong>The&nbsp;Visitor&nbsp;Centre:</strong>&nbsp;Currently&nbsp;closed&nbsp;for&nbsp;refurbishment.&nbsp;It&nbsp;looks&nbsp;like&nbsp;it’s&nbsp;going&nbsp;to&nbsp;be&nbsp;great&nbsp;once&nbsp;it’s&nbsp;finished,&nbsp;but&nbsp;don&#39;t&nbsp;plan&nbsp;on&nbsp;grabbing&nbsp;a&nbsp;coffee&nbsp;inside&nbsp;just&nbsp;yet.</li><li><strong>The&nbsp;Facilities:</strong>&nbsp;Even&nbsp;though&nbsp;the&nbsp;main&nbsp;building&nbsp;is&nbsp;shut,&nbsp;there&nbsp;are&nbsp;<strong>temporary&nbsp;toilets</strong>&nbsp;available&nbsp;if&nbsp;you’re&nbsp;caught&nbsp;short.</li><li><strong>Choose&nbsp;Your&nbsp;Own&nbsp;Adventure:</strong>&nbsp;There&nbsp;are&nbsp;so&nbsp;many&nbsp;paths&nbsp;winding&nbsp;through&nbsp;and&nbsp;around&nbsp;the&nbsp;woods&nbsp;that&nbsp;you&nbsp;could&nbsp;visit&nbsp;ten&nbsp;times&nbsp;and&nbsp;never&nbsp;take&nbsp;the&nbsp;same&nbsp;route&nbsp;twice.</li></ul><p></p><h3>The&nbsp;Verdict</h3><p>I&nbsp;barely&nbsp;touched&nbsp;what&nbsp;this&nbsp;place&nbsp;has&nbsp;to&nbsp;offer.&nbsp;Guisborough&nbsp;Woods&nbsp;is&nbsp;the&nbsp;kind&nbsp;of&nbsp;location&nbsp;that&nbsp;demands&nbsp;a&nbsp;return&nbsp;visit&nbsp;(or&nbsp;five).&nbsp;I’ll&nbsp;definitely&nbsp;be&nbsp;heading&nbsp;back&nbsp;to&nbsp;tackle&nbsp;some&nbsp;of&nbsp;the&nbsp;other&nbsp;paths&nbsp;I&nbsp;missed&nbsp;this&nbsp;time&nbsp;around.</p><p>If&nbsp;you’re&nbsp;heading&nbsp;out&nbsp;there,&nbsp;bring&nbsp;your&nbsp;camera&nbsp;for&nbsp;the&nbsp;summit&nbsp;views&nbsp;and&nbsp;maybe&nbsp;an&nbsp;extra&nbsp;bit&nbsp;of&nbsp;stamina&nbsp;for&nbsp;those&nbsp;inclines!</p>

Coatham Stob Forest

5.97km★ 1.3

<h3>The&nbsp;Great&nbsp;Escape&nbsp;(Into&nbsp;the&nbsp;Mud)</h3><p>We’ve&nbsp;all&nbsp;been&nbsp;there:&nbsp;you&nbsp;see&nbsp;a&nbsp;signposted&nbsp;path,&nbsp;you&nbsp;see&nbsp;a&nbsp;map,&nbsp;and&nbsp;then&nbsp;you&nbsp;see&nbsp;a&nbsp;&quot;shortcut&quot;&nbsp;that&nbsp;looks&nbsp;far&nbsp;more&nbsp;interesting.&nbsp;My&nbsp;recent&nbsp;trip&nbsp;to&nbsp;<strong>Coatham&nbsp;Stob&nbsp;Forest</strong>&nbsp;started&nbsp;with&nbsp;the&nbsp;best&nbsp;of&nbsp;intentions.&nbsp;I&nbsp;was&nbsp;looking&nbsp;for&nbsp;a&nbsp;calm,&nbsp;quiet&nbsp;stroll&nbsp;to&nbsp;clear&nbsp;my&nbsp;head&nbsp;under&nbsp;the&nbsp;grey,&nbsp;overcast&nbsp;sky.&nbsp;And&nbsp;while&nbsp;I&nbsp;certainly&nbsp;found&nbsp;the&nbsp;quiet,&nbsp;I&nbsp;also&nbsp;found&nbsp;enough&nbsp;mud&nbsp;to&nbsp;sink&nbsp;a&nbsp;small&nbsp;vehicle.</p><p>Coatham&nbsp;Stob&nbsp;is&nbsp;a&nbsp;lovely,&nbsp;tucked-away&nbsp;spot&nbsp;with&nbsp;two&nbsp;clear,&nbsp;signposted&nbsp;routes.&nbsp;For&nbsp;those&nbsp;with&nbsp;a&nbsp;sensible&nbsp;head&nbsp;on&nbsp;their&nbsp;shoulders,&nbsp;there&nbsp;is&nbsp;a&nbsp;perfectly&nbsp;solid&nbsp;<strong>stoned&nbsp;path</strong>&nbsp;that&nbsp;keeps&nbsp;your&nbsp;boots&nbsp;clean&nbsp;and&nbsp;your&nbsp;dignity&nbsp;intact.&nbsp;But,&nbsp;feeling&nbsp;a&nbsp;bit&nbsp;&quot;rogue,&quot;&nbsp;I&nbsp;decided&nbsp;to&nbsp;veer&nbsp;off&nbsp;the&nbsp;beaten&nbsp;track.</p><p></p><h3>Lessons&nbsp;from&nbsp;the&nbsp;&quot;Scenic&quot;&nbsp;Route</h3><p>My&nbsp;detour&nbsp;didn’t&nbsp;exactly&nbsp;go&nbsp;to&nbsp;plan.&nbsp;Somewhere&nbsp;between&nbsp;the&nbsp;towering&nbsp;trees&nbsp;and&nbsp;the&nbsp;heavy,&nbsp;winter&nbsp;clouds,&nbsp;my&nbsp;&quot;shortcut&quot;&nbsp;transformed&nbsp;into&nbsp;a&nbsp;cross-country&nbsp;trek&nbsp;that&nbsp;eventually&nbsp;spat&nbsp;me&nbsp;out&nbsp;onto&nbsp;the&nbsp;main&nbsp;road&nbsp;surrounding&nbsp;the&nbsp;forest.&nbsp;If&nbsp;you’re&nbsp;planning&nbsp;a&nbsp;visit&nbsp;anytime&nbsp;soon,&nbsp;take&nbsp;my&nbsp;advice:&nbsp;<strong>unless&nbsp;you’re&nbsp;wearing&nbsp;chest-high&nbsp;waders,&nbsp;stay&nbsp;on&nbsp;the&nbsp;stone.</strong>&nbsp;The&nbsp;ground&nbsp;off-path&nbsp;is&nbsp;currently&nbsp;a&nbsp;bit&nbsp;of&nbsp;a&nbsp;marshland,&nbsp;and&nbsp;while&nbsp;the&nbsp;&quot;squelch-squelch&quot;&nbsp;of&nbsp;mud&nbsp;is&nbsp;a&nbsp;great&nbsp;leg&nbsp;workout,&nbsp;it&nbsp;definitely&nbsp;changes&nbsp;the&nbsp;vibe&nbsp;of&nbsp;a&nbsp;&quot;relaxing&quot;&nbsp;walk.</p><p></p><h3>Saving&nbsp;the&nbsp;Best&nbsp;for&nbsp;Summer</h3><p>Despite&nbsp;my&nbsp;accidental&nbsp;roadside&nbsp;excursion&nbsp;and&nbsp;the&nbsp;state&nbsp;of&nbsp;my&nbsp;trousers,&nbsp;there&nbsp;is&nbsp;something&nbsp;undeniably&nbsp;peaceful&nbsp;about&nbsp;this&nbsp;place.&nbsp;It’s&nbsp;a&nbsp;silent,&nbsp;brooding&nbsp;kind&nbsp;of&nbsp;forest&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;winter—perfect&nbsp;if&nbsp;you&nbsp;want&nbsp;to&nbsp;be&nbsp;alone&nbsp;with&nbsp;your&nbsp;thoughts&nbsp;(and&nbsp;the&nbsp;sound&nbsp;of&nbsp;your&nbsp;own&nbsp;heavy&nbsp;breathing&nbsp;as&nbsp;you&nbsp;pull&nbsp;your&nbsp;foot&nbsp;out&nbsp;of&nbsp;a&nbsp;bog).</p><p>I’ve&nbsp;already&nbsp;decided&nbsp;that&nbsp;a&nbsp;rematch&nbsp;is&nbsp;in&nbsp;order.&nbsp;I’ll&nbsp;definitely&nbsp;be&nbsp;revisiting&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;summer&nbsp;when&nbsp;the&nbsp;ground&nbsp;has&nbsp;dried&nbsp;up&nbsp;and&nbsp;the&nbsp;sun&nbsp;is&nbsp;out.&nbsp;I&nbsp;have&nbsp;a&nbsp;feeling&nbsp;that&nbsp;when&nbsp;the&nbsp;weather&nbsp;is&nbsp;kinder,&nbsp;Coatham&nbsp;Stob&nbsp;is&nbsp;a&nbsp;completely&nbsp;different&nbsp;world.</p>